JuD's name change an 'old tactic' to spring out of bans, diplomatic pressures: Defence expert

Defence Experts on Sunday said that the rebranding of Jamat Ul Dawa (JuD) under a new name, as an 'old tactic' adopted by the group to spring out of bans, diplomatic pressures and added that Pakistan's Military establishment's has encouraged the group to do the same.

"This is an old tactic. The Pakistan Military establishment is encouraging them to change names and refurbish with new found identity. Whenever they sense pressure or are banned from west or the United Nations, these militants change their name, change the address, open new bank accounts where the money gets transferred. All these things they have been doing forever," Defence expert Qamar Agha told ANI.

He further said that pressure is mounting on Pakistan since the time Donald Trump has become the President of the U.S. and added that if America is serious about containing, militancy in this region, then it has to put special bans on all those countries, which are promoting militancy to promote their national interest.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) once again changed its name to Tehreek Azadi Jammu and Kashmir (TAJK - Movement for Freedom of Kashmir) post the detention of its leader Hafiz Saeed and a crackdown on its activities.

According to the Express Tribune, the religious organisation has resumed its routine activities under its new nomenclature, including 'donation' camps and ambulance centres across Lahore and other districts, while at the same time continuing its call for achieving independence of Indian-administered Kashmir.

It may be recalled that all JuD centres had been closed down on the night of January 30 following the detention of Hafiz Saeed, the party chief, and four of his aides on accusations of disturbing peace and security.

Law enforcers removed the banners and placards of JuD and its charitable wing of Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, which was also put on observation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

After remaining closed for three days, all these centres reopened on Friday but without the banners bearing the names of JuD or the FIF.