“I was always keen on talking to you…by God’s grace I am talking to you today. How is your health?” This is from an audio tape accessed and released by CNN-News18 on Friday.
The said tape reportedly records a conversation between slain Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani “from his jungle hideout and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed sitting in Pakistan, which was intercepted by Indian intelligence agencies.”
Wani is heard seeking Saeed’s ‘blessings’, to which the latter says, “You people live in very difficult conditions. But don’t worry.”
Going by the contents of the released tape, the 22-year-old local hero whose killing triggered of the continuing state of unrest in Kashmir was offered help by the Lashkar chief. Quoting Saeed’s own words: “Whatever you need…..we are ready to offer all help….you just have to tell us.”
Promises of help by the Jammat-ud-Dawah chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed resounds all through the tape. Saeed is heard reiterating his support in every possible way, while extending his greetings and wishes to Wani and his associates.
Saeed goes on to mention that he and the others are satisfied with Wani’s activities, and he prays for the defeat of the ‘enemy’. He then goes on to praise Wani’s “sacrifices” and hard work, referring to Wani as someone dear to him.
According to Indian security agencies, “Wani talking to Saeed pointed at a combined effort by Kashmiri militant organisations to ignore their differences, and instead pose a united threat to India,” FirstPost reported.
The original audio of the tape can be found here.