The proper spelling of the term "Army of the Pure" is "Lashkar-e-Taiba" in the original Urdu language. The first part, "lashkar," means army while "e" serves as a connecting word. The second part, "taiba," stands for pure or pious. The pronunciation of Lashkar-e-Taiba includes the use of the retroflex consonants "sh" and "r" in Urdu. Its IPA transcription is /læʃkər-e t̪ɛjbɑ:/, consisting of the voiceless alveolar sibilant /ʃ/, voiced retroflex fricative /ʒ/, voiced retroflex plosive /ɖ/, close-mid front unrounded vowel /e/, voiceless alveolar plosive /t/, and unvoiced back open-mid rounded vowel /ɔ/.
Army of the Pure, also known as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is an extremist militant organization based in Pakistan. This radical group emerged in the early 1990s with the objective of liberating the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir and forming an independent Islamic state. The Army of the Pure gained notoriety due to its involvement in various acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings, armed attacks, and hostage takings.
LeT is known for its highly disciplined structure, sophisticated training methods, and strong ideological indoctrination. The group follows a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam and positions itself as the defender of Muslim rights in Jammu and Kashmir. It preaches the establishment of an Islamic caliphate and has been linked to global jihadist movements.
The Army of the Pure has orchestrated several high-profile attacks against Indian security forces, civilians, and infrastructure within Jammu and Kashmir. Their operations often include the usage of small arms, improvised explosive devices, and fidayeen (suicide) attackers. The group has been accused of receiving support from elements within the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies, which has fueled tensions between India and Pakistan.
Concerns have been raised about the Army of the Pure's expanding network beyond the Indian subcontinent, with an increased presence and influence in countries such as Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by various countries and international bodies due to its involvement in violence and terrorism aimed at achieving its objectives. Efforts by regional and global actors continue to focus on dismantling the Army of the Pure and curbing its activities to ensure regional stability and security.