Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader Masood Azhar

The terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has quietly changed its name in Pakistan, even as India lobbies hard at the UN for global sanctions against its leader, Masood Azhar. Its new identity? "Al Murabitoon."

According to intelligence inputs, this new organisation isn't just functioning as the JeM's new source of funding, but is also being used by the terrorist group to secure entry into campuses of universities and colleges across Pakistan.

India Today has accessed documentary evidence which shows that Masood Azhar is using this new identity to organise speech and debate competitions on behalf of the JeM, in schools and colleges in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalakot.

WHY A CHANGE OF NAME?

Intelligence agencies believe that the name change is a well-planned move which serves several purposes. It gives the JeM freedom from any possible sanctions that India or the US could impose on it, intelligence sources said.

Securing their funds and second-level leadership is an added benefit, the sources explained. But that's not all.

Intelligence agencies believe that one of the biggest reasons for the new identity is related to the expansion of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Intelligence sources told India Today that of late, the JeM has been finding it difficult to increase its numbers as it faces tough competition from other organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Taliban.

These sources explained that while Shariyat-seeking hardcore recruits prefer the Taliban and its associates, the LeT has been able to establish its presence across Pakistan due to abundant resources and the extensive use of social media.

JeM, the sources said, has been looking for another identity for quite some time - one that could be popular with a new generation of recruits.

DEBATE CONTESTS

India Today has accessed pamphlets about a debate competition, which were issued in the name of "Al Murabitoon."

At first glance, there's nothing unusual about them. But the chilling truth is that these contests are organised by JeM leaders, who also attend them as guests.

Topics vary from Islamic teachings to political issues, and recording or filming is strictly prohibited.

The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies, but special swords.

The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies but special swords.

These are given out by Masood Azhar himself, or on his behalf.

The largest sword is meant for the winner of the first prize, and bears the name of Masood Azhar as the "Ameer of Mujahedeens."

FREE RUN

Soon after last year's Pathankot attacks, Pakistan's National Security Advisor said Azhar had been put under house arrest. Now, India Today has accessed evidence which proves that Pakistan's top leadership were lying through their teeth the whole time.

This documentary evidence has details of Azhar's movements. Not only was he free, but he was organising public meetings and recruitment drives across Pakistan in the name of Kashmir conferences, intelligence sources told India Today.

The only condition imposed by the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) was that Azhar shouldn't be filmed, the sources added.

For example, on February 5, Azhar was at a Kashmir Solidarity Conference in Ghori Town in Islamabad.

On November 19, he was at a Ghazwa e Hind conference in Lahore. His most recent public appearance, according to the documents accessed by India Today, was at the Hilltop Hotel in Rawalkot, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That happened on December 2.