Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed on Thursday called for more Pathankot-style attacks on India, saying they would be justified as Indian troops are “committing genocide” against Kashmiris. Saeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, praised last month’s siege at the Pathankot air base while addressing a thousand people at a rally in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the Times of India reported. Seven army personnel had been killed in the attacks, which rattled thawing ties between India and Pakistan.

Saeed said, ”You have only seen one attack on Pathankot. Matters could easily escalate.” The crowd responded enthusiastically, shouting slogans in support of jihad and chanted “the war will continue until the liberation of Kashmir”. Saeed also praised Kashmiri militant leader Sayed Salahuddin, chief of the United Jihad Council, which had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs decried Saeed's statements, saying it is a "matter of great concern to all that a terrorist like [him] continues to have the freedom to indulge in his activities". The ministry added Saeed is an internationally designated terrorist and it is for Pakistan to stop his activities, ANI reported.