This is an awakening call for those who extend tacit or open support to Islamic fundamentalist forces in the name of secularism and appeasement. Particularly, it is high time for Tamil Nadu, which is a safe haven for urban naxals, fundamentalist forces, and evangelical elements to come out of their slumber. It should very closely watch the Salafi radicals, who owe allegiance to ISIS and Al Qaeda, as these foreign terror groups have the capability to organize attacks. NIA has arrested three youths in Erode and Salem before they could launch attacks on TN soil and elsewhere.
In the aftermath of the hyped-up Hijab controversy in June this year, the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of ISIS, had warned that attacks will be launched on Hindus in Bharat to avenge the perceived insult of Prophet Mohammed. It had reportedly asked Muslims across Bharat to join hands with it and urged the Islamic State of Hind Province (ISSP) to gear up and initiate action. Earlier, Al Qaeda threatened to launch suicide attacks in several cities in Bharat over the alleged blasphemy issue.
Following this, the Central Intelligence agencies tipped the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which on 27th July raided a house in Erode, Tamil Nadu and detained two youths for allegedly having terror links.
Sources said “In Manickampalayam area of Erode District, one Asif Mustaheen, a well-built radical Salafi owing allegiance to ISIS, an important member of Islamic State of Hind Province and had got in touch with their leadership in Afghanistan and Syria. He transformed into a lone wolf. The handlers motivated him to do a handful of attacks and in this regard, he has taken an oath soon to carry out a terrorist act. He assumed the name of Abu Talha. He was asked to attack Police Stations, Hindu temples and Hindu leaders in Tamil Nadu as part of the plan. He had been using several communication platforms to be in touch with them. Asif was even promised to be provided with AK-47 to achieve the mission “.
The Erode North Police arrested Asif Muzabdin (32) for suspected association with the terrorist movement. The NIA also detained Muzabdin and his friend Yasin (33) for interrogation.
The NIA seized documents, smartphones, laptops, diaries, SIM cards, a passbook, ISIS flag, radical Salafi literature, knives and swords. It has come a day after the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru in coordination with Central agencies arrested a suspected terrorist Adil aka Juba, who has been working at a garment factory in Salem district on 25th July.
During the questioning, Asif reportedly admitted that he was an ISIS cadre and was planning a lone-wolf attack. Police also found many exchanges of messages between Asif and ISIS handlers. Earlier 5 days back, one Akthar Hussain, a native of Assam was arrested in Salem. He too had ISIS connections and was working with a food delivery executive in Bangalore, who too was arrested.
Intelligence sources say “it is time for Tamil Nadu to wake up and very closely watch the Salafi radicals who are owing allegiance to ISIS and Al Qaeda as these foreign terror groups could organize attacks. It happened in Sri Lanka in 2019 and India may be the next target. Tamil Nadu Government should take these arrests as a wake-up call and initiate a series of measures to check such activities. It is also time for Tamil Nadu to form ATS dedicated to monitoring the activities of such groups”.
Following a Facebook post of Bharat Hindu Munnani which threatened to hold a protest against the ”Madassathul Rabbaiya” in Chennai alleging that it functions as a mosque violating the “place of Worship” act and functioning without due permission from Chennai Corporation. Sources said Al Madrassathul Rabbaniya Trust with seven managing committee members, was founded on 15th September 1987. It has ground plus two floors functioning from 59 Perambur Barracks road with a capacity to accommodate 40 to 50 madrassa students. PFI office bearers from the Purasawalkam area attend the Friday prayers and offer their assistance to the Madrassa office bearers in times of need. PFI/SDPI which is waiting for issues affecting the community is ready to launch protests at any given moment.
Another worrying development in Tamil Nadu is the rise of the Wahabi movement which has a clear goal of establishing Dar-ul-Islam in Bharat. They are targetting Sunnath Jammat Mosques in TN to make their entry. Even Muslims are opposing their entry as it would hamper social harmony and endanger the security of the nation. They fear that such foreign forces are trying to spread Wahabi ideologies. Trustees of Ahmed Mallihamaljuma Masjid Melamuhal sunnath –val-jamaath at Tiruneveli (which is 500 years old) have complained to the district collector on this issue. They have alleged that seven Wahabis are interfering in their affairs and threatening them with an intention of taking over the mosque. They have earlier made futile attempts in Yervadi, Thoothukudi and are now targeting Tirunelveli where they have opened a bank account in the name of “Avadu Mudaliammal Trust’ in violation of laws. Intelligence agencies have warned of stern action against such foreign elements that try to set foot in TN.
On the 20th NIA conducted searches at 22 premises in Chennai, Thiruppur, Chengalpattu and Thiruchirapally districts in connection with illegal activities conducted by the Sri Lankan drug mafia led by C Gunashekharan @ Guna and Pushparajah @ Pookutti Kanna in association with Haji Salim, a drug and arms supplier based in Pakistan. These drugs and arms traffickers have been operating in India and Sri Lanka and working for the revival of LTTE and to further their violent activities.
