The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol Thirumavalavan, has sparked controversy by demanding that Tamil Nadu’s DMK government intervene to prevent the transfer of the investigation into alleged Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) terrorists to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). VCK’s stance has drawn criticism, with many condemning it as appeasement and support for terrorist activities.
Vanni Arasu, the Deputy General Secretary of VCK, ignited the debate with his defence of individuals accused of links to the banned extremist organisation HuT. Arasu argued that those under investigation by the NIA are innocent and urged the state government to intervene to keep the case within its jurisdiction. However, his remarks have faced backlash on social media, with netizens denouncing them as condoning terrorism.
The arrests, made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), include Dr. Hamid Hussain, a Petroleum Chemical Engineer and Honorary Professor at Anna University, along with his father Ahmed Mansoor and brother. Mansoor, the editor of the Islamist magazine Suvadu, had published a propaganda book promoting the establishment of a Caliphate, endorsed by HuT supporters. Additionally, three other individuals from Chennai were detained for their alleged connections to the initial suspects.
TN Terror Recruitment racket, secret meetings reportedly held in Karur and Kanyakumari apart from Chennai.
Six arrested last week including a University Professor over terror recruitment charges.pic.twitter.com/jTEtq2CMUv
— Ethirajan Srinivasan 🇮🇳🚩 (@Ethirajans) May 28, 2024
Following the arrests, the NIA has widened its investigation, citing the gravity of the accusations. It has been revealed that four associates of Hussain are evading capture, prompting concerns about their involvement in extremist activities. Initial probes indicate that Hussain organised training sessions and meetings to spread radical ideologies in various locations, including Chennai, Karur, and Kanyakumari. Authorities are also scrutinising the ‘Modern Essential Educational Trust,’ suspected of facilitating similar activities, and are seeking individuals linked to it. The group has reportedly utilised online platforms like YouTube to recruit and radicalise youth in Tamil Nadu.
In response to VCK’s demands, the NIA has emphasised the seriousness of the allegations and the need for direct involvement in the investigation.
Vanni Arasu, Deputy General Secretary of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has raised questions about the involvement of the Chief Minister in the recent arrests made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Arasu’s remarks come in the wake of the arrest of six individuals, including Ahmed Mansoor, editor of the ‘Suvadu’ magazine in Chennai, and his sons Dr. Hamid Hussain and Abdul Rahman, by the Central Crime Branch Cyber Crime Police.
In a post on his X platform, Arasu highlighted the allegations against Mansoor and his associates, stating that they have been accused of acting against Indian sovereignty and campaigning for the establishment of an Islamic regime. He also noted that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought details of the case from the cyber-crime police.
Arasu further highlighted the content found on a page launched on November 30, 2023, which features 33 videos of Dr. Hamid Hussain speaking. While many of these videos focus on Islam, some reportedly contain comments on democracy, electoral systems, global Islamic governance, and current political events. Arasu expressed his interpretation of Hussain’s philosophy, suggesting a narrow spiritual-political vision as a solution to perceived political issues.
Regarding the alleged affiliation with Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), an international organisation advocating for an Islamic State/Caliphate, Arasu noted that ,”This organisation was started in 1952 in Palestine. It presents a Theo-political doctrine that advocates an Islamic State/Caliphate across national boundaries. This particular system is banned in Russia, Germany, Egypt and Arab countries. It was also recently banned in Britain. It is noteworthy that it has not been banned in India so far”.
Vanniarasu, the Deputy General Secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has come to the defence of those arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Suvadu magazine editor Mansoor and his sons, amid allegations of involvement with the banned international extremist organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT). In a series of statements, Vanniarasu has questioned the legitimacy of the arrests and urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to intervene.
Highlighting Mansoor’s publishing activities, Vanniarasu emphasised that his publications largely revolved around Dravidian ideology and progressive themes, including works on Periyar’s teachings, Tamil nationalism, and critiques of Hinduism. He defended the meetings held by the Modern Essential Education Trust (MEET), stating that they focused on topics related to Islamic Tamil literature, Marxism, and Tamil nationalism, among others.
Furthermore, Vanniarasu condemned the arrests of Muslim youths across the country for allegedly supporting movements that are not banned in India. He drew parallels between the actions of Sangh Parivar groups, advocating for the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra, and perceived acts of terrorism, questioning their impact on Indian sovereignty.
In a direct appeal to Chief Minister MK Stalin, Vanniarasu called for the charges against the arrested individuals to be transferred to other sections and for a proper investigation to be conducted. He vehemently opposed the involvement of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the case, urging Stalin to take immediate steps to cancel the charges against Mansoor and the others.
Vanniarasu’s statements have sparked controversy, with critics accusing him and the VCK of aligning with ideologies perceived as anti-national or sympathetic to extremist groups. Notably, the VCK has faced criticism in the past for advocating the release of individuals implicated in the Coimbatore bombings, drawing attention to the party’s stance on matters of national security and counterterrorism.
In response to Vanniarasu’s remarks, there have been calls for a thorough investigation into the activities of those arrested and their alleged links to extremist organisations. Critics argue that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must be balanced with national security concerns and the need to combat radicalization and terrorism.
