ISIS operatives and NIA's vigilance: Safeguarding India against terrorism

We are living amidst a clash of civilisations. A war of ideas that defined the better part of the 20th century and is still permeating all facets of life after the turn of the millennium. On one side are the constructive forces doing everything possible to maintain order in the society, to uphold the constitutional values and to foster cooperation among diverse individuals. On the other side, there are disruptive elements inseminating radicalisation, ensuing chaos, and recruiting young minds into terror outfits. This clash of civilisations is not confined to geographical boundaries but is a global phenomenon, playing out in the realms of politics, culture, technology, and beyond. While it is commonly asserted that lack of education can contribute to terrorism by fostering ignorance and susceptibility to radical ideologies, the relationship between education and extremism is complex and multifaceted. While education undoubtedly plays a crucial role in enlightening individuals and promoting critical thinking, it is not a foolproof antidote to radicalisation. Recent links of engineering graduates and PhD students from all over the country to the terror outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) shows something much more sinister is at play. Penetration of ISIS in India The penetration of ISIS in India goes as long back as the existence of ISIS itself with many young minds being misled by promises of rewards in the hereafter. Even though the percentage of terror recruits from among Indian Muslims is very low as compared to the absolute population, even one ISIS terrorist on the Indian soil is one too many. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is at constant vigilance; orchestrating raids at the suspicious locations, arresting individuals and simultaneously working on de-radicalisation programs. On December 9, 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted multiple pre-dawn raids in Maharashtra and Karnataka, resulting in the arrest of 15 operatives affiliated with the banned terror outfit ISIS. Among those detained were a PhD scholar and former lecturer residing in Bhagyodayanagar, Kondhwa Khurd, and an IT professional with a rented accommodation in the old Tyani industrial area, Kondhwa Budruk. The NIA seized incriminating documents, laptops, and cellphones during the searches. Notably, the Pune-based lecturer had a prior connection to the 2002-03 Mumbai blasts, having been arrested by the Mumbai police. NIA has been at the forefront This was, however, not the first time NIA caught whiff of suspicious activities within the Indian borders this year. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety of Indians by actively countering terrorism and apprehending individuals who, despite having good educational backgrounds, succumbed to radicalisation and joined the terrorist groups. In October 2022, the NIA arrested a highly radicalised 24-year-old man engaged in recruiting Indian youths for ISIS. Similarly, in July 2023, a 19-year-old student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was arrested for being a member of ISIS, actively involved in radicalising individuals and planning violent actions. Another significant operation took place in August 2023, where the NIA arrested two operatives in Karnataka involved in the Shivamogga ISIS conspiracy case. The accused had radicalised their associates and received funds through crypto-wallets for terrorist activities. In September 2023, following up on the arrest of an AMU student, the NIA conducted raids across six states, leading to the arrest of Rahul Sen aka Omar, involved in disseminating ISIS propaganda for recruitment and radicalization. It is shameful that the students of educational institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) defamed their alma mater and associated it with such heinous activities. Moreover, the NIA’s consistent efforts highlight its commitment to safeguarding the nation, recognising that they need to win every time, while terrorists only need to succeed once. During the raid at his residence in Kondhwa, Pune, Adnan Ali Sarkar, a well-known anaesthesiologist, was apprehended by NIA operatives. The raids indicated that the accused, along with their associates, had recruited and trained young individuals in the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and weapons. The accused had also exchanged materials, including “Do it Yourself kits” (DIY), for the production of IEDs and the crafting of small arms such as pistols. Additionally, at the behest of their ISIS handlers abroad, the accused generated provocative media content, which was subsequently published in the ‘Voice of Hind’ magazine, aligning with the banned outfit’s agenda of promoting terror and violence. Way forward These incidents, when they come to light, together contribute to the feeling of “Islamophobia” amongst other communities. In the age of information, living in denial only aggravates the situation instead of mitigating it. Addressing and acknowledging a problem is the first step towards harbouring a solution. The reality of a large number of educated, well-off, gifted individuals, with no personal history of oppression, going down the route of radicalisation begs the question: “What is the way forward?” First, the process of radicalization does not come to pass in a day; it is the harbouring and nurturing of certain ideas over years, sometimes decades that finally culminates in a person picking up arms. One cannot turn a blind eye from stage 1 to stage 9 and then act surprised when the culmination happens at stage 10. Radicalisation is best nipped in the bud, increasing screening over what young children are being taught at the madrasas, promoting critical thinking and bringing them into the mainstream. Second, the average Muslim needs to understand that these individuals build a perception of the community which makes them looked at with suspicion and makes it difficult for them to, for example, find a house on rent. The biggest cause of Islamophobia is Jihadist terrorism and a radical Muslim is the biggest enemy of a moderate Muslim, the sooner the moderates understand this, the better. Third, the Indian Muslim community set a beautiful example post 26/11 when groups such as the Indian Muslim Council refused to bury the gunmen in Muslim cemeteries because they had defamed the religion. The same example needs to be set again and again, disowning such individuals, distancing from them and publicly naming and shaming them. This also needs to be noticed that the forces in constant clash with terrorist organisations like ISIS, etc., are also Muslims. Whether it’s the Iraqi civilians fighting ISIS, or Palestinian civilians facing brutalities at the hands of Hamas; the war is not between the believer and non-believer, it’s a war between those who believe in terrorism and those fighting against it. While it is true that there have been instances of hate speeches, mob lynchings and extrajudicial arrests, but it is essential to not let the terror outfits use these instances as recruitment drives. There are constitutional safety nets, legislative checks and balances and a strong civil society in India to impede things worsening on the ground. When it comes to the choice between those who believe in terrorism and those fighting against it, Indian Muslims have a clear way ahead of them. The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the  Latest News,  Trending News,  Cricket News,  Bollywood News, India News and  Entertainment News here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.