The inputs from a deep-rooted network being operated by Al-Qaeda in the Indian-Sub Continent (AQIS) across different districts of Assam led the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to rope in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to unearth the module.
A First Information Report (FIR) of the NIA indicates that the AQIS module was active in different districts of Assam, having links with a Bangladesh-based terror outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).
It is a branch of the banned terror outfit Al-Qaeda, established in 2014, and is reportedly operating in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Burma, and Bangladesh.
The FIR mentions that the objective of the module is to “propagate terror in Indian territory, radicalize like-minded youth and carry out recruitment to wage war against the central government.” It seeks to overthrow the democratically elected government by imposing the ‘Rule of Khilafat’ (Sharia Law) in India and wage war against Bangladesh.
The move comes days after Indian authorities destroyed two madrassas in Assam for allegedly carrying out “jihadi” activities on its premises.
The Assam Government demolished one madrassa in the Barpeta district and another in Bongaigaon on August 29 and 31, respectively.
Based on inputs, the NIA begins a probe originally registered at Matia Police Station in Assam’s Goalpara district on August 20. The NIA re-registered the case on September 26 this year under charges of 120B, 121, and 121 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC); and sections 18, 18B, 19, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The anti-terror agency filed the case and started a probe into the matter following an order dated September 23 received from the Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
