Hizb ut-Tahrir in India: Assessing the Threat and Formulating Responses – Part 2

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 24 February 2025 Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) poses a serious threat to India's national security, social harmony, and regional stability through its extremist ideology, radicalization efforts, and covert operations. Despite its claims of non-violence, its objective of establishing a global Islamic Caliphate challenges India's democratic framework and sovereignty. The organization's recruitment of youth, financial networks, and cross-border influence exacerbate security concerns. To counter HuT's influence, India must strengthen intelligence operations, enforce legal measures, implement counter-radicalization programs, and foster community awareness. A collaborative approach involving government action and societal engagement is essential to safeguarding India's secular and democratic fabric. Major points: HuT's presence in India became notably apparent in recent years By promoting extremist ideologies, HuT seeks to create divisions within India's multicultural society Hizb ut-Tahrir's activities in India present a multifaceted threat to national security, social cohesion, and regional stability Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), founded in 1953 in Jerusalem, is a global pan-Islamic organization advocating for the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate. While it professes non-violence, HuT's ideology and activities have raised significant concerns worldwide, leading to its ban in numerous countries, including India. This article examines HuT's presence and operations in India, the dangers it poses, and recommends actions for both the community and government to mitigate its influence. HuT's Activities in India: Emergence and Expansion HuT's presence in India became notably apparent in recent years. In 2021, signs of its activities surfaced, with a marked intensification by 2024. The organization has been involved in radicalizing youth, promoting extremist ideologies, and attempting to establish sleeper cells across various states. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) uncovered HuT cells operating in multiple regions, highlighting the group's covert expansion strategies. citeturn0search3 Radicalization and Recruitment HuT employs sophisticated methods to indoctrinate individuals, particularly targeting the youth. Utilizing social media platforms and encrypted communication apps, the organization disseminates its extremist narratives, aiming to destabilize India's secular fabric. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reported that HuT is actively involved in radicalizing gullible youth, motivating them to join terrorist organizations such as ISIS, and raising funds for terror activities. citeturn0search10 Financial Networks and Support Beyond ideological propagation, HuT has established intricate financial networks to fund its operations. The group raises funds domestically and channels them to support terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to national security. The MHA's notification highlighted that HuT has been involved in numerous terrorist activities within India, making its operations a serious threat to the nation. citeturn0search5 The Dangers Posed by HuT: Threat to National Security HuT's objective to overthrow democratically elected governments and establish a global Islamic Caliphate directly challenges India's sovereignty and democratic ethos. The organization's inflammatory rhetoric and subversive activities have the potential to incite communal tensions and destabilize the nation. The Indian government has officially banned HuT, citing its attempts to establish a global Islamic state through violent jihad and acts of terrorism. Undermining Social Cohesion By promoting extremist ideologies, HuT seeks to create divisions within India's multicultural society. Its narratives often vilify the Hindu majority and other minority communities, fostering an environment of mistrust and animosity. Such divisive tactics threaten the nation's social harmony and can lead to communal unrest. The recent surge in HuT's activities in India raises concerns about potential long-term impacts on Indian democracy and secular structures due to the group's inflammatory rhetoric. Regional Destabilization HuT's influence is not confined to India alone. The organization's activities in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, have seen a resurgence, with supporters holding several marches since August, demanding the revocation of the ban. This regional presence heightens the risk of cross-border terrorism and domestic radicalization, posing a significant threat to India's internal security. citeturn0search12 Recommended Actions: Community Initiatives Promoting Awareness and Education Community leaders and civil society organizations should spearhead initiatives to educate the public about the dangers of extremist ideologies. Workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns can equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize and resist radicalization efforts. Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue Encouraging conversations between different religious and cultural groups can foster mutual understanding and tolerance. Interfaith dialogues can help bridge divides and build a united front against extremist narratives. Youth Engagement Programs Given HuT's focus on recruiting young individuals, it is imperative to provide the youth with platforms for positive engagement. Mentorship programs, skill development workshops, and recreational activities can divert attention from extremist influences and channel energies into constructive avenues. Governmental Measures: Robust Intelligence and Surveillance Enhancing intelligence capabilities is crucial to pre-empt and neutralize HuT's activities. Investing in advanced surveillance technologies and fostering inter-agency collaboration can aid in identifying and dismantling extremist networks. Legal Framework and Enforcement While HuT has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, consistent enforcement of this ban is essential. Law enforcement agencies must be trained and equipped to detect and prosecute individuals associated with the organization effectively. citeturn0search5 Counter-Radicalization Strategies Developing and implementing counter-radicalization programs can address the root causes of extremism. These programs should focus on community engagement, psychological counselling, and rehabilitation of individuals susceptible to radical influences. International Collaboration Given HuT's transnational operations, India should collaborate with neighbouring countries and international organizations to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to curb the group's influence. Such cooperation can lead to a more comprehensive and effective response to the threat posed by HuT. Conclusion Hizb ut-Tahrir's activities in India present a multifaceted threat to national security, social cohesion, and regional stability. Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort from both the community and the government. By promoting awareness, fostering unity, and implementing robust policy measures, India can effectively counter HuT's influence and safeguard its democratic and secular fabric. References For a comprehensive understanding of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), its ideology, history, and global impact, consider the following books: "Hizb ut-Tahrir: The Untold History of the Liberation Party" by Reza Pankhurst This book offers an in-depth exploration of HuT's origins, development, and activities worldwide. Pankhurst utilizes archival research, internal documents, and interviews to provide an authoritative account of the organization. "The Islamic State" by Taqiuddin al-Nabhani Authored by HuT's founder, this work outlines the methodology and vision for establishing an Islamic state, reflecting the foundational principles of the organization. "The System of Islam (Nidham Al Islam)" by Taqiuddin al-Nabhani This text delves into the comprehensive system of governance, economics, and social structure as envisioned by HuT, providing insights into the party's ideological framework. "Hizb ut-Tahrir in Britain" by Beverley Milton-Edwards Focusing on HuT's presence in the UK, this book examines the organization's emergence, development, and influence among British Muslims, offering a case study of its operations in a Western context. "Hizb ut-Tahrir: Dreaming of Caliphate" by Meerim Aitkulova This chapter, part of the "Handbook of Islamic Sects and Movements," provides an analysis of HuT's ideology and its quest for establishing a caliphate, contributing to the broader discourse on Islamic movements. These works collectively offer diverse perspectives on Hizb ut-Tahrir, encompassing its theoretical foundations, historical trajectory, and regional manifestations. … Grace Mubashir is a PhD scholar at Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia and a freelance journalist based at Delhi Hizb ut-Tahrir: Radical thoughts influencing global mainstream politics – Part 1 URL: https://www.newageislam.com/war-terror/hizbut-tahrir-india-threat--/d/134705 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism