Concerns Rise Over Jihadi Influence Amid Evictions in Assam

Rising Tensions in Bangladesh Impacting Assam

Guwahati, Aug 27: The current situation in Bangladesh has raised significant concerns for Assam and neighboring states, with fears that extremist groups may exploit recent eviction drives in Assam to radicalize youth from specific communities.

According to police sources, the Jamaat-e-Islami has gained considerable strength in Bangladesh, which poses a worrying scenario for Assam. Additionally, Pakistan's attempts to strengthen ties with Bangladesh serve as another alarming indicator. The recent visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister to Bangladesh, the first in 13 years, along with the chief of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), has raised eyebrows.

It is noted that Bangladesh is currently under a caretaker government, which ideally should refrain from making long-term decisions. Given this context, the visits from Pakistani officials have sparked concerns regarding their intentions. Another significant threat is the caretaker government's approval for China to upgrade a World War II airstrip into a fully operational airport.

This airstrip, located in Rongpur, is just 25 kilometers from the India-Bangladesh border, potentially complicating the Chicken Neck Corridor that connects the Northeast region with the rest of India. Assam Police and security agencies have apprehended approximately 60 members of the Ansar Bangla Team (ABT), while the previous Bangladeshi administration had initiated a crackdown on terrorist organizations.

However, the current caretaker government appears lenient towards these terrorist factions. A prominent ABT leader, Jeshimuddin Rahmani, who was detained by the former government, has been released, and another key figure, Abdullah Talah, has escaped from custody. These developments suggest a potential regrouping of the outfit, necessitating heightened vigilance from police and security forces.

Sources indicate that jihadi groups are unlikely to remain passive following the evictions in Assam and may attempt to indoctrinate local youth. Law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation, including social media platforms.

"In many instances, jihadi elements tend to indoctrinate youth covertly, making it challenging to detect their activities without reliable intelligence," sources acknowledged.