Terror Plot by Bangladeshi Islamist Outfit ABT Thwarted
In a significant anti-terror operation, Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) foiled a deadly plan by the Bangladeshi Islamist terror outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). The plot aimed to assassinate leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindu organizations to incite communal tensions and destabilize Bengal and the northeast.
Eight operatives of ABT, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), were arrested in a nationwide operation code-named ‘Op Praghat.’ The arrests were made in Assam, Bengal, and Kerala. This operation comes shortly after the recent change in government in Bangladesh, which has allegedly emboldened such extremist groups.
The Sinister Plans of ABT Islamist
STF’s investigation revealed that the ABT had deployed a senior operative, Mohammad Sad Radi, alias Mohammad Sad Sheikh, to India in November. Radi’s mission was to recruit members for sleeper cells and set up a covert network across Assam, Bengal, and Kerala.
Key operatives Nur Islam Mandal and Mojibar Rahaman, both from Assam’s Kokrajhar district, played crucial roles in coordinating Radi’s activities. They held secret meetings with radical clerics in Bengal to identify potential recruits for the sleeper cells. The primary goal of these cells was to target RSS leaders and senior figures from Hindu organizations.
According to STF chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta, “The arrested operatives were planning brutal killings of RSS leaders to provoke outrage among Hindus and trigger communal unrest in Bengal and Assam.” The plan included sabotaging communication links in Bengal’s sensitive Chicken’s Neck Corridor and attacking security establishments.
Radicalization and Recruitment of Islamist
The ABT’s modus operandi involved exploiting socio-economic vulnerabilities and religious sentiments to radicalize young Muslims. Their recruits were trained to operate under the radar, engage in subversive activities, and execute violent attacks.
The STF recovered jihadist literature advocating hatred against non-Muslims and subversive activities against India. This literature was widely distributed among indoctrinated individuals to strengthen the ABT sleeper cells.
Links to the Yunus Government in Bangladesh
Investigations suggest that the recent change in Bangladesh’s government has emboldened Islamist terror outfits like ABT. The current administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, has allegedly turned a blind eye to such activities, providing them with tacit support in exchange for political backing.
Recent social media posts by Mahfuz Alam, a powerful figure in the Yunus administration, revealed expansionist ambitions. Alam posted a map showing parts of Bengal, Assam, and Tripura as part of Bangladesh. Though he later deleted the post, it reflects the mindset of powerful elements within the Bangladeshi government.
A Broader Threat
The arrested operatives were also linked to other radical Islamist organizations, including Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT). These groups have intensified recruitment efforts in India, especially in states like Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. Indian intelligence agencies warn that these outfits are attempting to destabilize India through targeted attacks and propaganda.
Grave Security Implications
The foiled terror plot underscores the grave security threat posed by Bangladeshi-origin radical groups operating in India. The infiltration and radicalization efforts are part of a larger conspiracy to wage war against India and destabilize its northeastern states.
The STF’s timely action has averted a major disaster, but the situation highlights the need for heightened vigilance and stronger counter-terrorism measures. The role of Bangladesh’s current administration in allowing these outfits to operate freely must be addressed at a diplomatic level.
A Growing Threat
The arrest of ABT operatives is a reminder of the persistent threat posed by Islamist terror groups in India. The nexus between these outfits and elements within the Bangladeshi government signals a larger geopolitical challenge. India must remain vigilant and take decisive action to counter these threats, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and the stability of its northeastern region.