ISIS is synonymous with modern-day terrorism. And they play an important role in the story of Jahanjeb Sami and Hina Bashir Baig. The tale of this ISIS couple stands as a chilling testament to the insidious nature of radicalization. It shows the depths to which ideological fervor can plunge educated ‘peacefuls’ in Bharat. Their recent incarnations ask nationalists to explore their journey from the serene valleys of Jammu and Kashmir to the cold confines of a jail cell. Let’s uncover this cautionary tale, exposing the perilous ‘peaceful’ path tread by those ensnared in the web of Jihad.
Quiet Transition from Educated Professionals to ISIS ‘Peacefuls’
In 2019, Jammu and Kashmir became a whole-hearted part of Bharat through the abrogation of Article 370. Thus, Jahanjeb and Hina embarked on a journey from the valley to Delhi. This journey would irrevocably alter the course of their lives. Seeking solace and internet service. The ISIS couple settled in Delhi’s Jamia Nagar. Jahanjeb, an engineer with an MBA degree, worked for a UK-based firm. Hina, a BCA with an MBA degree, worked at a bank. The educated professionals had aspirations tinged with the promise of a brighter future.
Yet, beneath the veneer of domestic tranquility lay the silent seeds of radicalization, which took root in the chaos of political unrest and protests in Delhi.
Their descent into the dark recesses of radicalization began very innocuously. Operating under aliases such as Hannabee, Katijah al Kashmiri, Xaib, Abu Abdullah, and Abu Muhammad-al-Hind, the couple embarked on a journey of ideological indoctrination to become ‘peacefuls’ and create ‘peacefuls’. Unfortunately, their screens become conduits for the dissemination of jihadist propaganda and extremist rhetoric.
The Journey From Online Radicalism to Handcuffs
The digital footprints of the couple bore witness to their ‘peaceful’ descent into the abyss of ISIS-inspired extremism. Under the tutelage of ISIS commanders and emboldened by the allure of digital jihad, the couple played a pivotal role in the propagation of the digital magazine, Sawt-al-Hind or Voice of India.
This platform was designed to instigate violence and sow seeds of discord in the anti-CAA/NRC protests in Delhi.
The two became synonymous with radical fervor and jihadist rhetoric. And they received and laundered money for ISIS in Bharat. resounded with plans of terrorist activities across the digital landscape. Thankfully, on 8th March 2020, their ‘peaceful’ existence was abruptly disrupted. The NIA arrested the couple for conspiring with ISIS, planned terror plots on Indian soil, and influenced the gullible to destroy harmony during anti-CAA/NRC protests.
One of their major crimes was a plot to implode 100 IEDs across various parts of Bharat. Another was to indoctrinate a fellow Islamist woman in Pune is to wear a suicide bomb jacket and answer their call to action, whenever it comes. After four years, the court sentenced them to several years in prison. Their online subterfuge and seditious intent were finally led to rest by the court’s decision.
Education A Facade For ‘Peacefuls’?
The true extent of their ‘peaceful’ crimes came to fore with resounding sound of the gavel in the courtroom. The court sentenced Jahanjeb upto twenty years and Hina upto seven years in prison.
They are stark ‘peaceful’ reminders that education and Jobs do not cull radicalism.
In fact, their education helped them encourage radicalism and plan terrorist activities in the nation. The ISIS couple used their jobs as a facade to hide how the festering ideology of zealotry and extremism had consumed their souls.
In the wake of their conviction, a sobering truth emerges – the battleground of extremism knows no boundaries. The flimsiest pretext is enough to break most one-book flat earthers and sway them to answer the call for Jihad. Providing free education or skill sets does not necessarily restrict radicalism. Most ‘peacefuls’ prefer the call from the turrets of the mosque to the voice of their conscience. A decent income for a ‘peaceful’ is not a safeguard against the call of ISIS for terrorism in India. Thus as the dust settles on the tumultuous saga of this ISIS couple, let their story remind the rest of Bharat – no matter their earnings or education – “devout peaceful maqsad nahi bhulte“!