New Delhi: As the threat of ISIS looms larger in India, the state has found new allies: Islamic organisations that counter the spread of radical Islam. Ahlah-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaath's Federation or ASWJ is one such.
The one-year-old social organisation has pushed the Tamil Nadu government to crack down on groups promoting the ISIS and Wahhabi ideology in south India. A chunk of the 100-odd people who have lately been under watch for allegedly being sympathetic to the ISIS, are from southern Indian States.
"This was never the case in south India. Unfortunately, radical Islam is being peddled and the youth are falling prey," said Sayed Ali Akbar of the ASWJ. "There are at least half-dozen organisations that are misleading the youth to move towards radical Islam."
Last month, in a countrywide sweep, security agencies arrested 19 suspected ISIS sympathisers.
A source in the security agencies said some more people will be arrested soon. Investigations have revealed that some of those arrested have received funding as well. "Money moving is a clear indication that an attack was being planned," a senior officer associated with mapping the spread of ISIS in India told NDTV.
"Intelligence gathering to counter the spread of Islamic State is important, but efforts of community like that ASWJ is even more crucial to deal with the spread radical Islam," the officer added.
The philosophy of Wahabis, a sect preaching a radical form Islam, is un-Islamic, he said. "They are slowly taking over mosques... Unfortunately, not many in the government are aware of this," he said. Opposition from the community too hasn't been very effective.
"This is very serious for the security and integrity of the country."
The ASWJ, he said, has been opposing Wahabism since 2014.
"Earlier, Muslims were scared to come out openly and oppose, but now things are changing although we need to do more," he said.
Recently, the ASWJ organised a rally at Vellore to sensitise the community against the spread of radical Islam. Soon, the group plans to visit college and university campuses.
"We have carefully planned a campaign to highlight the violence and the negatives of the Islamic State and Al Qaida. The youth have to be made aware and prepared to reject these ideologies," he said.
