Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concerns that the northeastern state was becoming a hotbed for Islamic fundamentalists. He referred to the busting of five terror modules in Assam in the last five months as the basis of his fears.
“It has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that Assam is becoming a hotbed for Islamic fundamentalists. When you bust five modules and the whereabouts of the other five Bangladeshi nationals are still not known, then you can imagine the gravity,” the Assam CM told reporters.
Sarma said the authorities today demolished a madrasa in Morigaon which was run by Mustafa alias Mufti Mustafa. Mustafa was recently arrested by the security agencies for his alleged links with Bangladesh-based terror group, Ansarullah Bangla Team.
The Jamiul Huda madrasa in Moirabari area was run by Mustafa. Aparna N, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Morigaon district, earlier today said the madrasa has been demolished.
“In Morigaon today, Jamiul Huda madrasa demolished under Disaster Management Act and UAPA. 43 students were studying in this madrasa, who have been admitted to different schools now. Mustafa alias Mufti Mustafa had obtained a doctorate in Islamic Law from Bhopal in 2017,” the Assam CM informed.
Sarma further stated that forces had arrested six members associated with Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) from Barpeta in March this year.
“The kingpin of this team was a Bangladeshi national who crossed into India illegally,” he said.
The forces have also seized a book in connection with the ABT module Morigaon madrasa bust. The book contains literature on jihad.
‘Don’t entertain imams from outside’
Speaking at the press briefing, the Assam CM urged locals not to entertain any imam who is from outside. “If you do not know him, please report him to the nearest police station,” the CM appealed. He further asked people to keep a check on what is being taught to children at madrasas.
Sarma informed that as part of his government’s efforts, they have already converted government-run madrasas into general schools
“We have already abolished 800 government madrasas in Assam. But there are many Qawmi madrasas in the state. The citizens, parents, should keep a watch on these madrasas and what type of subjects are taught there,” the Assam CM said.
The Assam CM also spoke on the Popular Front of India. Sarma said while the PFI, believed to be involved in extremist activities in several parts of the country, had no direct links with the modules busted in the state, it however was involved in creating an ecosystem.
“They are not linked but PFI is creating an ecosystem that Muslims are a victim of the state. They are not saying the highest beneficiaries of schemes are also Muslims,” Sarma said, adding “even then, PFI is creating a sentiment against Assam that Muslims have been victimised.”
Sarma said the Assam Police have, however, established PFI’s involvement in older cases in the state.
The 5 ABT modules
For the record, at least five terror modules have been busted in Assam in the last 5 months. These include the busting of a module in Barpeta on March 4 when 6 people with alleged links to ABT were arrested. The second ABT module was also busted in Barpeta, on April 14, and six people were arrested.
The third ABT module was busted in Jogighopa and four people were held from Tripura. The fourth module of ABT was unearthed in Morigaon in connection with which the madrasa was demolished today.
The Assam Police busted the fifth ABT module on July 27 in Barpeta and 9 suspected ABT members were arrested.
