Indian security forces are on high alert following the recent arrest of six Hizb ut-Tahrir sympathizers in Chennai. The discovery of literature and propaganda material supporting the group's ideology during the May crackdown raises concerns about the banned terror group's potential expansion within India.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, already prohibited in numerous Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, advocates for the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate. The group's activities have been linked to extremist violence and radicalization in various regions.
The arrests in Chennai coincide with heightened counter-terrorism efforts in neighboring Central Asian nations. Kyrgyzstan recently detained several members of Hizb ut-Tahrir and confiscated weapons and literature, while Kazakhstan apprehended multiple individuals suspected of spreading terror activities and radical propaganda.
Additionally, Kyrgyzstan reported the arrest of 15 suspected ISIS supporters, reflecting the growing threat posed by the Islamic State in Afghanistan (Khorasan) in the region.
These developments have prompted the Indian security establishment to closely monitor the rise of extremist ideologies in Central Asia, a region traditionally known for its tolerance and pluralism.
India has established robust counter-terror cooperation with each of the Central Asian states and played a significant role in advocating for a strong response to cross-border terror and radicalism at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana.
Looking ahead, New Delhi plans to intensify its counter-terror partnership with Central Asian countries. This collaboration aims to address the evolving threat landscape and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies that could potentially impact India's security.
