Guwahati, 30 December (HS): Indian security and intelligence agencies have uncovered an active extremist network linked to the Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), a Bangladesh-based outfit operating covertly in Assam and parts of the Northeast, Assam police officials said on Tuesday.

According to intelligence inputs, IMK is an offshoot of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and was formed in 2018 by Jewel Mahmud, also known as Imam Mahmud Habibullah or Sohail, a former JMB member. The group claims adherence to the extremist ideology of “Ghazwatul Hind” and has been attempting to revive and expand its Indian modules, particularly after the political developments in Bangladesh in August 2024.

Investigations revealed that following the change of regime in Bangladesh, senior leaders of JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) directed IMK to intensify activities in India. Bangladeshi nationals Umar and Khalid were tasked with coordinating operations in Assam, where the local module was allegedly headed by Nasim Uddin alias Tamim of Barpeta Road.

Security agencies found that IMK functioned through encrypted social media platforms, notably a group named “Purva Akash,” which served as a key channel for communication, radicalisation and recruitment. Youths from Assam, West Bengal and Tripura were reportedly indoctrinated, mobilised financially and connected to the outfit, including individuals holding Indian passports and those with prior links to banned terrorist organisations.

Officials said IMK projected itself as a Ghazwatul Hind-centric extremist group aligned with transnational jihadi organisations. The outfit circulated radical literature and propaganda advocating violent jihad and armed conquest of India through digital platforms, websites and encrypted messaging applications. Such material was also widely shared within Assam-based networks.

The probe further indicated that recruitment followed a structured process, beginning with online identification and indoctrination, followed by a mandatory ‘bayat’ or oath of allegiance to the IMK chief in Bangladesh. Several youths from Barpeta and Chirang districts of Assam and parts of West Bengal were allegedly radicalised through this method.

IMK operatives were also found exploiting religious and social gatherings. Intelligence inputs pointed to clandestine meetings at local mosques since December 2024, where extremist ideologues reportedly incited violence and advocated armed struggle. Some recruits had already travelled to Bangladesh on valid passports and visas, while others were encouraged to undergo arms training across the border.

Financial investigations revealed that IMK’s activities were funded through hawala channels, small bank transactions and UPI platforms. Funds collected in Assam and Tripura were allegedly routed to Bangladesh to support training and logistics, amounting to several lakhs of rupees.

Citing the serious threat posed to national security and public order, the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF), along with state police units, conducted coordinated raids on the intervening night of December 29 and 30 across Barpeta, Chirang, Baksa, Darrang districts of Assam and parts of Tripura.

As a result of the operation, 11 suspected IMK operatives were arrested from various locations in Assam and Tripura. Security agencies said further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network and identify additional operatives involved in cross-border extremist activities.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash