New Delhi - In a significant move to strengthen national security, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on October 10, 2024, officially declared Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) as a terrorist organization under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. This bold decision follows mounting concerns over the activities of HuT, which has been linked to radicalization, recruitment for terrorist activities, and attempts to disrupt the country's democratic framework.
Who is Hizb-ut-Tahrir?
Hizb-ut-Tahrir (Arabic for "Party of Liberation") is a global Islamist organization that seeks to establish a caliphate governed by Islamic law (Sharia). Founded in 1953, HuT operates in more than 40 countries and has been banned in several, including Germany, Russia, and most Arab nations. Despite posing as a peaceful political movement, HuT has long been suspected of promoting radical ideologies, especially targeting disillusioned youth via social media platforms.
Why Did India Ban Hizb-ut-Tahrir?
The decision to ban HuT comes after a surge in radicalization activities orchestrated by the organization, particularly in South Asia. The Ministry's statement emphasized that Hizb-ut-Tahrir had been actively promoting terrorism and recruiting Indian youth to join its cause. The group has been found to use various social media channels to propagate anti-national sentiments, destabilize democratically elected governments, and foster unrest in various regions, particularly in Kashmir and other sensitive areas.
The MHA's official notification states, "Hizb-ut-Tahrir poses a grave threat to the security and sovereignty of India. Its call for the overthrow of democratic governments and the establishment of a caliphate is antithetical to India’s constitutional values."
Activities & Fronts of Hizb-ut-Tahrir in India
HuT’s operations in India had been largely operated until recently, when security agencies began cracking down on its growing influence. The group has been using front organizations to mask its activities, often organizing public events, distributing propaganda, and creating online networks aimed at radicalizing impressionable youth. According to intelligence reports, HuT has also been recruiting members for terror training and providing logistical support for terrorist activities.
While the organization claims to be non-violent, investigations revealed its involvement in inciting violence and sedition. Several HuT members have been arrested over the past few years for their role in spreading extremist ideology and instigating communal tensions.
Impact of the Ban on HuT
With this official ban, all manifestations of Hizb-ut-Tahrir and its front organizations will be declared illegal, making it a punishable offense to support, fund, or participate in any HuT-related activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed security agencies to seize HuT assets, track down key operatives, and monitor their digital footprints to prevent further radicalization efforts.
This step aligns with the government's broader strategy to combat homegrown terrorism and violent extremism. The move is expected to significantly curtail HuT’s influence in India and limit its ability to operate freely under the guise of social or political activism.
Global Reactions & Future Implications
The ban on Hizb-ut-Tahrir is expected to reverberate globally, as India joins a growing list of nations that have recognized the dangers posed by this organization. Experts believe that the move will bolster international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in South Asia, where radical Islamist groups have been exploiting local grievances to gain recruits.
Counter-terrorism analysts suggest that the HuT ban will also serve as a message to other groups that seek to destabilize India’s secular and democratic fabric. The government's hardline stance reflects its commitment to preserving peace, stability, and national unity.
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The declaration of Hizb-ut-Tahrir as a terrorist organization by the Ministry of Home Affairs marks a pivotal moment in India's fight against radicalization and terrorism. With this decisive action, India aims to safeguard its democratic institutions, protect its youth from extremist Islamist ideologies, and ensure the security of the nation against any forces that threaten its sovereignty.
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