HVK Archives: ISI threat looms over 'liberal' TN Muslims
ISI threat looms over 'liberal' TN Muslims - The Indian Express
P K Sajeesh
()
30 August 1997
Title: ISI threat looms over 'liberal' TN Muslims
Author: P K Sajeesh
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: August 30, 1997
Several Muslim organisations have sought police protection in the light of
threats made by an Islamic fundamentalist organisation - that those who
fail to follow its code will face attacks.
Muslim leaders, who have approached police for help, wished to remain
anonymous as they are worried the fundamentalists may target them if their
identity was known.
To make their point, the Muslim leaders cite the case of Moulvi Kamaruj
Jaman who was hacked to death near a mosque in KK Nagar a few days ago. The
Moulvi was reportedly killed because he continued to preach liberal values
despite several warnings from the fundamentalist group.
The organisation is understood to have identified a sect of Muslims whom
they consider 'liberal' in its views. The organisation, which was founded
in 1992 in Coimbatore, is understood to be in league with Kerala's Islamic
Sevak Sangh.
The organisation has been split into three parts, with Najjad being the
mother group. The executioners are called Mujaideens, the backup group
members who provide intelligence and protect the active wings are Ummas and
the financiers are Ansars. Each section works independently of the other
and does not interfere much in the other's work. The network is understood
to be governed by the ISI.
The organisation is based at Kottaimedu in Coimbatore district, where even
the police dread to venture during times of communal crisis. Intelligence
sources say that since March, the organisation has been trying to force its
fundamentalist views on the community.
The attack on Nagore's Muslim leader Alim George is also said to be the
work of this organisation. Though Alim escaped with minor injuries, one of
his wives died in the attack.
The group is said to be behind the bombing of three hotels in Chennai -
Light of Asia, Lucky Hotel and Imperial Hotel. The bombings are known as
Jumma bombings as all the blasts occurred on Fridays (the Muslims prayer
day). The hotels were targeted for their cabaret dances, which the group
considered a violation of the Islamic code.
Police have identified about 30 financiers, including some leading
jewellers, leather merchants and hotel owners who fund the organisation.
The organisation also has about 2,000 committed workers and has ten leaders
who make the decisions for the organisation.
Police believe that the ISI has infiltrated the organisation as the
leader's brother, who was caught recently in the city, admitted to an ISI
agent giving him a gun to kill a prominent Hindu Munnani leader.
The man was caught during a raid in a house at Kodungaiyur during March.
Now the police are on alert as they apprehend that the outfit may indulge
in more killings.
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