On Thursday, 10th October, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officially declared the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) organization a terrorist group. This step is in line with the government's strict stance on terrorism. As Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs, stated, "Pursuing PM Narendra Modi Ji’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the MHA today declared ‘Hizb-Ut-Tahrir’ as a Terrorist Organisation." The government's action reflects its determination to protect the country from threats posed by terrorist outfits.

HuT has been accused of carrying out various terror-related activities. These include efforts to radicalize vulnerable youth, leading them toward joining terrorist organizations. The group's involvement in raising funds for terrorism is a major concern, as these activities directly threaten India’s national security and sovereignty. As the Minister emphasized, "The outfit is involved in various acts of terror, including radicalizing the gullible youths to join terrorist organizations and raise funds for terror activities, posing a serious threat to the national security and sovereignty of India. The Modi government is committed to securing Bharat by dealing with the forces of terror with an iron fist."

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also highlighted HuT’s larger objective, which is to establish a global Islamic state, or Caliphate. This agenda poses a significant threat not only to India’s democratic framework but also to its internal security. According to the MHA’s official statement, the group seeks to achieve this goal by "overthrowing democratically elected governments through Jihad and terrorist activities by involving citizens of the country." Such actions endanger the country's democratic foundation, making it clear why the government took this decisive step.

Moreover, the organization has been actively involved in radicalizing and motivating youth to join terrorist groups like ISIS. This recruitment process is facilitated through the use of social media platforms and secure communication apps, which are employed to attract and engage young individuals into participating in terrorism. The ministry emphasized this point, stating that "it is involved in promoting terrorism using social media platforms and secure apps to attract gullible youth to indulge in an act of terrorism." This online presence has been a key part of HuT's strategy in spreading its ideology and recruiting members.

The declaration of HuT as a terrorist organization was made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), exercising the powers granted by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35. This legal framework allows the government to take action against groups like HuT that pose a severe threat to the nation.

This action by the Indian government comes after thorough investigations into the organization. Back in 2023, the government had begun considering the ban on HuT after the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) uncovered a terror module linked to the group. Following this, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officially named Hizb-ut-Tahrir under the UAPA, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization.

NIA Raids Expose Anti-India Plot in Tamil Nadu

This revelation follows the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) arrest of a key suspect in the Tamil Nadu Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) case in Puducherry. The accused was apprehended on Wednesday for promoting anti-India sentiments and secessionism by spreading the ideology of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir organization. The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the group's efforts to destabilize India.

On Thursday, 10th October, the NIA escalated its efforts by conducting extensive searches at the residence of the accused, Faizul Rahman, in Chennai. These searches uncovered several incriminating items, including digital gadgets and documents, all of which provided further evidence of Rahman's involvement in the anti-India conspiracy. The raids represent another step in dismantling the organization’s efforts within India.

During the investigation, officials discovered that Rahman had been actively collaborating with other arrested individuals in the case. Together, they were advocating for secessionism and even sought military assistance from Pakistan in their bid to "liberate Kashmir." The conspiracy, aimed at overthrowing the Indian government, was part of an attempt to establish Khilafat or Islamic rule through violent jihad. The scope of this plot highlights the seriousness of HuT's intentions and their potential to undermine India's sovereignty.

About Hizb-ut-Tahrir

Hizb-ut-Tahrir, founded in Jerusalem in 1953 by Taqiuddin al-Nabhan, is a global pan-Islamic terrorist organization. Originally, the group pursued non-violent methods to gain influence within Muslim communities. However, over time, its strategy evolved into a more aggressive approach that involved enlisting support from military factions and influential figures capable of orchestrating coups.

Headquartered in Lebanon, Hizb-ut-Tahrir operates in at least 30 countries, including prominent Western nations like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The organization’s core mission is to establish a universal Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law. This vision of a global Islamic state makes HuT a dangerous entity that threatens the stability of many nations.

The group has a notorious history of encouraging and glorifying violent attacks, particularly against Israel and Jews. This extremist stance has led to the group being banned in numerous countries across the globe. Notable bans have been enforced in Bangladesh, China, Russia, Pakistan, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia, and several others. Among Arab nations, HuT remains outlawed in almost all countries except Lebanon, Yemen, and the UAE.

In recent years, Hizb-ut-Tahrir had begun expanding its presence in India, posing a new challenge to the country’s internal security. The organization’s ideologies and actions, particularly its attempts to recruit vulnerable youth and destabilize governments, have made it a clear target for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The latest NIA operations in Tamil Nadu reveal how deeply HuT had penetrated Indian soil, bringing to light a larger conspiracy aimed at secessionism and destabilization.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s Plans to Expand Islamic and Anti-India Ideology in India

On June 30th, media revealed the extent of the National Investigating Agency's (NIA) efforts to dismantle Hizb-ut-Tahrir's (HuT) growing presence in India. The NIA conducted several raids across multiple locations in connection with the terrorist organization. Two key members, Abdul Rehman and Mujibur Rehman, were arrested for their involvement in indoctrinating young minds with radical ideologies. Their primary mission was to manipulate and recruit young people into transforming India from Darul Kufr (Land of Non-believers) into Darul Islam (House/abode of Islam), marking a dangerous shift in the nation's socio-political landscape.

During these raids, authorities seized a wide range of digital devices including cell phones, computers, SIM cards, and memory cards. In addition to these, incriminating materials were found, such as printouts and books that discussed Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s extremist philosophies. These materials detailed the concepts of Khilafa, Islamic State, and outlined the proposed Khilafa administration and financial systems, all of which form the backbone of the group's radical teachings. The seized items are a clear indication of the group's goal to push for a Caliphate and promote Islamic rule.

The involvement of these individuals in spreading harmful ideologies extended to online platforms as well. A case was filed against the suspects for sharing derogatory content on Facebook, as reported by the Thideernagar Police Station in Madurai. The case was later handed over to the NIA, which re-registered it on April 15th to ensure a deeper and more comprehensive investigation into the matter. One of the searches took place at Kabir Ahmed’s residence in Mudichur, Chennai. According to a police source, the search began early in the morning at five and lasted for more than two hours. Similar searches were carried out in Tiruchy, Kumbakonam, two locations in Erode, and other areas, all of which were suspected to have links to the HuT network.

In May 2023, six more HuT members were arrested in Chennai for their involvement in anti-India activities, particularly for propagating against the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and democracy. Among the arrested individuals was Hameed Hussain, a former engineering professor who led the group. Shockingly, his family was also involved in the organization, with his father and brother being members of the group. The arrested individuals included people of varying ages, with two being 26 and 33 years old, while another was in his sixties. These members strongly opposed democracy, declaring that elections were "Haram" (forbidden by Islamic law), and instead supported the establishment of a Caliphate as the only legitimate form of governance.

In May 2023, the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) made a significant breakthrough by exposing a Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) module, resulting in the arrest of 16 terrorists linked to the group. The operation, which lasted for four months, was a well-planned effort by the ATS, involving infiltration at its core. One of the ATS officers, posing as a convert to Islam, managed to gain the trust of the group by befriending a suspect and attending their secret meetings. This undercover effort allowed the officer to gather key intelligence, leading to simultaneous arrests in Bhopal, Chhindwara, and Hyderabad.

Some of the individuals detained by the ATS were allegedly involved in forcing others to convert to Islam, using these conversions as a tool to encourage terrorism. This detail further emphasized the radical and coercive nature of the HuT operations uncovered in the state.

Following the ATS operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case and arrested several individuals. The list of detained terrorists includes Mohammad Alam, Misbah ul Hasan, Mehraj Ali, Khalid Hussain, Syed Sami Rizvi, Yasir Khan, Salman Ansari, Syed Danish Ali, Mohammad Shahrukh, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Kareem, Mohammad Abbas Ali, Mohammad Hameed, Mohammad Saleem, Abdur Rahman, Sheikh Junaid, and Mohammad Salman. These names reflect the extent of the HuT's reach and influence, stretching across multiple regions.

In a related case from 2021, the NIA conducted searches at various locations in Tamil Nadu in connection with the Madurai Hizb-ut-Tahrir case. During this operation, the NIA arrested Mohammed Iqbal, who had been using his Facebook account, under the name “Thoonga Vizhigal Rendu is in Kazimar Street”, to post offensive and inflammatory content aimed at mocking a particular religion and promoting communal disharmony. His actions disrupted law and order, prompting the authorities to charge him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case underscored how radical elements were using social media to spread their ideology and incite conflict.

In March 2022, the NIA filed a supplemental charge sheet against two other HuT members, Ziyavudeen Baqavi from Kumbakonam and Bava Bahrudeen (also known as Mannai Bava) from Tiruvarur district. Both individuals were implicated in radicalizing and recruiting young people with the aim of establishing an Islamic State. Their activities were based on the draft constitution created by HuT founder and radical Islamic preacher Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani. This constitution, which advocates for the imposition of Islamic rule, was used to draw in vulnerable youth.

The NIA’s investigation into HuT’s activities also revealed links to other terrorist organizations, including ISIS. In January 2017, a press release from the NIA detailed the case of Adib Khan, a resident of Bengaluru, Karnataka, who was found to be involved with ISIS operatives in India and Sri Lanka. Adib, who was believed to be closely associated with HuT, used various social media platforms to communicate with his associates. Additionally, he was reportedly planning to travel to Syria via Indonesia to join ISIS, further demonstrating the dangerous international connections that HuT members were forging.

HuT in 2000s Became Active in Bangladesh

Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) made its presence felt in Bangladesh in the early 2000s, targeting a specific segment of the population — primarily educated youth and university students. The group sought to influence these individuals, leveraging their positions in society to spread its extremist ideology. As the organization’s radical activities grew, the Bangladesh government took action, outlawing HuT in 2009 due to its dangerous ideologies and radical practices. Despite being banned, HuT continued to operate in secret, focusing on key local socio-political issues such as corruption and economic inequality to attract followers. It positioned itself as a critic of Western influence, advocating for the establishment of a Caliphate as the solution to these issues.

In August 2023, HuT organized a rally at Baitul Mukarram North Gate in Dhaka, where it demanded the establishment of a Khalifah in Bangladesh. At this rally, the top leaders of HuT presented what they called “issues,” though their statements revealed a dangerously radical agenda masquerading as a religious duty. The leadership focused heavily on the alleged oppression by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, labeling her government as "tyrannical" and accusing it of collaborating with Western powers. In their speeches, the leaders strongly criticized secular democratic systems, portraying them as inherently corrupt and oppressive. Their rhetoric sought to convince people that democracy could never provide true justice.

The HuT leaders went further in their speech, claiming that only a caliphate governed by Sharia law could bring about “true justice and welfare” for all citizens in Bangladesh. This rhetoric not only inflamed sentiments but was also openly Jihadi in nature. It sought to undermine the entire political system of the country. The group also called for the expulsion of foreign companies operating in Bangladesh and the cancellation of strategic agreements with non-Muslim nations, signaling their intent to completely sever Bangladesh’s ties with non-Islamic countries.

Notably, HuT has also capitalized on the plight of the Rohingya Muslims displaced from Myanmar. In 2017, the group launched a campaign in Chittagong, a major port city in Bangladesh, where they distributed posters urging Muslims to unite in support of the Rohingya. These posters not only sympathized with the Rohingya but also encouraged “devoted army officers” to overthrow the ruling Awami-League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This move further highlighted HuT’s ambitions to influence political change and destabilize the government.

It is important to note that while HuT uses the plight of the Rohingya Muslims to further its agenda, the situation is more complex. Some Rohingya Muslims have been involved in the massacre of Hindus in Myanmar. Even Amnesty International, which often focuses on human rights violations, acknowledged that Rohingya Muslims committed serious atrocities and massacres against Hindus in Myanmar. This aspect is often overlooked but remains a critical part of the broader narrative surrounding the Rohingya crisis.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) has faced numerous obstacles throughout its history, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, when it attempted to overthrow regimes in Jordan, Syria, and Egypt. These efforts ultimately failed, leading to a significant decline in the organization’s influence during that period. Despite these setbacks, HuT managed to recover by adopting a new approach that placed greater emphasis on gaining grassroots support and forming strategic relationships. This shift allowed the organization to regain its footing and continue spreading its ideology.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the organization’s perspective evolved further, with internal debates emerging over the legitimacy of using armed uprisings against what HuT viewed as “unfaithful” governments. This period of reflection marked a turning point for the group, as it reconsidered its tactics in light of the political landscape of the time.

By the early 2000s, under new leadership, HuT became more aggressive, especially in response to major global events. The US invasion of Iraq served as a catalyst, allowing the organization to rally support by positioning itself against Western influence. HuT capitalized on these events to broaden its appeal and push for the establishment of a Caliphate. In the 2010s, the organization sought to take advantage of the Syrian Revolution, hoping that the conflict would provide an opportunity to establish its vision of an Islamic state.

HuT’s Activities Across Other Countries

In the United Kingdom, HuT has been actively involved in organizing political campaigns and protests. In 2015, the group called on Muslims to boycott the legislative elections in the country. They also organized a rally outside the Syrian embassy in London, condemning the massacres of civilians in Aleppo, further demonstrating their ability to mobilize supporters for political causes.

In March 2019, HuT organized large-scale prayers and rallies outside the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen. This demonstration was in response to a shooting at a mosque in New Zealand, and it drew several hundred Muslims to participate. The rally showcased HuT’s capacity to bring people together, even in countries where the group is under scrutiny.

In the United States, the organization has used the Syrian conflict as a focal point for its activities, organizing anti-government protests and events that centered on the siege of Aleppo by the Syrian regime and pro-Iranian militias. These events were designed to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and to rally support for HuT’s broader mission of establishing a Caliphate.

HuT’s activities in Australia have also escalated in recent years. In March 2015, a controversial video emerged showing Ismail Alwahwah, an Islamic leader in Australia, advocating for jihad against Jews during a rally in New South Wales. Later that same year, in November 2015, HuT held a conference to address the issue of forced assimilation, positioning itself as a defender of Islamic values in the face of perceived Western pressures.

In 2017, the organization sparked even more controversy when it produced a video that appeared to advocate for domestic violence against “disobedient wives.” The video drew widespread criticism, particularly from human rights groups and advocates for women’s rights. That same year, HuT officially accused the West of responsibility for a terror attack in Melbourne, further demonstrating the organization’s willingness to exploit tragic events to advance its agenda.

In Russia, the Supreme Court banned Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) for its terrorist activities. Despite the ban, HuT members continued their operations, which ultimately led to their imprisonment. In August 2012, several HuT members were detained in Muslim-majority areas for their involvement in terrorist actions. The Russian authorities maintained a strong stance against the group. By 2017, the Russian FSB apprehended six Crimean residents suspected of being members of the HuT organization. Two years later, in June 2019, a Russian court condemned five Crimean Tatars to hard labor for their roles in HuT, further demonstrating the country's firm crackdown on the group's activities.

In Belgium, HuT protested the visit of Islam Karimov to the European Union and NATO in 2011. The protest took place outside the Uzbek embassy in Brussels, with the group openly expressing their opposition to Karimov's policies.

In Kyrgyzstan, authorities took decisive action against HuT's online presence by shutting down hundreds of websites linked to the organization for promoting terrorism, including various provincial web pages. In December 2017, Kyrgyz police arrested eleven individuals accused of being HuT members, including the local leader of the group. These arrests reflected the government's ongoing efforts to curb HuT's influence in the country.

In Tunisia, after the Arab Spring revolutions, HuT tried to take advantage of the region's renewed search for religious identity. In March 2012, the organization held a widely publicized female conference in Tunisia, aiming to spread its message. However, in September 2016, the Tunisian government requested that a military court ban the group. Though HuT was banned for one month in 2017 for inciting hatred, the ban was eventually lifted, but its activities continued to be monitored closely by the authorities.

The Jordanian government also took action against HuT on several occasions. In April 2013, the group held a press conference in Amman that drew hundreds of women, including journalists, where they discussed the creation of a caliphate. In 2016, the Jordanian government detained 15 prominent HuT members who had been protesting against curriculum reforms, signaling the government's intent to limit the group's influence on education and policy.

In Turkey, the government banned HuT’s annual conference after authorities linked the group with the Gülen movement. Following this, 58 HuT members were imprisoned, marking a significant effort by the Turkish government to suppress the group's activities within its borders.

In Indonesia, HuT protested against Jakarta’s former Christian governor, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, accusing him of blasphemy and stirring up potential social repercussions. The Indonesian government responded by outlawing HuT for undermining the state’s secular ideology and for “causing friction in society.”

Hizb-ut-Tahrir has been banned in 16 countries, as governments worldwide recognize the group’s potential to incite radicalism and destabilize political systems. From organizing protests to promoting its extremist ideology, HuT continues to face bans and suppression across multiple nations. Each country’s efforts to limit the organization's activities reflect the global concern over its mission to establish a caliphate and its disregard for secular and democratic governance.