One more controversy has hit the religious and social circles in Pakistan adding fresh challenges to the beleaguered country, where Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;is faced with threats of dismissal. In a dramatic move (December 31), the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith-Harmony unceremoniously and summarily removed Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman from the post of Chairman of the Ruet-i-Hilal committee. He was perhaps the longest-serving chairman of this crucial committee and was occupying the post since 1977. Earlier, President Pervez Musharraf had given him an extension in year 2000 and subsequently, the Pakistan People's Party regime under Asif Zardari had extended Mufti’s tenure in 2012.

The new incumbent is Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad of Badshahi Mosque, Lahore. Azad claims to be one of the grandsons of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. His appointment has, by and large, caused ripples amongst the religious fraternity as the new appointee is believed to be a hardcore Wahabi belonging to the Deobund school of thought. More significantly, the buzz going around is that prior to his appointment, the Saudi Ambassador in Islamabad had met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the Saudis were insisting on the appointment of a candidate who is less liberal and espoused the religious extremist thoughts.&nbsp;

It’s further believed that Pakistan, by this sudden but calculated move, has tried to warm up to Saudi Arabia which has of late started distancing from Pakistan giving a clear signal to keep off its path. Saudi's consistent stand in not allowing the OIC to raise Kashmir in its forum has also caused immense anxiety to Pakistan just as Riyadh and New Delhi are coming much closer than before.&nbsp;

However, this may be a Pakistani gesture to try and get a foothold in Saudi Arabian scheme of things, but it’s very unlikely that Saudi Arabia will act on something which is detrimental to Indian geo-political and security interests. Pakistan's efforts to come close to Saudi Arabia is also borne by the fact that very recently, Pakistan appointed Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, a sworn Wahabi Ahl-e Hadis, as the special envoy to the Middle East with a special brief for Saudi Arabia. These are all optics’ overtures to win over Saudi Arabia.

In this context, it appears imperative to examine the implications of this appointment which may per se, look to be a local issue but has far-reaching fallout impinging on Pakistani polity and for the Indian watchers of Pakistan to observe the religious trends affecting its polity. Opposition to the present Maulana’s predecessor, Muneeb, came from the religious clerics belonging to the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mufti Shahbuddin Popalzai of Qasim Ali Khan mosque was vehemently vocal for Muneeb’s inglorious exit. Adding fuel to fire was the Religious Inter-Faith Minister of Pakistan, Fawad Choudhry who didn’t see eye to eye with Muneeb alleging that as the Chairman of the Hilal Committee, Muneeb was opposing an almanac which was supposedly based on latest Science and Technology as, according to him, the government was trying to introduce progressive elements into the committee which was opposed by Muneeb. He further said the Pakistani govt was planning to put in place lunar observatories at four different locations in Pakistan which was resisted by Muneeb. However, experts and a large section of liberal religious commentators apprehend that this change might take Pakistan back to military dictator Zia ul Haq’s regime which saw religious fundamentalism at its zenith.

Another important aspect, perhaps the most crucial one is a political move. It proves how in Pakistan religion is conveniently mixed with politics. The ongoing protests to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan is coordinated by Maulana Fazlur Rahman of the Jamait ul Islam (JuI). &nbsp;And it’s the same JuI which has been seeking removal of Muneeb to grab space in politico-religious activities. Muneeb’s recent removal must have given Fazlur Rahman some sigh of relief. And behind the scene there could be some secret deal between Imran Khan - Fawad Choudhry combine to neutralise Fazlur to take the wind out from the sails of the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM) which is now a thorn in Imran’s flesh with all the major political parties pitching in to mount pressure on Imran to quit. So, the developments have been dramatic confirming that howsoever Imran may try to show that in his regime, religion is kept at an arms’ length, in reality, the picture is totally different. 
&nbsp; 
As is generally known, Pakistan’s credibility after a severe beating due to economic lapses, spurt in terrorism, abetment to cross border terrorism etc. Plus,&nbsp;&nbsp;drafting a hate-India centric foreign policy with focus on Kashmir, drummed up psychological warfare, based on false propaganda etc and above all, using the Deep State to foment terror designs supporting the homegrown terror groups by religious indoctrination have badly backfired. It would, therefore,&nbsp;appear advisable for Pakistan to delink religion&nbsp;from politics to try and allow democracy to remain in place. Any flirting with religion would be costly leaving no chances for redemption.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

One more controversy has hit the religious and social circles in Pakistan adding fresh challenges to the beleaguered country, where Prime Minister Imran Khan is faced with threats of dismissal.

One more controversy has hit the religious and social circles in Pakistan adding fresh challenges to the beleaguered country, where Prime Minister Imran Khan is faced with threats of dismissal. In a dramatic move (December 31), the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-faith-Harmony unceremoniously and summarily removed Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman from the post of Chairman of the Ruet-i-Hilal committee. He was perhaps the longest-serving chairman of this crucial committee and was occupying the post since 1977. Earlier, President Pervez Musharraf had given him an extension in year 2000 and subsequently, the Pakistan People's Party regime under Asif Zardari had extended Mufti’s tenure in 2012. The new incumbent is Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad of Badshahi Mosque, Lahore. Azad claims to be one of the grandsons of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. His appointment has, by and large, caused ripples amongst the religious fraternity as the new appointee is believed to be a hardcore Wahabi belonging to the Deobund school of thought. More significantly, the buzz going around is that prior to his appointment, the Saudi Ambassador in Islamabad had met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the Saudis were insisting on the appointment of a candidate who is less liberal and espoused the religious extremist thoughts. It’s further believed that Pakistan, by this sudden but calculated move, has tried to warm up to Saudi Arabia which has of late started distancing from Pakistan giving a clear signal to keep off its path. Saudi's consistent stand in not allowing the OIC to raise Kashmir in its forum has also caused immense anxiety to Pakistan just as Riyadh and New Delhi are coming much closer than before. However, this may be a Pakistani gesture to try and get a foothold in Saudi Arabian scheme of things, but it’s very unlikely that Saudi Arabia will act on something which is detrimental to Indian geo-political and security interests. Pakistan's efforts to come close to Saudi Arabia is also borne by the fact that very recently, Pakistan appointed Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, a sworn Wahabi Ahl-e Hadis, as the special envoy to the Middle East with a special brief for Saudi Arabia. These are all optics’ overtures to win over Saudi Arabia. In this context, it appears imperative to examine the implications of this appointment which may per se, look to be a local issue but has far-reaching fallout impinging on Pakistani polity and for the Indian watchers of Pakistan to observe the religious trends affecting its polity. Opposition to the present Maulana’s predecessor, Muneeb, came from the religious clerics belonging to the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mufti Shahbuddin Popalzai of Qasim Ali Khan mosque was vehemently vocal for Muneeb’s inglorious exit. Adding fuel to fire was the Religious Inter-Faith Minister of Pakistan, Fawad Choudhry who didn’t see eye to eye with Muneeb alleging that as the Chairman of the Hilal Committee, Muneeb was opposing an almanac which was supposedly based on latest Science and Technology as, according to him, the government was trying to introduce progressive elements into the committee which was opposed by Muneeb. He further said the Pakistani govt was planning to put in place lunar observatories at four different locations in Pakistan which was resisted by Muneeb. However, experts and a large section of liberal religious commentators apprehend that this change might take Pakistan back to military dictator Zia ul Haq’s regime which saw religious fundamentalism at its zenith. Another important aspect, perhaps the most crucial one is a political move. It proves how in Pakistan religion is conveniently mixed with politics. The ongoing protests to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan is coordinated by Maulana Fazlur Rahman of the Jamait ul Islam (JuI). And it’s the same JuI which has been seeking removal of Muneeb to grab space in politico-religious activities. Muneeb’s recent removal must have given Fazlur Rahman some sigh of relief. And behind the scene there could be some secret deal between Imran Khan - Fawad Choudhry combine to neutralise Fazlur to take the wind out from the sails of the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM) which is now a thorn in Imran’s flesh with all the major political parties pitching in to mount pressure on Imran to quit. So, the developments have been dramatic confirming that howsoever Imran may try to show that in his regime, religion is kept at an arms’ length, in reality, the picture is totally different. As is generally known, Pakistan’s credibility after a severe beating due to economic lapses, spurt in terrorism, abetment to cross border terrorism etc. Plus, drafting a hate-India centric foreign policy with focus on Kashmir, drummed up psychological warfare, based on false propaganda etc and above all, using the Deep State to foment terror designs supporting the homegrown terror groups by religious indoctrination have badly backfired. It would, therefore, appear advisable for Pakistan to delink religion from politics to try and allow democracy to remain in place. Any flirting with religion would be costly leaving no chances for redemption. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Religious aberrations in Pakistan

In an unprecedented and historic step, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) very recently approved a robust and sound security proposal to reinforce the security safeguards towards our National Telecom vulnerabilities awaiting since long for an effective redressal.&nbsp;

In the same vein, it’s imperative to point out that India is among the top three countries in the world, vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In the year 2019, there were nearly four lakh cyber incidents and there was a colossal financial loss to the tune of 1.24 lakh crores. To put things in perspective, such cyber breaches are perpetrated by intercontinental devices and networks. Further, such risks are heightened by Internet Of Things (IOT) devices, adversely affecting the Telecom Network.

To meet these security-related challenges in the Telecom Sector, and to be in sync with the ‘Atmanirbhar’ policy of the government, for the first time, a bold decision was taken by issuing the National Security Directive on Telecom Sector. In this regard, the government is slated to declare a list of trusted sources / trusted products for the benefits of the Telecom Service Providers. The list of to be covered under this Directive and the dynamics are expected to be designed by the designated competent authority who is earmarked as the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC).

Under the new decision, the Deputy National Security Advisor (Dy NSA) of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), will head the committee which will be known as the National Security Committee on Telecom (NSCT). Importantly, the new Directive will not affect the ongoing Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC). The designated Authority will put in a place a portal for easy upload of applications by TSPS and equivalent vendors. Also, the Department of Telecommunications will make appropriate modifications in the License conditions towards the implementation of the provisions of the Directive. The policy is expected to be operationally effective from the date of approval. They will facilitate the desired incentives for Atmanirbhar Bharat as has been envisaged.

Meanwhile, this National Directive on Security has been described as a landmark decision by the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (TEMA) welcome the bold step hoping for healthy development in the domestic industries’ sector as well. The move has also been hailed as a forward-looking development. Articulating favourable and positive reaction to the new Directive, Chairman of the TEMA Council on digital empowerment, and former Secretary DoT, Shri Chandrashekhar IAS (Retd) assured that it was in readiness to work with the government. He also averred that the latest decision was timely and worth an appreciation. Similarly, Shri Ajai Shankar, another retired civil servant and currently Chairman TEMA Council on Industrial Policy found this as a welcome step to safeguard national security. On the whole, the new move is full of hope aimed at plugging all the loopholes in the system and providing a full proof security architecture in the sphere of telecommunications.

(Writer is a retired IPS officer and a security analyst. He is the former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. &nbsp;Views are personal.) 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

In an unprecedented and historic step, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) very recently approved a robust and sound security proposal to reinforce the security safeguards towards our National Telecom vulnerabilities awaiting since long for an effective redressal.

In an unprecedented and historic step, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) very recently approved a robust and sound security proposal to reinforce the security safeguards towards our National Telecom vulnerabilities awaiting since long for an effective redressal. In the same vein, it’s imperative to point out that India is among the top three countries in the world, vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In the year 2019, there were nearly four lakh cyber incidents and there was a colossal financial loss to the tune of 1.24 lakh crores. To put things in perspective, such cyber breaches are perpetrated by intercontinental devices and networks. Further, such risks are heightened by Internet Of Things (IOT) devices, adversely affecting the Telecom Network. To meet these security-related challenges in the Telecom Sector, and to be in sync with the ‘Atmanirbhar’ policy of the government, for the first time, a bold decision was taken by issuing the National Security Directive on Telecom Sector. In this regard, the government is slated to declare a list of trusted sources / trusted products for the benefits of the Telecom Service Providers. The list of to be covered under this Directive and the dynamics are expected to be designed by the designated competent authority who is earmarked as the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC). Under the new decision, the Deputy National Security Advisor (Dy NSA) of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), will head the committee which will be known as the National Security Committee on Telecom (NSCT). Importantly, the new Directive will not affect the ongoing Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC). The designated Authority will put in a place a portal for easy upload of applications by TSPS and equivalent vendors. Also, the Department of Telecommunications will make appropriate modifications in the License conditions towards the implementation of the provisions of the Directive. The policy is expected to be operationally effective from the date of approval. They will facilitate the desired incentives for Atmanirbhar Bharat as has been envisaged. Meanwhile, this National Directive on Security has been described as a landmark decision by the Telecom Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (TEMA) welcome the bold step hoping for healthy development in the domestic industries’ sector as well. The move has also been hailed as a forward-looking development. Articulating favourable and positive reaction to the new Directive, Chairman of the TEMA Council on digital empowerment, and former Secretary DoT, Shri Chandrashekhar IAS (Retd) assured that it was in readiness to work with the government. He also averred that the latest decision was timely and worth an appreciation. Similarly, Shri Ajai Shankar, another retired civil servant and currently Chairman TEMA Council on Industrial Policy found this as a welcome step to safeguard national security. On the whole, the new move is full of hope aimed at plugging all the loopholes in the system and providing a full proof security architecture in the sphere of telecommunications. (Writer is a retired IPS officer and a security analyst. He is the former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Opinion: Dynamic measures to strengthen national security on telecom

Prime Minister Imran Khan has affected a cabinet reshuffle on December 11 in an apparent bid to give a new face to the stale looking government which people have ostensibly started to reject owing to an increasing trust deficit between the rulers and the ruled.

This perhaps came in the wake of mounting pressure by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) currently spearheaded by Maulana Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) threatening to hold a massive rally in Lahore on December 13.

The proposed gathering of masses in active collaboration of opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), &nbsp;Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other allies have obviously rattled as rallies at other places had evoked considerable response echoing the opposition demands of Imran Khan’s ouster before the end of the year.

Lahore being the citadel of PML-N with a sizeable Punjabi population carries the promise of a resounding success.

The Government is employing all its tools to foil the event citing fears of Corona epidemic and other reasons but so far organisers look completely defiant. It could also be possible that the PDM actors are weighing the government stand with abundant caution and sizing up the machinations on part of the establishment to deal with the emerging show of massive protest. Intelligence operatives are at work to win over a section of the organisers to break their rank and file to pre-empt the gathering.

Maryam Nawaz, in the meantime, has alleged overtures by a few sitting ministers of the Imran Khan cabinet to sabotage the rally. More specifically, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz has come under strong suspicion for using his good offices sending feelers to the organisers for a climb down though the Minister is on a denial mode. Whatever the outcome of the much-hyped rally will have known to everyone much before this writeup appears in the columns. Yet, it’s interesting to know what prompted Prime Minister Imran Khan to do this reshuffle.

The timing of the Cabinet reshuffle seems significant and more importantly the selection of 70-year-old Sheikh Rashid Ahmed as the new Interior Minister. It’s noteworthy that this is the fourth cabinet shakeup in less than three years since Imran Khan took the oath of office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Knowledgeable circles are convinced that Imran inducted Rashid. bestowing him with the most powerful ministry in the government to quell the opposition movement particularly the pressure of the PDM. It is further believed that Rashid Ahmed’s multiple ‘virtues’ of being an opportunist, political survivor, wily nature, maverick, astute, and a powerful orator will help Imran to breathe easy in the remaining years of his Premiership.

Within hours of his taking over, the new Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed held a press conference and by his body language, ease, confidence and a look that now he is in charge and all the outstanding issues will be fixed sooner than later. At the press conference, he repeated to the media persons that he had a rich experience and this is his fifteenth ministerial assignment - a boast apparently not liked by many political colleagues who were all eying for this coveted position and now silently questioning Imran Khan’s wisdom and decision to entrust Rashid with this much sought after post. It is common knowledge that Sheikh Rashid had been a known turncoat and renegade during the regimes of Pervez Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif.

It’s interesting to recall that Sheikh Rashid was complicit in Pervez Musharraf’s term on the decision to troop in with armed intervention and aggression in 2007 in the Lal Masjid crisis. Again, he supported Musharraf in conducting military operations in FATA. His record has always been dubious and he scraped through perhaps with a survival instinct. He was the country’s Sports Minister in 1992 when Imran Khan won the World Cup in cricket. Possibly he is cashing in that association too after joining him in 2018 as soon as Imran became the PM. It’s hard to conceive that leader of a redundant political outfit called Awami Muslim League of Pakistan which he was at the helm with practically no grass root supporters could continue to call the shots. With powerful charges of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Coast Guard, Rangers, Federal Investigating Agencies etc under his belt in the present dispensation will see him exerting more flexing his muscles more demonstratively as his long term ambition of enjoying the taste of power still remains unquenched, still. That could be worrisome for Imran the cricketer caused by his erstwhile Sports Minister. And this time, Imran has to use his political and survival instincts if any to protect himself from a ‘reverse swing’ under the umpire ship of the armed forces who may not have been naive in Rashid becoming the Omnipotent Interior Minister.

The Indian government and its professional agencies in particular, now need to keep a close tab on the new interior minister of Pakistan. He was noticed spewing venom on India not very long ago, it’s Prime Minister and touching upon religion bringing in communal discourse and divisive politics. He was then a Railway Minister. Saddled with more powers to the world in the new avatar, his rhetoric could be more belligerent. Also, he tried to dabble in the politics of Kashmir. Separatist activist Yasin Malik had once alleged that Rashid was running terror camps on the PoK borders. It doesn’t end here. Sheikh Rashid had applied for a permit to visit Srinagar in the past under a cover story of visiting the graves of his forefathers. His intentions are clear.

Further, in 2012 Sheikh Rashid was stopped at the Houston airport for his nexus with Lashkar-e-Taiba and notorious terrorist Hafiz Sayeed. He was questioned, and later let off after the intervention of the Pakistani Embassy. Again in 2014, he was offloaded from a PIA flight at Toronto due to a tip-off from the Canadian authorities. Such a shady track record of an Interior Minister, who had been training his guns in India, believed to have run terrorists’ training camps, suspected to have blessed the Mumbai terror attacks and maintaining links with the ultras called for a global watch. Other changes in the recent ministerial changes may be ordinary and routine except perhaps for the new Interior Minister. And lastly, is the latest reshuffle likely to rein in the mounting pressure on the Imran led government for a time-bound exit? The answer seems to be a straight No!

(Writer is a retired IPS officer and a security analyst. He was also the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal) 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Prime Minister Imran Khan has affected a cabinet reshuffle on December 11 in an apparent bid to give a new face to the stale looking government which people have ostensibly started to reject owing to an increasing trust deficit between the rulers and the ruled.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has affected a cabinet reshuffle on December 11 in an apparent bid to give a new face to the stale looking government which people have ostensibly started to reject owing to an increasing trust deficit between the rulers and the ruled. This perhaps came in the wake of mounting pressure by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) currently spearheaded by Maulana Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) threatening to hold a massive rally in Lahore on December 13. The proposed gathering of masses in active collaboration of opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and other allies have obviously rattled as rallies at other places had evoked considerable response echoing the opposition demands of Imran Khan’s ouster before the end of the year. Lahore being the citadel of PML-N with a sizeable Punjabi population carries the promise of a resounding success. The Government is employing all its tools to foil the event citing fears of Corona epidemic and other reasons but so far organisers look completely defiant. It could also be possible that the PDM actors are weighing the government stand with abundant caution and sizing up the machinations on part of the establishment to deal with the emerging show of massive protest. Intelligence operatives are at work to win over a section of the organisers to break their rank and file to pre-empt the gathering. Maryam Nawaz, in the meantime, has alleged overtures by a few sitting ministers of the Imran Khan cabinet to sabotage the rally. More specifically, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz has come under strong suspicion for using his good offices sending feelers to the organisers for a climb down though the Minister is on a denial mode. Whatever the outcome of the much-hyped rally will have known to everyone much before this writeup appears in the columns. Yet, it’s interesting to know what prompted Prime Minister Imran Khan to do this reshuffle. The timing of the Cabinet reshuffle seems significant and more importantly the selection of 70-year-old Sheikh Rashid Ahmed as the new Interior Minister. It’s noteworthy that this is the fourth cabinet shakeup in less than three years since Imran Khan took the oath of office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Knowledgeable circles are convinced that Imran inducted Rashid. bestowing him with the most powerful ministry in the government to quell the opposition movement particularly the pressure of the PDM. It is further believed that Rashid Ahmed’s multiple ‘virtues’ of being an opportunist, political survivor, wily nature, maverick, astute, and a powerful orator will help Imran to breathe easy in the remaining years of his Premiership. Within hours of his taking over, the new Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed held a press conference and by his body language, ease, confidence and a look that now he is in charge and all the outstanding issues will be fixed sooner than later. At the press conference, he repeated to the media persons that he had a rich experience and this is his fifteenth ministerial assignment - a boast apparently not liked by many political colleagues who were all eying for this coveted position and now silently questioning Imran Khan’s wisdom and decision to entrust Rashid with this much sought after post. It is common knowledge that Sheikh Rashid had been a known turncoat and renegade during the regimes of Pervez Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif. It’s interesting to recall that Sheikh Rashid was complicit in Pervez Musharraf’s term on the decision to troop in with armed intervention and aggression in 2007 in the Lal Masjid crisis. Again, he supported Musharraf in conducting military operations in FATA. His record has always been dubious and he scraped through perhaps with a survival instinct. He was the country’s Sports Minister in 1992 when Imran Khan won the World Cup in cricket. Possibly he is cashing in that association too after joining him in 2018 as soon as Imran became the PM. It’s hard to conceive that leader of a redundant political outfit called Awami Muslim League of Pakistan which he was at the helm with practically no grass root supporters could continue to call the shots. With powerful charges of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Coast Guard, Rangers, Federal Investigating Agencies etc under his belt in the present dispensation will see him exerting more flexing his muscles more demonstratively as his long term ambition of enjoying the taste of power still remains unquenched, still. That could be worrisome for Imran the cricketer caused by his erstwhile Sports Minister. And this time, Imran has to use his political and survival instincts if any to protect himself from a ‘reverse swing’ under the umpire ship of the armed forces who may not have been naive in Rashid becoming the Omnipotent Interior Minister. The Indian government and its professional agencies in particular, now need to keep a close tab on the new interior minister of Pakistan. He was noticed spewing venom on India not very long ago, it’s Prime Minister and touching upon religion bringing in communal discourse and divisive politics. He was then a Railway Minister. Saddled with more powers to the world in the new avatar, his rhetoric could be more belligerent. Also, he tried to dabble in the politics of Kashmir. Separatist activist Yasin Malik had once alleged that Rashid was running terror camps on the PoK borders. It doesn’t end here. Sheikh Rashid had applied for a permit to visit Srinagar in the past under a cover story of visiting the graves of his forefathers. His intentions are clear. Further, in 2012 Sheikh Rashid was stopped at the Houston airport for his nexus with Lashkar-e-Taiba and notorious terrorist Hafiz Sayeed. He was questioned, and later let off after the intervention of the Pakistani Embassy. Again in 2014, he was offloaded from a PIA flight at Toronto due to a tip-off from the Canadian authorities. Such a shady track record of an Interior Minister, who had been training his guns in India, believed to have run terrorists’ training camps, suspected to have blessed the Mumbai terror attacks and maintaining links with the ultras called for a global watch. Other changes in the recent ministerial changes may be ordinary and routine except perhaps for the new Interior Minister. And lastly, is the latest reshuffle likely to rein in the mounting pressure on the Imran led government for a time-bound exit? The answer seems to be a straight No! (Writer is a retired IPS officer and a security analyst. He was also the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Opinion: Will a cabinet reshuffle help Imran Khan to restore order in Pakistan?

There has been a noticeable increase in the religious extremism in Bangladesh. This trend saw a rise in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo related killings in France in the last couple of months when wide stage protests rocked Bangladesh. Such a development was adequately covered in these columns as soon as they unfolded.

Amid this spurt in the activities of the zealots, a new controversy has erupted which is just a pretext to air bigotry thoughts of the Islamic radicals in Bangladesh. Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s centenary year (2021) is being planned in a big way all across Bangladesh. Prevailing COVID pandemic has also not dampened the spirits of the celebrations. Yet, a controversy sparked off relates to a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman creation of which is being most vehemently opposed by these fanatics. They want its immediate removal. 
 
Those opposed say this is against the tenets of Islam as the religion according to them doesn’t allow bust or statues. Seculars, on the other hand, put forward a counter-argument that sculpture is a piece of art and is found in many Muslim countries. Only those of regressive thinking are criticising and trying to usurp the progressive space through medieval and irrational thinking.

Meanwhile, the most disturbing happening is the activities of Hefazat-e-Islam which claims to be close to Sheikh Hasina and the ruling establishment but its actions in the recent months have been of very violent and belligerent nature. The decade-old all Muslim organisation has its bastion in the port city of Chittagong, running many madrasas and of late, it’s defiant and perverse aggressive posturing has come to the fore after the killings in France. It’s leader, Junaid Babunagari has been spewing venom and vitiating the communal scene by his hate and provocative rhetoric.

More disturbingly, Hefazat-i-Islam joining hands with ultra-intolerant outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami and Khilafat Majlish has been worrisome to the government. This is because Jamaat is backed by Pakistan and it stands de franchised by the establishment. Jamaat is well known for being anti-India, anti-Hindu minority and was a collaborator with Pakistani occupation forces in 1970-71. It is trying to piggy ride Hefazat-e-Islam and wants to stay afloat to oppose the forward-thinking forces. Pakistan intelligence agencies must be happy with Hefazat-e-Islam and other like-minded forces attempts to capitalise on the rising wave of Islamic fundamentalism.

In the meantime, continuing with its glaring pro fanaticism agenda, Hefazat-e-Islam Chief, Babunagari has given a four-point demands/ultimatum to the government which include (1) Closure of all activities of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON) all across Bangladesh (2) Banning of Ahmediya activities and declaring it as un-Islamic in Bangladesh (3) Expulsion of the French Ambassador from Bangladesh and (4) Closure of French Embassy in Dhaka &amp; passing a resolution in the BD parliament condemning the anti-Islam happenings in France.

Bangladesh watchers, in the meantime, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam is likely to increase its list of demands as the government doesn’t seem to be acting tough. Hefazat-e-Islam is also feeling emboldened on the sculpture issue because in 2017 its strong-arm tactics had succeeded even the government was forced to remove a statue of a lady from the precincts of the Supreme Court stating it to be against the Islamic ideals. Under the circumstances, Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamic ultras have given a call for pulling down of all statutes and sculptures in Bangladesh. TV channels and social media have generated animated debates on the issue. There have been feeble attempts by some ministers including Awami League General Secretary, Obaidul Qader to rein in the communal forces but results are yet to show up on the ground.

Defenders of Hasina, however, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam has no support from her or her ruling party but they are cautious in any blistering criticism of this Islamic body saying that though Hasina remains an ardent adherent of Islam, she believes in the modernisation of the religion and backs a scientific temper for the religion. Such reckonings don’t seem to convince the minority population or the seculars in Bangladesh who want Hefazat-e-Islam to be put on a tight leash lest it assumes perilous proportions.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and Bangladesh watcher. Views expressed are personal) 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

There has been a noticeable increase in the religious extremism in Bangladesh. This trend saw a rise in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo related killings in France in the last couple of months when wide stage protests rocked Bangladesh.

There has been a noticeable increase in the religious extremism in Bangladesh. This trend saw a rise in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo related killings in France in the last couple of months when wide stage protests rocked Bangladesh. Such a development was adequately covered in these columns as soon as they unfolded. Amid this spurt in the activities of the zealots, a new controversy has erupted which is just a pretext to air bigotry thoughts of the Islamic radicals in Bangladesh. Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s centenary year (2021) is being planned in a big way all across Bangladesh. Prevailing COVID pandemic has also not dampened the spirits of the celebrations. Yet, a controversy sparked off relates to a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman creation of which is being most vehemently opposed by these fanatics. They want its immediate removal. Those opposed say this is against the tenets of Islam as the religion according to them doesn’t allow bust or statues. Seculars, on the other hand, put forward a counter-argument that sculpture is a piece of art and is found in many Muslim countries. Only those of regressive thinking are criticising and trying to usurp the progressive space through medieval and irrational thinking. Meanwhile, the most disturbing happening is the activities of Hefazat-e-Islam which claims to be close to Sheikh Hasina and the ruling establishment but its actions in the recent months have been of very violent and belligerent nature. The decade-old all Muslim organisation has its bastion in the port city of Chittagong, running many madrasas and of late, it’s defiant and perverse aggressive posturing has come to the fore after the killings in France. It’s leader, Junaid Babunagari has been spewing venom and vitiating the communal scene by his hate and provocative rhetoric. More disturbingly, Hefazat-i-Islam joining hands with ultra-intolerant outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami and Khilafat Majlish has been worrisome to the government. This is because Jamaat is backed by Pakistan and it stands de franchised by the establishment. Jamaat is well known for being anti-India, anti-Hindu minority and was a collaborator with Pakistani occupation forces in 1970-71. It is trying to piggy ride Hefazat-e-Islam and wants to stay afloat to oppose the forward-thinking forces. Pakistan intelligence agencies must be happy with Hefazat-e-Islam and other like-minded forces attempts to capitalise on the rising wave of Islamic fundamentalism. In the meantime, continuing with its glaring pro fanaticism agenda, Hefazat-e-Islam Chief, Babunagari has given a four-point demands/ultimatum to the government which include (1) Closure of all activities of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON) all across Bangladesh (2) Banning of Ahmediya activities and declaring it as un-Islamic in Bangladesh (3) Expulsion of the French Ambassador from Bangladesh and (4) Closure of French Embassy in Dhaka & passing a resolution in the BD parliament condemning the anti-Islam happenings in France. Bangladesh watchers, in the meantime, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam is likely to increase its list of demands as the government doesn’t seem to be acting tough. Hefazat-e-Islam is also feeling emboldened on the sculpture issue because in 2017 its strong-arm tactics had succeeded even the government was forced to remove a statue of a lady from the precincts of the Supreme Court stating it to be against the Islamic ideals. Under the circumstances, Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamic ultras have given a call for pulling down of all statutes and sculptures in Bangladesh. TV channels and social media have generated animated debates on the issue. There have been feeble attempts by some ministers including Awami League General Secretary, Obaidul Qader to rein in the communal forces but results are yet to show up on the ground. Defenders of Hasina, however, believe that Hefazat-e-Islam has no support from her or her ruling party but they are cautious in any blistering criticism of this Islamic body saying that though Hasina remains an ardent adherent of Islam, she believes in the modernisation of the religion and backs a scientific temper for the religion. Such reckonings don’t seem to convince the minority population or the seculars in Bangladesh who want Hefazat-e-Islam to be put on a tight leash lest it assumes perilous proportions. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and Bangladesh watcher. Views expressed are personal) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Is Islamic radicalism on the rise in Bangladesh?

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France.

The latest act of terror is the terrorist assault in a&nbsp;synagogue in central Vienna (Austria), where&nbsp;on November 2, a group of unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately killing three and grievously injuring 14.&nbsp;This has sent bone-chilling shockwaves in Austria in particular, and in other adjacent European countries particularly Germany.&nbsp;

Vienna has ordinarily&nbsp;been out of the terror radar of the perpetrators when compared to violent terror strikes in other parts of Europe including in London, Brussels, Paris etc.&nbsp;While one of the assailants has been killed by the Austrian counter-terror forces, the rest are on the run, raising the level of alertness to the highest. All border countries have upped their antenna to apprehend the absconders. &nbsp;

Barely two weeks ago, on October 16, Samuel Paty, the simple school teacher in a Paris school in his mid-forties was brutally beheaded by an Islamic fanatic in the suburbs of Paris. Samuel Paty’s only ‘ fault‘ was that in one of his classes, he explained his pupils the French tenet of freedom of expression which included the caricature drawing, even if that was of any religious leader as drawn and published fearlessly by Charlie Hebdo. Paty was slain mercilessly which was a murder most foul. This was followed by a series of more killings in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Nice. This perverse act, in quick succession, was yet another grim reminder that France in particular and Europe, in general, were rapidly getting into an insecure mode falling into huge vulnerability.&nbsp;

Earlier, a Pakistani national in his teens had injured a couple of French people openly using a meat cleaver. We see a Pakistani, a Chechen and some of the other Islamic settlers moving openly with lethal tools of murder like a cleaver, displaying the fact that they are so highly radicalised and are ready to be killed in their attempts to avenge any self-perceived affront to their Prophet.&nbsp;

Now the question is how these perpetrators of ghastly murders are getting emboldened? Primarily, because Islamic leaders in a bid to assume a pan Islamic global role have most irresponsibly embarked on the rhetoric of hate and belligerence. Former Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad‘s most provoking remarks exhorting for indiscriminate killings of the French were in very poor taste most unbecoming of a former Head of State. More lamentably, Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan’s tenor using expressions like relaunching of a crusade against Islam or Islamophobia have done incalculable harm in any damage control or providing healing touch but instead added fuel to the fire. Pakistan PM, Imran Khan so as not to lag behind, also emerged with unsavoury statements with no appeal whatsoever to the terrorists for calm.

As President Emmanuel Macron of France has hardened his stance describing the acts of terror in France as part of Islamic terror, the Muslim world has gone on protests&nbsp;taking to streets. Bangladesh saw thousands of people converging daily in capital Dhaka demonstrating against France, burning Macron’s effigy, boycotting French goods and even going to the extent of resorting to vandalism targeting Hindus and their properties. Hindu minority in Bangladesh has nothing to do with the killings in France. This looks bizarre.&nbsp;

As Paris is yet to return to normalcy, Vienna is the latest victim setting a pattern being followed by the terrorists carefully selecting their targets in Europe. Belgium, Holland, Germany, France etc. &nbsp;Many more countries have a considerable number of population, originating from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Tunisia. Many of them had been complicit in terror assaults in Belgium, Holland etc. Encouraged by the emotional support, they are likely to stun Europe by lone-wolf attacks making these countries and even others, more insecure forcing them to live in fear and in edges.&nbsp;

It is reckoned by security analysts, that there is an urgent need to increase the intelligence with a meaningful exchange of actionable and preemptive information. Europol could be the point of coordination. However, it doesn’t seem to be happening today or else, in Vienna, how could the terrorists acquire such modern weapons and open fire killing three and wounding more than a dozen? The same logic holds good for France. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, there are no signs of any abatement in containing the spiralling cases of terror as yet. Nor are there any attempts of reconciliation between the deeply polarised camps represented by the religiously radicalised countries on one hand, and Europe on the other. Top religious leaders from both the camps need to do some brainstorming and the security professionals must also tighten their border control mechanism, intelligence apparatus and counter-terror initiatives to rein in one of the worst terror menaces the world is afflicted with. Importantly, their approach should be purely professional cutting across religious lines.&nbsp;

The developments in Austria and France call for a ‘ zero tolerance ‘ attitude in India too where all the concerned security agencies must exercise maximum vigil keeping a sharp eye on the potential mischief-makers to foil any terror-linked agenda to mar peace. This is underscored also to rule out fanning of communal passions and planning of lone-wolf attacks.&nbsp;

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst, and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France.

Europe seems to be gradually slipping into the grip of terror which experts say has largely been sponsored by section of the Islamic fanatics in the aftermath of grotesque killings in France. The latest act of terror is the terrorist assault in a synagogue in central Vienna (Austria), where on November 2, a group of unidentified gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately killing three and grievously injuring 14. This has sent bone-chilling shockwaves in Austria in particular, and in other adjacent European countries particularly Germany. Vienna has ordinarily been out of the terror radar of the perpetrators when compared to violent terror strikes in other parts of Europe including in London, Brussels, Paris etc. While one of the assailants has been killed by the Austrian counter-terror forces, the rest are on the run, raising the level of alertness to the highest. All border countries have upped their antenna to apprehend the absconders. Barely two weeks ago, on October 16, Samuel Paty, the simple school teacher in a Paris school in his mid-forties was brutally beheaded by an Islamic fanatic in the suburbs of Paris. Samuel Paty’s only ‘ fault‘ was that in one of his classes, he explained his pupils the French tenet of freedom of expression which included the caricature drawing, even if that was of any religious leader as drawn and published fearlessly by Charlie Hebdo. Paty was slain mercilessly which was a murder most foul. This was followed by a series of more killings in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Nice. This perverse act, in quick succession, was yet another grim reminder that France in particular and Europe, in general, were rapidly getting into an insecure mode falling into huge vulnerability. Earlier, a Pakistani national in his teens had injured a couple of French people openly using a meat cleaver. We see a Pakistani, a Chechen and some of the other Islamic settlers moving openly with lethal tools of murder like a cleaver, displaying the fact that they are so highly radicalised and are ready to be killed in their attempts to avenge any self-perceived affront to their Prophet. Now the question is how these perpetrators of ghastly murders are getting emboldened? Primarily, because Islamic leaders in a bid to assume a pan Islamic global role have most irresponsibly embarked on the rhetoric of hate and belligerence. Former Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad‘s most provoking remarks exhorting for indiscriminate killings of the French were in very poor taste most unbecoming of a former Head of State. More lamentably, Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan’s tenor using expressions like relaunching of a crusade against Islam or Islamophobia have done incalculable harm in any damage control or providing healing touch but instead added fuel to the fire. Pakistan PM, Imran Khan so as not to lag behind, also emerged with unsavoury statements with no appeal whatsoever to the terrorists for calm. As President Emmanuel Macron of France has hardened his stance describing the acts of terror in France as part of Islamic terror, the Muslim world has gone on protests taking to streets. Bangladesh saw thousands of people converging daily in capital Dhaka demonstrating against France, burning Macron’s effigy, boycotting French goods and even going to the extent of resorting to vandalism targeting Hindus and their properties. Hindu minority in Bangladesh has nothing to do with the killings in France. This looks bizarre. As Paris is yet to return to normalcy, Vienna is the latest victim setting a pattern being followed by the terrorists carefully selecting their targets in Europe. Belgium, Holland, Germany, France etc. Many more countries have a considerable number of population, originating from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Tunisia. Many of them had been complicit in terror assaults in Belgium, Holland etc. Encouraged by the emotional support, they are likely to stun Europe by lone-wolf attacks making these countries and even others, more insecure forcing them to live in fear and in edges. It is reckoned by security analysts, that there is an urgent need to increase the intelligence with a meaningful exchange of actionable and preemptive information. Europol could be the point of coordination. However, it doesn’t seem to be happening today or else, in Vienna, how could the terrorists acquire such modern weapons and open fire killing three and wounding more than a dozen? The same logic holds good for France. Meanwhile, there are no signs of any abatement in containing the spiralling cases of terror as yet. Nor are there any attempts of reconciliation between the deeply polarised camps represented by the religiously radicalised countries on one hand, and Europe on the other. Top religious leaders from both the camps need to do some brainstorming and the security professionals must also tighten their border control mechanism, intelligence apparatus and counter-terror initiatives to rein in one of the worst terror menaces the world is afflicted with. Importantly, their approach should be purely professional cutting across religious lines. The developments in Austria and France call for a ‘ zero tolerance ‘ attitude in India too where all the concerned security agencies must exercise maximum vigil keeping a sharp eye on the potential mischief-makers to foil any terror-linked agenda to mar peace. This is underscored also to rule out fanning of communal passions and planning of lone-wolf attacks. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst, and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Europe in the grip of terror 

September 21 marks the third anniversary of the West Gate Mall attacks in Nairobi, Kenya which took 67 innocent lives and injured hundreds. One of the worst terrors attacks in sub-Saharan Africa, the Kenyan mall attack continues to haunt security experts world over as to the reason of its occurrence and the aftermath .&nbsp;

The handiwork of the dreaded Islamic terror outfit, Al-Shabab, the September 21 attacks on the Mall exposed the chink in the armour of the Kenyan establishment; it was shaken by the blitzkrieg with practically no intelligence inputs, human or technological, which could have alerted the authorities and prevented the killings. In sum, glaring intelligence failure remains the single most crucial reason that caused this mayhem, which could have been otherwise easily avoided.

Somalia-based Al Shabab had been consistently issuing warnings that it would target Kenyan facilities. The group was ruffled as a coordinated military action - known as Operation Linda Nichi - was being conducted through 2011-2012 in Southern Somalia against Al Shabab. It was a joint action between the Somalian and the Kenyan defence forces. Al-Shabab, buoyant with their repeated success in the Indian Ocean in extorting huge ransoms through piracy, was an unchallenged Islamic terror group in the region.&nbsp;

Armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons and training, it was very affluent and enjoyed a close functional nexus with AQAP( Al Qaeda Arab Peninsula). The only other Islamic terror group that was a force to reckon with was Boko Haram, which had confined its ferocious activities on mainland Nigeria. Al-Shabab, on the other hand, had its reach much beyond the sea and land frontiers. It came to notice repeatedly for wreaking havoc through its terror misadventures. Al-Shabab, all along, nurtured a desire to avenge by inflicting a terror blow on Kenya for the latter&#39;s decision to collaborate with the Somalian military. &nbsp;

Other than the intelligence failure in the West Gate mall attacks, the Kenyan anti-terror intervention teams did not rise to the occasion either. The Mall&nbsp; was under siege, with the entire operation lasting 80 hours. The hostage crisis prolonged as if with no ending.&nbsp;

Evidently, the British, the Americans and the Israeli intelligence, as well as security teams were brought in to bring the situation under control. Yet, the utter confusion that prevailed amid a lack of coordination allowed the perpetrators a field day. President Kenyatta of Kenya admitted that the operation got bungled.&nbsp;

The mismanagement threw up several lessons for the security analysts to ponder about stepped-up intelligence and effective counter-terror measure to deal with such scenes. As regards intelligence, a more proactive collaboration with western agencies is needed. The counter-terror teams must also be on its toes with the latest training to address the crisis.&nbsp;

Today, is three years of&nbsp; the Nairobi incident. It seems Al-Shabab have lost its fangs after the piracy menace waned. Still, they are in the region: alive and kicking. According to the last available data, the northeast province of Kenya has 2,310, 757 Somali residents. Their main pockets are Ogaden, Gurreh, Murale, Ajuran and Degodia. All these Somalis are not terrorists but some of them may have the potential to vent their frustration in the form of a lethal menace. Authorities need to be vigilant.&nbsp;

Kenya apart, many African nations remain vulnerable from terror attacks. Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, among others, in northern and north-western Africa look quiet, but a storm seems to be on the horizon. On the eastern flank, Uganda and Tanzania are susceptible to terror acts. On his last visit to India, the Tanzanian president confided to the Indian side about Islamic fanatics attempting to make inroads into Tanzania. Hence an overall look at the African terror scene has to be undertaken. Though not on the map of the African continent, Mauritius also has to be eyed upon amid reports of some radicalisation with some radicals joining the IS in Syria.&nbsp;

In conclusion, the keyword is maximum alert to foil any West Gate Mall type attacks, ensuring an overall environ of safety and security.

One of the worst terrors attacks in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenyan mall attack continues to haunt security experts

September 21 marks the third anniversary of the West Gate Mall attacks in Nairobi, Kenya which took 67 innocent lives and injured hundreds. One of the worst terrors attacks in sub-Saharan Africa, the Kenyan mall attack continues to haunt security experts world over as to the reason of its occurrence and the aftermath . The handiwork of the dreaded Islamic terror outfit, Al-Shabab, the September 21 attacks on the Mall exposed the chink in the armour of the Kenyan establishment; it was shaken by the blitzkrieg with practically no intelligence inputs, human or technological, which could have alerted the authorities and prevented the killings. In sum, glaring intelligence failure remains the single most crucial reason that caused this mayhem, which could have been otherwise easily avoided. Somalia-based Al Shabab had been consistently issuing warnings that it would target Kenyan facilities. The group was ruffled as a coordinated military action - known as Operation Linda Nichi - was being conducted through 2011-2012 in Southern Somalia against Al Shabab. It was a joint action between the Somalian and the Kenyan defence forces. Al-Shabab, buoyant with their repeated success in the Indian Ocean in extorting huge ransoms through piracy, was an unchallenged Islamic terror group in the region. Armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons and training, it was very affluent and enjoyed a close functional nexus with AQAP( Al Qaeda Arab Peninsula). The only other Islamic terror group that was a force to reckon with was Boko Haram, which had confined its ferocious activities on mainland Nigeria. Al-Shabab, on the other hand, had its reach much beyond the sea and land frontiers. It came to notice repeatedly for wreaking havoc through its terror misadventures. Al-Shabab, all along, nurtured a desire to avenge by inflicting a terror blow on Kenya for the latter's decision to collaborate with the Somalian military. Other than the intelligence failure in the West Gate mall attacks, the Kenyan anti-terror intervention teams did not rise to the occasion either. The Mall was under siege, with the entire operation lasting 80 hours. The hostage crisis prolonged as if with no ending. Evidently, the British, the Americans and the Israeli intelligence, as well as security teams were brought in to bring the situation under control. Yet, the utter confusion that prevailed amid a lack of coordination allowed the perpetrators a field day. President Kenyatta of Kenya admitted that the operation got bungled. The mismanagement threw up several lessons for the security analysts to ponder about stepped-up intelligence and effective counter-terror measure to deal with such scenes. As regards intelligence, a more proactive collaboration with western agencies is needed. The counter-terror teams must also be on its toes with the latest training to address the crisis. Today, is three years of the Nairobi incident. It seems Al-Shabab have lost its fangs after the piracy menace waned. Still, they are in the region: alive and kicking. According to the last available data, the northeast province of Kenya has 2,310, 757 Somali residents. Their main pockets are Ogaden, Gurreh, Murale, Ajuran and Degodia. All these Somalis are not terrorists but some of them may have the potential to vent their frustration in the form of a lethal menace. Authorities need to be vigilant. Kenya apart, many African nations remain vulnerable from terror attacks. Mauritania, Mali, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, among others, in northern and north-western Africa look quiet, but a storm seems to be on the horizon. On the eastern flank, Uganda and Tanzania are susceptible to terror acts. On his last visit to India, the Tanzanian president confided to the Indian side about Islamic fanatics attempting to make inroads into Tanzania. Hence an overall look at the African terror scene has to be undertaken. Though not on the map of the African continent, Mauritius also has to be eyed upon amid reports of some radicalisation with some radicals joining the IS in Syria. In conclusion, the keyword is maximum alert to foil any West Gate Mall type attacks, ensuring an overall environ of safety and security.

Third anniversary of Kenya mall attacks: Threat still looms large

Before the creation of Bangladesh, the Bengalis were always treated as suspects. Though very much a part of the sovereign state of Pakistan, Bengalis were kept under the watchful eyes of the West Pakistan regime. This nefarious trend continued unabated following the emergence of Bangladesh as a free and independent nation.&nbsp;

To wean away Bangladesh from the so-called sway of India, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) remained covertly active. Broadly, its aims were: One, to destabilise Bangladesh through coups and counter- coups, ostensibly, to avenge Pakistan&#39;s humiliating defeat in 1971.&nbsp;Two, Pakistan always wanted to install a puppet regime in Bangladesh, which was to be friendly to Pakistan, anti-freedom fighters, bereft of intellectuals and progressives, and above all anti-Indian in nature. Lastly, it wanted to see an Islamised military in Bangladesh to woo the fanatics and rightists to achieve the first two goals.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Let&#39;s look back at history: Almost the entire family of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, was killed in a bloody coup staged on August 15, 1975. There was one coup followed by another; all with immense bloodletting and killings even within&nbsp;the prison. The government was then headed by Khondokar Mushtaq who was a sworn friend and sympathiser of Pakistan with fundamentalist leanings. According to Bangladesh watchers, such as me, the plans for these acts were prepared by the ISI&nbsp;and executed with military precision.&nbsp;

Surveillance on Hindu minority was very aggressive as they were perceived to be India loyalists. Meanwhile, atrocities on Hindus, including usurping of property, forced conversions, and desecration of places of worship were intensified and it was always alleged that the dye&nbsp;of such acts was cast by the ISI who were pursuing a vindictive agenda.&nbsp;

Later, with President Ziaur Rahman at the helm, it was suspected that he was more inclined towards Pakistan, though he was believed to have been sheltered in India as a young major in the army, participating in the liberation struggle. His old mates, generally, thought that he was later won over by the ISI for a furtherance of its objectives. His cruel death, engineered in 1981 through yet another bloody military coup, brought an end to his rule. However, by now he had established a well run political party called BNP which was later to be headed by his wife Khaleda Zia (1991- 1996) and again (2001-2006). Those years saw the ISI flourishing in Bangladesh, particularly, in the second spell of Khaleda regime when the fundamentalist, anti-India, and openly pro-Pakistan political party Jamaat e Islami (JeI) remained a partner in the country&#39;s governance.&nbsp;

ISI now had a custom made patron in JeI - BNP combine.

However, there was some setback when Sheikh Hasina assumed power in 2009 and started acting tough with the elements leaning towards the ISI or the Pakistan. Local &#39;assets&#39; of the ISI were severely dealt with. Yet, desperate not to lose ground, ISI kept up its activities detrimental to Bangladesh&#39;s security interests.&nbsp;

Mohammad Mazhar Khan, an ISI agent, was working as an attach? in the Pakistan High Commission. Early 2015, he was withdrawn for his direct involvement in financing terror and for running a forged currency racket. His currency syndicate included Hizbut Tahrir, Ansarullah Bangla Team and JeI, all connected with anti-India designs. Mazhar also penetrated deep into ex-police and military officers, students and teachers, and officers of the Pakistan International Airlines among others. Such is the reach of the ISI, which intends to harm&nbsp;Bangladesh and India&#39;s security interests.&nbsp;

In an another important case, Farina Arshad, a Pakistani diplomat in Dhaka, was recalled to Islamabad on December 23, 2015, after it was alleged that she has&nbsp;financed a suspected extremist, accused of spying for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan had also been openly supporting the war criminals hanged by the Hasina government for collaborating with the occupation forces.

Expressing its solidarity with the war criminals, Pakistani Parliament passed a unanimous resolution on May 10, 2016, condemning the hanging of Motiur Rahman Nizami who was a JeI leader and friend of Pakistan. &nbsp;

After the most recent terror attacks in Dhaka, Bangladeshi ministers have come on record stating that the ISI is responsible for such acts of violence. To me, their arguments seem plausible and convincing.&nbsp;

Unless Bangladesh intelligence agencies keep up their human and technological surveillance on the ISI handlers and their agents, ISI will continue to wreak havoc through acts of terror and subversion.&nbsp;

Maximum vigil, therefore, is the need of the day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bangladesh intelligence agencies need to keep up their human and technological surveillance on the ISI handlers

Before the creation of Bangladesh, the Bengalis were always treated as suspects. Though very much a part of the sovereign state of Pakistan, Bengalis were kept under the watchful eyes of the West Pakistan regime. This nefarious trend continued unabated following the emergence of Bangladesh as a free and independent nation. To wean away Bangladesh from the so-called sway of India, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) remained covertly active. Broadly, its aims were: One, to destabilise Bangladesh through coups and counter- coups, ostensibly, to avenge Pakistan's humiliating defeat in 1971. Two, Pakistan always wanted to install a puppet regime in Bangladesh, which was to be friendly to Pakistan, anti-freedom fighters, bereft of intellectuals and progressives, and above all anti-Indian in nature. Lastly, it wanted to see an Islamised military in Bangladesh to woo the fanatics and rightists to achieve the first two goals. Let's look back at history: Almost the entire family of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, was killed in a bloody coup staged on August 15, 1975. There was one coup followed by another; all with immense bloodletting and killings even within the prison. The government was then headed by Khondokar Mushtaq who was a sworn friend and sympathiser of Pakistan with fundamentalist leanings. According to Bangladesh watchers, such as me, the plans for these acts were prepared by the ISI and executed with military precision. Surveillance on Hindu minority was very aggressive as they were perceived to be India loyalists. Meanwhile, atrocities on Hindus, including usurping of property, forced conversions, and desecration of places of worship were intensified and it was always alleged that the dye of such acts was cast by the ISI who were pursuing a vindictive agenda. Later, with President Ziaur Rahman at the helm, it was suspected that he was more inclined towards Pakistan, though he was believed to have been sheltered in India as a young major in the army, participating in the liberation struggle. His old mates, generally, thought that he was later won over by the ISI for a furtherance of its objectives. His cruel death, engineered in 1981 through yet another bloody military coup, brought an end to his rule. However, by now he had established a well run political party called BNP which was later to be headed by his wife Khaleda Zia (1991- 1996) and again (2001-2006). Those years saw the ISI flourishing in Bangladesh, particularly, in the second spell of Khaleda regime when the fundamentalist, anti-India, and openly pro-Pakistan political party Jamaat e Islami (JeI) remained a partner in the country's governance. ISI now had a custom made patron in JeI - BNP combine. However, there was some setback when Sheikh Hasina assumed power in 2009 and started acting tough with the elements leaning towards the ISI or the Pakistan. Local 'assets' of the ISI were severely dealt with. Yet, desperate not to lose ground, ISI kept up its activities detrimental to Bangladesh's security interests. Mohammad Mazhar Khan, an ISI agent, was working as an attach? in the Pakistan High Commission. Early 2015, he was withdrawn for his direct involvement in financing terror and for running a forged currency racket. His currency syndicate included Hizbut Tahrir, Ansarullah Bangla Team and JeI, all connected with anti-India designs. Mazhar also penetrated deep into ex-police and military officers, students and teachers, and officers of the Pakistan International Airlines among others. Such is the reach of the ISI, which intends to harm Bangladesh and India's security interests. In an another important case, Farina Arshad, a Pakistani diplomat in Dhaka, was recalled to Islamabad on December 23, 2015, after it was alleged that she has financed a suspected extremist, accused of spying for Pakistan. Pakistan had also been openly supporting the war criminals hanged by the Hasina government for collaborating with the occupation forces. Expressing its solidarity with the war criminals, Pakistani Parliament passed a unanimous resolution on May 10, 2016, condemning the hanging of Motiur Rahman Nizami who was a JeI leader and friend of Pakistan. After the most recent terror attacks in Dhaka, Bangladeshi ministers have come on record stating that the ISI is responsible for such acts of violence. To me, their arguments seem plausible and convincing. Unless Bangladesh intelligence agencies keep up their human and technological surveillance on the ISI handlers and their agents, ISI will continue to wreak havoc through acts of terror and subversion. Maximum vigil, therefore, is the need of the day.

Bangladesh security scenario: ISI activities go unabated

Bangladesh remains stunned by the worst and the most devastating terror attack in Dhaka on July 1, 2016. &nbsp;On that day, a group of radicals took hostages inside a bakery in one of Dhaka&rsquo;s upmarket localities, Gulshan, killing 29 and injuring many. Apparently, the country was caught off guard as it had been blissfully ignoring umpteen number of wake-up calls to the establishment to take preventive actions. These alerts came in the form of systematic exterminations of liberals, bloggers, LGBT activists, and members of the minority community. Evidence suggests that this process of elimination has been going on steadfastly since 2013. The intelligence machinery was in deep slumber, indifferent to the writings on the walls that something big was in the offing. 
 
The political establishment in Bangladesh refuses to acknowledge that these terror incidents were the handiwork of the Islamic State (IS). This is Prime Minister Hasina&#39;s considered opinion and, possibly, she adheres to this viewpoint to show the world that IS has not penetrated into Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
 
I want to point out to madame prime minister that debating over who has carried out the attacks will serve only academic interest. The fact remains the Islamic terrorists are alive and kicking right under the nose of the government. They may not be the Arabs fighting in Syria or in Iraq, but they are surely inspired by the IS, if not sponsored by them. This fact must be accepted. Sooner the better. This will help the state to deal with the ugly head of terror now threatening Bangladesh. 
 
Another disturbing factor of the terror attacks is that the youth involved in the killings were from affluent families and were educated in elite educational institutions. This is indeed worrisome. It proves beyond doubt that the society has been deeply penetrated by the IS ideology and that&#39;s a dangerous trend. With madrassas mushrooming in Bangladesh, products of good English schools, if radicalised, increase the threat manifold. Youth needs to be contained and to rein them in, the progressives, liberals, and intelligentsia must be brought on board. Unless the society collaborates with the state machinery to curb adverse public opinion, it will be an uphill task to contain the spiralling growth of terrorism . 
 
Bangladesh has a large number of Afghanistan war veterans who fought with the Taliban in Afghanistan. They have already indoctrinated many and have also been providing military training to a number of young recruits to spread terror. One such robust outfit is Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh( JMB). &nbsp;Its presence, though officially banned, remains a potential threat to the country. The situation looks very bleak as the radical ideology takes hold and it is getting increasingly easier to obtain training in the tradecraft of terrorism.&nbsp; 
 
It is also pertinent to point out that during the rule of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) during 2001-2006, the Islamic fanatics got a boost because of the government support. Both these anti-India and pro-Pakistan parties systematically encouraged extremist elements who have been targeting the progressives to usher in an Islamic regime. &nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) abetted and aided such forces to whip anti-India propaganda. A number of Islamic NGOs flourished with a huge sum of funding from sympathetic donors. These were invested in health, insurance, and allied sectors strengthening the Jamaat economy. Professor Abul Barkat, the noted economist from Bangladesh, points out that the annual net profit of economic fundamentalism in Bangladesh would be around 200 million US Dollars. 
 
Thankfully, with Sheikh Hasina&#39;s advent to power in 2009, we saw these anti-India forces receiving some setback. Hasina&#39;s resolve to fight terror, particularly, her bold move to try and hang Islamic fundamentalists who collaborated with Pakistan during the liberation struggle of &nbsp;Bangladesh had, however, polarised the country between the jihadis and the forward thinking. &nbsp;Cornered by persistent state action against terrorism, JMB and its affiliates secretly consolidated its position without giving any whiff to the intelligence agencies. This could count as a clear case of intelligence failure; with an unambiguous anti-terror agenda pursued by the government, how could the terrorists strike and achieve something of such monstrous proportions? 
 
Further, the counter-terror architecture of the government looks primitive and skeletal. To deal with terror attacks led by the IS, and other dangerously radicalised elements at the helm, the counter-terror apparatus must work as a well-oiled machine. Bangladesh must more proactively collaborate with India and other friendly countries. Similarly, intelligence set-up needs to be of a top order and aided by sophisticated technology to reinforce human intelligence. Western countries handling IS terror can lend cooperation in this regard. Also, a sharp and constant focus has to be there on the activities of the Pakistan High Commission at Dhaka in case any nefarious ISI plans to foment terror on the Bangladesh soil. 
 
Judging by history, Bangladesh has always been highly politicised, including its military establishment. After the complete annihilation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, Bangladesh has witnessed several bloody coups and counter-coups. Hasina, Bangabandhu&#39;s daughter and a friend of India, is now leading the country. Without Hasina, India will be in a helpless state. It will then be forced to fight the fanatics and anti-India forces who might revert to their old policy of sheltering Indian militants and constantly pinprick India&#39;s security interests.&nbsp; 
 
In sum, India&#39;s help to Bangladesh should be substantial in nature. They need to jointly fight terror, as well as secure the safety of religious minorities. &nbsp;Such help needs to be demonstrative and largely visible, as it would signal to the world that India and Bangladesh are steadfastly united to combat terror, irrespective of whether such terror is inspired by the IS or coming from home-grown radicals. 
 
(WION)

Terrorists are alive and kicking right under the nose of the government and it does not matter whether they belong to the Islamic State

Bangladesh remains stunned by the worst and the most devastating terror attack in Dhaka on July 1, 2016. On that day, a group of radicals took hostages inside a bakery in one of Dhaka’s upmarket localities, Gulshan, killing 29 and injuring many. Apparently, the country was caught off guard as it had been blissfully ignoring umpteen number of wake-up calls to the establishment to take preventive actions. These alerts came in the form of systematic exterminations of liberals, bloggers, LGBT activists, and members of the minority community. Evidence suggests that this process of elimination has been going on steadfastly since 2013. The intelligence machinery was in deep slumber, indifferent to the writings on the walls that something big was in the offing. The political establishment in Bangladesh refuses to acknowledge that these terror incidents were the handiwork of the Islamic State (IS). This is Prime Minister Hasina's considered opinion and, possibly, she adheres to this viewpoint to show the world that IS has not penetrated into Bangladesh. I want to point out to madame prime minister that debating over who has carried out the attacks will serve only academic interest. The fact remains the Islamic terrorists are alive and kicking right under the nose of the government. They may not be the Arabs fighting in Syria or in Iraq, but they are surely inspired by the IS, if not sponsored by them. This fact must be accepted. Sooner the better. This will help the state to deal with the ugly head of terror now threatening Bangladesh. Another disturbing factor of the terror attacks is that the youth involved in the killings were from affluent families and were educated in elite educational institutions. This is indeed worrisome. It proves beyond doubt that the society has been deeply penetrated by the IS ideology and that's a dangerous trend. With madrassas mushrooming in Bangladesh, products of good English schools, if radicalised, increase the threat manifold. Youth needs to be contained and to rein them in, the progressives, liberals, and intelligentsia must be brought on board. Unless the society collaborates with the state machinery to curb adverse public opinion, it will be an uphill task to contain the spiralling growth of terrorism . Bangladesh has a large number of Afghanistan war veterans who fought with the Taliban in Afghanistan. They have already indoctrinated many and have also been providing military training to a number of young recruits to spread terror. One such robust outfit is Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh( JMB). Its presence, though officially banned, remains a potential threat to the country. The situation looks very bleak as the radical ideology takes hold and it is getting increasingly easier to obtain training in the tradecraft of terrorism. It is also pertinent to point out that during the rule of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) during 2001-2006, the Islamic fanatics got a boost because of the government support. Both these anti-India and pro-Pakistan parties systematically encouraged extremist elements who have been targeting the progressives to usher in an Islamic regime. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) abetted and aided such forces to whip anti-India propaganda. A number of Islamic NGOs flourished with a huge sum of funding from sympathetic donors. These were invested in health, insurance, and allied sectors strengthening the Jamaat economy. Professor Abul Barkat, the noted economist from Bangladesh, points out that the annual net profit of economic fundamentalism in Bangladesh would be around 200 million US Dollars. Thankfully, with Sheikh Hasina's advent to power in 2009, we saw these anti-India forces receiving some setback. Hasina's resolve to fight terror, particularly, her bold move to try and hang Islamic fundamentalists who collaborated with Pakistan during the liberation struggle of Bangladesh had, however, polarised the country between the jihadis and the forward thinking. Cornered by persistent state action against terrorism, JMB and its affiliates secretly consolidated its position without giving any whiff to the intelligence agencies. This could count as a clear case of intelligence failure; with an unambiguous anti-terror agenda pursued by the government, how could the terrorists strike and achieve something of such monstrous proportions? Further, the counter-terror architecture of the government looks primitive and skeletal. To deal with terror attacks led by the IS, and other dangerously radicalised elements at the helm, the counter-terror apparatus must work as a well-oiled machine. Bangladesh must more proactively collaborate with India and other friendly countries. Similarly, intelligence set-up needs to be of a top order and aided by sophisticated technology to reinforce human intelligence. Western countries handling IS terror can lend cooperation in this regard. Also, a sharp and constant focus has to be there on the activities of the Pakistan High Commission at Dhaka in case any nefarious ISI plans to foment terror on the Bangladesh soil. Judging by history, Bangladesh has always been highly politicised, including its military establishment. After the complete annihilation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, Bangladesh has witnessed several bloody coups and counter-coups. Hasina, Bangabandhu's daughter and a friend of India, is now leading the country. Without Hasina, India will be in a helpless state. It will then be forced to fight the fanatics and anti-India forces who might revert to their old policy of sheltering Indian militants and constantly pinprick India's security interests. In sum, India's help to Bangladesh should be substantial in nature. They need to jointly fight terror, as well as secure the safety of religious minorities. Such help needs to be demonstrative and largely visible, as it would signal to the world that India and Bangladesh are steadfastly united to combat terror, irrespective of whether such terror is inspired by the IS or coming from home-grown radicals. (WION)

Bangladesh should tie up with India, others to crack down on terror

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Shantanu Mukharji

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