Following the arrest of Javed Ahmed Munshi, a suspected operative of terrorist organization Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) from Canning area of West Bengal, the security agencies of the state have been alerted. With this arrest, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has started investigating Munshi’s presence and the possible reasons behind his activities.
Role of logistics support for terrorist organizations
According to STF sources, Javed Ahmed Munshi used to provide logistics support to terrorist organizations like Hizbul-e-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba. This support may relate to arms smuggling, supply of explosives, and assistance in the movement of terrorists.
Explosive manufacturing training in Pakistan
Investigation of Munshi’s activities has revealed that he has made at least seven trips to Pakistan since 1990.
- Six Months Training: In Pakistan he underwent intensive training in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).
- Riverine smuggling: His handlers had instructed him to study the possibilities of riverine route for smuggling of arms and explosives into India via Bangladesh.
According to sources, the investigation is also being probed into whether Munshi had set up any kind of terror training module in West Bengal.
old terrorist connections
Munshi has deep connections with terrorist activities.
- Murder in 2011: His alleged role in the murder of Ahl-e-Hadith leader Shaukat Shah.
- Jail visits: He has been to jail several times in the past in terrorism related cases.
- Fake Passport: During preliminary interrogation, Munshi admitted that he made several trips to Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan using fake passports. These trips were made on the instructions of his handlers.
Arrest and transit remand in canning
Javed Ahmed Munshi had come to Canning area a few days ago.
- Arrest: He was arrested in a joint operation of West Bengal STF and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
- Court order: On December 22, the Kolkata court handed him over to the transit remand of Jammu and Kashmir Police till December 31.
Strategic usefulness of West Bengal for terrorist organizations
Munshi’s arrest has raised questions about how terrorist organizations are using states like West Bengal.
- Advantage of geographical location: Due to the state’s borders with Bangladesh and Nepal, it becomes relatively easy to conduct smuggling and terrorist activities from here.
- Economic and Logistics Network: This area can become a secure logistics hub for terrorist organizations.
Investigation continues, security agencies alert
STF and other security agencies are investigating this matter thoroughly.
- Efforts are being made to identify the network of the accused and trace his contacts.
- This investigation can be important in stopping the activities of terrorist organizations.
Munshi’s arrest has given a big clue to the security agencies, which can help in breaking the network of terrorist organizations.
