Following the arrest of suspected Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM) operative Javed Ahmed Munshi in the Canning area of West Bengal, investigation into the activities of terrorist organizations has intensified in the state. The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has initiated the process to ascertain the motives and possible network of Munshi’s presence in Bengal.
Logistic support and relations with 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.
- He was trained to smuggle arms and explosives.
- Instructions were given to investigate the possibilities of smuggling of arms through the river routes of Bengal.
Explosive manufacturing training in Pakistan
- According to the Indian Express report, Javed Munshi has made seven visits to Pakistan since 1990.
- There he underwent six months of training, which taught him the techniques of making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- During interrogation, it was revealed that his handlers had instructed him to prepare a plan to spread terrorism in India through Bangladesh.
Were training modules conducted in Bengal?
STF is also investigating whether Javed Munshi had set up any training module in West Bengal.
- His activities and networks may point to the presence of sleeper cells of terrorist organizations in the state.
- Security agencies are trying to trace contacts, associates, and possible recruitment schemes with local people.
Old record in terrorism related cases
Munshi has a long history of terrorism related activities:
- He had an alleged role in the murder of Ahl-e-Hadith leader Shaukat Shah in 2011.
- He has traveled to Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan using fake passports.
- In the past also he has gone to jail several times in terrorism related cases.
Arrest and transit remand from canning
- According to the police, Javed Munshi had recently reached Canning area.
- He was arrested on 22 December and a Kolkata court handed him over to the transit remand of Jammu and Kashmir Police till 31 December.
- The arrest was part of a joint operation between Jammu and Kashmir Police and West Bengal STF.
Is West Bengal becoming a strategic destination for terrorist organizations?
Munshi’s arrest has highlighted how terrorist organizations are using states like West Bengal:
- Geographical location:
Bengal’s border is adjacent to Bangladesh and Nepal, which can make it a logistics support hub for terrorist organizations. - Use of river routes:
Plans to use river routes to smuggle arms and explosives are alarming signs. - Possibility of sleeper sales:
The possibility of sleeper cells operating in the state and local support is being investigated.
Further investigation and focus of security agencies
- STF and other agencies are interrogating Javed Munshi and trying to understand what are the plans of terrorist organizations and from whom are they getting support.
- The investigation is also focused on finding out if other suspicious modules are active in the state or neighboring areas.
