Uncovering a Growing Threat: Terrorist Activities and Cross-Border Infiltration in Jharkhand
- Bangladesh India International Affairs Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 6 minutes read
In a significant development, Muhammad Touhis Hussain, the current Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, has publicly stated that Bangladesh will not allow any attacks on India or compromise its security. This assertion comes amidst rising concerns over cross-border terrorism, particularly involving groups such as the Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). As the situation continues to unfold, Jharkhand has issued a high alert in response to a series of intelligence reports indicating the illegal infiltration of Bangladesh-based terrorists into
the state. This alarming revelation has drawn attention to a larger security threat, sparking heightened vigilance and coordinated counterterrorism efforts.
The Role of Jharkhand’s Anti-Terror Squad (ATS)
The Jharkhand Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has been at the forefront of addressing the growing threat posed by cross-border terrorism. The ATS recently uncovered intelligence suggesting that terrorists associated with the Bangladesh-based extremist group, Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), have been illegally infiltrating India. These terrorists, after entering India, have been conducting training sessions for recruits in Pakur, a district in Jharkhand, before returning across the border.
On January 6, 2025, Abdul Mammun, a known JMB terrorist, infiltrated India through the Dhuliyan region of West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. His arrival in Pakur, where terrorist activities are suspected to have taken place, has prompted security agencies to intensify their focus on this area. The ATS has confirmed that a meeting between JMB members and an affiliated group known as “Jaha-India” was organized at the Islami Dawat Kendra, located in the Dubrajpur village of Pakur district. This has further raised concerns about the growing influence of JMB in the region.
Heightened Security and Measures by ATS
In response to these disturbing developments, the Jharkhand ATS has issued an urgent directive to the Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) across all districts. The aim is to gather actionable intelligence and implement stringent preventive and precautionary measures to counter potential terrorist threats. The ATS has also intensified surveillance in sensitive areas, such as Sahibganj and Pakur, which are part of the Santhal Pargana region—an area previously identified as a hotspot for JMB activities.
Additionally, intelligence reports suggest that extremist organizations, including JMB, are actively plotting anti-India terrorist operations. The situation has become more alarming as these outfits have been infiltrating Indian states, particularly Jharkhand and West Bengal, in a bid to destabilize the region. ATS sources indicate that after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, extremist elements have been emboldened, further complicating security concerns for India.
Political Repercussions and Allegations of Infiltration
The issue of illegal infiltration, particularly in the Santhal region, has also gained significant political attention. Leaders from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have raised concerns about illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals in the state. They have characterized the issue as a serious national security threat and have linked it to the potential erosion of the cultural identity of the local tribal community.
The BJP has been vocal about the dangers posed by this infiltration, arguing that the issue could lead to the destabilization of the state and the nation. However, the state government of Jharkhand, led by the ruling party, has dismissed these claims. They have accused the BJP of using the issue for electoral gains, claiming that the party is engaged in polarization politics for its advantage in upcoming elections. The state government has rejected the allegations of infiltration, emphasizing that the security situation is under control.
Despite the state government’s stance, the ATS’s recent revelations have cast doubt on these assertions. The intelligence reports suggest that sleeper cells of terror groups, including JMB, may be operating within the region. These cells are believed to be active in regions like Santhal Pargana, where they potentially recruit and train individuals for terrorist activities.
Training and Recruitment Activities
As part of its investigation, the ATS has identified 15 individuals who were trained in Pakur. Surveillance by the agency has revealed links between these recruits and individuals from Jalangi, a town in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. These individuals are suspected of having participated in the terror training sessions conducted by the JMB in Pakur. The discovery highlights the growing networks of radicalization and recruitment, which cross state lines and even international borders.
Security agencies have taken these developments seriously and are acting swiftly to prevent any untoward incidents. They have implemented measures to increase surveillance along sensitive border areas and have ramped up intelligence-gathering efforts to prevent any future infiltration attempts. This is part of an ongoing effort to secure not only Jharkhand but also the wider eastern region of India, where the threat of cross-border terrorism remains high.
Moving Forward: Counterterrorism and National Security
The threat of terrorism in Jharkhand and the surrounding areas underscores the critical need for enhanced counterterrorism measures. The revelation of JMB’s activities in the region raises serious concerns about the security of not only the state but also the entire nation. With the growing instability in Bangladesh, extremist groups like JMB have become increasingly active, and their activities are beginning to spill over into India.
As authorities continue their efforts to counter this growing threat, intelligence agencies, local law enforcement, and security forces must work in close coordination to disrupt the operations of these terrorist networks. Additionally, the role of international cooperation cannot be overstated. India and Bangladesh must continue to work together to address cross-border terrorism, with a focus on disrupting terrorist financing, arms smuggling, and recruitment networks.
The future of regional security in Jharkhand and its neighbouring states hinges on the effectiveness of these counterterrorism measures. By strengthening intelligence-sharing, increasing border surveillance, and preventing further radicalization, India can better protect its citizens from the threat of terrorism while ensuring that peace and stability are maintained in the region.
