Indian security agencies are closely monitoring signs of a potential resurgence of the Base Movement in South India, a group associated with Al-Qaeda that was active during 2015–16, carrying out low-intensity blasts mainly targeting the judiciary and police. Members of the group, who are active online, are trying to regroup, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Recent intelligence suggests that individuals who had previously evaded arrest are now communicating again, focusing on establishing an online propaganda network against the Indian State.
Notably, there is no immediate call for ground-level action, with members primarily operating online, concentrating on messaging and outreach. Officials attribute this to the group’s desire to avoid detection and their deliberate emphasis on propaganda and radicalization at this stage. Intelligence sources highlight the significance of the timing of this renewed activity, coinciding with indications of Al-Ummah seeking to escalate operations in South India.
Al-Ummah, responsible for the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts targeting a rally of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L. K. Advani, is reportedly being revived by Farhatullah Ghauri, believed to be based in Pakistan. The group’s current campaign focuses on the slogan, “let us pledge to rebuild the Babri Masjid.” Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have previously established links between Al-Ummah and the Base Movement, noting similar operational patterns.
While Al-Ummah’s messaging revolves around communal issues like the Babri Masjid, the Base Movement seems to be rekindling its focus on institutions such as the judiciary and police, as well as issues related to Afzal Guru, Abdul Nassr Madani, and Kashmiri Muslims. The Base Movement aims to engage youth in these matters, encouraging them towards potentially violent street protests, with a current emphasis on propaganda to mobilize young individuals.
Officials suggest that Al-Ummah and the Base Movement are likely to operate independently this time, with differing agendas. The Base Movement’s disruptive approach appears aimed at inciting unrest through youth mobilization, drawing inspiration from recent events in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. However, the Base Movement’s current focus is on the southern region, particularly Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, targeting college students for outreach through online groups to share content and attract young followers, leveraging their strong opinions on public issues.
