The Jamaat-e-Islami’s hawala network, a key fundraising front for various terror groups, has reactivated before elections, as per intelligence inputs. The network, previously dormant, is now active again for multiple reasons, including funding influx into Bangladesh and reviving terror infrastructure for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The ISI, after a period of lying low, is now focused on expanding terror infrastructure significantly.
The Jamaat, with a broad global reach, is mobilizing funds through its hawala network under the guise of religious advancement. However, a significant portion of these funds, around 90%, is allegedly directed towards fueling violence and supporting terror outfits. The group’s financial system, aided by the ISI, extends into countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, facilitating illicit financial activities.
Concerns have been raised in Indian circles over the Jamaat’s capacity to raise substantial funds globally. The ISI has directed the Jamaat to intensify fundraising efforts for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed to bolster their infrastructure and operational capabilities. Additionally, the ISI plans to divert funds through the hawala network into Jammu and Kashmir for various activities, including setting up an all-women overground worker module.
The ISI’s involvement in Bangladesh elections, aiming to influence outcomes in favor of the Jamaat, has led to the diversion of funds for inciting violence and radical activities. The ISI’s strategic maneuvers include engineering violence to potentially delay elections, providing the Jamaat with an opportunity to manipulate results. These extensive plans necessitate a significant increase in fundraising efforts, prompting the Jamaat to escalate its financial operations.
