PETALING JAYA: India says the majority of Islamic State (IS) supporters arrested in the country were radicalised through the videos of preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who is a permanent resident in Malaysia.
The OneIndia news portal reported the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as saying the majority of the 127 people arrested in different parts of the country linked to IS became radicalised because of videos featuring Naik.
It quoted the agency’s inspector-general, Alok Mitta, as saying that was why a case was registered against Naik and others.
According to Mitta, one of those arrested – Nashidul Hamzafar, a 26-year old management student from Wayanad, Kerala – detailed the role played by preachers like Naik which ultimately prompted him to join IS.
Initially, Nashidul was not attracted to the IS ideology because he found them to be too violent, but when his friend sent him an audio clip, his perception changed.
“I began listening to audios of Zakir Naik and Norman Alikhan, among others. Their speeches inspired me and my approach towards life changed,” he said, according to the OneIndia report.
Speaking at a conference of anti-terror teams, Mitta also said the majority of those arrested were from Tamil Nadu. Others came from Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi.
Naik has been linked to radical elements several times in the past, but he has maintained that he had nothing to do with those incidents and India is on a witch hunt against him.
There have been many calls to deport him to India to face money-laundering and terror-related charges.
He has also been barred from delivering religious speeches in Malaysia. - FMT
What a baloney full of crap from fmt reporters and editor! A tit for tat is it? Enjoy it while it last!
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