New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday banned the global Islamist group Hizb-Ut-Tahrir (HuT), designating it as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification in this regard, citing HuT’s goal of dismantling democratically elected governments, including India’s, through jihad and establishing a global Islamic caliphate.
The MHA stressed that Hizb-Ut-Tahrir poses a significant threat to India’s democratic system and internal security, stating that the group is actively involved in radicalising vulnerable youth to join extremist organisations like Islamic State. According to the ministry, HuT has been promoting terrorism by leveraging social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps, as well as organising Dawah (religious outreach) meetings to encourage young people to engage in acts of terrorism.
Origins and global reach
Founded in 1953 in Jerusalem, Hizb-Ut-Tahrir is a radical Islamist organisation that seeks to establish a global Islamic state (caliphate) governed by Sharia law. The group has a widespread presence in various parts of the Middle East and South Asia, where it has been implicated in efforts to undermine secular governments and promote an extreme interpretation of Islam.
While the group claims to be non-violent in its methods, authorities have linked its members to anti-government activities and destabilising efforts. The MHA’s order adds HuT and its associated organisations to the growing list of banned entities under UAPA, placing it alongside IS and other internationally recognised terrorist organisations.
Rising concerns in India
The decision to ban Hizb-Ut-Tahrir comes amid growing concerns over its increasing activities in India. According to government officials, HuT has been working towards establishing an Islamic State in the country, attempting to weaken India’s social fabric by fostering extremism and intolerance. The group’s ideology is fundamentally opposed to democratic governance, rejecting it in favour of a unified Islamic state, making it a direct threat to India’s constitutional principles.
