Did Sri Lanka take Mohammad Zaharan and his National Thowheeth Jamaath lightly?
New
Delhi,
Apr
24:
The
Islamic
State
has
claimed
responsibility
for
the
Colombo
bombings,
but
the
scanner
of
the
Sri
Lankan
agencies
will
continue
to
remain
on
the
National
Thowheeth
Jamaath
(NJT).
NJT, a radical Islamic group emerged in the year 2015. Led by Mohammad Mohammed Zaharan. He is a known radical Islamist and has been accused of preaching hate on online platforms. Having spent time both in India and Sri Lanka, he has been under the radar of the intelligence agencies of both countries.
Abu Hasan al-Mujahir, the ISIS terrorist who sought revenge for New Zealand mosque attack
India had in fact on April 4 shared information with Sri Lanka about Zaharan. His mobile details, address and other information pertaining to him had been shared with Sri Lanka.
The group gained ground following the attacks on Muslims by the Buddhists. They have accused the government of not acting against the Buddhists. It was in the year 2014, when severe clashes took place between the Buddhists and Muslims that many part of the Muslim community started joining radical groups. It was believed that the only way to fight or defend themselves was by being part of these groups.
The Buddhists make up for 70 per cent of population, followed by the Muslims and Christians who are 10 and 7 per cent in number.
India's April 4 advisory to Sri Lanka on Easter bombings was extremely specific
While Zarahan went about his activities, it was only recently that the Sri Lankan authorities kept a closer watch on him. He had been involved in the vandalising of Buddhist statues in December last year. This was done with an intent of instigating the Muslims and Buddhists.
Indian officials say that it was only until recently that the Sri Lankan authorities began taking the NJT seriously. During one raid that was held in January, huge cache of arms, ammunition, rifles, bullets and religious propaganda had been seized. It was said that it belonged to the NJT.