As if Christian missionaries and Naxalism weren’t enough, Chhattisgarh is now becoming a breeding ground for Islamism

Chhattisgarh has an unfortunate history of poor human development indices. The slow pace of development provided a perfect opportunity for Christian missionaries and Naxalites to strengthen their strongholds. Now, the state is becoming a breeding ground for Islamism as well.

Former home minister exposes Congress government in Chhattisgarh

Brijmohan Agrawal, former home minister of Chhattisgarh exposed a sensational foothold made by Islamic radicals in the state. Shri Agrawal shared some official documents on his Twitter handle. Through these documents, he established that the Congress government in Chhattisgarh is allowing Dawat-e-Islami, a Sunni radical organisation to establish its base in the state.

He uploaded two documents. The first document is an application by Dawat-e-Islami to the District Magistrate of Raipur. In their application, the organisation claimed that they work for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. In order to continue their ‘social services’, they asked the administration to donate a specific piece of land to them.

Additional Tahsildar accepted the application and he issued a memorandum for publishing an advertisement in this regard. The advertisement clearly mentions that Tahsildar has accepted the application. Moreover, the advertisement seeks written objections from any citizen objecting to the approval. The photo of the advertisement was shared by Shri Agrawal.

District administration issues clarification

As soon as the Twitter post went viral, Tahsildar’s advertisement became a cause of concern for people worried about the state’s safety. 

After facing criticism, the district administration issued its clarification on the matter. They said that 10 hectares of land (mentioned in the advertisement) are not being issued to Dawat-e-Islami. Moreover, according to the administration, the organisation’s original demand was a land of 10,000 square foot and not 10 hectares. Additionally, they said that even the demand related to 10,000 square feet has not been approved.

Devendra Patel, the Subdivisional magistrate said that the department has closed the files of the matter. He informed that a certain Syed Kalim had demanded 10 hectares of land for a community building. Tahsildar released an advertisement after receiving the application. Later, Kalim withdrew his application claiming that he only needed 10,000 square feet of land and not 10 hectares.

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Congress claims that Dawat-e-Islami served during Corona

Meanwhile, Congress also toed the district administration line and said that no such allotment has been made. Sushil Anand Shukla, the chairman of the media department of the party said that Dawat-e-Islami is registered in Chhattisgarh. According to him, this organisation is a humanitarian one and has immensely contributed to social services during the corona pandemic.

Dawat-e-Islami and its radical history

Dawat-e-Islami was founded in 1981 in Karachi, Pakistan by MaulanaIlyas Kadri. Originally, it was established to propagate Islamic education. It also runs various online courses as well as a television channel named Madani.

Recently, it has become a new face of Islamic extremism and has been flagged off by various Islamic organisations. In 2018, the Pakistan-based group wanted to hold a two-day congregation in Hyderabad. However, after the Sufi organisation’s warning against the congregation, Police refused them any permission. Sufi organisations have termed it as a danger for internal security.

However, in 2019, a similar congregation by the Pakistan-based group in Hubli, Karnataka was supported by Congress MLA. Recently, a terrorist named Mohammed Ashraf was nabbed by Delhi Police. He was acting as one of the sleeper cells of terrorists in India and has been connected with Dawat-e-Islami.

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Congress’ internal instability in Chhattisgarh is working as a buffer for Islamists trying to strengthen themselves. The state is recovering from onslaughts of Naxalites and missionaries. Gains made during the past few years should not become a breeding ground for Islamists.