New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) With the election season nearing in West Bengal, Assam, and Bangladesh, intelligence agencies have issued a warning regarding extensive radicalisation activities occurring in these areas.

These radicalisation initiatives aim not only to polarise the voting demographic but also to establish terror modules for potential large-scale attacks.

In Bangladesh, the Jamaat-e-Islami is reportedly intensifying efforts to radicalise individuals, aiming to shift voter allegiance away from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The developments in Bangladesh have raised concerns in West Bengal and Assam, where certain factions are organising events and camps to further their radicalisation agendas.

One particular event in West Bengal, known as the Biswa Ijtema, has caught the attention of intelligence agencies. This gathering took place in Punian village near Hooghly district from January 2 to 5, attracting participants from 100 different countries.

Two aspects of this event raised red flags. Firstly, it was the first occurrence in nearly three decades; the previous event was held in 1992. Secondly, it was relocated to West Bengal after being cancelled in Bangladesh due to political turmoil.

According to an Intelligence Bureau official, the event concluded with appeals for global peace. However, such large gatherings can potentially become breeding grounds for radicalisation. With the current instability in Bangladesh and upcoming elections in various Indian states, these events should be approached with caution.

Last year, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Kolkata for a series of meetings with police and intelligence officials. This was prompted by reports indicating that areas like Murshidabad, 24 South Parganas, Malda, and Birbhum are of particular concern. The significant number of Madrasas in these regions has been flagged, necessitating increased surveillance.

Officials have stated that terror groups often exploit large events, like the one in West Bengal, as recruitment grounds, sending recruiters to engage with youths and persuade them to join their ranks.

Furthermore, the Islamic State is reportedly on the lookout for young recruits to establish its Bengal Province, actively seeking individuals from Bangladesh, Assam, and West Bengal. They aim to infiltrate large gatherings to identify potential members.

Posters promoting the Islamic State's agenda have been circulated through its online platforms, including Al-Bengali Media, calling for unity among Muslims against the Indian state. An official noted that the Islamic State is actively encouraging Muslims in West Bengal, northeastern states, and Bangladesh to unite in opposition to India.

In a recent communication to the Union Government, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed concerns about the fallout from riots in Murshidabad district, highlighting the dual threats of radicalisation and militancy.

According to an Intelligence Bureau official, these developments underscore the urgency with which radical elements are operating. With elections approaching, they may resort to various tactics to advance their agenda, including infiltration, illegal immigration, radicalisation, recruitment, rioting, and smuggling. The awareness that security forces will focus on maintaining law and order during the elections may encourage them to exploit this situation.