Is There a Radical Religious Conversion Syndicate in India Mirroring ISIS Recruitment?

Lucknow, July 19 (NationPress) In a significant revelation that underscores the connection between global terror ideologies and local criminal activities, the Uttar Pradesh Police have uncovered a network engaged in illegal religious conversions. These operations have been facilitated by foreign funding, radical indoctrination, and methodologies inspired by ISIS.

The state’s law enforcement, with support from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Special Task Force (STF), has revealed a meticulously organized syndicate that not only preys on vulnerable communities through deception and coercion but also exhibits troubling signs of radicalization and terror-linked tactics.

The authorities have been operating under the initiative called "Mission Asmita".

Recent police actions resulted in the arrest of significant figures, including Mohammad Umar Gautam, Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi, and more recently, Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin, whose methods reportedly follow the recruitment and indoctrination strategies of ISIS.

Evidence collected during these operations indicates a coordinated foreign funding stream, with substantial financial transfers coming from countries like Canada, aimed at facilitating mass conversions and undermining communal harmony in India. These funds are allegedly linked to banned organizations such as the Popular Front of India (PFI), raising alarms about a transnational conspiracy and the presence of ideological extremism within the nation’s borders.

During a high-level security briefing, Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna conveyed these details to the press. He emphasized the unwavering commitment of the state police to a zero-tolerance policy against crime, particularly in light of escalating threats from radicalization and illegal religious conversion networks operating in the state.

In his address to the media on Saturday, DGP Krishna asserted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh Police have taken decisive actions against criminal syndicates attempting to disrupt social cohesion and national security.

“The Uttar Pradesh Police are operating intelligently and resolutely with a zero-tolerance stance to protect the lives and freedoms of the state’s 25 crore residents. Festivals and public gatherings have occurred peacefully due to increased vigilance. Yet, certain challenges—especially regarding illegal religious conversions—have emerged,” stated DGP Rajeev Krishna.

Mission Asmita: A strategic offensive against illegal religious conversion networks

Through the government initiative "Mission Asmita", law enforcement has focused on dismantling several illegal religious conversion syndicates. These groups have been charged with coercively converting vulnerable individuals, primarily from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

These individuals are often compelled into conversion through monetary inducements, manipulation, and threats.

Among those apprehended are Mohammad Umar Gautam and Mufti Jahangir Alam Qasmi, taken into custody by the UP ATS in connection with a well-organized conversion scheme.

DGP Krishna revealed that the STF recently dismantled another significant conversion network led by Chhangur Baba alias Jalaluddin, identified as central to a fraudulent conversion web. Intelligence suggests this operation followed a structure inspired by ISIS, characterized by rigidity in ideology and the aim of disrupting civil order.

“These syndicates are engaged not only in conversion but also in radicalization, leveraging religious manipulation as a pathway to potential extremism,” stated Krishna.

Pan-India Network and International Funding

An incident in the Agra district further revealed the extensive reach of the network. Police arrested 10 operatives from six different states, all accused of enticing individuals into conversion through financial incentives and deceitful promises.

Investigations have uncovered strong connections to radical organizations like the Popular Front of India (PFI). Alarmingly, these operations have been fueled by international funding, with financial flows traced back to Canada.

The international financial trail implies an agenda aimed at destabilizing communal peace and exploiting local vulnerabilities.

“These activities are not isolated religious exercises; they are part of a well-funded transnational initiative to radicalize communities and threaten national unity. The utilization of foreign funds and extremist methodologies akin to global terror organizations like ISIS poses a serious national security risk,” emphasized the DGP.

The Uttar Pradesh Police, in collaboration with central agencies, are enhancing surveillance and legal strategies to identify, disrupt, and eradicate such networks.

DGP Krishna reaffirmed that the state remains steadfast in its opposition to terrorism, extremism, and any form of coercion masquerading as religion.

He stated that Mission Asmita will continue to be a cornerstone of the state’s comprehensive strategy to combat radicalization, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold law and order.