New Delhi, Feb 25 (NationPress) Indian authorities are closely monitoring the activities of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which is reportedly expanding its presence not only in West Bengal but also in southern regions of India.

This group, known as Neo-JMB, is allegedly led by a local operative named Salauddin Salehin, believed to be hiding in West Bengal, according to officials.

Intelligence reports indicate that Salehin does not remain in one place and has traveled to various locations across India to connect with Bangla-speaking laborers.

The Neo-JMB operates from Bangladesh and is affiliated with the Islamic State Bengal Province (ISBP). Recently, the ISBP appointed Sheikh Al Amin as the Dhaka Commander, marking a significant operational shift.

According to an Intelligence Bureau official, the establishment of Neo-JMB under the Islamic State represents a notable change. Originally under Al Qaeda's command since 2000, the group shifted its allegiance to the Islamic State after 2015.

Amin has decided to broaden their operations into India. While West Bengal and northeastern states were always seen as primary targets, the Neo-JMB has now been directed to infiltrate southern India.

Over the years, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have relocated to southern states. These groups have capitalized on the labor shortages and high costs faced by plantation owners in South India, where many Bangladeshi workers have settled in large numbers, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.

The assimilation of these illegal immigrants has been facilitated by the presence of numerous Bengali colonies in these states. Their similar dialects have allowed them to blend in seamlessly with the local Bengali workforce. Now, with a significant population of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, the ISBP and Neo-JMB are poised to exploit this situation.

Another official reported that during Salehin's visit to southern states, he met with over 100 illegal immigrants, enticing them with financial incentives to engage in Neo-JMB activities. He also employed threats to expose their identities or deport them back to Bangladesh as a coercive tactic.

Counterterrorism experts warn that the collaboration between ISBP and Neo-JMB poses a serious threat. This alliance was responsible for the deadly Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka in 2016, one of the most devastating incidents in Bangladesh's history.

After maintaining a low profile following the 2016 attack, these groups have recently increased their activity, with support from the ISI. The Pakistani intelligence agency has been financing their operations and has involved Lashkar-e-Taiba for training purposes.

Currently, these groups are focused on executing attacks across various regions in India. A recent explosion at a madrasa in Keraniganj, near Dhaka, was initially thought to be an accidental detonation of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), a substance commonly used in Islamic State suicide bombings.

Additionally, it was discovered that Amin, the Dhaka Regional Commander, had allegedly transported 85 improvised explosive devices to multiple safe houses throughout Bangladesh.

Officials are concerned that there will be attempts to smuggle these explosives into India, explaining the recent surge in Neo-JMB activities in West Bengal and southern regions.

With elections scheduled this year in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, there are fears of attacks during this critical period. Last week, authorities arrested eight individuals from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Preliminary investigations revealed that these individuals, including illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, were plotting attacks in New Delhi and other states.

They primarily aimed to target temples, intending to disrupt communal harmony. Plans were also underway to attack the Red Fort in Delhi, according to the probe.

Officials express confidence that both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments will collaborate effectively to dismantle these groups, which pose a threat to both nations. Newly elected Prime Minister Tarrique Rahman has committed to a Bangladesh-first policy and has indicated a willingness to cooperate with India and other nations in the pursuit of stability and peace.