India declares Hizb-ut-Tahrir terrorist organisation

India has banned Hizb-Ut-Tahrir, an international Islamic organization formed in Jerusalem in 1953 with branches in many parts of the world under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Announcing the decision on X, Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Pursuing Narendra Modi Ji's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the MHA today declared Hizb-Ut-Tahrir as a terrorist organisation".

"The outfit is involved in various acts of terror, including radicalizing the gullible youths to join terrorist organizations and raise funds for terror activities, posing a serious threat to the national security and sovereignty of India. The Modi government is committed to securing Bharat by dealing (with) the forces of terror with an iron fist," Shah added.

In a formal notification, MHA said the outfit was involved "in radicalisation and motivation of gullible youth to join terrorist organisations, such as ISIS, and raising funds for terror activities".

"Hizb-Ut-Tahrir (HuT) is an organisation which aims to establish Islamic State and caliphate globally including in India by overthrowing democratically elected governments through jihad and terrorist activities by involving citizens of the country, which is a grave threat to the democratic setup and internal security of the country".

The ministry said HuT is involved in the "radicalisation and motivation of gullible youth to join terrorist organisations, such as ISIS and raising funds for terror activities". The outfit was also promoting terrorism by using various social media platforms and secure apps.

The MHA move comes days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) this week launched a crackdown on HuT operatives in Tamil Nadu and arrested a key suspect on charges of spreading disaffection and secessionism by promoting the ideology of HuT, reports Hindustan Times.