Indian Mujahideen has resurfaced with a statement against Assam’s eviction drive, raising concerns of an ISI-backed revival. Security agencies warn the outfit may be attempting a comeback to act as Pakistan’s “homegrown” cover for terror in India, exploiting regional tensions and reactivating sleeper cells across multiple states.
India’s security agencies are on high alert following a recent statement issued by the banned terror outfit, the Indian Mujahideen (IM). Once considered one of the most dangerous homegrown terror groups, the IM resurfaced unexpectedly with a message criticizing the Assam government’s ongoing eviction drive to clear illegally occupied land. The seven-minute statement urged supporters to resist the drive, framing it as an attack on particular communities — a move that security experts believe is an attempt to exploit regional tensions and rebuild its base.
A Dormant Group Stirs Again
Between 2008 and 2014, the Indian Mujahideen carried out some of the deadliest terror attacks in India. Known for its audacity, the group often sent emails warning of attacks just hours before they were executed. However, the arrest of key leaders, including Yasin Bhatkal, severely weakened the group. With most of its leadership either behind bars or neutralized, the IM gradually faded into obscurity.
Yet, its founders, Riyaz and Iqbal Bhatkal, remain at large in Pakistan under the patronage of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rumors of a revival attempt had circulated for years, but no concrete evidence emerged until now. This latest statement has triggered concerns that the ISI may be preparing to relaunch the outfit as a “homegrown” cover for terrorism inside India.
Exploiting Regional Tensions
Security analysts point out that the IM has a history of exploiting sensitive local issues to radicalize vulnerable populations. In its earlier phase, the outfit repeatedly invoked the Babri Masjid demolition to rally support. Now, it appears to be attempting the same strategy by exploiting the Assam eviction drive — a deeply contentious issue tied to illegal migration from Bangladesh.
The Assam government has defended its actions, stating that eviction drives are essential to restore rightful land ownership and ensure national security. Officials emphasize that unchecked illegal migration from Bangladesh has created demographic pressures and security risks, making such measures unavoidable.
Nevertheless, the IM’s attempt to position itself as a defender of marginalized groups shows its strategy of reviving its influence through polarizing narratives.
ISI’s Denial Strategy
Indian intelligence agencies suspect that the ISI is directly backing this revival attempt. In the past, Pakistan benefited from the IM’s operations because they gave Islamabad a degree of deniability. Attacks by the group could be portrayed as the actions of an indigenous outfit rather than cross-border terrorism.
Following India’s tough stance after incidents like Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has been searching for proxies that can carry out attacks without leaving fingerprints pointing back to Islamabad. The ISI is believed to be reworking its strategy to rely on such groups for future operations. Reviving the IM across India and strengthening the Hizbul Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmir appear to be part of this larger plan.
Testing the Waters
Indian agencies believe the IM’s latest statement is a “test case.” The group may be probing the ground to gauge support, radicalize potential followers, and assess the feasibility of mobilizing sleeper cells. If successful, more such provocative messages could follow.
A major concern is that remnants of the IM network still exist in states like Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. While some sympathizers have gone underground, others have shifted allegiance to global outfits like the Islamic State. Experts warn that activating these networks would not be difficult for the Bhatkal brothers if they receive the ISI’s green light.
A Renewed Threat Landscape
The resurfacing of the Indian Mujahideen comes at a time when India faces renewed security challenges along its eastern borders. The political changes in Bangladesh, coupled with growing anti-India sentiment in certain quarters, have created fresh vulnerabilities. These conditions provide fertile ground for external actors like the ISI to exploit.
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For India, the revival of the Indian Mujahideen would represent not just the return of a terror outfit but also a dangerous shift in Pakistan’s strategy. By relying on seemingly homegrown groups, Pakistan hopes to blur accountability while continuing its proxy war.
As agencies monitor the situation, one thing is clear: the IM’s reemergence is not coincidental but part of a calculated plan. The Assam message may be just the beginning of a broader campaign. How India responds to this potential revival will determine whether the country can neutralize this threat before it gains momentum once again.
