Islamic Funding of Local NGOs Must Be Probed: Indigenous Muslims

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Taking a critical and serious view of the various types of funding to NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in Assam by different Islamic countries, the ‘Janagosthiya Sammanay Parishad’ — an umbrella organization of 21 bodies of indigenous Muslims of the State — has demanded that “the government must carry out an inquiry of such NGOs”. Talking to The Sentinel, the Parishad coordinator, Muminul Aowal, said, “The issue assumes signifcance especially after the arrest of three alleged ISIS jehadis at Goalpara recently.”

He further pointed out, “Such sympathizers of international terrorist organizations were apprehended in Assam earlier as well. Many among them have exposed the links during interrogations by security personnel and agencies. Now, the time has arrived for the authorities concerned to institute a high-level probe into such nexus. All involved in the Goalpara incident must be brought to book.”

Parishad coordinator Aowal appealed to the people in general to “maintain a close eye on the NGOs being funded by Islamic countries. Therefore, we demand a scrutiny of the local organizations enjoying such patronage, and in what purpose(s) the money is being used for.”

Dwelling on the chaar areas generally inhabited by people of the minority community, Aowal said, “There must also be a regular security check on the people coming to and moving out of these riverine localities in Assam. Once this is done, everything will be crystal clear.”

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