'Even muslim religious scholars not spared'; NIA with new revelation about PFI hit list

KOCHI: As per new reports, Muslim leaders and religious scholars also found space in the hit list prepared by the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI). The decision was to 'eliminate anyone who opposes the interests of the PFI," according to a report submitted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to a special court in Kochi.

The NIA report states that the accused in the cases gave statements about planning murder of people they considered as infidels and kafirs. Documents and voice messages related to this have been collected. The cadres were taught to murder those who opposed the ideology of PFI, even if they were Muslims.

A plan was prepared to attack people belonging to different religious groups. A plan was made to assassinate several prominent Hindu leaders. Conspiracies were hatched at various places in which leaders and loyal workers participated.

The hit list was meticulously prepared and included information like photos, names, ages, and occupations. The NIA handed over the list of 1000 people PFI planned to murder to the court. However, their names have not been made public.

The Popular Front is the brainchild of former SIMI leaders and members who had links with international terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISIS and Al-Qaeda. They recruited youth for terrorist activities, used speeches, publications and social media to create hatred among the people and even recruited people with criminal nature to create fear, anxiety and insecurity among other religious groups. PFI even tried to bring disrepute to the country and the government and destroy unity. PFI’s stronghold was in Kerala.

PFI also worked through shadow organisations like Rehab Foundation, Campus Front of India, All India Imams Council, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and SDPI.