Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HT) is a transnational Islamist political organization with a bold and uncompromising mission - establishing a unified global caliphate governed by strict Islamic law. Its history dates back to 1953 when it was founded in Jerusalem by Sheikh Taqiuddin al-Nabhani as a Salafi movement. Ever since, it has spread across over 50 countries. It has infiltrated diverse regions such as West Asia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. 

The growing presence of the organization, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations, poses potential threats to the national security of many countries. In a country like India, where the Muslim population exceeds 200 million, HT's ideology poses a threat to the country's democratic and social fabric by possibly deepening social divides.

Ideological foundations: An appeal to the disenchanted

HT's ideology aims to establish a singular Caliphate governed by Sharia law. It presents Islamist ideology as an alternative to both capitalism and secular democracy. While doing so, it rejects ideas of nation-states, secular governance, and democracy. HT professes non-violence, but in reality its teachings inspire a radical perspective that often aligns with more militant Islamist organizations.

HT maintains that it does not want to restore the caliphate "in any of the Western countries" but rather only in the Muslim world. However, HT uses anti-western propaganda to advance its Islamist objectives. For example, Taji Mustafa, the British media spokeswoman for HT, often openly criticized Western values and praised HT's ideological vision at public rallies. Mustafa's speeches highlight the organization's appeal to disenfranchised youth, particularly those frustrated by perceived injustices in the political and economic systems around them. HT amplifies its messages through social media by targeting young people around the globe and portraying a utopian vision of Islamic governance. However, this mainly raises concern in many countries due to the potential threat of radicalization of the population.

Understanding Hizb ut-Tahrir's global reach 

For a considerable amount of time, HT has expanded its influence globally. The group has shown great ability to influence the youth by spreading propaganda which resonates with local grievances. Thus, it has attracted diverse followers and raised significant concerns over domestic security issues. It has been banned in over a dozen countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Russia, and Turkey. Evolving through these, the group has adopted more covert and decentralized structures in other countries, making it difficult to contain.

In Europe, HT has widespread influence, with an estimated 10,000 members in the United Kingdom alone. The HT's headquarters in Britain is considered a nerve center for its activities around the globe. In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have reported active HT cells. The HT's spokesperson in Indonesia, Muhammad Ismail Yusanto, had more than 35000 followers on Twitter before suspending his account in 2020, indicating the active presence of the group in the region.

HT has a firm hold in Central Asia. Recent estimates suggest that the region has 20,000 to 100,000 active members. Its membership has attracted many college students, teachers, and jobless individuals. The authorities in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have reported extensive crackdown on group members.

Additionally, the group uses social media for its online presence, which further helps expand its reach to areas where it needs a formal presence. Due to this strategy, its reach has grown significantly in various regions. Therefore, finding and disbanding the group has become more challenging for local authorities.   

Implications for Indian national security

In India, HT's message poses particular risks. India has a sizable Muslim population which exceeds 200 million, and around 47 percent of it consists of a young population under the age of 19. Socio-economic challenges of the community make the youth population vulnerable to the group's radical propaganda. This is especially concerning as India grapples with its own extremist threats.

In India, HT has cells in states such as Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, where it has infiltrated educational and other vocational institutions. In Southern India, it has also reportedly engaged in shooting training. Ziyavudeen Baqavi and Bava Bahrudeen are notable figures in HT southern India.

In May 2023, The joint operation by the Intelligence Bureau, the Anti-Terror Squad of Madhya Pradesh, and the Counterintelligence Wing of Telangana exposed various covert networks and individuals involved in the operations. By August 2023, the operation had helped to arrest or detain 17 people linked to the organization.

India's Ministry of Home Affairs has reported over 300 cases of radicalization between 2014 and 2020, illustrating the appeal of extremist narratives among segments of the population. HT's ideology, even without directly promoting violence, could exacerbate these trends.

Countering the Threat: A multi-faceted approach

HT has demonstrated an impressive capacity to adapt to social media usage to propagate its propaganda. It becomes imperative to use a multilayered approach to counter this kind of threat. In the context of India, authorities could enhance digital monitoring efforts by focusing on early warning systems to detect HT-related content in digital media. It also becomes imperative to address socioeconomic difficulties. Countering HT's radical narrative could be achieved by involving local Muslim populations in programs that support economic opportunity, social integration, and education.

International cooperation is critical 

International cooperation is, therefore, essential to dismantling the organization. India's capacity to tackle extremism could be strengthened by exchanging intelligence and learning from successful counter-extremism efforts of various nations where HT is active.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir poses a threat to India's national security because of its extremist ideology and global reach. Its existence can exacerbate conflicts between sects, challenge secular ideals, and create more pathways for extremism. Acknowledging it as a component of a broader, international ideological challenge is critical. India should defend its democratic and secular underpinnings by adopting a proactive strategy that combines digital vigilance, community involvement, and international cooperation.

 (The author is a postgraduate student of politics and international relations at Pondicherry University. His areas of interest include terrorism and conflict studies. Views are personal. He can be contacted at uttkarshingle125@gmail.com )