Intelligence agencies across the country have once again expressed concern over the activities of the Tablighi Jamaat. The agencies allege that foreign members of the organization are misusing tourist, student, and medical visas to engage in religious propagation in India, which is in violation of visa conditions. According to intelligence sources, foreign Jamaat members in several districts of Maharashtra are participating in religious campaigns such as ‘Chilla’ (preaching tours) while staying in small groups. They are now avoiding large gatherings or mosques, instead residing in private hotels, lodges, and homes to evade the attention of authorities. Arrangements for their stay, food, and movement are made by local supporters. State agencies have recommended increased vigilance during festivals, particularly the Ganpati festival, as involvement in promotional activities by any foreign national could affect social harmony. Agencies are fully alert on this matter. After the COVID-19 related controversy linked to the Nizamuddin Markaz in 2020, the central government tightened visa rules. Strict restrictions are now in place on religious preaching, participation in Ijtimas, or distribution of literature under any visa category. Thousands of foreign nationals were blacklisted at that time, and entry into India was prohibited for 10 years. Agencies also have doubts about the financial transparency of the Tablighi Jamaat. Intelligence inputs have revealed instances of Hawala funding, undeclared foreign funds, and violations of FCRA laws. The CBI and ED are both investigating to ascertain the source of funding. FIRs have also been registered at the local level in some sensitive districts of Maharashtra for building unauthorized religious sites and unregistered gatherings. NGOs and trusts involved in these activities are also under investigation. Although the Tablighi Jamaat itself does not promote violence, agencies are concerned that some of its former members have later joined terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the organization’s activities is in place. A senior security official stated that the monitoring is not focused on religious activities but on violations of visa conditions. They emphasized that any foreign national engaging in religious propagation in India on an incorrect visa, or constructing without permission, will be subject to action under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and relevant laws.
