A Daily Star report yesterday highlighted the matter citing specific examples which go to show that some militant groups are being financed by certain NGOs calling themselves 'Islamic'. An important finding relates to the funding of the budget of the banned Jama'atul Mujahideen from such sources.

Now, the crackdown on the militants will not produce the desired result as long as they continue to receive funds. The routes of financing are not being cut off and that amounts to ignoring a vital aspect of global networking. Without question, the costs of the high-tech operations that the militants have launched are huge and only regular inflow of funds could keep them running.

We have seen the government take on certain NGOs in the past, imputing political motives to their operations. In other words, steps that are at best opaque have been taken in the name of NGO management. But it is suspected that some NGOs with 'Islamic' label have been playing a role in funding the rise of militancy with impunity. This vital issue can no longer be sidetracked.

The government now has to make a determined effort to put an end to such dangerous NGO operation under the guise of an altruistic mission. We suggest that a special taskforce be immediately formed to look into the question of militancy financing. Of course, a line must be drawn between the Islamic NGOs engaged in humanitarian work and those aiding the militants. Those who use the name of Islam to exploit the religious sentiments of people to sow the seeds of extremism and fund extremist outfits must be identified and brought to book.