The crackdown on the Hizbut Tawhid activists follows the operations against similar outfits in the recent times which led to the arrest of a number of Islamic radicals. Now, there is no way of dismissing such groups lightly, given the nature and magnitude of their campaign. The Hizbut Tawhid is reported to have spread its network to more than 60 districts with around 30,000 activists. If that is true it is really indicative of the organisation expanding itself in a planned way without our knowing it much. We should not be caught unawares by such developments.

The arrests have also made it plain that quite a few organisations have sprung up in the country with the sole agenda of destabilising society. Interestingly enough, these organisations have their own interpretation of religion and militancy; and their modus operandi includes feats of violent, frenzied action. So, it is obvious that the task of eliminating the threat of religious militancy is far more complex than was generally thought in the past. Clearly, the law enforcers will have to operate on several fronts.

One noticeable aspect of the fight against the militants is that the presence of any group is usually overlooked until it resorts to violence or extreme measures. However, a more sensible and effective course of action would be to monitor their recruitment and training procedures, sources of funds etc. and counter them forcefully.

The point of worry is that the Islamic militants seem to be regrouping in different shape or form under the banner of this or that party. We must not forget that they are trying to attain the same goal through following more or less the same path. So their plan must be thwarted well before they can cause any damage.