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Young terror recruit from Mumbai returns to ‘normal’ life - The Times of India
MUMBAI: Rubab Shah (name changed to protect identity) returned from a terror training camp three months ago, fully equipped to create havoc in the country. A few weeks later, however, he developed cold feet and had a change of heart. Unable to confide in anyone, he went through a month of turmoil before approaching the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
Shah, who says that he did not want to kill anyone or get caught for such crimes, admitted everything to the ATS officers and expressed his regret. Today, the 20-something MCom has a job on the recommendation of the police and earns Rs 25,000 a month.
Sources in the ATS say that Shah, who studied in Mumbai, was brainwashed to go for a month's training across the border. "He completed his training in assembling firearms, connecting explosive devices, identifying important locations, mixing explosives and fitting timer devices. He was also taught how to recruit more men and expand the network," says an officer.
After Rubab Shah approached the ATS, he was taken to its chief, Rakesh Maria. "We counselled and 'neutralized' him. Our fight is against terrorism, not terrorists," says Maria, who personally questioned Shah.
The ATS is now conducting a de-indoctrination programme for youngsters like Shah. "We are improving our information system and are trying to deradicalize those who are/were on the periphery of a terror network," says Maria. "We have begun working towards a good counselling system, which includes a de-indoctrination programme, and hope to get results in the next few years."
Maria says the ATS is actively identifying potential terror trainees with some help from NGOs. "There are some boys (who are part of sleeper cells) who do not have an active role, but I feel we should neutralize them," he says. "An important part of this is to eradicate the feelings of persecution that such people invariably harbour. We need to bridge the gap between the police and such communities."
The ATS is aware of a few people who have been involved in brainwashing youngsters and instigating them into terror training or becoming members of terror modules. Says Maria, "We have made it clear to such people that we know about their activities, and that if they do not stop doing this, they will be booked."
