Harakat ul-Ansar / Harakat ul-Mujahidin
Harakat ul-Ansar / Harakat ul-Mujahidin is a Pakistan-based militant organization that has been notably active in Indian-administered Kashmir. Originally part of the Afghan Islamic resistance during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s, this organization has significantly impacted regional security and geopolitics.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: حركة الأنصار (Harakat ul-Ansar), حركة المجاهدين (Harakat ul-Mujahidin)
- Turkish: Ensar Hareketi, Mücahid hareketi
Historical Background
Founded in October 1993 by Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Khalil, a Deobandi scholar and activist, Harakat ul-Ansar emerged from the Afghan Islamic resistance against Soviet occupation in the 1980s. It articulated a pan-Islamic vision aiming for “one flag, one government, and one state” for the Muslim world.
Organizational Evolution and Ideology
After gaining notoriety for its activities in Indian-administered Kashmir, including the assassination of four Western tourists, the group was declared a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. In response, the organization rebranded itself as Harakat ul-Mujahidin in 1997, establishing its headquarters in Muzaffarabad, Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
Decline and Banning
In the wake of growing international and domestic pressure, compounded by Pakistan’s efforts to control militant activities within its borders, Harakat ul-Mujahidin was banned by the Pakistani government in December 2001.
Key Personalities
- Mawlana Fazlur Rahman Khalil: Founder, Deobandi scholar, and activist.
Takeaways
- Harakat ul-Ansar/Harakat ul-Mujahidin has played a complicated and often destructive role in regional conflicts, especially in Kashmir.
- The group’s evolution underscores the shifting dynamics of militant organizations in response to geopolitical pressures and state interventions.
- Despite its influence, the ultimate banning of the organization highlights the challenges faced by such groups in sustaining long-term operational capacity.
Suggested Readings
- “Islam and the Challenge of Human Rights” by Abdulaziz Sachedina: Offers insights into the broader ideological currents that inform groups like Harakat ul-Ansar/Harakat ul-Mujahidin.
- “The Taliban’s War on Women” by Amnesty International: Provides relevant context to understand the shared ideological underpinnings with other militant groups.
- “The Terror Conundrum” by Imran Khan: Discusses Pakistan’s internal struggle with militant organizations within its borders.
- “Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia” by Ahmed Rashid: Provides a broader regional perspective that complements understanding of Kashmir-based organizations.
Conclusion
Harakat ul-Ansar / Harakat ul-Mujahidin reflect the labyrinthine web of ideology, resistance, and militancy affecting South Asia’s most volatile regions. Understanding their history and ideological background offers a crucial glimpse into the interplay of local and international forces that shape the security dynamics of the region.
This entry aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the entity, situating its activities and significance within broader regional and historical contexts.
