Racism in IS barracks: Indians are at the bottom of the ladder

Foreign intelligence reports have revealed shocking practices of discrimination in the Islamic State against fighters from India, and some South Asian and African countries.

The Islamic State, though relatively young, has arguably become the most dreaded terrorist groups in the world. One of the things that sets it apart from other such outfits is its massive propaganda machinery in the cyber space that allows it to recruit foreign fighters.The group is fast gaining popularity in South Asia.

About 23 Indians are believed to have joined the outfit so far. According to reports, six of these have been killed in various IS operations.

Intelligence reports compiled by foreign agencies and shared with Indian intelligence have brought to light how racism against South Asians is common among the terror outfit. Indians and other South Asian recruits are considered inferior to Arab fighters and are often the first to be sacrificed.

Salaries and ammunition

Photo: Huseyin Nasir/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Indian and South Asian fighters are housed in smaller barracks which are more cramped as compared to the quarters assigned to other fighters. Their lodgings demarcate a distinct hierarchy from Arab fighters who are provided better quality amenities and accommodation.

Afsha Jabeen, Indian and recruiter for the IS was deported from the UAE on 11 September. File Photo

One of the ways the IS lures Muslims from across the world is by promising to have them wedded to Syrian women. However, Bangladeshis, Indians and Pakistanis are again considered the "lowest in the priority for Jihadi brides since they are considered ethnically inferior."

Selective access

File Photo

The racism is further institutionalised in the access that fighters are given to the higher ranks. The police force, which is higher in the hierarchy, is open only to fighters of Arab, Palestinian, Tunisian, Iraqi and Saudi Arabian origin.

The report also reveals that fighters from China, India, Pakistan and Nigeria are often housed collectively and closely watched by the IS police - indicating a lacuna of trust over fighters from these nationalities.

South Asian practices in Islam considered inferior

File Photo

The IS believes that the Islam propagated and practiced in India and other South Asian countries is a maligned version of the actual faith. Therefore, these fighters are considered less inspired towards the Islamic state's cause of Salafist jihad.

These "inferior" fighters are brainwashed once they join the IS ranks by instilling in them a fear of the Jinn (supernatural entities) who will haunt them if they attempt to return to their home countries.

As a further deterrent, the IS also destroys their passports as soon as they enter their territories in Iraq and Syria.

(Text by Geetika Mantri)