“We should unitedly fight terrorism,” Rajnath Singh at SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of fighting terrorism together in the face of terrorists using new methods such as “social media and crowdfunding” at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers meeting, which began in New Delhi on Friday.

“We should unitedly fight terrorism. If SCO has to emerge stronger, we have to fight together. Terror groups are using new methods like social media and crowdfunding,” said Singh. The Defence Minister further stated that India is fully committed to making SCO stronger, contributing to the implementation of SCO’s mandate.

“India is fully committed to making SCO stronger, contributing to the implementation of SCO’s mandate and facing our common challenges,” added Singh.

Notably, United Nations proscribed Pakistani terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been seen openly collecting funds in Peshawar, according to several accounts.

“The open fundraising by the banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Peshawar, Pakistan, has raised concerns about the resurgence of extremist groups in the country. The group, responsible for several terrorist attacks,” tweeted Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled leader & founder of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP).

After the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) relaxed its sanctions last year, JeM resurfaced. They have openly received the support of Pakistani security personnel. The global terror-financing watchdog FATF announced Pakistan’s removal from its grey list in October 2022, stating that the country has largely completed its action plans on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing. Since June 2018, Pakistan has been on the FATF’s grey list.

Jaish Fund collection is visible throughout Pakistan, including Punjab, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, and other areas. The ease with which these organisations can openly collect funds raises concerns about the government’s ability to combat terrorist activity.

“To ensure a secure, stable and prosperous region, we need to focus on our agenda. This will help in improving the quality of life of the people of each member country,” said Singh at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting.