BIRBHUM: Nasimuddin Mian is a pious Muslim and a patriotic Indian who condemns terrorism.
He is firm in his stand even when it concerns his son – Moshiruddin, a suspected ISIS recruiter who is now being questioned by central investigative agencies. The 62-year-old said, “I don’t know whether he is a terrorist, but if he was involved in any anti-national activity, then as a father I demand his punishment. Islam doesn’t approve of any kind of terrorism or violence.”
Villagers of Bhirbum, 182 kms from Kolkata, are in fear after Moshiruddin’s arrest. Any question about Moshiruddin alias Musha go unanswered. Nasimuddin owns a two-storey brick house without any cement plaster near the local mosque at Registry Office locality in this small town.
Musha is the second of the five sons in the family. “I was informed of Musha’s arrest by our imam,” Nasimuddin said. A district police team first visited his home after Musha’s arrest on Tuesday and questioned all the family members. Since then, hordes of people have visited Nasimuddin’s home.
He did not know their identity but were later told they were sleuths. Seven years ago Musha married a local girl, Saira Banu, who resided nearby in another locality. Nasimuddin said, “Around five years back he left along with his wife. At that time he said he was going to Tamil Nadu to set up a grocery shop. He did not ask for any financial help.
“Musha used to come at least twice a year with his family, but was always put up at his in-laws’ home and never visited us. The last time he came was around four months ago. Around a fortnight ago, he called to say he would come to Labhpur. We hoped he would also come home during Eid,” said Nasimuddin, who appeared calm for someone whose son had been arrested.
Musha’s mother Zakirabibi, who also seemed to be a strong-hearted woman remarked, “My husband is a devout Muslim. We run our family with his meagre income. The three sons send money at times and Musha also used to send. We knew it was from his income from the grocery shop.”
Musha’s mother-in-law refused to speak, but some people of that Paschimpara did open up, “Whenever Musha would come several strangers would visit the home. Musha used to say they were his friends from outside West Bengal. They never spoke to us.”