JuD is looking for game, mobile programmers

Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa has realised that mobile Internet is the future and that by foraying into it they would have a larger reach. Vicky Nanjappa reports why Indian agencies are visibly upset by the development

The Jamaat-ud-Dawah, the charitable organisation considered to be the front for terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba, are looking for persons who can program and develop games and mobile phone applications for them.

The Twitter handle of the outfit -- JuD_Official -- has called for developers and programers who could highlight the work of the organisation through games and mobile applications.

According to the JuD, these applications would be used for a 'noble causes' spreading the teachings of the Quran.

Through these applications the organisation also seeks to reach out to the people during times of emergency and provide information.

Even on the gaming sector, the JuD aims to have games that would relate more to religion and teach gamers about the values of Islam.

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The Intelligence Bureau is terming this as an interesting development.

IB officials told rediff.com, 'They were quick to enter the social networking space and had dedicated accounts both on Facebook and Twitter. Now this is an interesting move as they have decided to further their cause through mobile applications and games."

Agencies feel that the JuD's games could very well be another form of brainwashing the youth as was done through their websites earlier.

Often there have been coded messages sent through such platforms, which have helped terrorists go about their work more easily. In so far as the mobile applications that the JuD proposes to launch, Indian agencies will observe this aspect carefully.

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In the case of social networking sites, many agencies woke up late to the dangers it posed. By the time the same was discovered, a lot of damage had been done. Not only major terror groups, even self-styled and self-motivated youths have been using the social network to communicate.

The interrogation of Lashkar terrorist Abu Jundal proved beyond doubt the use of this medium, especially by the LeT. Not only had he created 20 different accounts, but he used services like Facebook, Orkut, blogging platforms and also Youtube to convey messages.

Not one of these accounts had any relevant information, but each was meant to step up the recruitment process.

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On Jundal's network messages such as 'Mohammad is our commander' and 'Allah our Lord', 'Quran the ultimate guide' and 'jihad should be our path' were found.

He also explained in details the importance of both Khilafat and Shahadat.

Officials are worried that JuD's latest endeavour would meet with the same fate.

While the games would reach a select few in the market, the mobile applications would have a greater reach.

Even the JuD has realised that mobile Internet is the future and that by foraying into it they would have a larger reach.