Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), which is under the scanner for its alleged links with terror organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS), has joined hands with Maoist affiliates to support each other and are now targeting the "Hindutva" state government of Jharkhand.

The latest ministry of home affairs report sent to the state government on 27 June has warned about this new terror alliance.

The report, accessed by My Nation, claims that recently-arrested PFI secretary Rona Wilson, along with a woman identified as Vasantha Kumari, met Jharkhand officials and ministers asking them to lift the ban imposed on the PFI and Maoist affiliate, Mazdoor Sangathan Samiti (MSS). Both organisations also helped each other in providing lawyers to fight the case, according to the report.

"There is a growing convergence between Maoist affiliates and the Popular Front of India/PFI following bans imposed by Jharkhand government on the Mazdoor Sangathan Samiti/MSS, CPI-Maoist front and PFI. Consequently, both aides have echoed each others' causes and in the process, targeted the 'Hindutva' state government," the MHA said in its report sent to the Jharkhand government.

"On the Maoist side, reliable inputs indicate that Anjani Kumar Mal played a significant role in helping lawyers representing PFI build bridges with MSS lawyers in the Jharkhand High Court. Earlier, individuals closely linked with Maoist affiliates, including Rona Wilson (secretary, public relations, Committee for Release of Political Prisoners) and Vasantha Kumari (member, Committee for Defence and Release of GN Saibaba) called on the Jharkhand government to lift the ban on the PFI. Separately, People's Union for Democratic Rights, a pro-CPI/Maoist (organisation), had demanded revocation of the ban," the MHA said.

This is not the first time when the PFI and Maoist affiliates have come together for destabilising law and order situation in the country. "In the past, convergence between Maoist affiliates and the PFI/NCHRO was witnessed in Kerala in the aftermath of the killing (24 November, 2016) of two senior Maoist leaders in district Malappuram. 

"Anti-Fake Encounter Front and Anti-Unlawful Activites (Prevention) Act Forum were formed by both sides to progress the anti-government propaganda. As part of their strategy, Maoist affiliates have attempted to form 'tactical united fronts' with like-minded organisations across different theatres to push their narrative," the MHA added. 

The home ministry has asked the Jharkhand government to closely monitor the activities of these Maoist affiliates and take all necessary measures to tackle them.