Tajik Officials Conduct ‘Door-to-Door’ Lectures on Extremism for Youth
The government in Tajikistan is taking proactive measures to combat the rise of religious extremism within its borders. More than 1,800 state workers in the southern region of Khatlon have been deployed to go door-to-door to educate residents about the dangers of joining extremist groups under the guise of Islam.
The Door-To-Door campaign, part of a wider effort to tackle extremism, aims to raise awareness about online recruitment tactics used by terrorist organizations. Khatlon Governor Davlatali Saeed expressed concern over the increasing number of young people joining extremist groups in the region, prompting the mobilization of teams to visit households and engage with both young people and their parents.
Authorities have highlighted the connection between Tajik nationals working in Russia and their susceptibility to being radicalized. A study by the Tajik Interior Ministry revealed that a significant percentage of Tajik citizens who joined groups like Islamic State were recruited while working abroad. The prevalence of “Internet imams” using social media to target migrant workers has been identified as a major threat to national security.
The urgency to address extremism stems from recent incidents involving Tajik nationals carrying out or plotting terrorist acts in various countries, including Russia, Iran, the United States, and Europe. The government’s efforts to combat extremism extend beyond the Door-To-Door campaign to include initiatives like Village-By-Village and Street-By-Street campaigns, as well as promoting national Tajik clothing for women as a means of countering extremist ideologies.
While the door-to-door visits serve as a crucial step in raising awareness, there is recognition that addressing the root causes of radicalization, such as unemployment and lack of economic opportunities, is essential in preventing vulnerable individuals from being swayed by extremist propaganda. By combining outreach efforts with sustainable solutions that provide hope for the future, Tajikistan aims to safeguard its citizens from falling prey to radical ideologies.
The government’s proactive approach to addressing extremism underscores the growing threat posed by online recruitment tactics and the need for comprehensive strategies to counter radicalization. Through a combination of awareness campaigns, community engagement, and economic empowerment, Tajikistan is working to protect its citizens and promote stability in the face of extremist influences.
