National Towheeth Jamaath, the group suspected to be behind Sri Lanka blasts

The National Towheeth Jamaath, which preaches a puritanical form of Islam, was formed in Kattankudy, a Muslim-dominated town in eastern Sri Lanka, in 2014.

Even as Sri Lanka tries to pick up the pieces after a series of co-ordinated bomb blasts ripped through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, leaving more than 290 people dead, the name of a little-known Islamic radical group National Towheeth Jamaath has cropped up as being responsible for the attacks.

Sri Lankan Health Minister and government spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne said the National Towheeth Jamaath was suspected to be behind the deadly serial bomb blasts. He also said that all suicide bombers involved in the blasts were believed to be Sri Lankan nationals. “There may be international links to them (National Towheeth Jamaath),” he added.

Till now, about 24 persons have been arrested in connection with the eight bombs blasts that left nearly 500 people injured.

Notably, the National Towheeth Jamaath, which preaches a puritanical form of Islam, was formed in Kattankudy, a Muslim-dominated town in eastern Sri Lanka, in 2014. The group has been pushing for Sharia law in the region and wants women to dress only in burqas.

While the outfit has no history of mass fatality attacks, it is known for racism and Islamic superiority. It shot into the limelight last year when it was linked to the vandalism of Buddhist statues. It’s activities had led to tension between Buddhists (who dominate Sri Lanka), and Muslims.