Washington, May 18 (HS): A suspected member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba has been appointed to the White House’s Advisory Board of Leaders, raising alarm both in India and globally. Ismail Rayar, previously known as Rendell Rayar, has been linked to Islamic jihadists and is alleged to have participated in terrorist activities, including involvement with Lashkar’s training center in Pakistan around 2000 and attacks in Kashmir.

Alongside him, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, a Muslim scholar and co-founder of Zaytuna College, has also been nominated. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer has voiced strong disapproval of the appointments, criticizing the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump for what she deems a self-destructive decision. Loomer highlighted Rayar’s past, including a 2004 conviction for terrorism that resulted in a 20-year sentence, of which he served 13 years. Rayar had previously expressed admiration for Lashkar, claiming they aren’t an extremist group, further fueling the controversy surrounding his appointment.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar