Al Qaida linked Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind, which announced Kashmiri terrorist Zakir Musa as its chief last month, has now made a call to spread jihad across India. The statement lays out the group's objective of targeting Indian Army and security forces or anyone else oppressing Muslims in Kashmir and other parts of India. The group also said that it is not regional in nature and its activities won't be limited by man-made borders; this has alarmed the security establishment.
Intelligence agencies are identifying its supporters in Kashmir, and according to a review the group has made inroads in Tral, slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani's and Musa's home town, sources said.
Zakir Musa, a former Hizbul member had to quit the terror outfit recently after he threatened to kill militants. While Hizbul ranks have made it clear that they don't comply with Musa's views, intelligence reports indicate that even after quitting, he enjoys some support within Hizbul.
Intelligence agencies are wary of Musa's reach outside Kashmir. "Since he did his higher education in Chandigarh, he does have links with people from other parts of the country who he could use to gather support," said an intelligence source.
The new group has said in its statement that it rejects polytheism and idol worship. It also said that it rejects every system that is non-Islamic — including democracy.
Officials say terror outfits in Kashmir have instructed their cadres to not get swayed by the call for jihad being advocated by the group and continue with their movement for Kashmir. "They might not be able to make an impact in Kashmir but its objectives say that they want to spread across India. This cannot be taken lightly and we are watching their activities and identifying links outside the state also," an intelligence official said.
HIZBUL LINKS
- Zakir Musa, a former Hizbul member had to quit the terror outfit recently after he threatened to kill militants.
- Intelligence reports indicate that even after quitting, he enjoys some support within Hizbul Mujahideen.
