Al Qaeda announces cell in Jammu and Kashmir

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Al Qaeda announces cell in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi - Political separatist leaders and militant commanders have been denying a link between militancy in the state and movements like Al Qaeda and Daesh.

By IANS

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Published: Thu 27 Jul 2017, 4:52 PM

Last updated: Thu 27 Jul 2017, 6:53 PM

Terror outfit Al Qaeda on Thursday officially announced the establishment of its unit in Jammu and Kashmir, naming former Hizbul Mujahideen militant Zakir Musa as its chief in the state.

The announcement was made by a media wing of Al Qaeda.

The online propaganda wing disseminated a statement on social media, declaring Musa, a close aide of slain militant Burhan Wani, as its leader in the state.

"A new movement...has been founded by the companions of Wani under the leadership of Zakir Musa," the statement said. The new Al Qaeda cell has been named Ansar Ghawzat-ul-Hind.

Though there have been speculations earlier that Al Qaeda was making inroads in the state, this is the first official confirmation from the terror network about its presence in the state.

Political separatist leaders and militant commanders have been denying a link between militancy in the state and movements like Al Qaeda and Daesh.

Musa asked Kashmiris not to "fall for nationalism" as it was a sin.

"I see many people in Kashmir are engaged in a war of nationalism, which is forbidden. The fight in Jammu and Kashmir should not be for the sake of the state."

The 23-year-old militant also threatened to kill Hurriyat leaders if they spoke for nationalism.


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