IM threatens Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, May 20: A newly-floated terrorist outfit, Indian Mujahideen (IM), has threatened Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh for opposing their activities in the name of Islam. The IM, which claimed to have carried out the May 13 serial blasts in Jaipur, sent letters to several Muslim clerics in the state, threatening them not to denounce the organisation or they would be considered as betrayers. In the five-page letter to the clerics, the outfit quoting the holy Koran and Islamic Shari'ah said they allow the Mujahideens to go to any extent or use anything to crush the 'enemy' to protect the religion. It further warned them that if they continue to oppose the Mujahideens they would be considered as betrayers.

Renowned Sunni cleric and Imam of Aisbagh mosque Maulana Khalid Rashid, who also received the letter, said the clerics have already informed senior police officials about the threat. "We have handed over the copy of the letter to the police but we did not file an FIR over the issue," the Maulana said. Senior police officials here have admitted receiving a copy of the letter but refused to comment over the issue. Earlier, several calls threatening blasts in the state, were made to police also. The DGP and other police officials received SMSes threatening attacks on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

On May 19, a PRO of North Eastern railway received a similar threat of attack on railway premises. Aligarh GRP inspector received a threat of attack on VVIP trains and other important places in the state. Maulana Rashid said the letter might be in the context of a conference held in Lucknow on February 2 where several clerics and ulemas had criticised terrorism and asked the people not to link it with Islam.

The IM had written letters to Maulana Mehmood Madni, Arshad Madni, Asgar Mahndi, Jalaluddin Umri, Zakir Naikd and Khalid Rashid. It also warned police against arresting ''innocent people''. They claimed to have formed three wings-- Shahbuddin Gouri Brigade (to carry out attacks in southern India), Mahmood Ghaznvi Brigade (for northern parts) and Shaheed Al-Zarqawi Brigade (for sucide attacks).

Quoting verses from the Quran, the letter was signed by one Guru-AL-Hind.

UNI