For first time al-Qaeda declares it is active in Kashmir

Indian security agencies say that for now there is nothing to indicate the presence of a large al-Qaeda spread in the Valley.

For the first time in Kashmir, the al-Qaeda has claimed that it is active. An announcement on the Global Islamic Media Front stated that Zakir Musa who recently quit the Hizbul Mujahideen will now head the al-Qaeda.

He would fight against Indian rule, the statement also read. Zakir Musa will head al-Qaida-linked Ansar Ghawzat-ul-Hind, the statement further read. Further it stated that the group will "repel the aggression of tyrant Indian invaders, and through jihad, and with the aid of Allah ... we will liberate our homeland Kashmir."

Musa recently left Kashmir's largest indigenous rebel group, Hizbul Mujahideen, and is believed to have been joined by less than a dozen others.

Indian security agencies say that for now there is nothing to indicate the presence of a large al-Qaeda spread in the Valley. Musa had made given several indications that he was leaning towards the al-Qaeda after he quit the Hizbul. An officer informed that this is yet another creation by Pakistan to spread unrest in the Valley.

OneIndia News