Bangladeshi Islamist Leader Tells Mamata to Declare Bengal's 'Independence' From Modi Rule

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the leader of the al-Qaida-affiliated Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), recently resurfaced with inflammatory rhetoric following his release by Bangladesh's interim government.

In a viral video, Rahmani called upon West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence."

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He further threatened the breakup of India, stating that Islamist flags would be "hoisted in Delhi."

Rahmani's threats extended beyond rhetoric against India's leadership. He vowed to cut off the Siliguri corridor, a vital link connecting India's northeastern states with the rest of the country, by enlisting China's support. "We will ask China to close the chicken's neck," he said, referring to the 20-kilometer stretch known as the "chicken's neck," adding that the "Seven Sisters" (the northeastern states) would join the "freedom movement."

Moreover, Rahmani's extremist message encouraged separatist movements across India, including the Khalistani insurgency in Punjab and ongoing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He exhorted Pakistan and Afghanistan to help liberate Kashmir, stating, "Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence."

Rahmani's history of extremism and ties to Pakistan-based terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) further highlight the security threat he poses. Intelligence reports suggest that ABT has been working to establish jihadi sleeper cells within India, particularly in Assam, where a terror plot was foiled in May 2024. Rahmani's message in the video serves as a stark warning, reinforcing the security concerns raised by his release.

Rahmani also criticized India for its association with former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, stating, "Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too." His return to the scene and open support for global jihadists, including al-Qaida, make his release a significant concern for India's national security.