New al-Qaeda document details deadly new strategy for Indian subcontinent
Al-Qaeda has released a document which details the objectives and targets of its members in the Indian subcontinent, especially in Kashmir. The 'Code of conduct for Mujahideen in the subcontinent' calls for attacks on Indian security forces and leaders of Hindu "separatist" organizations. The document names Maulana Asim Umar from Sambhal, UP, as the 'emir' (leader) of the al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
What is al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent?
AQIS was founded by al-Qaeda chief Ayman al Zawahiri and Asim Umar in September 2014. Officials said the AQIS is backed by Pakistani intelligence agency ISIS and has sleeper cells across India. Former Hizbul commander Zakir Musa had founded a new outfit in Kashmir, openly acknowledging the AQIS' support. Indian intelligence agencies said they're keeping a close tab on AQIS after the recent development.
Al-Qaeda considers all military personnel as targets for attacks
"All personnel of the military are our targets, whether they be in the war zone or in barracks at their bases. Even the personnel on vacation are not exempted due to their battle against implementation of sharia," al-Qaeda said in the document.
Al-Qaeda targets military personnel who have spilled "Kashmiri brothers'" blood
"Officers are a greater priority than soldiers. The greater is the seniority, greater is our priority to kill him," according to the al-Qaeda document. "Those officers of the military who have the blood of our Kashmiri brothers on their hands are our targets," it added The development comes days after the brutal lynching of DSP Ayub Pandith outside Srinagar's Jamia Mosque.
Al-Qaeda calls for kidnappings, hostage exchanges for imprisoned members
The document calls for kidnappings, saying that hostages should be traded for a "brother," a ransom or be killed. More worryingly, al-Qaeda has invited various violent Islamist groups in the subcontinent to pledge their allegiance to "Islamic emirate of Afghanistan," the name adopted by the ousted Taliban regime in Afghanistan. It also called for attacks on targets in Pakistan, Arakan (Myanmar) and Bangladesh.
