Nation on alert following Al-Qaeda video

Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called a meeting with intelligence chiefs over the video, media sources said.

It is learnt that the National security advisor and Home secretary were also present in the meeting.

MHA has asked IB to verify the authenticity of Zawahiri video and sought a report on Al Qaeda chief’s statement.

Union Home Ministry has also instructed the states to increase the security level, sources said.

In a new video released on Wednesday, the dreaded Al Qaeda leader has announced the formation of an Indian wing of the terrorists to take forward the "jihad" in this part of the world.

Zawahri announced the India wing for the Muslims of Burma, Bangladesh, Assam, Gujarat and Kashmir. He said the new wing will be in support of the Muslims facing oppression.

“Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent would be good news for Muslims in Burma, Bangladesh and in the Indian states of Assam, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir where they would be rescued from injustice and oppression,” Zawahiri was heard saying in Urdu and Arabic language.

In the 55 minute video message, Al-Qaeda supremo also lent his support to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

According to media sources, Intel agencies have told HM that as of now, no Al-Qaeda activities has been found in this country.

Giving reactions to media on the threat message, SK Nanda, the senior most official in the home department of Gujarat admitted that Centre has asked them to step up the security.

He said, “In the wake of this al-Qaeda video, we will be on a higher alert. We will work closely with the central government to tackle any threat posed to the state.”

Reacting to the video, Congress leader Manish Tewari said, “Government must take cognizance of this, and also put pressure on Pakistan to expedite 26/11 case.”