New Delhi: Political parties cutting across party lines have reacted sharply to the Al Qaeda video in which Ayman al-Zawahiri had announced the launching of a new branch in Indian sub-continent aimed at creating a new caliphate for Muslims.
BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi called for Islamic authorities to come out and condemn the Al Qaeda. He called the group enemy of Humanity.
“Al Qaeda is enemy of humanity. People associated with al Qaeda are wearing the garb of religion. They must know that India is capable to answer them in a firm manner. Such organizations have nothing to do with Islam. Islamic authorities should come and criticize them”, said Naqvi who happens to be an important Muslim face of the BJP.
Taking note of the gravity of perils that would ensue if the Al Qaeda penetrates to the Indian sub-continent, former Union Minister Manish Tewari urged the government to put pressure on Pakistan to expedite the 26/11 trial. He said that this would send a strong message to people aligned with extreme ideologies.
SP leader Gaurav Bhatia supported Manish Tewari's opinion and demanded the government to take action as soon as possible.
CPI's D Raja too condemned the statement of the Al Qaeda. “India is not a weak country to be cowed down by such threats. India has the capacity to deal with such threats. Indians will unite against them”, proclaimed Raja.
AAP Spokesperson Ashutosh said, “Zawahiri's statements are worrying. Intelligence agencies in India have to be very alert.”
In the 55-minute video posted online, Zawahari pledged renewed loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar, the BBC reported Wednesday.
Announcing the formation of "Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent", Zawahiri spoke in both Arabic and Urdu languages.
"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 added.
