Modi's 'utterances' have led to war against Muslims: al Qaeda India wing chief

Asim Umar takes responsibility for Bangladeshi bloggers murder

Asim Umar, chief of al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS) says a war was going on against Muslims. PHOTO: AFP

NEW DELHI:
Al Qaeda's Indian wing chief said in a video message that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'utterances' have led to a war against Muslims. 

Asim Umar, chief of al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS) said a war was going on against Muslims "through World Bank and IMF policies, drone attacks, Charlie Hebdo's writings, UN charter, official sermons by muftis and Narendra Modi's utterances."

Read: Italian police target al Qaeda inspired group planning attack in Pakistan

The video "From France to Bangladesh: The Dust Will Never Settle Down" was released by the terror outfit's media wing on May 2 and is currently being analysed by Indian intelligence.

In the video, Umar allegedly claimed responsibility for the murder of Bangladesh-born American blogger Avijit Roy, as well as of other Bangladeshi bloggers, including Oyasiqur Rahman Babu, Rajib Haider, and AKM Shafiul Islam


"The killing mission started in Pakistan with the murder of the secular Dr Shakeel Auj and blogger Aneeqa Naz," Umar said.

Read: A Qaeda establishes new branch in Indian subcontinent

The formation of AQIS was announced last year by al Qaeda chief Ayman al Zawahiri where he mentioned Burma, Bangladesh and Assam as some of the key areas of operation of the new group headed by Asim Umar.

While some media reports have said that Umar is possibly of north Indian origin and migrated to Pakistan in the nineties, Indian intelligence agencies say there is nothing to substantiate the claim.

This article originally appeared on International Business Times
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