Ayman al-Zawahiri, the chief of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, has released a new video message, which also talks about the ongoing hijab controversy in India. Intelligence sources told our partner channel CNN-News18 that this video message is purely propaganda and the organization’s attempt to increase its base in India.
He said that earlier international terrorist organizations used to target India only on Kashmir but now they are talking on some specific issues as well.
In the video, Al-Zawahiri also reportedly praised Muskan Khan, a Muslim student from Karnataka. Muskan had emerged as a prominent face of the pro-hijab protests and is known for fighting ‘Allahu Akbar’ to a crowd of boys chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Zawahiri also said that Indian Muslims should ‘react to this persecution’.
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This is the first video of an al-Qaeda chief in several months. For the past year or two, there was speculation that al-Zawahiri, who took command of al-Qaeda after Osama bin Laden, was dead. However, in his new video, Al-Zawahiri has given proof of his existence by referring to recent issues like India’s hijab controversy.
In a message in Arabic, Zawahiri said, “…we must dispel the delusions that entangle us. We must stop being deceived by the guise of India’s pagan Hindu democracy, which from the very beginning has been trying to oppress Muslims. was nothing more than a tool.” The US-based SITE Intelligence Group has translated Zawahiri’s speech into English.
Intelligence sources said the emotive issue of hijab is now being used by world’s top terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and Islamic State (ISIS). This video message should be an eye opener for Indian Muslims. He said the time has come for Indian Muslims to rethink their opposition to the matter.
Intelligence sources said that the hijab-related protests in Kashmir were also supported by terrorist groups. According to intelligence sources, al-Zawahiri’s statement is being seen by some radical elements as their support, but his statement will not have any effect on the Indian people.