Al-Qaeda’s Kashmir Affiliate Demands Unity Among Jihadists, Proposes To Form A ‘Shura’

With Indian security forces tightening their grip on Pakistan backed jihadi outfits operating in the Kashmir valley the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansar Ghazwatul Hind has called for cooperation among various militant outfits as they struggle to face the Indian forces, reports FirstPost.

Head of the Al Qaeda affiliate in the valley, Hameed Lelhari wants to create a conference or ‘Shura’ with representatives from all jihadi groups. The 26 minute-long video by Hameed Lelhari who became the Emir after security forces gunned down the group’s founder Zakir Musa has laid down three principles for the proposed militant "shura".

1. The enforcement of Allah's law in Allah's land.

2. Any pre-existing disagreements among militants in Kashmir to be put aside and military decisions would be taken on the ground realities and strategic interests.

3. Separation of jihad's interests from organisational and individual interests or agency goals (referring to Pakistani intelligence services).

Also, two representatives from each jihadi group are to form a military council acting in concert with other jihadi groups with the overall goal to keep “Jihad alive and strong.”

The idea however, might not find much traction with other groups, due to mutual mistrust and with Pakistan unwilling to give up its influence on the groups. The group’s founder, Zakir Musa was known for his criticism of Pakistan with the group’s sole aim being to establish an independent Islamic state in the Jammu and Kashmir. This is contrary to Pakistani designs which want the state to accede to it. Kashmiri militancy has taken a new shape with growing influence of Islamic state and Al-Qaeda.