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Journalism of Courage
When a mysterious video statement today announced the arrival of Al Qaeda in India, its message was read out by a masked man speaking in Urdu with a strong Kashmiri accent. The group, that claimed to be Al-Qaeda8217;s India chapter chose a local news agency here as its messenger.
Although the content of the statement echoes Al-Qaeda8217;s ideology, it lacks the network8217;s signature style.
The person making the claim was identified as Abdul Rehman al-Ansari, the same name used in a similar call earlier this year.
The statement stresses on turning Kashmir into a pan-Islamic battle but is strongly critical of the separatist and militant leadership. 8220;International Jihadi movements have a clear goal 8211; end of borders and establishment of Khilafat Islamic rule,8221; the masked man said. 8220;However, the Jihad in Kashmir is being turned into a fight for a piece of land between two countries8221;.
The statement is critical of separatist leadership. 8220;They are divided into two Hurriyat Conferences and are putting forth frivolous demands like implementation of United Nations resolutions and calling for strikes and public demonstrations,8221; the statement said.
Director General of J-K Police Gopal Sharma said that there is 8220;absolutely no information8221; to suggest that Al-Qaeda is in Kashmir.
Al-Qaeda8217;s statements are always in Arabic by spokesmen who don8217;t wear masks. Al Qaeda, rather than criticizing local jihadi groups, has always supported them.
