Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind
انصار غزوات الهند
FounderZakir Rashid Bhat †[1]
AmeerZakir Musa †[2]
(2017-19)
Hameed Lelhari †[3]
(2019)
Imtiyaz Shah †[4]
(2019-2020)
Ghazi Khalid Ibrahim
(2020–present)
SpokespersonTalha Abdul Rahman[5]
Dates of operationJuly 2017–Present[1]
Allegiance
Active regionsJammu and Kashmir
IdeologyIslamic Jihad[1]
Ghazwa-e-Hind
Separatism
StatusActive
Allies
Opponents India[12]
Battles and warsInsurgency in Jammu and Kashmir
Preceded by
Former field operational commander of Hizbul Mujahideen.

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (Urdu: انصار غزوات الہند, lit. 'Indies battle partisans') is an Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist militant group active in Kashmir. The group's stated objective is to create Kashmir as an independent Islamic state under Sharia law and jihad against India.[13]

Background[edit]

Zakir Rashid Bhat was an Islamist Kashmiri militant popularly known as Zakir Musa. He was a former field operational commander of Hizbul Mujahedeen.[13] In May 2017, Musa criticized the Hurriyat leaders for calling the Kashmir conflict a political objective rather than a religious one to establish Islamic rule. He warned them not to become a "thorn" in the imposition of Sharia in Kashmir, but after a few hours, Hizbul Mujahideen immediately disassociated itself from Zakir Musa's statement and Zakir Musa in response quit the organization[14][15][16] after releasing statements to support his argument that the struggle in Kashmir was not for political purposes. Following Musa's split, Pro-Zakir Musa Kashmiri militants formed a militant faction named Zakir Musa Army 313 to openly support Musa and his "Islamic Rule" ideology.[17] In July 2017 the faction joined Al-Qaeda as Musa was impressed by Al-Qaeda's religious objective of imposing Sharia law in Kashmir and he formed a new cell of Al-Qaeda named Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.[7][8] In the same month, the Global Islamic Media Front-affiliated Al Hurr media channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claimed that Zakir Musa had been named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a newly created cell of Al-Qaeda.[1] After the killing of militant commander Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari, a statement purported to be from Musa was released. The statement claimed that Abu Dujana and Arif Lelhari left Lashkar-e-Taiba, had joined Al-Qaeda and helped establish a new cell of Al-Qaeda in Kashmir. Officials stated that the voice in the video matched those of the earlier audio clips by Musa, though the state's DGP S.P. Vaid stated there was no way of authenticating the clips even though there were reports that Dujana and Musa were close at the time. Meanwhile, an audio clip circulated on media that claimed to be the last message from Dujana and Arif during their encounter. Two voices claim allegiance to Al-Qaeda; however, no gunfire is heard and the authenticity of the clip was not proven.[6] Zakir Musa was one of the most wanted militants in Jammu and Kashmir after Burhan Wani with a bounty of 1 million Indian rupees on his head announced by the Government of India.[13] In November 2017 the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind formed an alliance with Hizbul Mujahideen. After the meeting of Riyaz Naikoo with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, Zakir Musa released an audio tape after a few days of meetings, where he called all Kashmiri Mujahideen groups to unite for Jihad against enemies of Islam, with the goal to achieve freedom from India and enforce a Sharia law-based Islamic revolution in the region. He also warned 'Don't forget Kashmir if Pakistan withdraws its support to Kashmir, the insurgency would be also fought inside Pakistan'. Afterwards, Syed Salahuddin, the chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, released a statement threatening the Pakistan Army: 'We are fighting for Kashmiri Muslims in Kashmir and if Pakistan army withdraws its support, the war would be fought inside Pakistan too'.[18][19]

Objective[edit]

In 2017 Al-Qaeda-affiliated Global Islamic Media Front released a video announcing Al Hurr as the channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. It also claimed that the group's objective was to impose Sharia law upon Kashmir, also declaring Jihad against India in the process.[7]

Etymology[edit]

The group derives its name from the Islamic prophecy of Ghazwa-e-Hind, the ultimate conquest of India. Arabic word "Ansar" means supporters.

Slogans[edit]

Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claims to have two slogans: the first being "Kashmir Banega Darul Islam" (Kashmir will become Islamic state) and the second being "Sharyiat ya shahadat" (Sharia or martyrdom).

Allegiance to Al-Qaeda and Taliban[edit]

In July 2017, the Global Islamic Media Front Affiliated Al Hurr media Channel of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claimed that Zakir Musa had been named the head of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind under the allegiance to Al-Qaeda.[7][8][20] In September 2021, The group released a letter on social media in which group announced allegiance to Afghan Taliban after the takeover in Afghanistan.[21]

Activities, affiliations, and foreign fighters[edit]

Activities and affiliation[edit]

2017[edit]

On 7 December 2017, the group released a statement that condemned former President Donald Trump's declaration of moving the United States embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.[22]

On 25 December 2017, in a video of a Kashmiri militant declaring allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and declaring a new ISIL Province in Kashmir, the fighter called on Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind to give allegiance to ISIL and wage jihad in Kashmir against the Indian government, but the group declined.[23]

2018[edit]

In February 2018, the group released a video of Musa calling on Indian Muslims to attack Indian army patrols and checkpoints as well as companies interested in investing in India.[24][25]

In April 2018, the group published material that encouraged Muslims across India and Kashmir to carry out lone wolf attacks.[26]

On 15 November 2018, the Indian Security Forces claimed that Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind leader Musa appeared in Punjab. In December of the same year, the security forces claimed that Musa reappeared in Punjab.[27]

On 18 November 2018, militia armed men threw grenades and opened fire at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Kakapora, Jammu and Kashmir. One CRPF member was killed, and two others were injured in the attack. Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspected Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind carried out said attack.[28][29][30]

2019[edit]

On 21 November 2019, the group released an audio tape condemning the Indian court ruling on the Babri Masjid. The group urged Muslims to retaliate against the decision.[31]

2020[edit]

On 6 January 2020, the group released a tape message to Muslims of Kashmir and India by Talha Abdul Rahman, the Spokesperson of group, condemning the 2020 Delhi riots by Hindu nationalists against the Indian Muslims in Dehli. The group urged Muslims to unite against Hindutva ideology, and he called Muslims to join the jihad against the enemies of Islam.[32][5]

2022[edit]

On 18 January 2022, the group claimed responsibility for an attempted bomb attack in Ghazipur, Delhi. The group also claimed that the targets are pro-Hindutva Hindu nationalists in revenge for the 2020 Delhi riots against the Indian Muslims in Delhi by Hindu nationalists.[33]

Foreign fighters[edit]

The Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind claim to be have foreign fighters in Kashmir from Pakistan and Afghanistan to join the holy war against India.[34][35]

Operations against Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind[edit]

On 21 December 2018, deputy leader Soliha Mohammad Akhoon, also known as Rehaan Khan, was killed in an encounter with 42 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF, along with five other militants.[36][37]

On 24 May 2019, Indian security forces killed Zakir Musa in an encounter in Tral region of Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces had to blast a chemist's house where Musa was hiding. The owner was sent in for negotiation to surrender, but Musa declined.[38][39] At Musa's funeral, thousands of people attended, and there were protests by supporters or people who mourned.[40]

On 22 October 2019, Indian security forces killed Hameed Lehari in an encounter in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir. He was the second leader of the organisation.[41]

Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, said that the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind had been "wiped out of Kashmir" on 23 October 2019.[42][43]

On 22 April 2020, four militants of the group were killed in Shopian district's Melhora village during an encounter with Indian Army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF.[44] Two over-ground workers of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind had been captured in Pulwama district on 22 May.[45]

On 29 April 2020, Group's deputy chief Burhan Koka was killed in an encounter in Shopian's Melhora area. along with 2 other associates.[46]

On 9 April 2021, Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, said that the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind has been "wiped out of Kashmir" once again, after seven militants—including its chief—were killed in an encounter.[4]

On 11 July 2021, Prashant Kumar of ADG Law and Order, UP, stated, “ATS UP has uncovered a big militant module. The team has arrested two militant linked with al-Qaeda's Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.”[47]

On 14 June 2022, Jammu and Kashmir Police said Abdullah Abbas Ghazi Bhat, also known as Abdullah Ghazi, was a senior member of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda linked group. Police said he was reportedly killed with two Hizbul militants by Indian security forces during a search operation on 11 June. He had been fighting alongside Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Kulgam and was killed in a gunfight in the town of Kulgam. The two Indian security forces were killed, while five were injured during the clash. Security forces destroyed his home. On 14 June, a few days after his death, four Indian army soldiers were killed and the main leading member of search operation a Jammu and Kashmir Police senior officer, also murdered outside of his house in what was believed to have been a reprisal for Ghazi's death.[48]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir". Times of India. 27 July 2017.
  2. ^ "Zakir Musa, Jammu and Kashmir's most wanted militant, killed in encounter: Police". Hindustan Times. 23 May 2019.
  3. ^ "J&K: Zakir Musa's successor killed in Awantipora encounter.html". News18. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Al Qaeda-Inspired Group 'Wiped Out', 7 Militants Including its Chief Killed in Kashmir". News18. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Video For Indian Muslims title:BATTLEFIELDS ARE CALLING". YouTube. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b "Zakir musa allegedly announces allegiance to al-qaeda Abu Dujana helped set up al Qaeda in Kashmir: Zakir Musa in purported statement". Hindustan Times. 5 August 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d Kaur, Simarjeet (28 July 2017). "Zakir Musa Will Lead New Outfit in Kashmir". www.globaldailytribune.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  8. ^ a b c "Al-Qaida-linked cell Ansar Ghazwat-Ul-Hind announces Zakir Musa as its chief in Kashmir". Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  9. ^ "Taliban's Kashmir policy: Rhetoric, ideology, and interests". Observer Research Foundation. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  10. ^ a b Mohammed, Sinan Siyech. "Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent: After the Return of the Taliban". European Eye on Radicalization. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  11. ^ Pantucci, Raffaello; Basit, Abdul (2021). "Post-Taliban Takeover: How the Global Jihadist Terror Threat May Evolve". Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses. 13 (4): 1–7. ISSN 2382-6444.
  12. ^ "Country Reports on Terrorism 2020: India". US Department of State. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  13. ^ a b c "Army releases list of 12 most wanted militant in Kashmir Valley". Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  14. ^ "Zakir Musa Quits Hizbul Mujahideen Day After Threatening To Kill Hurriyat Leaders". News 18.
  15. ^ "Local Militant Group Claims It Informed Police About Hizb Commander Sabzar Bhat's Whereabout". Outlook. 2 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  16. ^ Rahul Kanwal (30 May 2017). "Was Sabzar Bhatt betrayed by boss Zakir Musa? Intel inputs suggest rift among Kashmiri terrorists". India Today. Retrieved 5 July 2019. Radio and mobile chatter intercepted by India's intelligence agencies reflect a high level of distrust between former Hizbul commander Zakir Musa and the terror outfit he had led till recently. In the aftermath of the encounter killing of Burhan Wani's successor, Sabzar Bhatt, Indian agencies have recorded multiple conversations where the Hizbul Mujahideen cadre can be heard discussing whether Zakir Musa betrayed Sabzar Bhatt. Hizbul terrorists seem to suspect that a personal messenger close to Musa tipped off the Jammu and Kashmir police about the location of Sabzar's hideout. Sabzar was killed in an encounter close to his hometown of Tral.
  17. ^ Zee Media Bureau (15 May 2017). "With Call For 'Islamic Rule', Zakir Musa May Have Signalled Ideological Split in Kashmir Terrorism". The Wire (Indian web publication). Archived from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  18. ^ PTI (8 November 2017). "Kashmir al-qaeda chief warns Pakistan against withdrawing support on Kashmir after the alliance with Hizbul". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  19. ^ "Normalization of Indo-Pak ties hurts Kashmir cause: Syed Salahuddin & Zakir musa". Arab News. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  20. ^ Pandit, M. Saleem (18 September 2017). "Zakir musa Joined al-Qaeda'". Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  21. ^ "Post-Taliban Takeover: How the Global Jihadist Terror Threat May Evolve Many Terror Groups Announced Allegiance to Taliban". JSTOR 48618776. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  22. ^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (7 December 2017). "New statement from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind: "Concerning Developments on Jerusalem"". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  23. ^ "Wilāyat Kashmīr". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  24. ^ Zelin, Aaron Y. (25 February 2018). "New video message from Anṣār Ghazwat al-Hind's Dhākr Musā: "Kashmir Will Become the Abode of Islam"". jihadology.net. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  25. ^ "AQ-Aligned Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Leader Calls 'Every Able Youth' to Attack Indian Army, Companies Seeking Investment in India". ent.siteintelgroup.com. 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  26. ^ "Kashmir-focused Media Group Incites for Lone-Wolf Attacks in India". ent.siteintelgroup.com. 24 April 2016. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  27. ^ "Zakir Moosa May Be In Punjab, Disguised As Sikh, Warns Intel". Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  28. ^ "Srinagar: Sniper could be behind November 18 attack, says CRPF". Indian Express. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  29. ^ "CRPF jawan on poll duty killed in terrorist attack, JeM claims responsibility". The State Man. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  30. ^ "GTD ID:201811180017". Global Terrorism Database. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  31. ^ Mohammad, Niala (21 November 2019). "Militant Group Vows Retaliation Following Indian Court Ruling". VoA News. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  32. ^ "Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Releases Promo of upcoming Video For Indian Muslims". YouTube. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  33. ^ "Al-Qaeda outfit Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind's claim of Delhi bomb scare bogus: Delhi police". Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  34. ^ Kumar, Ankit (27 December 2017). "In new video, Al-Qaeda says attacking Indian cities must to weaken security forces' grip on Kashmir". India Today. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  35. ^ "Alarming: Al-Qaeda puts India on hit list, calls for fresh attacks". www.timesnownews.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  36. ^ "Major success for forces in Kashmir; Al-Qaeda affiliated commander, 5 other terrorists killed". Asian News International. 22 December 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  37. ^ "Arampora Encounter: The Complete Story". Kashmir Life. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  38. ^ Sandhu, Kamaljit Kaur; Shuja-ul-Haq (24 May 2019). "Burhan Wani's successor Zakir Musa killed in encounter, curfew in parts of Jammu and Kashmir". India Today. Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
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  40. ^ "Zakir Musa: Thousands mourn India's 'most wanted' militant". BBC News. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  41. ^ "Big win for security forces; Zakir Musa's successor gunned down". Rediff. 23 October 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
  42. ^ Javaid, Azaan (23 October 2019). "Zakir Musa's al Qaeda-inspired militant group 'wiped out' from Kashmir". ThePrint. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  43. ^ "Al-Qaeda affiliate 'wiped out from Kashmir', group's chief Hamid Lehari killed, says police chief". Scroll.in. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  44. ^ Wani, Ashraf (22 April 2020). "4 militants killed in encounter at Kashmir's Shopian district". India Today. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  45. ^ "2 overground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind arrested in J-K's Pulwama". The New Indian Express. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  46. ^ Three AuGH militants killed in Kashmir’s Shopian
  47. ^ Ojha, Arvind (11 July 2015). "UP ATS nabs 2 Al Qaeda terrorists from Lucknow, foils major attack". India Today. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  48. ^ ""The Killing of indian army soldiers linked with Abdullah's death Al-Qaeda linked militant who killed during a search operation against insurgents" Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed". 14 June 2022.
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