Spectre of terrorism looms large on the forthcoming parliamentary elections with Pakistan sponsored terror groups — Indian Mujahideen (IM) and Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) —planning major strikes to disrupt the polls. Intelligence intercepts suggest that IM and SIMI, the two banned organisations, may resort to using ‘human bombs’ and Fidayeens (suicide squads) to create mayhem during the elections.
IM and SIMI are conspiring to destabilise the poll process as they are cross with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi. They are planning to launch a bigger strike in concert with their bosses ensconced across the border. Intelligence agencies have warned that Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are also on the target of SIMI and IM.
Reports said that these outfits may try to target Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi’s former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other important leaders to seek the release of IM chief Yasin Bhatkal. Bhatkal is in the custody of National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his role in blasts in Mumbai and Pune.
NIA officials had informed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that the interrogation of SIMI’s two top operatives Abddul Wahid Khan and Uber Siddiqui has revealed that they have changed their strategy in order to hoodwink the Indian agencies. SIMI and IM are now involved in indoctrinating youths to be battle-ready and they may be sued as human bombs to attack the selected targets. They are also planning to attack Modi in the run up to the polls to please their Pakistani masters.
Tehsin Akhtar, alias Monu, an active IM member is a serious threat to the safety and security of the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate and is believed to have instructed his operatives to assassinate Modi during his election rally, sources said on Wednesday.
Meanwhile informed sources said that Abdus Subhan Qureshi, alias Tauqeer, a known SIMI member, has been noticed in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh to recruit youths on the instructions of lashkar-e-Tayyeba (leT) leaders. Intelligence sources say that active SIMI members are conducting meetings in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and other States to mobilise others.