The patriotic nature of all Indian citizens, including Muslims, will not allow any terrorist threat to make a difference, the Centre said on Tuesday, referring to the propaganda video released by the Islamic State on Friday that purportedly featured Indian jihadists. “India is a land of peace and prosperity, and there is no place here for those who support terrorism. Patriotism is filled in every Muslim in this country. Be it videos or threats, it’s not going to make much of difference,” Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.
The National Investigation Agency is examining the video and trying to identify the six alleged Indian recruits. The agency is being assisted by arrested Islamic State operative Areeb Majid, PTI reported. So far, Fahad Tanvir Sheikh (pictured above), an engineering student from Thane who was known to have travelled to Syria in 2014, is the only one from the video who was conclusively identified, The Indian Express reported.
The video was the first propaganda video released by the Islamic State that was aimed at luring recruits from India and South Asia. In the 22-minute clip, the jihadists threaten to avenge the killing of Muslims in multiple incidents in India, such as the riots in Gujarat and Muzaffarnagar, as well as the demolition of the Babri Masjid. They describe Hindus as “cow-worshippers” aiming to convert Muslims to their religion and hold them responsible for Muslim deaths.
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