Government Acknowledges Al-Qaeda's Presence In Kashmir

ts official now that the terror network of Osama Bin Laden Led Al-Qaeda is operating in the Kashmir valley along with ISI backed other Islamic militants organizations such as the Let and Hizb-ul-Mujhadeen .
 
 In a recent report sent to the Maharashtra government, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has given details of the nexus between terrorists operating in Mumbai and Kashmir and the presence of the Al Qaeda in Kashmir.
 
 On May 30, a man from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, identified as Hafiz Mohd Irfan alias Janbaz Hizbee was killed in encounter in Tral, Kashmir. The Pakistan connection is also reported, stating the patronage of ISI and a section of the army establishment to the terrorist groups based there. The aim of LeT, which has its headquarters in Muridke, Pakistan, is 'liberation' of Kashmir, disintegration of India through jihad and Islamisation of its people.
 
 The report also makes special mention of the likelihood of Al Qaeda's presence in J&K. It cites two specific instances when it was noticed. The first was an intercepted conversation between commanders of Hizbul Mujahidin Pir Panjal Regiment (HM PPR) in the first fortnight of June. The conversation revealed that a group of Al Qaeda terrorists along with a JeM commander was active in Kandi Budhai area of Rajouri.