Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi, the chief of al-Qaeda’s affiliate Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), has issued chilling threats to India after being released from prison by the interim government in Bangladesh. This release, orchestrated by the interim regime of Mohammed Yunus, has sparked widespread concern about the growing influence of Islamist extremism in the region.
Rahmani, known for his extremist views, has called for the breakup of India, urging West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to “free Bengal from Modi’s rule and declare its independence”. In a video believed to have been recorded last month, he explicitly threatened to “break up” India and “hoist Islamist flags in Delhi”.
His threats extend beyond West Bengal. Rahmani has vowed to enlist China’s support in cutting off northeast India from the rest of the country by blocking the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’. This narrow strip of land connects the northeast Indian states to the rest of India, and its blockage could have devastating consequences for the region.
Furthermore, Rahmani has declared his intention to support separatist movements in Kashmir, stating, “Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir.”
In a menacing message directed at India, Rahmani warned of dire consequences if India took any action against him. He stated, “It is a country of 18 crore Muslims. This is our sacred land. If you dare to look this way, your eyes will be taken out… Take a step forward, and your legs will be broken… Reach out, and your hands will be cut off…”
Rahmani’s release and subsequent threats have been met with alarm. The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, had cracked down on Islamist organizations and terrorist groups, earning her the ire of extremists and Pakistan. The groups that orchestrated the fall of Hasina’s government, including those associated with Pakistan, are now seen as poised to consolidate their power, turning Bangladesh into a potential haven for anti-India elements.
The situation in Bangladesh is volatile and raises significant concerns about the future of regional stability. The threats made by Rahmani underscore the growing threat of Islamist extremism and the potential for instability in South Asia. It remains to be seen how India will respond to these threats, but the stakes are high and the future of the region hangs in the balance.
