Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is showing signs of renewed activity, prompting agencies to strategically recalibrate their counter-terrorism efforts. Recent developments suggest a concerning trend of online radicalization and recruitment, indicating a potential resurgence of the group's influence in the region.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently arrested Shama Parveen in Bengaluru for allegedly spreading Al Qaeda propaganda on social media. This arrest followed the apprehension of four other AQIS operatives from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Noida, and Modasa. These individuals are accused of promoting extremist Jihadi content online, with the aim of recruiting new members and establishing a stronger presence for AQIS in the Indian subcontinent.
The investigation revealed that AQIS has been actively utilizing online platforms, particularly social media, to disseminate its ideology and attract potential recruits. The suspects were allegedly using Instagram accounts to share anti-national and provocative messages, with the intent to incite Muslim youth and promote violence against the Indian government. The posts encouraged Muslims to join Jihad for Ghazwa-e-Hind (holy raid of India), challenged Indian sovereignty, and spread hatred against Hindus. Some posts called for violence against non-believers, particularly targeting Hindus.
The FIR listed eight specific messages posted from the suspect's accounts. One of the messages cited Maulana Asim Umar, the slain Ameer (chief) of AQIS, quoting him as saying, “Why is there no storm in your river?." While some accounts had minimal follower bases, Shama Parveen's account had over 13,000 followers. Investigators believe that the messages were capable of inciting or spreading extremist ideology.
Further investigation revealed a group called "Khilafat Ko Qayyam Karo (establish the Caliphate)," with 73 members who were also conversing about alleged extremist ideas. A video dated 2025-06-27 was discovered, depicting one of the accused waving an unsheathed sword in the air with the overlaid text: “Ek iski hi kami thi". One of the eight messages listed in the FIR was released a day after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 23. The FIR mentions a video containing a voice speaking in a mix of Hindi & Urdu, stating that as per Google, there are 14 lakh personnel in the Indian Army and 189 million Muslims in India.
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) was officially launched on September 3, 2014, by Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda at the time. Zawahiri stated that the group's objectives included fighting the governments of India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Asim Umar, an Indian national, was appointed as its Emir. Despite the initial announcement, Al Qaeda has struggled to establish a direct presence in India. However, the recent arrests and online activities suggest a concerning shift in the group's strategy.
These developments highlight the evolving nature of terrorist threats and the increasing importance of monitoring online activities to prevent radicalization and recruitment. The strategic recalibration by agencies likely involves enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with social media platforms to identify and remove extremist content. It also underscores the need for community engagement and counter-narrative initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization and prevent vulnerable individuals from being swayed by extremist ideologies.
