Terror Threats Surface Following Ayodhya's Ram Temple Inauguration

In the aftermath of the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, India, terror groups with alleged links to Pakistan have issued threats to carry out attacks. Notably, Farhatullah Ghauri, a fugitive Indian terrorist accused in several terror crimes, and The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), are among those issuing warnings.

PM Modi with Mahant Nritya Gopal Das during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir, in Ayodhya

Farhatullah Ghauri, in a video titled ‘Ram Mandir: Declaration of War,’ has called for jihad against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), with the aim of establishing an Islamic nation in India. The video features images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other prominent figures who attended the temple inauguration. It also includes threats against media persons.

Ghauri expressed disappointment at the declining support for terror activities in specific cities and condemned liberal Muslim personalities who denounce jihad. Security experts believe that terrorist groups based in Pakistan may exploit the sentiments surrounding the temple inauguration to further their agenda in India.

The article provides background information on Farhatullah Ghauri, detailing his involvement in past terror activities, his charge-sheeting by Delhi Police in 2016, and his alleged role as a handler for suspected ISIS terrorists. Ghauri, designated as a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is known for his secretive nature, using various aliases, and maintaining a low public profile.

The piece concludes by highlighting Ghauri’s recent propaganda efforts, calling on Indian Muslims to revolt, and his designation as a terrorist by INTERPOL, along with a description of his appearance. The overarching concern is that the temple inauguration may serve as an opportunity for Pakistan-based terrorist groups to radicalize and recruit vulnerable individuals in India.