Muslims, Hindus mobilize in Old Hyderabad

Between saffron and green, Hyderabad sees red flags
Sreenivas Janyala
Posted: Apr 28, 2010

Hyderabad It’s been almost a month since Andhra Pradesh government moved to clear the city of all religious flags and buntings that were at the root of the recent communal riots which hit the state capital. But a tug-of-war has again started in the old city areas between Muslim and Hindu groups with green and saffron flags becoming the symbols of clout.
Since several days, small green flags put up by the MIM (Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) or Muslim religious organisations are being replaced overnight by saffron flags, only to be replaced again the next night by green flags. This flag contest has heightened tensions between the two communities with one accusing the other of trying to “usurp” areas which were traditionally dominated by them.

The trouble started a day before Eid Milad-un-Nabi when green flags with Islamic symbols and slogans came up all over the old city.

“Placing those flags was unnecessary and an act of disrespect towards the religion. It is for the first time in Hyderabad that thousands of green flags were found tied all around the streets. It is an insult because the flags had photographs of Mecca and Madina and when the they fell on the street, people walked over them. Even if they were tied for the festival, they should have been removed after the celebrations. It was not done and this encouraged the other community to put up saffron flags ahead of Ram Navami. The saffron flags were put up after removing the green flags and that is when the competition started,” says a religious leader, Hamid Mohammed Khan.

At the Shiva temple and goushala, caretaker K Tewari, who is living here since 40 years, says he has never witnessed such mobilisation of Hindu youths who went about replacing green flags with saffron ones with Om written on them.

“Thousands of flags came up overnight everywhere. I have never seen such a thing before. I do not know what prompted some people to attack the goushala and burn three animals alive. I believe it was in retaliation for the trouble that erupted elsewhere,” he says.

The presence of flags has slowly become an indicator as to who ‘controls’ a particular lane or area and this is causing tension between the two communities. After police and religious leaders intervened, the flags tied on government buildings were taken off, but they remain in other places.

Lateef Mohammed Khan, Secretary of Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee, says since the Muslims insisted that the flags put up for Eid Milad-un-Nabi will remain there till the next festival, the Hindu groups retaliated by wanting to keep their flags till Hanuman Jayanti. “Since then this is going on and all the main roads, streets and lanes are covered with flags,” he says.

Processions were never taken out in Hyderabad on Hanuman Jayanti, but this time Hindu groups took out a motorcycle rally and to promote this more saffron flags were put up.

Sources in the local Intelligence Bureau say the huge quantity and good printing quality of the green and saffron flags indicate that huge amounts are being spent on them. “None of the local people or even the businessmen has the kind of money spent on flags. Elements on both sides probably received enormous funds from those who wanted to start this trouble. The Muslims even organised biryani dawats on the main roads and it was free for all. Where did the money come from?” a source asks.

The areas which witnessed riots and where the flag contest is still going on have a strong presence of the MIM, Hindu Vahini and the RSS. Though the overall population of Hindus is 30 per cent and Muslims 70 per cent in the old city areas, there are many pockets where the population is in balance. Officials say religious groups are using flags to demarcate borders and a power struggle has started to retain control over particular areas.

Hyderabad Riots – Shocking Visuals of Shiv Mandir Cow Shelter Set On Fire By Islamic Terrorists

 

Link to video here

The forgotten Jihad in Andhra Pradesh

Click link

 

Muslims attack Hindus in Old City, Hyderabad

“Goshala burnt :
They also burnt a goshala killing 4 cows at Shamshergunj, Aliabad. Two temples in the goshala were also burnt. ”

Click link

HuJI’s South India top dog arrested in Chennai

HuJI’s  South India top commander nabbed
January 18, 2010
Zeenews Bureau

Chennai: In a major breakthrough, Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami’s top commander in South India Amjad was on Monday nabbed from Chennai on Monday.

Amjad alias- Shaikh Abdul Khwaja, who is thought to be Bangladesh based HuJI’s second-in-command, is alleged to be the mastermind behind the 2007 Hyderabad twin blasts that went off at the crowded Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park in Hyderabad leaving 42 people dead.

He was also wanted in the sensational 2005 Task force office suicide bomb attack case, in which a home guard was killed. Amjad is a native of Hyderabad.

As per reports, Khwaja, who was hiding in Karachi since 2003, had come back to India to target Republic day function in one of the South Indian cities.

He is now being brought to Hyderabad for further investigations.

21 Dangerous Islamic Terrorists Hail From Hyderabad

More faces of terror are emerging from Hyderabad
February 06, 2010

A recent meeting in Andhra Pradesh involving an official of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and CID officials from across the country, aimed at better cooperation, has brought up some startling facts relating to terrorism in India [ Images ], especially in Hyderabad.

During the course of the meeting, it was revealed that 21 very dangerous terrorists, who had fled the country and were operating in big positions in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, hailed from Hyderabad.

Indian Intelligence Bureau officials told rediff.com that Hyderabad had become a big worry in the security set up and as the days passed, the number of such elements was on the rise.

Although city police officials refused to comment on this issue, security experts say that Hyderabad has surpassed places like Azamgarh and Kerala [ Images ] in the list.

Another interesting revelation was that Hyderabad comes second only to the Kashmir Valley, which has the most number of terrorists in the country.

The number of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir [ Images ] is easily over 500, but the number of persons occupying key positions in terror groups is around 60, sources point out.

The terrorists that Hyderabad has produced operate more on the planning and organising level. There are no fidayeen fighters (suicide bombers) from the city.

Shahid Bilal was the main face of terror from Hyderabad and held the position of commander in the Harkat-ul-Jihadi before he was killed in an encounter in Pakistan.

Today, the most important face of terror from the city is Abu Jundal, the accent trainer who trained the 26/11 gunmen to speak in Hyderabadi accent. The IB says that operatives from Hyderabad were also chosen to set up the Gulf module with the help of cadres from Kerala.

Intelligence Bureau officials say that the two main groups that operate in Hyderabad are the Lashkar-e-Tayiba [ Images ] and the Harkat-ul-Jihadi. In fact, it was the Lashkar that first showed interest in Hyderabad and focussed its operations in the old city.

The Lashkar basically took complete advantage of two aspects. The youth in Hyderabad were most angered with the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India and also with the Babri Masjid [ Images ] demolition. The SIMI [ Images ] had a large presence in Hyderabad and with the ban on the organization several members came under the scanner.

There were many arrests and the youth felt that they were being targetted. It was at this time that the Lashkar swooped in and took advantage of the situation.

Prior to making inroads into Hyderabad, the Lashkar held a very important meeting in Murdike (in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) in which they resolved that they would give anything it takes to ensure that the city is liberated from the Indian government and the rule of the Nizam is restored.

This resolution swayed several youth in Hyderabad, who were already upset with the Indian government. This was the turning point for Hyderabad. The Godhra riots were another strong reason for youths like Riazzuddin Nasir and Amjad Khwaja to take to jihad.

Indian Islamic terrorist Mujeeb Ahmed, gets life sentence in Hyderabad on charges of waging war against India

Hizbul Mujahideen man gets life term for sedition
August 28th, 2009

Hyderabad, Aug 28 (IANS) A city court Friday sentenced Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Mujeeb Ahmed to life imprisonment and six others to 10 years on charges of sedition and collecting arms with intention of waging war against the country.

The first additional metropolitan sessions judge pronounced the quantum of sentence for the accused who were held guilty Thursday.

Mujeeb, the self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, and his associates were planning to carry out subversive activities in Hyderabad with the arms and ammunition smuggled from Kashmir, the prosecution said.

In December 2005, Rajasthan police had seized a cache of arms including Kalashnikov assault rifles, 229 cartridges and 15 detonators hidden in a truck carrying marble to Hyderabad.

Mujeeb, a resident of Hyderabad and a life convict in the killing of a police officer, pleaded not guilty.

All the accused including Mujeeb’s female companion Zohra Nishat and brother-in-law Jahangir Khan were found guilty under sections 122 and 124 (A) of the Indian Penal Code and 23 (ii) of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Considered to be a close follower of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, Mujeeb was also convicted under section 6 of the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act for possessing a satellite phone, which he allegedly received from the Hizbul Mujahideen leader.

The court also imposed Rs.10,000 fine on Mujeeb alias Ahmed Bhai.

Truck driver Shabbir Ahmed, cleaner Ravindera Kumar, Mohammed Yasin and Shaikh Awadh were the other accused sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The court imposed a fine of Rs.2,000 on each of the six accused.

Seven accused including Mujeeb were arrested in the case while nine others still remained at large. The trial began in 2007.

Mujeeb, known as Amer-e-Deccan among Hizbul Mujahideen circles, was earlier sentenced to life imprisonment for gunning down additional superintendent of police Krishna Prasad here in 1992. The Andhra Pradesh government released him on remission on Independence Day in 2004.

After release from prison, he allegedly reactivated his links with Hizbul Mujahideen and other terror groups. Police claimed that he also produced several CDs in which he appealed for funds for his terror operations.

Terror threat sparks high alert in Hyderabad

 

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Terror-threat-sparks-alert-in-Hbad-/articleshow/4618057.cms

Terror threat sparks high alert in Hyderabad 

4 Jun 2009, 2134 hrs IST, IANS

HYDERABAD: A high alert was sounded on Thursday across Andhra Pradesh after the Intelligence Bureau warned the state authorities about a terror 

threat. 

Hyderabad police commissioner B. Prasada Rao told reporters that there were intelligence reports of three terrorists planning to carry out attacks in south India. “Since Hyderabad is the target of terrorists, we are taking all security measures,” he said. 

Security was heightened in this state capital and other major towns as police rounded up 15 suspects at different places and launched checking of vehicles and frisking of people. 

Security was beefed up at information technology companies, bus and railway stations, shopping malls, theatres and defence establishments here, in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam and at the famous Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. 

State Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy said police were ready to deal with any situation. She said police were on high alert and had taken all necessary precautionary measures. 

She said the intelligence reports have warned of possible attacks in southern cities. “They have not specifically pointed out Hyderabad but we are taking all precautions.” 

The home minister asked people not to panic but be alert about their surroundings and report to police about any suspicious person or activity. 

Meanwhile, police picked up 13 suspects travelling in the Hyderabad-New Delhi Andhra Pradesh Express at the Kazipet railway station in Warangal district. The youth are in the age group of 20-30 years. The suspects were being questioned. 

Police also picked up four suspects in Hyderabad during massive checking operations. Special police teams were checking hotels and lodges. 

Security has also been tightened around the famous Hindu temple at Tirupati. Police set up barricades at several places in the town and were checking all vehicles going towards hill shrine.

Terror threat sparks high alert in Hyderabad 

4 Jun 2009, 2134 hrs IST, IANS

HYDERABAD: A high alert was sounded on Thursday across Andhra Pradesh after the Intelligence Bureau warned the state authorities about a terror threat. 

Hyderabad police commissioner B. Prasada Rao told reporters that there were intelligence reports of three terrorists planning to carry out attacks in south India. “Since Hyderabad is the target of terrorists, we are taking all security measures,” he said. 

Security was heightened in this state capital and other major towns as police rounded up 15 suspects at different places and launched checking of vehicles and frisking of people. 

Security was beefed up at information technology companies, bus and railway stations, shopping malls, theatres and defence establishments here, in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam and at the famous Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. 

State Home Minister P. Sabita Indra Reddy said police were ready to deal with any situation. She said police were on high alert and had taken all necessary precautionary measures. 

She said the intelligence reports have warned of possible attacks in southern cities. “They have not specifically pointed out Hyderabad but we are taking all precautions.” 

The home minister asked people not to panic but be alert about their surroundings and report to police about any suspicious person or activity. 

Meanwhile, police picked up 13 suspects travelling in the Hyderabad-New Delhi Andhra Pradesh Express at the Kazipet railway station in Warangal district. The youth are in the age group of 20-30 years. The suspects were being questioned. 

Police also picked up four suspects in Hyderabad during massive checking operations. Special police teams were checking hotels and lodges. 

Security has also been tightened around the famous Hindu temple at Tirupati. Police set up barricades at several places in the town and were checking all vehicles going towards hill shrine.

Suspected Islamic terrorists kill police in Hyderabad

 

‘Terrorists’ kill 1 in Hyderabad

Ashok Das, Hindustan Times

Hyderabad, May 19, 2009

 

A police constable was killed and another grievously injured when two suspected terrorists  attacked a police picket near Falaknuma in the Old City area of Hyderabad on Monday evening. The attack coincided with the second anniversary of Mecca Masjid blasts in which 14 people were killed.

The police found a pamphlet written in Urdu from the crime scene. The pamphlet bore the signature of Tehrik-e-Galba Islami’s (TeGI) Fasiuddin. Nothing has been heard about this outfit before this attack.

In the pamphlet, Faisuddin claimed responsibility for the attacks saying, “We are avenging the killing of innocent Muslims in the police firing, subsequent to the bomb blasts in Mecca Masjid.” Five persons died in the firing after the blasts.

‘Terrorists’ kill 1 in Hyderabad

Ashok Das, Hindustan Times

Hyderabad, May 19, 2009

A police constable was killed and another grievously injured when two suspected terrorists  attacked a police picket near Falaknuma in the Old City area of Hyderabad on Monday evening. The attack coincided with the second anniversary of Mecca Masjid blasts in which 14 people were killed.

The police found a pamphlet written in Urdu from the crime scene. The pamphlet bore the signature of Tehrik-e-Galba Islami’s (TeGI) Fasiuddin. Nothing has been heard about this outfit before this attack.

In the pamphlet, Faisuddin claimed responsibility for the attacks saying, “We are avenging the killing of innocent Muslims in the police firing, subsequent to the bomb blasts in Mecca Masjid.” Five persons died in the firing after the blasts.

Home Guard killed in suspected terror attack 

May 18th, 2009  by IANS 

Hyderabad, May 18 (IANS) In a suspected terror attack, a home guard was killed and a policeman injured Monday when unidentified men opened fire here, police said.

Two unidentified men opened fire at the security men posted at a picket in Faluknama area of the old city of Hyderabad.

Quoting eye witnesses, police said the two men came on a motorbike around 4.30 p.m and opened fire. The attackers escaped after the shooting.

The policemen were rushed to Osmania General Hospital where home guard Balaswamy was declared dead. The 26-year-old had been hit in the head by a bullet. Police constable Rajender Prasad was stated to be in critical condition.

Immediately after the attack, police sounded a high alert in the city and began checking vehicles and frisking of suspects in different areas.

The attack took place on the day that marks the second anniversary of the bomb blast at the historic Mecca Masjid.

Nine people were killed in the blast during Friday prayers at the mosque May 18, 2007. Five people were killed in the subsequent police firing on a mob outside the mosque.

Hyderabad police commissioner B. Prasada Rao told reporters that the attackers opened fire from a pistol.

“We will not be able to say anything unless we complete the investigations,” he said when asked if the attack was related to the mosque blast.

However, some police officials suspect it to be the handiwork of suspected terrorists to target policemen.

In a similar attack Dec 3 last year, two policemen were injured. The incident had taken place when a suspected extremist opened fire while the policeman were trying to arrest Viqaruddin, a former activist of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

One of the two men accompanying Viqaruddin had opened fire at the policemen. Viqaruddin, who was wanted in connection with the Mecca Masjid blast case, is still at large.

Hyderabad police mole supplying information to Asaduddin Owaisi, president of Majlis Ittehadul-e-Muslimeen (MIM)

Probe on to unmask MIM mole among cops

Vikram Sharma, 22 Apr 2009
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad City police has undertaken an investigation it, perhaps, had never taken up before — catching a mole in its own ranks.

It all started with the Majlis Ittehadul-e-Muslimeen (MIM) ‘managing’ to obtain a copy of a circular issued by DGP AK Mohanty through its ‘trusted’ men in the police department.

In the circular, the DGP had warned that there were intelligence inputs to suggest that the MIM might try to create trouble, especially in Yakutpura, Chaderghat, Bahadurpura and other areas.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner B Prasada Rao ordered a probe into the leak on Monday. Interestingly, the possibility of the circular being leaked out from his own office in Basheerbagh is not being ruled out! On the other hand, though the probe was ordered only on Monday, the MIM has already come to know of that too! ‘‘It is very difficult to say who could have leaked it but a probe is on,’’ Prasada Rao told Express. He said the copy of the circular was also forwarded to some inspectors. ‘‘Once we verify it, we will come to know who it was,’’ he said. Top sources disclosed to Express that the circular issued to Prasada Rao was in turn sent to all zonal DCPs, Joint Commissioners and Additional Commissioners.

The circular then reached MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi who raised a hue and cry over it, wondering why was his party alone singled out as a trouble-maker. Sources said while various sections in the Commissioner’s office and those offices down below (one Additional Commissioner and two Joint Commissioners also work in the five-floor complex) are under the scanner, the sleuths are looking at the possible role of camp clerks (CC) working under all the officers. Discreet enquiries are also being made in the police headquarters at Lakdi- Ka-Pool from where the circular was actually sent to Prasada Rao. In fact, telephone records of the staff, including police officials of different ranks, are being scrutinised.

This is not the first time that the senior Owaisi has managed to get an internal circular. Soon after the bomb blast at the Mecca Masjid in May 2007, Owaisi obtained a secret report prepared by the then south zone DCP M Kantha Rao on the possible suspects.