12 linked to Ansar al Islam arrested in India

Twelve suspected people with links to Bangladesh-based terror group Ansar al Islam were arrested from north eastern Indian state Assam's Barpeta and Morigaon districts, police sources said today.

Seven others, suspected to be linkmen of the same outfit, were also apprehended in Morigaon district, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said two major terror modules were busted in the state in a "nationally coordinated operation".

An alleged jihadi with links to the terror group was arrested from Morigaon district earlier where he managed a madrasa.

Morigaon Superintendent of Police Aparna Natarjan said the man, identified as Mustafa, was arrested from a madarsa had several financial transactions in 2019 with Amiruddin Ansari and Mamun Rashid, two militants of Ansarul Islam, which is affiliated to the Al-Qaeda in Indian subcontinent.

During investigations it came to light that he had given shelter to a 'wanted person' of a foreign country in the madrasa and a case has been registered under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Five alleged members of Ansarul Islam, which was earlier known as  Ansarul Bangla Team, were first arrested from Barpeta in March this year and since then nearly 20 persons have been nabbed so far.