Terrorism is a crisis against humanity, not against nation or race: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Commenting on Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al Zawahri's threat to form an Indian branch of his militant group, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that terrorism is a crisis against humanity, not against a nation or race.

"The primary question is not about religious differences between people, it is whether or not the believers of humanity should unite. Terrorism is a crisis against humanity, not against a nation or race. It is a battle between humanity and inhumanity," said Prime Minister Modi.

"My understanding is that Al-Qaeda is not doing justice to the Muslims of India. If they think the Indian Muslims will dance to their tunes, they are wrong. The Muslims of India will live and die for the country, no one can question the patriotism of Indian Muslims," he said.

In an interview to CNN, the Prime Minister further said, "If I can win the confidence of the people of India not by speeches but actions than I will be able to unite 1.25 billion people."

In a video posted online, the Al-Qaeda chief had announced the formation of an Indian branch of his militant group and said that he will 'raise the flag of jihad' across the subcontinent.

He also renewed a longstanding vow of loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar, in an apparent snub to the Islamic State armed group challenging Al-Qaeda for leadership of transnational Islamist militancy.

Zawahri had described the formation of 'Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent as glad tidings for Muslims in Burma, Bangladesh, Assam, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, and Kashmir' and said the new wing would rescue Muslims there from injustice and oppression.