Home Ministry has asked intelligence agencies to verify the authenticity of the video showing Al Qaeda Chief Ayman Al- Zawahiri announcing the formation of the terrorist group's wing in the Indian subcontinent. The Ministry also asked states to be on high alert. Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter. He said the video is being verified and its authenticity is not yet confirmed. Earlier, Mr Singh was also briefed on the matter at a meeting called by him this afternoon. National Security Advisor and RAW Chief were among those who attended the meeting.
In a 55 minute video posted online, Zawahiri said the new branch Qaedat al-Jihad will take the fight to India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Al-Qaeda is active in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where its surviving leadership are thought to be hiding out. Zawahari also pledged renewed loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.