Hafiz Makki emerges as the new face of terror

Hafiz Abdur Rahman Makki, leader of terror outfit amalgam Jamaat-ul-Dawah, is emerging as a new face of terror in the country for his 'hate India' speech in which he had mentioned about attacks on Indian cities, including Pune.

A high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today analysed the speech made by Makki at the Kashmir Solidarity Day conference held in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on February 4.

The questions now haunt the security agencies as they are groping for clues in the last evening's blast that was triggered at one of Pune's popular hangouts -- German Bakery -- which has so far claimed nine lives, including two foreigners.

Makki, brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Tayiba founder and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, delivered a speech in the Muzaffarabad meeting saying three Indian cities, including Pune, would be targeted by the 'Jihadis to teach India a lesson.'

Saeed, one of the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that was carried out by LeT, too vowed to renew terror attacks in India.

JuD is the frontal outfit of Lashkar-e-Tayiba. Security agencies were now scanning Makki's speech for clues.

"Makki's speech, which was full of hatred towards India, is being analysed in all context," an official said.

A declaration unanimously adopted at Kashmir Solidarity conference had said the PoK status as a 'base camp' for militant groups should be restored and the ban on Kashmiri jihadi groups should be lifted.

"If the rulers cannot help the Kashmiris, they should open the field for Kashmiri mujahideen instead of creating hurdles. They (mujahideen) will deal with India," said the declaration issued in Urdu.

The meeting was the first major public event organised by the JuD since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Muzaffarabad conference was also addressed by Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, Al-Badr leader Bakht Zamin, United Jehad Council general secretary Sheikh Jamilur Rehman, senior JuD leaders Abdul Aziz Alvi and Abdur Rehman Makki and former Inter-Services Intelligence agency chief Hamid Gul.

For more on the Pune blast, click here!