Turkey Responds to Allegations
On Wednesday, the Turkish government refuted claims made by Indian media suggesting that it was offering logistical, diplomatic, and financial assistance to terrorist organizations globally. Ankara characterized these allegations as part of a ‘malicious disinformation campaign.’
Context of the Allegations
These claims surfaced following a car explosion near the Red Fort metro station in Delhi on November 10, which resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals.
Details of the Reports
Reports indicated that Umar Nabi, believed to be in the vehicle that detonated, and Muzamil Shakeel, who was apprehended ten days prior for stockpiling ammunition, had traveled to Turkey, where their alleged handlers were located.
Turkey’s Stance on Terrorism
The Center for Countering Disinformation in Turkey, operating under the Directorate of Communications, stated that such reports aim to harm the diplomatic relationship between Ankara and New Delhi. ‘Turkey firmly condemns all forms of terrorism, regardless of the perpetrators,’ the statement read. It further asserted that the notion of Turkey engaging in ‘radicalization activities’ against India or any other nation is entirely unfounded and lacks evidence.
Indian Government’s Response
In response to the Delhi blast, the Indian government labeled the incident a ‘terrorist act carried out by anti-national elements.’ Although official details regarding the explosion’s cause were initially scarce, police have initiated a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Explosives Act.
Police Developments
Just hours before the explosion, police announced they had dismantled an ‘inter-state and transnational terror module’ in Haryana’s Faridabad and Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur. Among those arrested were two Kashmiri doctors, Adeel Ahmad Rather and Muzamil Shakeel.
University Under Scrutiny
Shakeel, who worked at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, was among those detained. The university has also come under scrutiny, receiving a show-cause notice from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for allegedly misrepresenting its accreditation status on its website. The NAAC clarified that the university has not been accredited and has not applied for such recognition, calling the claims misleading to the public.
