New Delhi, Oct 8 (Deccan Chronicle): Intelligence agencies have warned the Centre that there is credible information to suggest that al Qaeda has already initiated a move to rope in the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) to spread its network in the country.

According to a classified note sent by the Intelligence Bureau to key agencies and some Union ministries, there is credible information that the al Qaeda was trying to establish contact with top leaders of SIMI.

The information assumes significance as the al Qaeda top commander Ayman al Zawahari had recently released a video threatening India that terror activities would be stepped up in the Indian subcontinent in the days ahead. Since then, intelligence agencies have been specially told to closely monitor al Qaeda.

According to the intelligence note, details of which have been accessed by this newspaper, “al Qaeda through its operatives in Pakistan has already established contact with Riyaz and Iqbal Bhtakal, founders of Indian Mujhaideen, in Karachi, to gain access to SIMI’s formidable network of sleeper cells in the country. Since IM has worked in close association with the SIMI in the past, they will definitely help the al Qaeda and SIMI to come together.”

Sources said Pakistan’s security agencies are also trying for this alliance since al Qaeda would need strong local logistical support to carry out subversive activities in India.