In the Face of Al-Qaeda Threat, Protest over Muhammad erupts in several states

Protests erupted in numerous parts of the country, including Delhi, following Friday prayers at mosques, raising a critical security question: Is there a larger plot or an organisation behind it? According to intelligence sources, the rallies in Delhi and Kanpur appear staged and unexpected. Agencies are also investigating the international support angle.

The widespread rallies are especially concerning since they come only two days after a letter warning of Islamist terrorist threats to retaliate forstatements about Mohammad made by suspended BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma.

In a letter dated June 6, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) warned of suicide bombs in Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. "Saffron terrorists should now await their end in Delhi, Bombay, UP and Gujarat. They should find refuge neither in their homes nor in their fortified army cantonments." according to the warning posted on AQ's official website. This is the first time Al-Qaeda has given precise city names.

Sharma's remarks sparked international concern, with numerous Arab countries addressing the matter with the Indian government. On Sunday, the BJP suspended her awaiting an investigation and expelled BJP Delhi media in-charge Naveen Kumar Jindal from the party. Both Sharma and Jindal eventually apologised for their offensive remarks.