Al Qeda linked Iran’s rebel group selects new leader

Tehran, Feb 26 (IANS/AKI) Al Qaeda linked Sunni militant group Jundullah has announced its new leader three days after founder of the Iranian rebel group arrested in Pakistan.

Judullah’s central committee has unanimously approved the appointment of Haj Mohammad Zaher Baluch in place of Abdelmalek Rigi, the organisation said on its website.

The group, which has been accused by the Iran government of sowing discord between the Shiite majority and the Sunni minority, claims that it is fighting against discrimination towards Sunnis in the country.

Jundullah, also known as the People’s Resistance Movement of Iran, vowed Thursday to continue its warfare against the Iranian government.

Iran’s interior minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar told reporters Tuesday that Rigi was transferred to Iran after he was arrested in Pakistan.

Iran accused Rigi of having worked for foreign intelligence agencies, which allegedly supplied him with false passports and funding to help destabilise Iraq.

–IANS/AKI