Myanmar Muslim group rejects Al Qaeda statement

The Burmese Muslim Association (BMA) has rejected a statement by Al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri, unveiling the terror group's new focus on Myanmar, Bangladesh and India, media reported Saturday.

BMA said in its statement issued Friday that it urged people to live together in harmony regardless of racial and religious differences.

The Muslims living in the country would not tolerate any threat to their motherland, the BMA's statement said.

A video released Wednesday shows Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announcing the launch of a new branch of the terror outfit in the Indian subcontinent with the aim of expanding jihad to the region.

Meanwhile, the local Mizzima Daily cited an official of the President's Office as stating that precautionary measures have been taken by armed forces to beef up check points and monitor infiltration of terrorists.