Islamic State-backed attack possible in India: Govt

The Home Ministry has issued an advisory saying that "available inputs about ISIS activities should be immediately reviewed to identify plans, targets areas vulnerable to attack by Islamic State."

New Delhi: Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh addresses the Inaugural Session of Asia Leaders Meeting towards Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk in Asia, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Source: PTI)

In the wake of the terror attacks in Paris, the Union Home Ministry Monday issued an advisory to states and Union Territories warning that Islamic State’s “success in radicalising some youth and attracting certain sections of the local population or Indian diaspora to physically participate in its activities, or the possibility of piggy-backing on terrorist groups operating in India, have opened up the possibility of ISIS-sponsored terrorist action on Indian territory”.

Stating that the Islamic State (formerly ISIS/ISIL) has not been able to establish any significant presence in India, the advisory calls for preventive measures to counter “potential threats, if any” from the outfit. It also advises that security arrangements at the “diplomatic interests” of France, US, UK, Israel and some other countries need to be beefed up.

Also read: Jr. Owaisi, e-books had impact on Indian ISIS recruit, files show

On the sidelines of a function in New Delhi on Tuesday morning, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also said that India is alert to the threat posed by the outfit. “ISIS is not a threat for any particular country but for the entire world. India is alert about ISIS,” Singh said.

The advisory issued on Monday stated that the multiple terror attacks in Paris clearly indicate the intention of the Islamic State to “expand the arc of high profile terror actions beyond the core areas of Iraq and Syria”.

The advisory was issued after a meeting in the ministry to assess general preparedness to counter terror attacks. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary (Internal Security) Ashok Prasad and officers of the NIA, IB, R&AW and Delhi Police. Sources said all concerned agencies were asked to share fresh inputs, if any, on the Islamic State and reassess the threat from the outfit in the wake of the Paris attacks.

“There was no fresh input or threat assessed from the outfit. The threat remains at the level as it was before the Paris attacks. However, the possibility of lone wolf attacks inspired by the success and enormity of the Paris attacks was discussed and so an adviso18ry was issued,” said an official who was part of the meeting.

Story continues below this ad

The advisory has asked police chiefs of states and UTs to keep the security establishment on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.

It also calls for suitable preventive measures at and around foreign missions, symbolic sites, tourist spots and community facilities frequently visited by foreigners. “In this regard, the security arrangements for the diplomatic interests of France, US, UK, Germany, Russia, Australia, Turkey and Israel may be particularly reviewed and strengthened,” it states.

The police chiefs have been told to immediately review available intelligence inputs about the Islamic State’s activities to identify plans, targets and areas vulnerable to attack, and take appropriate action to neutralise potential threats, if any.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Islamic state