Home Ministry warns states of possible IS-sponsored terrorist action on Indian territory

NEW DELHI: There is a possibility of “ISIS sponsored terrorist action on Indian territory” by “piggy-backing on terrorist groups operating in India”, the home ministry has said in an advisory to states and union territories in the wake of Paris attacks.

The targeting of Paris “indicates the intention of the outfit to expand the arc of terror action beyond Iraq and Syria”, the ministry said, even as it sought to downplay the threat from terror groups by saying “ISIS so far has not been able to establish any significant presence in India”.

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The advisory concedes, though, that the IS has managed “to radicalise some youth, attracting certain sections of local population and expats to participate in its activities”. With more than 50 Indians reported to be been fighting alongside the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria, the home ministry asked the states to “immediately review the action plan against ISIS”.

The Centre also directed the states to take appropriate measures to “neutralise potential threats”. Cautioning against the increasing threat of IS, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said, “ISIS is not a threat for any particular country but for the entire world. India is alert about ISIS.”

The advisory also directed the security establishment to be alert and take preventive measures in and around foreign missions. “The security arrangements for the diplomatic establishments of France, USA, UK, Germany, Russia, Australia, Turkey and Israel may be particularly reviewed and strengthened,” it said. Meanwhile, Delhi Police is investigating the role of youths from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh and Bhatkal in Karnataka who fled to Afghanistan and later formed an outfit Ansar-ul-Tawhid. The group has pledged allegiance to ISIS and it is suspected that they can carry out attacks in India under the umbrella of the ISIS.