Paris attacks: Indian government issues alert, says ISIS clearly expanding area of terror

NEW DELHI: In the wake of Paris attacks, government has asked the security establishment to be on high alert and ordered stepped up protective measures at foreign missions, including that of the US and France, warning that the intent of ISIS was clearly to expand the area of terror.

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 ISIS and appropriate action is taken to neutralise potential threat if any."

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"ISIS is not a threat for any particular country but for the entire world. India is alert about ISIS," Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function.

In the advisory sent yesterday, the Home Ministry said the recent multiple attacks in Paris clearly indicate the intention of the outfit (ISIS) to expand the area of terror action beyond the core area of Iraq and Syria.

"It is therefore necessary that security establishment is kept on high alert to prevent any untoward incident," it said.

Accordingly, suitable preventive measures may be taken at and around foreign missions and other establishments or symbolic sites including synagogues, 'Chabad Houses', tourist spots and community facilities frequently visited by foreigners.

"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.

The Home Ministry said though the ISIS has not been able to establish any significant presence in India, its success in radicalising some youth, attracting certain sections of 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.