Against the backdrop of the growing influence of ISIS among youngsters through social media and other sources, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday held a day-long meeting with top officials of Central intelligence and investigative agencies and police of 13 States to discuss the steps to check the alarming trend.
The issues discussed included misuse of social media, sources of impetus that attract persons, specially youth, to DAESH, the growth of Islamist group’s influence in India’s neighbourhood and the best possible counter response by the authorities.
Singh held the day-long meeting to review the situation arising out of some Indian youths getting attracted towards ISIS, also known as ISIl or DAESH, and how to deal with the emerging challenge.
“The issues that were discussed included misuse of social media, sources of impetus that attract persons, specially youth, to DAESH, the growth of DAESH influence in India’s neighbourhood and the best possible law enforcement response,” a Union Home Ministry spokesperson said.
The need for appropriate welfare schemes for minorities, social media strategies to be followed and capacity building of State police organisations, especially in the area of information technology and surveillance were also discussed threadbare.
In his remarks, Singh said India’s traditions and family values will triumph over even this evil, and that while the traction that DAESH has got in India is extremely limited, and almost insignificant relative to other countries, yet there is a need to keep up vigil on all fronts, and not let down the guard in any manner.
Singh said a large number of people and most Muslim organisations in India had come out against both DAESH and other forms of terrorism.
The top police brass of the 13 States who attended the interaction included Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra.
According to Intelligence estimates, a miniscule 23 Indians have so far joined the ISIS of which six are reported to have been killed in different incidents. Around 150 Indians are under surveillance for their alleged online links with ISIS.