5 more states to be added in group dealing with ISIS

The Centre is likely to add five more states to take the overall strength to 18 in a group of states, which have been jointly dealing with all ISIS-related activities in the country.

Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana are likely to be added in the existing group of 12 states and one union territory – Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi, official sources said.

The group of states, in close coordination with the Central government, deals with ISIS-related activities, shares information and takes action.

It has become necessary to include a few more states in the group as ISIS-related activities have been witnessed in these states too, sources said.

The Delhi Police have arrested four youths from Uttarakhand for their alleged terror activities which were being done with inspiration of ISIS terror acts. Uttarakhand is yet to be part of the group of states.

Last Saturday, top security officials of 12 states and Delhi had held a meeting, chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and reviewed the situation arising out of some Indian youths getting attracted towards ISIS and how to deal with the emerging challenge.

With increased activities of ISIS supporters online, the government has asked the states to remain alert against the possibility of 'lone wolf attack' in the country.

The threat of ISIS was discussed threadbare at the meeting of top officials of central intelligence and investigative agencies and police.