15 IS affiliates trying to sneak into India from Sri Lanka, Navy, Coast Guard

Thiruvananthapuram: The Intelligence agencies warned that nearly 15 IS terrorists have set off towards Lakshadweep in a boat. Following this warning, the security agencies have been placed on high alert and patrolling in the coastal areas of Lakshadweep and Kerala has been intensified. Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Marine cop boats and surveillance aircraft too are patrolling this area.

Last month, IS militants carried out suicide attacks on churches and five-star hotels, in Sri Lanka. Nearly 250 people were killed in the attacks. A massive counter-terrorism campaign was initiated, in Sri Lanka, after that. A few terrorists were killed in this action, and a few escaped. Hence, a warning about those escaped terrorists trying to sneak into India was also issued. Since then, India has been minutely observing the maritime region.

The fisherfolk has been given special instructions. They have been instructed to look out for any unidentified boats/ships and have been told to immediately report any suspicious activities, in the region, to the security agencies.

Shocking revelations have already been made regarding the IS network in Kerala. Some youth had gone to Syria and Afghanistan under the influence of IS. At the same time, links of the suicide terror attacks in Sri Lanka also had led to Kerala. It is reported that the mastermind of these attacks had visited Kerala. Also, four people connected with IS were arrested by the National Security Agency NIA, from Kerala.

The interrogation of these four suspects revealed that a plot for suicide attacks in India was being hatched. A few more people have been suspected to be in touch with foreign IS agents. Against this background, the importance of the Intel warning that 15 IS terrorists moving towards Lakshadweep and Kerala assumes significance.