The terrorist group Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan* (ISIL-K) is attempting to recruit individuals through handlers based in India, even though they have not been able to carry out large-scale attacks within the country, according to a UN report.
“Despite not being able to conduct large-scale attacks in India, ISIL-K seeks to recruit lone actors through their India-based handlers and released a booklet in Urdu magnifying Hindu-Muslim antagonism and outlining its strategy as regards India,” the report mentioned.
ISIL-K is recognized as a major regional threat with its terror activities spreading beyond Afghanistan, while al-Qaeda** is concentrating on strengthening its alliance with the Taliban.
“TTP could transform into an umbrella organisation for other terrorist groups. In the medium term, a potential merger of TTP and AQIS could escalate the threat against Pakistan, and eventually India, Myanmar and Bangladesh,” it added.
Despite their significant role in terrorism within India, the General emphasised that “groups like JEM**** and LET***** often receive less attention, highlighting the need for universal condemnation and control of religious fundamentalism and terrorism everywhere.”
Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS) targets countries including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while ISIS has shown interest in China, despite its limited influence in Xinjiang, he added.
ISIS practices 4th generation warfare through self-actuating sleeper cells, which can activate in various countries, including India, posing significant threats, Asthana affirmed.
The military pundit believes the ideology “is indeed dangerous, with influence extending wherever they can find sympathizers to
promote their religious fundamentalism.”
Additionally, while many
UN-designated terrorist organizations operate from regions like Afghanistan and Pakistan, some countries selectively support these states, which has become a state policy and a form of proxy war, necessitating global condemnation of such ideologies, he contended.
India’s strong democracy and long-standing cultural diversity among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, coupled with the lingering effects of partition, have contributed to lower ISIS recruitment compared to Europe and America, Dr Qamar Agha, Defence Expert told Sputnik India.
There is a long-standing need for regional coordination between India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asian Republics — countries all affected by terrorism — to
formalize and strengthen their joint efforts against such threats, he concluded.
*ISIS-K, Daesh (IS/ISIS/ISIL) is a terrorist organization banned in Russia and other states.
**Al-Qaeda is under UN sanctions for terrorism.
***A terrorist organization banned in Russia and India.
****banned terrorist organizations.
*****under UN sanctions for terrorism.