ISIS terror influence is seen in a number of states and few states are taking the precautionary measures, among which Maharashtra came into the light now.

“Influence of ISIS is being seen in 10-12 states (in the country) including Maharashtra. Police have blocked 94 websites in the last year (2015) which were used as a tool to radicalise youth about ISIS,” Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Vivek Phansalkar said.

“We are preparing to launch a dedicated website of ATS, which will be used as a measure and tool to create awareness among the society and to de-radicalise the people who are falling prey to their tactics. We have to do a lot of confidence building and identify, monitor and counter the menace of ISIS in the society," ATS chief said.

Fortunately, several community leaders and religious leaders are against ISIS influence and are supporting the police, to de-radicalize and create awareness among the public, the officer opined.

Recently, there was a joint crackdown, by the National Investigation Agency and the state ATS in the country. Responding to the issue, Phansalkar said, “There is a good coordination between the agencies in the country and the recent crackdown and 14 arrests of ISIS sympathisers is the fine example of that (co-ordination)."

On the modus operandi of ISIS, the officer said, “These people use a lot of visuals which are inflammatory in nature and show dreams that there will be 'caliphate?.”

He further denied the reports, stating ATS was threatened by ISIS and also spoke about the soon-to-be launched website saying, “Counter narratives is necessary and through the website, it is possible to ensure people and we will adopt such tactics to counter the increasing menace.”

On the 22nd of this month, the NIA had taken custody 14 people suspected to be ISIS sympathizers for plotting attacks in different parts of the country, ahead of Republic Day.

By Phani Ch