Indian intelligence agencies monitor ISIS online activities

Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on the online activities of Islamic State (ISIS) suspects in the country. Union home minister Rajnath Singh has asked Central agencies to beef up their capabilities for surveillance of social networking sites. The issue is likely to gain prominence during the forthcoming meet of the top cops of the country where the ISIS threat and propaganda is expected to be discussed at length. At the DGP conference beginning later this week, states will be asked to develop their own capabilities to counter the ISIS threat and closely coordinate with Central agencies to intercept such social media traffic and track down suspects without delay.

The recent arrest of an IndianOil Corporation official was one of the biggest successes of the government’s online surveillance exercise. A major “de-radicalisation” exercise is also underway in the country, roping in community elders to wean away from terror youth who have been radicalised through social media. Sources said the DGPs will be asked to focus on such efforts, particularly in the southern states where the maximum suspects have been found of Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh where the maximum suspects have been found.