ATS blocked 94 websites spreading ISIS propaganda
ATS blocked 94 websites spreading ISIS propaganda
The Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) in 2015 blocked as many as 94 websites and portals, which were spreading ISIS propaganda on the Internet through which many youths were getting radicalised online in India.
The ATS has started a de-radicalisation exercise with the help of community leaders and have managed to de-radicalise a youth from Mumbai too. While they are de-radicalising sympathisers on one hand, they are also dealing with those spreading its propaganda with an iron hand.
Speaking to media persons in Pune, additional director general and ATS chief Vivek Phansalkar said that the presence of ISIS has been seen in 10 states including Maharashtra. Mr Phansalkar said that the police was in regular touch with community leaders who are helping them in their mission to eradicate the menace of ISIS propaganda.
“We have received a lot of help from the leaders of the minority community which is against ISIS and they are helping us to effectively curb the menace. We are identifying, monitoring and de-radicalising the youths who have been misled. We also need help from the media to stop this menace. We have also arrested those who were spreading propaganda of ISIS and recruiting youth to work for ISIS,” said Mr Phansalkar.
The ATS chief cited the example of five college- going youths from Dhulia who had made an online group and WhatsApp group where they spoke only about ISIS. They had become sympathisers. With the help of local community leaders, the youths were de-radicalised. 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’.”
A source also said that ISIS has asked its sympathisers to work from their own place instead of fleeing to Syria.
To counter the “menace of ISIS”, the Maharashtra ATS too has decided to use online tactics. “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,” the ATS chief said.
Speaking about the soon-to-be launched website, Mr Phansalkar said, “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.”
