Indian authorities have warned of a “real threat” of lone-wolf attacks by the Islamic State group in the country during the high-profile visit by French President Francois Hollande for the 67th Republic Day.
The threat was reportedly discussed during a security meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, which was attended by top security personnel and police officials of 13 states.
“The fact that French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest for Republic Day parade this year, may encourage elements under ISIS influence to indulge in a one-off attack to attract global attention,” said a source. Incidentally, Paris saw terror attacks by ISIS in November last year, leading Hollande to order retaliatory air strikes in ISIS territory.
“If there are indeed hardened ISIS sympathizers in India, there is a good chance that they might try to protest against Hollande’s visit by indulging in a lone-wolf strike. Though this might not directly threaten Hollande’s security, such an attack anywhere in the country could generate much interest in the west,” said the source.
In view of the threats posed by the ISIS, the Centre has urged all state governments to guard against any possible terror attack during the Republic Day celebrations.
With increased activities of ISIS supporters online, the Centre has taken the threat of the dreaded terror group ‘seriously’ and asked all states to remain alert against the possibility of ‘lone wolf attack’ in the country.
“ISIS threat is real. As per our input, the days leading to the Republic Day are crucial. We have instructed everyone to be alert against the possibility of ‘lone wolf attack’ anywhere in the country,” a senior government official said.
A ‘lone wolf’ terrorist is one who indulges in violence in support of some group, movement or ideology but works alone, outside of any command structure and without material assistance from any group.
Mohammad Sirazudin, an executive of the Indian Oil Corporation, who was arrested in Jaipur in December 2015 for allegedly spreading ISIS activities online and trying to recruit Indian youths in the Middle-East terrorist group, was allegedly on the verge of turning into a ‘lone wolf’.
It was decided at the meeting that the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel will keep guard during the Republic Day celebrations.
Heads of central agencies and representatives of 13 states deliberated on the need for an effective response mechanism to such an eventuality. “We must be prepared and the states must know the standard operating procedures for handling such exigencies,” said a home ministry officer.
