Delhi: Islamic State or the ISIS is emerging as the new choice of 'jihadist-leaning', 'radicalised' Muslim youth in India and its immediate neighbourhood, as per a media report.
As per a report in The Times of India, the ISIS is threatening to undercut more established terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Lashkar and IM are reportedly being seen as temporary in nature compared to the ISIS fighters who are holding on to land, irrespective of setbacks, in Syria and Iraq.
The report added that ISIS has managed to label Lashkar as a theologically suspect adjunct of the state lacking the will to recreate a 7th century caliphate.
The Daily quoted Indian intelligence sources as saying that there was a trend of radicalised Muslims favouring the terror group.
Till recently they were said to gravitate towards Pakistan-based outfits or their Indian affiliates.
"Many IS-inspired youth arrested recently were earlier with Jaish or SIMI. Also, those under surveillance for following IS elements online had earlier been under the influence of Jaish, IM or SIMI. They now find IS more attractive due to its ability to acquire and hold territories in Iraq and Syria," a senior officer was quoted as saying.
However, an intelligence analyst said that with ISIS having lately weakened in Iraq and Syria, the organisation's appeal might not be "much of a concern".
"We are more or less able to track radicalised elements in touch with ISIS, and intervene as and when we learn they have acquired arms/explosives or are planning a strike," the officer told TOI.
At the same time, he warned, "However, if ISIS does strengthen its grip and 'liberates' new territories, its following among Indian youth may pose a threat."
