Al Qaeda, Islamic State join hands to expand online radicalisation in South India
New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) South India is witnessing a new trend in online radicalisation, with modules linked to both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State increasingly operating in parallel. Though the two terror groups have traditionally been rivals, they share a common ideological objective of establishing an Islamic State.
Recent investigations by agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) indicate that operatives linked to both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State are increasingly working in tandem to radicalise youth in South India.
According to officials, these online radicalisation networks have primarily targeted Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, while also extending their influence to parts of Maharashtra.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the two groups appear to have concluded that confronting each other serves little purpose.
“Given that their long-term objective is the same, they have increasingly chosen to cooperate in their radicalisation efforts,” the official added.
During the recent spate of investigations, it has been found that the accused persons were propagating the ideologies of both these outfits. Recently, the Andhra Pradesh police had registered a case against one Rehmatullah Sharif. During the probe, the police seized incriminating material on him, both relating to the Islamic State as well as Al Qaeda.
An official explained that both groups preach similar ideologies.
“The only difference is the banner, the official said. Handlers of both these outfits have decided to push their ideologies simultaneously so that the reach is wider and the chance of more youth getting radicalised is higher,” the official also pointed out.
Following the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), security agencies say a significant vacuum emerged in South India’s radical network. Initially, both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State competed to expand their influence.
“Al Qaeda has established a stronger presence in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, while the Islamic State has gained greater traction across the rest of South India,” the officials said.
Another official said that the handlers of both groups felt that battling each other would not serve the purpose, and if they continued to do so, the reach would be divided. Although both outfits have decided to retain their respective identities, they decided that pushing their ideologies together would serve the purpose.
The official also said that putting up a united front by propagating a common cause would also resonate more with the youth. A divided front would confuse the youth, and there is every possibility that this could be exploited by a third group, the outfits realised.
This development also comes in the wake of Al-Badr making a push to make a comeback in South India. Al-Badr’s top leadership is based out of Pakistan and in recent months has been aligning with groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The intelligence agencies have picked up chatter and also intercepts relating to Al-Badr revival and how their major focus should be on South India.
The ISI has tried several experiments where Al-Badr is concerned. It has tried to bring the outfit together with the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen for operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Back in 2007, Al-Badr tried making a comeback in South India with its primary focus being on Coastal Karnataka. However, all these attempts failed.
Following the ban on the PFI, both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State saw an opportunity to expand their presence in South India. Security agencies say the two groups have been attempting to establish a foothold in the region since 2015. While they initially operated independently, officials now believe they have increasingly shifted towards coordinated efforts, viewing a united front as a more effective way to advance their agenda.
The official said that pushing the ideology of both groups through one module would also confuse the security agencies. An official said that this strategy works out well for both groups as it would not only help keep the Indian agencies guessing, but also ensure that its footprint spreads across South India.
–IANS
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