Multi-pronged approach to countering IS threat

Against the growing tide of Islamic State violence and concerns about its possible domestic repercussions(an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one), India toughened its posture on terrorism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asking that countries be held accountable for providing terror sanctuaries.

The contours of India’s multi-pronged response to the IS threat emerged even as the post-Paris global response was firming up despite fear writ across the world, from Brussels to the U.S. mainland, of fresh attacks.

New Delhi’s multi-layered stand on terrorism comes against the backdrop of reports indicating that almost 150 Indian youths may have been enticed(attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage) by the IS ideology, about two dozen Indians are in the Syrian battlefield, and many others have been intercepted while trying to reach the IS sanctuary.

“The world must speak in one voice and act in unison((all) together). There will be political, legal, military and intelligence efforts. But, we must do more. Countries also must be held accountable for sanctuaries, support, arms and funds,” Mr. Modi said in Singapore on Monday, delivering the 37th Singapore Lecture.

In India, officials said Mr. Modi would spend almost three days with top intelligence and police officers in December, discussing all security threats, especially those rising from the influence of the IS, the role of social media in violent crimes and left-wing extremism.

Addressing a seminar in New Delhi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, meanwhile, highlighted potential new risks as the armed forces transformed into digital militaries at a time when terrorist organisations were aggressively exploiting the Internet and social media. “ISIS is using the Internet to ensure lot of recruitment and support. They are one of the best users of internet technologies for promoting their cause,” Mr. Parrikar said.

Indians inferior: IS

Meanwhile, Indian intelligence agencies said the IS did not consider South Asian Muslims, including Indians and Pakistanis, good enough to fight in the conflict zone of Iraq and Syria, and they were treated inferior to Arab fighters, often being tricked into suicide attacks. Sources said that of the 23 Indians who are believed to be fighting alongside the IS, six have died, an unusually high casualty rate.

Intelligence officials claimed Arab fighters with better battle experience are mostly positioned behind South Asians and hence their casualties are proportionally less.

Data that may be helpful:

Meanings:-

• repercussions :- an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one
• enticed :- attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage
• unison :- (all) together

Source :- The Hindu, 24-Nov-2015