Lakshadweep on high alert after IS intel

The Indian Navy, Coast Guard and police are all maintaining a state of high alert off the Kerala and Lakshwadeep coasts after specific input was received that a group of Islamic State terrorists from Sri Lanka are heading towards Lakshadweep. "The Navy and Coast Guard are maintaining vigil. Ships and aircraft have been engaged to ensure high level of coastal surveillance," naval sources told PTI.

The intelligence inputs received on May 23 said a group of 15 Islamic State terrorists are heading towards India. New Delhi and Sri Lanka have increased counter-terrorism cooperation in the backdrop of the April 21 terror attack in which more than 250 people died. The coastal police department said it has been on alert since May 23.

Kerala Police sources had said that coastal police stations and police chiefs have been alerted. And though such alerts are a usual practice, this time there is specific information, meaning all forces have been asked to be alert and report spotting any suspicious vessels.

In April, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested one Riyas Aboobacker from Palakkad, for following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim, the mastermind of the Sri Lanka terror attack. He admitted to NIA that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala.

Intelligence agencies also believe a considerable number of Keralities are still with the Islamic State, which was recently wiped out of Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lanka witnessed a series of terror attacks on Apr 21, when eight blasts rocked the island nation, claiming over 250 lives. In particular, churches and hotels were targeted. Among the dead were 45 foreign nationals. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident.

INDIA BOUND

• Specific information was received, saying 15 Islamic State terrorists from Sri Lanka were headed towards India
   
• Intel agencies believe a number of Keralites are still with Islamic State, which was wiped out of Iraq and Syria

With inputs from PTI