NEW DELHI (Sputnik) – The Islamic State (ISIL) extremist group is planning attacks in the Indian capital of New Delhi and the northern state of Rajasthan, intelligence agencies said, cited by local media on Tuesday.
Central intelligence agencies informed local police that there is a potential for lone wolf or group attacks during the festive season this fall, according to the Times of India. India celebrates the Diwali Festival of Lights in November.
The publication further cites sources saying nearly 40 young Indians have been radicalized by the ISIL through a well-documented social media recruitment campaign.
Police in the northeast state of Assam, said they were "alert and worried" about a potential IS or Hindu right-wing fundamentalist threat. Khagen Sarma, the Assam director general of police, was cited saying visits to ISIL-linked websites were highest in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and Andhra Pradesh.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates arrested up to 11 Indian nationals earlier this month on suspicion of planning to join ISIL.
Indian intelligence officials estimate there are 17 Indians fighting alongside the fundamentalist group operating in Syria and Iraq.
