Intelligence agencies swing into action, probe terror links

The State and Central intelligence agencies have swung into action and are investigating the activities of certain organisations and individuals in the wake of the revelation that Bangalore-based Kafeel Ahmed and Sabeel Ahmed were involved in the foiled bomb attack on Glasgow airport in the UK.

The intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the recent formation of an umbrella organisation of some south Indian Islamic outfits. The outfit has been formed ostensibly to fight for human rights of Dalits and other oppressed classes.

The intelligence agencies are also closely watching the activities of certain educational institutions. According to sources, these institutions and so-called educational consultants have been acting as facilitators for arranging admissions for ‘some students’ to certain professional colleges in the UK and Australia. The Union Home Ministry is also aware of the presence of such groups in the State.

The special branch of Tamil Nadu police is also closely monitoring the developments in Kerala after it received credible information that some organisations are working hand-in-glove with Tamil extremist groups. It is learnt that after the massive combing operations in the State, they have moved to Kerala.

Another source of concern for the Tamil Nadu police is that the Tamil labourers who are working in Kerala are being lured into extremism. They are also being indoctrinated by agents of terror, thereby preparing them for terrorist acts.

The Tamil Nadu intelligence has already given tip-offs to the State police that there was a concerted effort on the part of certain organisations to foment trouble in Kerala and adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu on the Mullaperiyar issue.

Another factor that worries the intelligence agencies is the presence of pro-Pakistan elements in southern India. The arrest of the Pakistan-based operative Fahad from Kozhikode has confirmed the doubt. More than that, the help he had received from certain sections of the people in Malabar area is giving intelligence agencies sleepless nights.

The agencies are also trying hard to unravel the sources that bring out and supply “explosive literature with jihadi content”. The presence of a radical student organisation in certain professional colleges of the State in central and north Kerala is also being closely looked at.

The Central intelligence agencies have already warned the State Home Department about the potential threat from terrorists to certain key areas including the Cochin Port Trust and the Ezhimala Naval Academy, where the work on the commissioning of the academy is moving on fast track. The Kochi Naval Base is also considered a potential target.

The presence of certain Maoist organisations is also worrying the Police.

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