ISIS terror: Concern over radicalisation of youths through social media, says Rajnath Singh

Rann of Katch (Gujarat): Serious concern was expressed on Friday over radicalisation of youths through social media and other online forums during a high-level meeting of country's top police brass which was attended by Prime Minister Nadrendra Modi.

After the inauguration, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the activities of dreaded terrorist group ISIS have been witnessed in India and their is concern over radicalisation of youths through social media and other online forums.

Singh also said the ISIS has been trying to enhance its foothold in India's neighbourhood -- in Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

"It is a fact that the ISIS activities have increased globally and India is not isolated from it. Besides, there are problems of radicalisation of youths through social media and other online forums," he said and sought concerted efforts to tackle the problem.

He was speaking at the annual three-day conference of Directors General of Police and Inspectors General of Police being organised by the Intelligence Bureau.

Referring to Punjab, the Home Minister said external forces were trying to revive the secessionist demand of Khalistan by trying to manipulate people's sentiment. 

"But I am sure that people of Punjab will give befitting reply to such evil design," he said.

He said security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was much better this year than the previous years as security forces have done commendable job in controlling activities of terror groups.

"Better coordination among the state and central agencies is the need of the hour. We must always be prepared for any situation or crisis," he said.

He said situation in the Left Wing Extremism affected states was fast improving but needed a multi pronged approach in tackling the situation.

"Morale of our security forces is high in these areas. The situation will improve further. We need a multi pronged approach in LWE areas. Development and winning the confidence of people is equally important in these areas," the Home Minister said.

Highlighting the efforts of the security agencies in the Northeast, the Home Minister said 231 armed insurgents and nearly 300 supporters were arrested in the region this year and the situation has improved considerably.

He hoped that the 'Framework Agreement' signed by the government with insurgent group NSCN-IM would help in resolving the Naga problem.

Expressing concern over non-registration of criminal cases in many police stations, Singh said police must register FIRs without bothering the increase in number of criminal cases.

"Atmosphere in the police stations must be people-friendly. Our emphasis should be on good investigation of the registered cases and effective action against the criminals," he said.

The Home Minister said police stations should be open for poor and other weaker sections and they should not be scared of going to it.

Singh said government is committed to carrying out reforms in policing and building SMART police across the country and the states should move in this direction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced the concept of SMART Police (S-Sensitive and Strict; M-Modern with mobility; A- Alert and Accountable; R- Reliable and Responsive; T- Trained and Techno-savvy) during the last Directors General/ Inspectors General annual conference in Guwahati held on November 30, 2014.

Singh said democracy has been strengthened in India since Independence and the security agencies have played an important role in safeguarding democracy.

The Home Minister also appreciated the efforts of the security agencies in insuring peace and tranquility in the country.