It's a reality, Muslim youths from South India more attracted to ISIS: Kiren Rijiju

Kiren Rijiju agreed that Muslim youths from five south Indian states were getting more attracted towards the Islamic State.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, has claimed that despite threats from the Islamic State (ISIS), India as a country is prepared to tackle the terrorists very efficiently.

In an interview with India Today news channel, Rijiju agreed that Muslim youths from five south Indian states - Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh - were getting attracted towards the Islamic State. 

"It's very difficult for me make a comment on that. South India has been having traditionally more links with Middle East so there is more regular exchange of travelling there. But I cannot the say that it's the reason. But reports have come more from South India and that's a reality," said Rijiju.  

However, the Minister of State for Home expressed confidence that India is well prepared to handle the situation and the same is not as alarming as compared to other parts of the world.  

"We have issues and there are cases before us but it is not as threatening as the western Europe is witnessing and credit goes to the Muslims also, who are successful by and large in containing the youth from getting into their sway," said Rijiju. 

But the minister also appealed to people that the issue should not be seen from a regional angle.  

On recent reports about areas around Howrah in West Bengal emerging as the new recruitment area for the ISIS, Rijiju said, "Definitely there are some vulnerable areas and these are being given due importance."