'Lone wolf attack' possible on Republic Day; Centre asks states to guard against ISIS threat

The Centre has asked all states to remain vigilant as this year's Republic Day Parade faces a "real threat" from the terror group ISIS.

New Delhi: With French President Francois Hollande coming to India to attend the Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, the Centre is taking all possible steps to ensure the security of all VVIPs and foil any possible attack by terrorist outfits, including the Islamic State.

Media reports on Tuesday said that this year's Republic Day Parade faces a "real threat" from the terror group ISIS, as per the security assessment done by the top intelligence agencies.

In view of the threats posed by the ISIS, the Centre has urged all state governments to guard against any possible terror attack during the Republic Day celebrations.

With increased activities of ISIS supporters online, the Centre has taken the threat of the dreaded terror group 'seriously' and asked all states to remain alert against the possibility of ‘lone wolf attack’ in the country.

The threat of ISIS was discussed threadbare at a meeting of top officials of central intelligence and investigative agencies and police officials of 13 states on Saturday which was chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

“ISIS threat is real. As per our input, the days leading to the Republic Day are crucial. We have instructed everyone to be alert against the possibility of ‘lone wolf attack’ anywhere in the country,” a senior government official said.

A ‘lone wolf’ terrorist is one who indulges in violence in support of some group, movement or ideology but works alone, outside of any command structure and without material assistance from any group.

Mohammad Sirazudin, an executive of the Indian Oil Corporation, who was arrested in Jaipur in December 2015 for allegedly spreading ISIS activities online and trying to recruit Indian youths in the Middle-East terrorist group, was allegedly on the verge of turning into a ‘lone wolf’.

The Saturday meeting reviewed the steps taken to check the growing influence of ISIS among youngsters through social media and other sources.

The Home Minister was also briefed about the counter-radicalisation steps, including involvement of community elders, family members and religious preachers.

The meeting also resolved to take a calibrated policy jointly by the central and state governments to deal with the threat of ISIS in the country.

During the meeting, it was also decided that all tableaux will be guarded by the Border Security Force; two personnel for each tableau.

To witness the parade in the heart of Delhi, President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's top leadership will be present at Rajpath, a majestic avenue connecting the India Gate with the Presidential palace.