Terror outfits using social media to lure Muslim youths: Intelligence agencies

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Delhi: An assessment by intelligence agencies points out that both domestic and international factors are responsible for pushing many Muslim youth to turn jihadi, as per a media report.

As per a Mail Today report, incidents of violence against Muslim community going viral on social media is said to be one of the top reasons that lead youth towards jihad.

A senior intelligence official was quoted as saying by the website that US Presidential candidate Donald Trump's tirade against the Muslim community could become triggers combined with some incidents in India.

"The social media has cut-off all boundaries. There are extreme reactions on all issues that are followed by people across the world leading to self-radicalisation," a top officer in Intelligence Bureau (IB) said.

The assessment by the agencies is part of government's counter radicalisation strategy focusing on a humane approach and not resort to knee-jerk arrests, 

Further, the report said that agencies noticed that incidents like in Dadri (a Muslim man was killed by a Hindu mob on allegations of eating beef) were used by terror outfits to influence youth. 

Also, hate speeches by some so-called 'Hindu right-wing' leaders are used by Muslim extremists to radicalise youth.

"Some fringe Hindu elements are a concern and are on radar," an officer was quoted as saying.

Officials added that profile of a potential terrorist is fast changing and unlike the past, well educated youths with decent jobs are not getting lured by terror groups.

"They are identified on social media and are sent videos and speeches to trigger radical views," said an officer.