There is a distinct difference in how terror operations unfold in North and South India. While the ISI in the North launches aggressive attacks at key locations, in the South, the approach is more subtle, focusing on radicalisation and demographic shifts. Specifically targeting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the ISI’s operations in Sri Lanka have raised concerns about potential attacks in South India.
Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the Batticaloa district in Sri Lanka, known as a hub of Wahhabism. Officials highlight the district’s ties to Saudi Foundations, leading to a rise in Wahhabi activities. Concerns are raised that these elements may expand their influence to Southern Indian states.
With ISI support, these elements aim to replicate the Wahhabi-related activities seen in Kerala. The Intelligence agencies have noted a surge in Wahhabi-related movements in Kerala since the early 2000s, prompting a decrease in visits by Saudi preachers. Now, leveraging connections in Batticaloa, the ISI seeks to promote Wahhabi culture in Tamil Nadu.
The pattern of targeting South India began in the 2000s, intensifying in 2013 when the NIA dismantled an ISI spy module. Subsequent arrests, including Arun Selvarajan and others linked to the ISI, revealed a plot to recruit and radicalise youth for attacks on US and Israeli Consulates. The ISI’s efforts extend to engaging former LTTE operatives for potential attacks in South India.
Exploiting anti-state sentiments and cultural shifts, the ISI aims to recruit individuals for espionage and terror activities. The focus remains on the cultural impact of Wahhabi elements in South India, particularly in the Batticaloa district, known for nurturing radical elements and producing extremists like Zahran Hashim.
Investigators link Hashim to radicalisation efforts in Tamil Nadu, influencing individuals like the Coimbatore and Mangaluru bombers. The rise of the Rabita Trust, associated with Al-Qaeda leaders, signals the ISI’s strategy to spread radical ideologies in Tamil Nadu and other southern states. The trust’s ties to Al-Qaeda leaders pose a significant security concern in the region.
Officials warn of the ISI’s concerted efforts to infiltrate states like Tamil Nadu, emphasizing widespread radicalisation as a precursor to recruiting individuals from Sri Lanka and the Maldives for potential attacks in South India.
