GUWAHATI, Jan 31 - The Assam Police is keeping a close watch both on the ground and in the cyber world to thwart any attempt by terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) to infiltrate into the State. The Government of India also recently alerted the State Government to keep a close watch on the situation following reports that the IS managed to infiltrate into neighbouring Bangladesh.
Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that though there is no indication on the ground that the IS managed to infiltrate into Assam, no chances is being taken and all possible measures are being taken to prevent any such move by the dreaded terrorist outfit. Sources pointed out that there were reports of IS actions in Bangladesh and the outfit has already made its intention to strengthen base in the neighbouring country clear in its mouthpiece. Under the circumstances, the possibility of the IS making efforts to infiltrate into Assam cannot be ruled out by taking advantage of the porous international border.
On the steps taken by the police to prevent any such move, sources revealed that a close watch is being maintained in the areas considered vulnerable. However, so far, no activity of such outfits has been seen on the ground. A training programme for the police personnel to deal with activities of the outfits like the IS is also being planned so that the men in uniform can be sensitized to the issues.
Sources admitted that according to indications available, a substantial number of people in Assam used the cyber space to know about the activities of the IS, which is a disturbing trend. Sources admitted that people might have read the activities of the IS just out of curiosity, �but at the same time we need to keep a close watch on the development. In the past, there have been instances of the IS influencing and recruiting people by using the cyber space in different parts of the world and the outfit making such an attempt in Assam cannot be ruled out.� To check any such move, the Assam Police is also keeping watch in the cyber space and for that, efforts are on for capacity building of the police in this regard.
The Assam Police is also maintaining close touch with the Central agencies dealing with the problem, while, on its part, the Centre is also keeping watch on the situation and is offering advisories to the vulnerable states including Assam from time to time.