Q18. Religious indoctrination via social media has resulted in Indian youth joining ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a militant Islamist group that emerged in the early 2000s but gained prominence in 2014 when it captured large parts of Iraq and Syria. Known for its brutal tactics, ISIS seeks to establish a global "caliphate" governed by an extreme interpretation of Islamic law. The organisation’s sophisticated use of social media for indoctrination and recruitment has led to the radicalization of individuals worldwide, including Indian youth, posing a serious threat to national and global security.

Body

What is ISIS and Its Mission?

• Mission of ISIS:
  • ISIS aims to establish a transnational caliphate based on its rigid interpretation of Islamic law. Its goal is to expand this caliphate globally, undermining existing governments and laws in favour of its own strict rules.
  • It uses terror tactics to instil fear, eliminate opposition, and promote its ideological goals, often justifying violence as a religious obligation.
• Methods of Indoctrination:
  • ISIS heavily relies on social media to spread propaganda, leveraging platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram to radicalise youth by promoting violent jihadist ideology.
  • Through persuasive videos, messages, and social media communities, ISIS recruits sympathisers who may eventually carry out its objectives.

How ISIS Threatens India’s Internal Security

• Radicalization and Recruitment of Youth: ISIS’s recruitment strategies can lead to Indian youth becoming radicalised, increasing the risk of homegrown terrorism and violent attacks within the country.
• Destabilisation of Social Harmony: By fueling religious extremism, ISIS can provoke sectarian violence, disrupting India’s social fabric and inciting tension among communities.
• Increased Surveillance Burden: ISIS’s presence requires intensified surveillance and intelligence operations, diverting resources from other critical areas of national security.
• Cross-Border Threats: Radicalised individuals may connect with ISIS networks abroad, increasing the threat of transnational terrorism and challenges at border security.
• Potential for Lone-Wolf Attacks: ISIS indoctrination fosters the risk of "lone-wolf" attacks, where individuals inspired by the group commit acts of terror independently, making detection difficult for security agencies.

‍Conclusion

‍ISIS poses a significant threat to India’s internal security through its targeted radicalization of youth and propagation of extremist ideology. Countermeasures, including robust online monitoring, community outreach, de-radicalization programs, and international cooperation, are essential to mitigate this threat. Protecting India’s social harmony and maintaining vigilance against such groups are crucial to ensuring long-term security and stability.

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