No Attacks, Only Indoctrination: Islamic State’s New Strategy in Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: Intelligence agencies have raised serious concerns over the growing influence of the Islamic State (IS) in Tamil Nadu, warning that the threat in the state is far more severe than it appears. While there are no immediate plans for violent attacks, officials say the group’s current focus on propaganda and radicalisation poses a long-term security risk.

Groups operating under names such as Black Flag Soldiers and Islamic State have proliferated on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, creating a major challenge for security agencies. These online networks are being used extensively to circulate extremist material and indoctrinate vulnerable individuals.

According to intelligence assessments, the Islamic State’s modus operandi in Tamil Nadu largely avoids ground-level attacks. Instead, it is concentrating on building a broad base of ideologically aligned supporters who can amplify its propaganda and influence a wider audience.

“This is a far more dangerous trend,” an Intelligence Bureau official said, noting that the group aims to alter societal mindsets rather than carry out immediate acts of violence. “The objective is long-term radicalisation.”

Southern India has seen IS activity in multiple states, but Tamil Nadu has emerged as a key focal point. The first known case of an Indian leaving the country to join the Islamic State originated from the state. Haja Fakhruddin of Cuddalore reportedly travelled to Singapore before moving to Syria, after being radicalised locally. Investigators say the IS had established its first known radicalisation camp in Cuddalore.

In 2014, images of youth from Tamil Nadu wearing Islamic State T-shirts went viral, highlighting the early spread of extremist influence. Since then, radicalisation networks have expanded rapidly across the state. Officials attribute part of this traction to Wahhabi ideological influence, which aligns closely with the Islamic State’s beliefs.

Concerns were formally raised in 2015, when the Ahlus Sunnath Wal Jamaths Federation wrote to then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and the state police chief, warning of Wahhabi and Deobandi elements infiltrating mosque management committees in Chennai. The letter cautioned that such infiltration could disrupt communal harmony, a concern heightened by the fact that IS follows Wahhabism.

Security officials say the group’s intent is to “poison minds” and radicalise large sections of youth. “If unchecked, this could threaten the security of the entire state,” an official warned, adding that the aim appears to be the ideological indoctrination of lakhs of young people.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in a recent chargesheet, stated that A. Alfasith of Mayiladuthurai was actively involved in radicalising youth by creating multiple WhatsApp and Telegram groups, including Islamic State and Black Flag Soldiers. These platforms were allegedly used to promote unlawful activities and threaten the country’s unity, security, and communal harmony.

Officials note that a similar strategy was earlier deployed in Kerala, where deep-rooted radicalisation led to 21 people, including women, leaving the state to join the Islamic State in Afghanistan.

Beyond ideological influence, IS is also seeking recruits for its Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which is engaged in conflict with the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). To sustain its operations, the group is reportedly targeting youth from Tamil Nadu and Kerala for recruitment.

Security agencies stress the need for constant surveillance and proactive counter-radicalisation measures in Tamil Nadu. They also plan to involve community elders and civil society in de-radicalisation efforts to curb the spread of extremist ideology.

With inputs from IANS