‘Kerala Is A Recruiting Ground For Terror Outfits, Efforts Underway To Counter It’: Outgoing DGP Loknath Behera  

The incumbent state police chief (SPC) Loknath Behera in an interaction with the television channels stated that radicalisation is a matter of concern in Kerala. He added that big efforts to address are being undertaken by state police to counter it by means of de-radicalisation and counter-radicalisation programmes, reports New Indian Express.

The DGP who is to superannuate on 30 June, also underscored that the recruitment of people to the Islamic State (IS) is a matter of concern, however, it has come down recently. "According to the inputs, Kerala is a recruiting ground because the people here are educated and the IS requires engineers and doctors. But we have dealt with it in a systematic way and it has come down," he stated.

He also highlighted the effort by the police, especially the anti-terrorist squad (ATS), who are identifying the vulnerable populace and providing them counselling with the help of their parents.

"After the exodus of 21 families to IS-controlled areas, we did lots of things. How many went after that? We have formed one of the best ATSs in the country and it is doing a great job behind the scene. That’s why there is not much concern. But we cannot be complacent," said Behera, adding that the police have mounted surveillance on the suspected sleeper cells of terrorist groups.

Behera said that he had no reservations in invoking the stringent UAPA in the state and highlighted that being a law enforcer, he used the act as it was passed by Parliament.