10 ways how the Islamic State recruits Indians

The Anti-Terrorists Squad of the Gujarat police has picked up the two suspected terrorists with IS links. Here are the 10 ways Islamic State use to recruit Indians.

It was the first of its kind case in Gujarat in which two brothers were arrested for allegedly planning lone wolf attacks in the state. The Gujarat ATS says that this was the first known Islamic State related case in the state and as per investigations, the duo had planned not just on carrying out strikes, but also recruiting many more from Gujarat into the outfit. The recruitment pattern into the IS has been more or less the same when compared to the other cases reported from across the country.

The recruitment pattern in India and the rest of the world has been more or less the same. The use of technology, brain-washing are the usual tactics that the IS handlers based out of Syria use. In the case of India, the handler based out of Syria is Shafi Armar. His name has figured in all IS related cases in India.

Here are the 10 ways how Islamic State's recruiters actively approach Indians:

Chat Services

Technology plays a very big role in recruitments. IS handlers in Syria communicate with youth in India and tell them about the IS ideology. Messages are shared on chat services such as Telegram.

Social Media

Social media plays a very big part in recruitments. Several posts speaking about how Islam is at risk are put out at regular intervals. These posts call on the youth to join the IS.

High Quality Videos

High quality videos are also a big draw. IS recruits are shown videos of beheading explaining why these persons they call infidels must be killed.

Through Media Managers

The IS has also been very media savvy. There is propaganda material pushed into all corners of the internet speaking about the what the IS stands for. The media managers ensure that the content is available easily to all.

Using women

The IS also speaks about the growing number of women militants. It says if women are coming forward and fighting for the cause of Islam, then the men should not be far behind.

Marriage centres

Marriage centres have also been opened up by the IS. Most recruits back out because they feel there would be no normal life. In such cases, the marriage centres help lure the recruits.

Religious centiments

In India, the issues such as Jammu and Kashmir, Babri Masjid and the persecution of Muslims is often used as a recruitment tool. Many recruits feel that they should fight for the cause of the IS to protect their religion.

Caliphate

Declaring the Caliphate has been one of the biggest draws. This according to analysts has worked the most while recruiting into the IS.

Promise of Virgins

The promise of virgins in heaven if one lays down his life for the cause of jihad has been used not just by the IS, but also by various other terrorist groups. This has been a primary recruitment for terror outfits.

Monetary benefits

In some cases, the IS has also offered money to new recruits. This is however the least preferred option as many join the IS because of ideology. However in some cases the IS has offered money to people who recruit.