Boat with Islamic State terrorists: Cops seek information from locals

New Delhi, May 28: A high alert was sounded following intelligence reports that a boat carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to Lakshadweep islands.

In the wake of this alert, the Kerala police chief met with security officials to review the situation. The police is seeking information from the locals regarding the boat.

The Navy, Coast Guard and Coastal police are maintaining a high level of surveillance off Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts.

"The Navy and Coast Guard are maintaining vigil. Ships and aircraft have been engaged to ensure high level of coastal survillance", Naval sources said, on Sunday.

Coastal police are also continuing their vigil. Kerala Police sources, on Saturday, said coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted.

Though such alerts are a usual practice, as there is specific information, coastal police stations and police chiefs of coastal districts have been asked to be alert in case suspicious vessels are sighted.

The Coastal police department said it was on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka. After the serial bombings in Sri Lanka, Kerala was on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the State.

Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralities are still with the ISIS, which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the island nation, claiming over 250 lives. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the incident.