ISIS threat looms over Republic Day celebrations; high alert in states, UTs

New Delhi, Jan 19: If reports are to be believed then the Islamic State (ISIS) supporters may carry out lone wolf strike anywhere in the country ahead of Republic Day.

Security officials see runup to the Republic Day as a crucial period when lone wolf attack may be carried out.

The possibility of the lone wolf attack by ISIS influenced person was discussed during a meeting chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh here on Saturday.

This Republic Day parade India is set to host French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest for the event scheduled to take place at Rajpath. His presence on this occasion may influence ISIS supporters to indulge in a one-off attack to attract global attention.

France ordered order retaliatory air strikes in ISIS territory after the attacks by ISIS in November last year. At least 130 people were killed in the Paris attacks on November 13, 2015.

"If there are indeed hardened IS sympathizers in India, there is a good chance that they might try to protest against Hollande's visit by indulging in a lone wolf strike. Though this might not directly threaten Hollande's security, such an attack anywhere in the country could generate much interest in the West," reported the Times of India citing said the source.

After the report, high alert has been sounded in states and Union territories. A 'lone wolf' terrorist is one who supports a particular group, movement or ideology but works alone.

"We must be prepared and the states must know the standard operating procedures for handling such exigencies," said a home ministry officer.

OneIndia News