THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst reports claiming that a group Keralites have joined terror outfit, the Islamic State, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the Assembly that a total of 21 people have been missing from the state. Vijayan made it clear that extremism and terrorism has no religion and the government would not encourage anti-Muslim sentiments in the society.
"The missing persons from Kasargod included four women and three children. Two women were among those missing from Palakkad," he said. The people had left their homes citing different reasons. However, according to media reports, they had gone to Syria and Afghanistan, and were in IS camps.
Addressing reporters, the CM said one man, Firoz, has been taken into custody from Mumbai airport in connection with the development. "The state government is committed to take stern action against any kind of terror activities," he said. He also added the administration would not allow any vested interest to exploit the situation. "There is also an attempt to put the entire Muslim community under the shadow of doubt. But it is well-known that majority of people in Kerala are against any kind of terrorism and extremism. Only a very few people are showing tendencies to become part of this," Vijayan said.
Police say they have no proof to confirm any of them had joined the IS terror group or other extremist outfits in Syria or Iraq. However, substantial evidence points to their possible radicalisation in Kerala. Incidentally, all the missing youths are well educated and come from relatively well-to-do backgrounds. Among those who disappeared are a doctor, four engineering graduates and two studying to be dentists.
