Muslim youths from South India more attracted to IS: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, has claimed that despite threats from Islamic State (ISIS), India as a country is prepared to tackle the terrorists very efficiently. In a television interview, Rijiju said that Muslim youths from the south Indian states were getting attracted towards Islamic State.

"It's very difficult for me make a comment on that. South India has been traditionally having more links with Middle East so the frequency of travel is more. I cannot say that's the reason. But reports have come more from South India and that's a reality," said Rijiju. 

Rijiju however expressed confidence that India is well equipped to handle the situation and it is not as alarming as compared to other parts of the world. 

"We have issues and there are cases before us but it is not as threatening as western Europe is witnessing. The credit goes to the Muslims also, who are successful by and large in containing the youth from getting into their sway," said Rijiju.

But the minister also appealed to people that the issue should not be seen from a regional angle. 

On recent reports about areas around Howrah in West Bengal emerging as the new recruitment area for the ISIS, Rijiju said, "Definitely there are some vulnerable areas and these are being given due importance."