Random arrests of Muslim youths leading to radicalisation: Telangana Police chief
Socio-economic exclusion of Muslims and random arrests of
youths from the community in the aftermath of a terror attack are leading to
radicalisation among the minorities. This was the running theme of a
presentation and discussion on radicalisation at the conference of Director
Generals of Police (DGPs) in Bhuj, that concluded on Sunday.
While there were 10 presentations on various aspects of
internal security at the annual meet organised by the Intelligence Bureau, the
one on radicalisation, presented by Telangana DGP Anurag Sharma, was the most
critical in the context of threats from the Islamic State.
According to sources, Sharma said there was a sense of
alienation among Muslims as “expected social and economic benefits” had not
reached them. He highlighted how areas inhabited by minorities were generally
bereft of civic amenities and dearth of economic opportunities. All this, he
said, made the community vulnerable to radicalisation.
To illustrate how random arrests of Muslim youths has led to
radicalisation, Sharma cited the 2007 Mecca Masjid blasts in Hyderabad. He
pointed out how, immediately after the blasts, police arrested Muslim youths
who were found to be innocent. The blasts were found to have been executed by
Hindu outfits.
