How Are ISKP and AQIS Dividing India Into Operational Zones?

New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and the Al Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) originated in Afghanistan, aiming to unleash chaos across the region.

AQIS, established in 2014, and ISKP, formed a year later, were initially thought to focus their activities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

However, a detailed examination of their operations reveals that these groups are likely to utilize Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan as bases to launch attacks targeting India.

Despite their historical rivalry, recent intelligence suggests that the two organizations have chosen to coexist peacefully, avoiding direct conflict.

Both groups share a common goal: the destruction of India. The issue at hand is determining which group will control which regions within the country.

The ISKP has opted to concentrate its efforts solely on South India, while AQIS will oversee the northern regions. Given its stronger support network in Bangladesh, AQIS will also turn its attention to northeast India.

This division of zones was facilitated by the ISI. While AQIS generally aligns with the Taliban, ISKP has not, although recent developments indicate that ISI is pushing ISKP to confront the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), which reportedly has Taliban backing.

Recognizing the destructive intentions of both groups towards India, the ISI brokered an agreement on their territorial divisions.

Intelligence agencies caution that even though AQIS and ISKP have a contentious relationship, their shared objectives could lead to a potential alliance.

Investigations by the Special Cell of Delhi Police in 2014 highlighted AQIS's ambitious plans for India. Currently, they are actively indoctrinating individuals and recruiting new members while preparing to smuggle arms and ammunition intended for terrorist actions in India.

For ISKP, operations in South India are relatively straightforward. They have collaborated with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), which had an extensive network in the region.

As the PFI has gone underground post-ban, security agencies believe ISKP aims to exploit this gap.

Both outfits have established a mutual understanding, with PFI being instrumental in recruiting for ISKP. Notably, 21 individuals from Kerala were radicalized by PFI and subsequently sent to Afghanistan to join ISKP.

In contrast, AQIS has been slower in its operational pace. It maintains a robust presence in northeastern states and North India, actively seeking new recruits. They publish a magazine titled Nawa-i-Ghazwa Hind, which disseminates content focused on India, clearly outlining AQIS's intended role in the country.

The issue of recruitment within India is not the primary concern. Following the upheaval in Bangladesh after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, reports indicate AQIS is rapidly recruiting with the assistance of local terror factions. These recruits are being trained to execute attacks within India.

The ISI's strategy aims to ensure turmoil in India while preventing AQIS or ISKP from establishing a foothold in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite both groups raising the Kashmir issue, ISI has historically thwarted their attempts to establish a presence in the Union Territory, as any such move could provoke the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which ISI cannot afford to alienate.