Maldives under closer Indian surveillance for terror attacks

Maldives and Sri Lanka are under closer observation from Indian security agencies over fears that the countries may serve as sources and transit points for terror attacks on southern India, the Times of India newspaper has revealed.

Quoting Indian government sources, Times of India said both Maldives and Sri Lanka were aware of the emerging developments and have been increasing their communication with Indian agencies.

“Maldives is a place of particular concern because of the radical elements, many of whom got indoctrinated in Pakistan,” the article read.

The security threat came into focus after a Sri Lankan national, Shakir Husain, was arrested in Chennai last week. Shakir Hussain has reportedly admitted to conducting surveillance of US and Israeli consulates in Chennai and Bangalore.

Police told a Chennai court on Monday that Shakir Hussain made nearly 20 trips to India on reconnaissance missions and was observing the Indian Navy ports of Kochi and Vizag.

Officials claimed Shakir Hussain had told them that he was hired by a diplomat in the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, to facilitate the arrival of two people from Maldives to Chennai, a move to facilitate a terror attack, believe the Indian agencies.

Indian officials are also more wary of Afghan nationals going to India for medical treatment and vacations, according to the Time of India.