2 more with alleged ISIS links held in Kerala

Two more persons suspected of having links to the terror group Islamic State were today arrested here, police said.

With todays arrest, the number of persons apprehended in this connection so far rose to five.

Thalassery natives Hamza aka Taliban Hamza and Manaf were picked up this morning, Kannur district Deputy Superintendent of Police P P Sadananandan said.

"Hamza, who has strong connections with the terror outfitss high command, was behind the recruitment of youths from the state for IS... He had worked in Gulf countries for  more than 20 years," he said.

About six months ago, Manaf was prevented by authorities at Mangalore airport from leaving the country, the official said.

All the five suspects were put under surveillance for the last months, he said.

The accused have been charged under sections 38 and 39 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

They will be produced before the Thalassery Sessions court later in the day, he added.

Three men hailing from Chakkarakkal and Valappattinam in the district were arrested yesterday, police said.

The National Investigation Agency has been probing cases of disappearance of at least 21 people who had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances over a period of time and are suspected to have joined the ISIS.

Among them, 17 were from Kasaragod and four from Palakkad. They include four women and three child.