Who is sending Kerala’s politically unaffiliated youth to Delhi protests? Intelligence agencies probe

Kerala-based youth without clear political affiliations travelling to Delhi to join protests are being monitored by central intelligence agencies, according to an intelligence report.

The report has indicated that hundreds of people who are not members of recognised political organisations are reaching Delhi from Kerala to participate in protests. The central intelligence agency has sought details from the Kerala Police on how more young people are travelling to the national capital and who is behind their mobilisation.

The Kerala intelligence wing is also expected to prepare a report on the matter.

Leaders of recognised student and youth organisations are already reporting the number and locations of their members attending protests in Delhi. However, intelligence agencies have reportedly found that groups of young men and women from Kerala who are not part of these organisations are also travelling to the capital.

People associated with organisations considered extremist, as well as former members of banned organisations, are under particular watch, according to the report. Intelligence agencies suspect that some of these individuals may be organising and travelling to the protests together.

Authorities will also gather information on where protesters are staying in Delhi and their local contacts in the city.

The Delhi Police has decided to restructure and strengthen its intelligence-gathering system to ensure better preparedness for major demonstrations and planned public meetings.

The move follows concerns raised by the intelligence wing that it did not receive adequate advance information about the CJP protest demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over the question-paper leak.

Following the incident, the information-gathering mechanism is being reorganised to improve advance intelligence on protests and their participants.

Details being sought on protest mobilisation

The intelligence and special branches have been asked to collect detailed information about people travelling to Delhi for protests.

This includes their backgrounds, local contacts, links with extremist or banned organisations, organisations supporting the protests, preparations for demonstrations, the number of people arriving and how they are being mobilised.

Authorities will also gather details about the role of leaders, organisers and those arranging accommodation for protesters. Information on financial assistance, local networks and the methods used to bring people together will also be recorded.

The agencies will document how many people are travelling from each state, how they are being organised and details of key leaders and organisers.