NIA reaches out to Philippines govt to close-in on IS woman operative

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency has approached the Philippines government seeking details of Karen Aisha Hamidon, the woman ISIS operator who is believed to have radicalised several Indian men and even arranged for their travel to Syria.

According to reports, Aisha was allegedly involved in influencing people from various countries such as India, UK, US, UAE, Australia, and Bangladesh through various channels such as Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp.

The NIA, in its letter, mentioned that Aisha, a resident of Diego Shilang village in Taguig City, Metro Manila, operated one of the largest IS groups in WhatsApp called ‘IslamQ&A’ where ISIS members shared the virulent group’s ideology and jihadi material.

Aisha also finds mention in the NIA chargesheet filed last week against ISIS operative Mohammad Sirajuddin.

Mohammad Sirajuddin, an Indian Oil Corporation manager, was arrested in Jaipur late last year and was also allegedly in touch with Aisha.

Sirajudidn, 33, was also in touch with ISIS recruit Mohammed Naser who was arrested by the NIA after deportation from Sudan last year.

Reports also indicate that the relation between Aisha and Sirajuddin were anything but cordial.

Sirajuddin, who was vocal of his ideology in the virtual world, was banned by Aisha for a short time from her WhatsApp groups over difference in opinions, while Sirajuddin felt that Aisha was a traitor and was somehow to be blamed for the arrest of his mentor Mohammad Naser from Sudan last year.