40 kms from Delhi, 'Dharma Sena' gets ready to fight Islamic State

New Delhi: Away from the spotlight, a private army is taking shape in western Uttar Pradesh. Called the 'Dharma Sena', the outfit is being projected as the symbol of Hindu resistance to the growth of the Islamic State.

Raised by an outfit known as Hindu Swabhiman, headquartered in Dasna in Ghaziabad, the Dharma Sena reportedly has 15,000 'soldiers' who are ready to fight, even die, to safeguard their faith.

As per a report in The Times of India, Hindu Swabhiman leaders believe that ISIS will occupy western UP by 2020.

The TOI report adds that there are some 50 known training camps being run by the outfit where youth, and even willing children, are taught to use swords and firearms.

Leaders of the group reportedly use militant attacks on India to indoctrinate the youth of the region to take up arms to safeguard their faith.

However, the police top brass appears to be unaware of the presence of Dharma Sena. TOI quoted IG Meerut Zone, Alok Sharma, as saying, "We do not have any report on such activity taking place. I will certainly look into the matter."