New Delhi, August 8: Intelligence agencies have advised heightened vigilance in Punjab based on recent inputs. The state has been placed on high alert ahead of Independence Day, as agencies warn that Khalistani elements may attempt to carry out attacks on that day.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau stated that Khalistani groups are planning assaults in various parts of Punjab. The official further noted that these groups have been preparing for this for an extended period.
The official explained that the Khalistani terrorist group aims to execute a symbolic attack, choosing August 15 to draw global attention to their cause during India’s national celebration.
This warning comes amid significant efforts by the ISI to reignite the Khalistan movement in Punjab. Following aggressive actions by India and Canada against gangster-terrorist networks, these groups find themselves on the defensive.
Growing unease is prompting them to consider disruptive actions in Punjab. An official mentioned that activities of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) are also under close scrutiny.
The leader of the banned organization, Gurpatwant Singh, has been notably active on social media. He is urging the youth in Punjab to hoist Khalistani flags at schools and other public places. Singh is inciting young people to protest against the Indian government on Independence Day.
While terror strike planning is underway, these individuals are also rapidly escalating their online propaganda campaigns.
Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring SFJ’s online activities. Gurpatwant Singh is attempting to disseminate Khalistani-supportive content widely, focusing on his demand for a separate province and inciting the youth.
He is also engaged in efforts to run a ‘hate campaign’ against India. Previously, Singh’s campaigns primarily targeted attacks against India, but he has recently shifted focus to discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials have warned that these groups may attempt to conduct referendums in various countries. After Canadian and UK agencies intensified scrutiny on this movement and its members, Khalistani groups have sought refuge in Malaysia and Azerbaijan. However, Malaysia has maintained a strict stance, deporting members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) back to India in June.
According to officials, agencies believe that the radical groups have become desperate; their supporters and the ISI are troubled, making the possibility of a major attack not to be dismissed lightly.
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