The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered that the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar in Punjab bear the imprint of the ISI, with instructions coming from ISI-backed handlers in Pakistan. These twin blasts, occurring just before the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, were likely aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s ability to strike India despite past military actions.
The timing of these explosions, strategically planned ahead of Operation Sindoor’s anniversary, hints at a broader agenda to instill fear and uncertainty among the populace. Investigators suspect that these blasts were not only about timing but also intended to convey a message to security agencies about Pakistan’s continued threat.
Furthermore, the blasts align with the ISI’s efforts to reignite a Khalistan movement in Punjab, targeting radicalized locals to carry out such attacks. The ISI has been forming local cells to orchestrate these attacks, focusing on recruiting and training youth for low-intensity blasts across Punjab. The Punjab Police and NIA are closely monitoring radical elements involved in these activities.
The ISI’s strategy involves recruiting and training local youth to carry out attacks on sensitive and crowded locations, aiming to keep the operations low-profile and harder to detect. By opting for low-intensity attacks, the ISI hopes to evade scrutiny and maintain operational secrecy. The NIA is investigating the direct links between these attacks and the ISI, crucial in light of the escalating activities to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab.
