A deliberate strategy by the ISI involves keeping groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba quiet while promoting Khalistani terror outfits targeting Punjab and Delhi. The ISI is activating modules globally to increase arms smuggling into India for potential attacks. Intelligence agencies have observed heightened activity among arms smugglers associated with Khalistani-backed gangsters.
The ISI’s aim is to escalate arms smuggling into India, particularly through Khalistani groups, to facilitate attacks. This surge in Khalistani terror activities has prompted investigations by multiple agencies. The NIA has uncovered a significant plot to launch strikes in Punjab and Delhi, with a focus on reviving the Khalistan movement and sending a message to the Central Government.
Efforts like Operation Sindoor and the national counterterrorism strategy ‘Prahaar’ have dealt blows to ISI-backed terror groups, reducing terror incidents significantly. Despite this, the ISI is pushing Khalistani groups to plan major attacks in India. Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs shows a decline in terror incidents due to stringent anti-terror policies.
The ISI is now eyeing Khalistani groups like Babbar Khalsa International to carry out attacks in North India, starting with Punjab and Delhi and expanding to Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. An ongoing NIA investigation involves questioning Shubham Kumar, arrested with explosives and weapons, allegedly part of a plot orchestrated by Jasvir Singh from Pakistan to target North India.
