An alarming situation is unfolding in Punjab as the ISI-backed gangster Shezad Bhatti is reportedly coordinating a series of attacks through local recruits. These attacks, claimed by the Khalistan Liberation Army, have shown a clear pattern since February, raising concerns among security agencies.
Investigations reveal that many recruited individuals are not radicalized but are enticed with payments of Rs 20,000 per attack. Exploiting the financial vulnerabilities of youth, including drug addicts, the gangster network behind these operations is actively recruiting individuals for nefarious activities.
The Punjab Police and central agencies have been actively dismantling modules associated with these attacks. Recent busts of Babbar Khalsa International modules in Amritsar and Gurdaspur led to the recovery of grenades, IEDs, and bomb-making materials.
Authorities are observing a concerning rise in targeted violence, including killings of sarpanches, aimed at instilling fear and panic. Additionally, there have been attempts to target BJP leaders, indicating a broader agenda to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The recent surge in attacks, including grenade hurling and low-intensity blasts, underscores the ISI’s efforts to stoke communal tensions by targeting religious sites. With a clear intent to revive the Khalistan movement, the ISI is intensifying its activities in Punjab, posing a significant challenge for security agencies.
