The challenge of Khalistan remains significant, with security agencies maintaining vigilance to prevent any resurgence of militancy. Pro-Khalistan elements in Punjab have made limited progress despite efforts to revive the movement. A total of 117 individuals have been arrested, and eight Khalistan-backed modules have been dismantled through coordinated efforts of Punjab Police, intelligence agencies, and central agencies.
Security agencies have observed that Khalistan-backed groups, allegedly supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, are adapting new strategies to avoid detection and confuse authorities. These groups have refrained from large-scale attacks like suicide bombings or major blasts, focusing instead on targeted killings, extortion, narcotics smuggling, arms trafficking, and counterfeiting in a bid to sustain their activities.
While these operations vary in nature, they are all linked to the Khalistan movement and are orchestrated by individuals and modules supported by the ISI. The movement’s momentum is crucial for these groups, as a prolonged period of inactivity could lead to funding shortages and recruitment challenges. The ISI continues to evolve tactics to keep the movement alive despite facing setbacks from successful security agency interventions.
The Punjab police and central agencies have been proactive in countering the Khalistan movement, understanding the evolving strategies employed by the ISI. These security forces have been effective in thwarting attempts by Khalistani terror groups, staying abreast of emerging trends and disrupting their activities. The Khalistani groups have adapted their financial transactions, utilizing traditional methods like hawala alongside modern technologies to obscure their networks and financial trails.
While the Khalistan issue within the country is relatively under control, the presence of overseas handlers recruited by the ISI poses a significant concern. These handlers, stationed in regions like the Gulf, Europe, and Pakistan, actively recruit radicalized youth from Punjab. The romanticization of the Khalistan cause among the youth could potentially escalate into a larger problem, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in combating this threat.
