The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan has instructed the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to conduct major terror attacks in Punjab to rekindle the Khalistan movement in the state. In response, Punjab Police have initiated a significant crackdown on BKI members statewide.
Investigations have uncovered alleged funds flowing from Pakistan to support the revival of the Khalistan movement in Punjab. BKI is actively establishing modules and recruiting youth across Punjab, especially targeting individuals from rural areas facing financial difficulties.
BKI has resorted to tactics like those of Shahzad Bhatti to recruit youth through social media, with handlers from Pakistan closely monitoring online platforms to entice young users to join the outfit. Despite struggles in radicalizing youth through ideology, BKI has found success in recruitment by offering financial incentives to those experiencing economic hardships.
The ISI has directed BKI to carry out major attacks in Punjab, raising concerns among intelligence agencies as elections approach in the state. Recent arrests and the recovery of explosives indicate a growing threat of militant activities being revived in Punjab, with smaller attacks serving as distractions to law enforcement agencies.
