Punjab is gearing up for the February 2027 polls amidst escalating political tensions. Security remains a top worry as intelligence agencies intercept cross-border communications hinting at planned targeted killings and attempts to stoke communal unrest. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is reportedly recruiting small-time gangsters to sow discord in the state ahead of the Assembly elections. These recruits are tasked with exacerbating local disputes, potentially escalating minor conflicts into major clashes. The aim is not just to target political figures but to incite widespread violence that could strain security forces during the election period.
The ISI’s strategy extends beyond instigating violence to divert security forces’ focus. Operatives have allegedly been instructed to carry out targeted killings of political leaders to instill fear in the run-up to the elections. By creating an atmosphere of fear, the ISI aims to suppress voter turnout and embarrass the central government. Security experts highlight Punjab as a significant national security challenge, with the ISI intensifying its focus on the state over Kashmir. The agency seeks to exploit Punjab’s volatile situation to promote the Khalistan ideology, employing various tactics to tarnish the image of security agencies. Social media and OTT platforms are utilized to propagate a narrative that emphasizes alleged security force excesses while downplaying Khalistani militant violence.
Officials caution that Punjab faces heightened security threats in the coming year, with the ISI expected to engage in various activities, from inciting local disturbances to larger terror-related operations. Innovative methods, such as using loud music along the border to mask drone movements, are being employed to infiltrate Indian territory. Youth are urged to resist the ISI’s recruitment efforts and prevent a resurgence of militancy in Punjab, reminiscent of the dark days when groups like Babbar Khalsa International spread terror across the state.
