Indian agencies have uncovered spy rings not only targeting sensitive information about the armed forces but also focusing on religious places. These individuals were tasked with gathering data on Hindu temples across India, with a specific emphasis on inciting communal tensions. Recent investigations indicate a growing interest in targeting temples by Pakistan-based elements to fuel unrest in India.
Intelligence reports highlight a shift towards surveilling temples as potential targets for attacks, aiming to spark communal discord. The strategy of instigating communal violence is seen as a potent tool for destabilization, particularly amid upcoming state elections. Spies have been instructed to gather intelligence on smaller temples initially, with plans to escalate to larger religious sites in subsequent phases.
Furthermore, a concerning trend involves the placement of cameras at sensitive locations by recruited spies to aid in planning potential attacks. Recent arrests in Ghaziabad revealed instances of camera installations at strategic points like the Delhi Cantt railway station. This tactic allows live monitoring of locations, providing critical information for orchestrating attacks and evading security measures.
The ISI’s historical use of communal tensions as a disruptive tactic has been evident in various incidents, including the recent Pahalgam attack. By targeting places of worship and exploiting religious sentiments, these elements seek to sow discord and exploit vulnerabilities during sensitive periods like elections. Vigilance at religious sites is crucial to thwart potential threats during this period of heightened security concerns.
