New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) Indian intelligence agencies are alerting the public to a likely increase in incidents involving hoax bomb threats in the upcoming months, particularly with several elections on the horizon.

Over the past year, numerous schools and airlines have been the targets of such threats. The airline sector has suffered significantly from these disruptions, as the need to recall and reschedule flights has led to substantial financial losses.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau indicated that executing such operations is relatively inexpensive for the ISI since it requires minimal investment. However, the fallout is substantial, inciting widespread panic among citizens, the official noted.

Moreover, another official revealed that the ISI plans to collaborate closely with elements associated with the Khalistan movement to further this agenda. These individuals are expected to instigate fear across various states.

This week, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch apprehended a suspect named Biswas, who allegedly made a threat call targeting schools and local courts under the Khalistan banner. Authorities are still determining whether he acted independently or as part of a broader network.

In one instance, Biswas sent an email to a school in Gujarat, threatening an explosion and proclaiming that Gujarat would soon become the next Khalistan.

The ISI has also devised strategies for West Bengal and other states gearing up for elections this year.

In addition to hoax threats, the ISI is expected to orchestrate a significant disinformation campaign within these regions.

Topics such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) are among the issues these operatives will exploit to mislead voters regarding their rights.

An official cautioned that sensitive matters will be highlighted to instill panic through fabricated narratives. The ISI recognizes that the elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu represent crucial battlegrounds. The intensity of these electoral contests will be high, and the ISI is poised to propagate falsehoods to disrupt peace.

Another official stressed that agencies must be vigilant against messages designed to undermine communal harmony. There will likely be efforts to manipulate facts to incite unrest. While such attempts may occur across all states participating in the elections, the primary focus will be on West Bengal and Assam due to their unique sensitivities.

Intelligence agencies report that they have already gathered information about local modules being activated in anticipation of the elections. Terror attacks are a distinct possibility for these factions, likely led by groups like Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI).

Officials assert that Pakistan is eager to retaliate for Operation Sindoor and will seek to create turmoil in states heading to the polls. Security forces' attention will be primarily on the elections, and these factions intend to exploit that focus.

Attempting to execute terror attacks while simultaneously disseminating misinformation will significantly strain the security apparatus, officials warn.

Another official stated that agencies should also monitor for similar occurrences in neighboring states. Terror groups often aim to create the illusion of concentrating on one particular state while planning a significant attack in a nearby location.

Between May 7 and June 15, elections are scheduled in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the polling dates soon. This timeframe will be critical, with agencies cautioning that ISI-supported activities are anticipated to peak.