New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The alliance orchestrated by the ISI between Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Lashkar-e-Taiba may present a significant security challenge for India, according to intelligence agencies.

The ISI's primary objective was to unify these factions to combat the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA), with the Pakistan army suffering considerable losses from these groups. This collaboration with the ISKP also emerged amid escalating tensions with the Afghan Taliban. While the ISKP is still in the early stages of establishing units to target Baloch nationals, Indian intelligence warns of potential consequences that could destabilize the security environment in Jammu and Kashmir.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau noted that efforts are underway to extend the reach of the ISKP into India, especially focusing on Jammu and Kashmir. This risky strategy indicates Pakistan's intention to infiltrate India. The ISKP possesses significant capabilities for launching large-scale attacks, and the crucial advantage for Pakistan lies in the deniability aspect. Since the ISKP is based in Afghanistan, any attack in India would not trace back to Islamabad, officials assert.

Initially, the formation of the ISKP aimed to dominate Afghanistan before gradually penetrating into India. Originally, the group opposed Pakistan, perceiving it as un-Islamic and subservient to Western powers. However, recent developments suggest that both factions have reconciled, united by their mutual opposition to the Afghan Taliban. The ISI is expected to provide logistical and financial support to the ISKP, establishing channels for arms and ammunition supply.

Officials reveal that the ISI's unification of Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISKP was primarily to combat the TTP and BLA, while the ISKP would independently manage operations in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby offering Pakistan plausible deniability. This is crucial for Pakistan as it faces scrutiny from international organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The ISKP has clearly outlined its ambitions in an article in its propaganda magazine, Yalgaar, discussing its plans for expansion into India, which officials find concerning.

Intelligence Bureau representatives suggest that the ISKP will receive backing from Pakistan's deep state, coordinating and promoting attacks. A different official mentioned that expansion efforts are imminent.

Currently, the focus remains on Balochistan, as the Pakistan army seeks to eliminate the BLA and TTP. The incorporation of the ISKP, despite past conflicts, signals the Pakistan army's inability to confront groups like the TTP and BLA effectively.

Aligned with Lashkar-e-Taiba, the ISKP is establishing death squads aimed at targeting Baloch nationals and groups opposing Pakistan. Increased violence in the region is anticipated as these factions engage in brutal confrontations.

Recent meetings between leaders of the two organizations formalized their alliance, symbolized by the exchange of pistols. They pledged to eradicate any opposition, including India. While Indian agencies are monitoring developments in Balochistan, they are equally vigilant regarding the ISKP's ambitious expansion plans.