Have ISI-Backed Terror Networks in Punjab Suffered a Major Blow?

Synopsis
In a significant operation against ISI-backed terror networks in Punjab, police seized a cache of explosive devices and weaponry, revealing a plot to disrupt public safety. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region and the persistent threat posed by cross-border networks.
Key Takeaways
- Significant seizures of weapons by Punjab Police.
- Ongoing investigations aim to identify suspects.
- Operation reveals coordinated efforts by ISI.
- Importance of police action in maintaining public safety.
- Connection to previous terror-related incidents in the region.
Chandigarh, May 6 (NationPress) - Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on Tuesday that a significant setback has been dealt to the ISI-supported cross-border terror networks in Punjab. The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of Punjab Police, in collaboration with a central agency, successfully recovered a substantial stockpile of terrorist equipment during an intelligence-led operation in a forested area near Tibba Nangal-Kular Road in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
The seized items include two rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five P-86 hand grenades, and one wireless communication device along with its accessories.
DGP Yadav indicated that initial investigations suggest that the confiscated materials were intentionally hidden by hostile elements as part of a planned scheme to disturb public peace in the region.
The ongoing inquiry has also pointed to a coordinated initiative by Pakistan's ISI and allied terrorist groups to reactivate dormant sleeper cells within the state, Yadav added.
The DGP emphasized that these recoveries are a continuation of Punjab Police's persistent efforts to dismantle terror modules that receive support from the ISI.
Amritsar's Assistant Inspector General, Sukhminder Singh Mann, elaborated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under applicable legal provisions at the SSOC police station in Amritsar.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and capture those involved in hiding the recovered explosive materials, he added.
A case has been lodged under Sections 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, and Sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) at the police station in Amritsar.
This development follows closely after the recovery of a shipment containing IEDs, hand grenades, advanced weaponry, and ammunition from an area near the India-Pakistan border in the Ajnala sector.
Additionally, three weeks ago, the Counter Intelligence Jalandhar apprehended four individuals, dismantling a terror module after seizing one RPG, two IEDs, 2 kg of RDX, one remote control device, two hand grenades with detonators, along with three pistols, six magazines, and 34 cartridges.