New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) Punjab is experiencing a troubling new trend where significant quantities of arms and ammunition are flooding into the state. The ISI has intensified its focus on Punjab in recent months and has ramped up its operations.

In recent instances, agencies have noted that the arms being delivered are primarily intended for extortion, indicating the involvement of gangster networks tasked with generating funds for the ISI. These funds are aimed at supporting terror operations in both Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. This surge in arms coincides with the Khalistan network's desperate efforts to rejuvenate its movement in Punjab.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau noted that the ISI is eager to revitalize the movement on a large scale. However, it faces challenges in recruitment efforts. The ISI is reportedly targeting youth who struggle with drug addiction, attempting to entice them with money to join the movement. Consequently, it has assigned gangster networks to fundraise through extortion.

Another official mentioned that the extortion racket is likely to extend beyond Punjab, targeting affluent individuals from Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The financial implications could amount to crores of Rupees, with all money funneled into Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. The gangster network has also been instructed to identify vulnerable youth and entice them into the Khalistan movement.

Recent arms seizures by the Punjab Police suggest that the ISI is making a relentless effort, with foreign-made weapons such as AK-47s, Berettas, and Glocks being smuggled in substantial quantities. Most consignments are primarily arms and ammunition, with some containing narcotics. This emphasis on arms over drugs indicates the ISI's intent to prioritize extortion.

On the night of January 27-28, the ISI attempted to smuggle a large shipment of arms and ammunition from the Indo-Pakistan border at Fazilka. However, security agencies intercepted it based on intelligence from the Counterintelligence Wing of the Punjab Police. The ISI is increasingly utilizing drones to facilitate this smuggling.

Additionally, they are exploiting riverine routes to transport arms and ammunition. Apart from Fazilka, drones have also been deployed to drop arms in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Pathankot. Intelligence Bureau officials assert the ISI's desperation to reignite terrorism in Punjab and establish local modules in Jammu and Kashmir, seeking funds through large arms shipments.

These actors, alongside operating extortion rackets, will also target the illegal arms market, where there is a high demand for Glocks and Berettas. An official from the Intelligence Bureau stated that with recruitment for the Khalistan movement evidently failing in Punjab, the ISI aims to attract youth by providing financial incentives. The gangster network is working to identify at-risk youth, particularly those battling addiction, and lure them with substantial sums of money to join the movement. A subtle push to revive the Khalistan issue is already underway in Punjab.

Recently, a Khalistan flag was discovered at the Golden Temple. Intelligence agencies believe this was a preliminary move, and more such incidents are expected. These factions are merely testing their influence, and through more acts like this, they seek to alter the prevailing narrative in their favor.