New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) A significant transformation has occurred in terror-related activities throughout India, exemplified by the recent blast at the Delhi Red Fort. Officials from the Intelligence Bureau indicate that there is a persistent effort to establish numerous home-grown terror modules.

This shift in strategy has once again drawn attention to Riyaz Bhatkal and his brother Iqbal Bhatkal, co-founders of the Indian Mujahideen.

Following the formation of the Indian Mujahideen after the prohibition of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), both brothers escaped to Pakistan, where they remain under the ISI's protection.

Intelligence sources suggest that the Bhatkal brothers are set to be reactivated and tasked with reintroducing the Indian Mujahideen in India, albeit under a different name, with a distinctly home-grown character.

According to an official, the Indian Mujahideen still possesses numerous operatives who remain hidden. The group continues to maintain a considerable following in various regions of the country, making reactivation a feasible endeavor.

After the decline of the Indian Mujahideen following the arrest of Yasin Bhatkal, the ISI redirected its efforts towards Jammu and Kashmir. However, officials indicate that the focus has now shifted post 'Operation Sindoor', with the ISI aiming to expand its activities across the rest of India.

One Intelligence Bureau official stated that clear signs indicate the ISI's intention to revive the Indian Mujahideen under a new name, while also planning to collaborate with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) as part of this revitalization strategy.

While the Indian Mujahideen's focus will be on the northern regions of the country, the PFI is expected to concentrate more on the South due to its stronger presence there.

Bringing these organizations together would not pose a significant challenge for the ISI. The PFI has previously utilized the Indian Mujahideen's network, particularly in northern India. Historically, both groups collaborated following the SIMI ban, as noted by an official.

After the SIMI ban, former members convened with PFI cadres in Kerala. It was following these meetings that the Indian Mujahideen was established. The PFI also played a crucial role in providing refuge to Indian Mujahideen terrorists after a major blast.

The Indian Mujahideen has executed blasts in Southern India utilizing the PFI’s network. These instances indicate that both groups have maintained a cooperative relationship, thus facilitating their reunification and the establishment of a robust homegrown entity.

Another official mentioned that this entire operation would be overseen by the Bhatkal brothers, who will be directed to manage this home-grown organization from Pakistan. The ISI hopes that the Faridabad module, initially formed independently of the ISI, can successfully execute this plan.

Initially, this module was created by highly self-radicalized individuals without ISI support. The ISI later intervened upon realizing that this module was aligned with the ideology of Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, following the module’s dismantling, the ISI is keen on establishing a new module comprising exclusively Indian operatives.

The Bhatkal brothers possess extensive knowledge of operations within India, making them suitable candidates to establish a new terror group operating throughout the country.

Experts assert that Pakistan’s strategy is to develop a robust India-based entity. The objective of this terror group would be to carry out attacks nationwide, thereby diverting security agencies' attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Once security focus shifts, the ISI can redirect its efforts back to J&K, another official added.

Security officials describe the situation as precarious. The ISI is likely to employ every tactic available to keep India on edge. Its overarching goal is to detract attention from J&K, allowing groups like Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad to regroup and initiate large-scale operations in the Valley.

Pakistan benefits from the ongoing turmoil in the Valley, using the J&K issue to distract its populace from the numerous challenges facing the nation.