New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) Recent intelligence reports indicate that actors based in Pakistan are attempting to inundate the Punjab region with narcotics, weapons, and munitions. During a recent gathering in Lahore, it was resolved that the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) would spearhead this initiative. The strategy revolves around saturating Punjab with drugs, arms, and ammunition.

This operation aims to bolster the ISI's objectives regarding the Khalistan movement within the state, while the remaining contraband is intended for transport into Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials from the Intelligence Bureau report that the ISI is facing pressure from Khalistani factions operating from Canada and beyond, as their plans for Punjab have not gained traction.

The central government agencies, alongside the Punjab Police, have effectively kept these factions at bay within Punjab.

Sources indicate that the youth in the region are largely uninterested in the idea of a separate Khalistan state. Efforts to radicalize them have largely failed, primarily due to the influence of elder community members who discuss the detrimental effects of such a movement.

In response to the lack of ideological appeal, the BKI is now focusing on using financial incentives to recruit young individuals in Punjab.

The Lahore meeting, held in the Gulbarg area, deliberated extensively on the necessity for a renewed push in Punjab.

The drug crisis in the state has been severe. It was concluded that enticing youth into the Khalistan movement would require both drugs and money, as the ideological approach has evidently faltered.

Intelligence agencies have discovered that the BKI has amassed significant stocks of drugs, arms, and ammunition in warehouses provided by the ISI.

These facilities are located in Lahore, Islamabad, and Faizabad.

In recent months, large shipments have been received at these warehouses, with attempts underway to transport them into India.

It has become apparent that Khalistani sentiments are not gaining momentum in Punjab.

However, their international campaigns have seen notable success, with groups like the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) conducting referendums and disseminating anti-India rhetoric on social media.

International stakeholders are now questioning the ISI regarding the stagnation of their operations in India.

These factions require Pakistan's backing to enhance their activities in India. An additional source noted that the ISI has been actively training Khalistani operatives to help expand their operations.

Training camps have reportedly been established in Attock, Not Lakhpat, Chakwal, and Gujranwala, according to intelligence reports. The recent meeting in Gulbarg reiterated the ISI's directive for all Khalistani terrorist factions to unify.

This collaborative approach mirrors the strategy employed with groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

While the ISI faced challenges in persuading these terrorist organizations, they encountered fewer difficulties with Khalistani factions, sources reveal.

The revitalization of the Khalistan movement is the central theme behind this renewed initiative, but agencies also caution that this strategy extends to Jammu and Kashmir.

The ISI has struggled to smuggle drugs, arms, and ammunition into the Union Territory due to heightened security along the Line of Control, with numerous infiltration attempts thwarted in recent times.

Now, Pakistan aims to transport large shipments into Punjab and subsequently smuggle them into Jammu and Kashmir by road.

Following Operation Sindoor, the ISI has sought to foster homegrown terrorism but has faced challenges in funding these operatives.

By escalating operations along the Punjab border, they intend to achieve dual objectives: rejuvenate the Khalistan movement and finance terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by officials.