Punjab blasts ISI-backed bid to revive Khalistan: Defence expert
Synopsis
A defence expert has linked the recent twin blasts in Punjab directly to a coordinated ISI strategy — combining drone-based drug smuggling, targeted violence, and amplification of political divisions — to revive the Khalistan narrative and project Punjab as unstable to an international audience. The NIA is probing the incidents.
Key Takeaways
Retired Captain Anil Gaur on 6 May alleged that Pakistan's ISI is behind the recent twin blasts in Punjab as part of a bid to revive the Khalistani narrative .
Gaur cited drone-based drug smuggling across the border and past firing incidents as evidence of a coordinated ISI destabilisation effort.
He warned that internal political blame games serve Pakistan's agenda, referencing how Pakistan's media amplifies Indian political divisions.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is reportedly probing the Punjab blasts with a possible cross-border angle.
Gaur linked the broader strategy to an attempt to internationalise Punjab unrest in countries like Canada and the United States .
On Operation Sindoor , Gaur claimed Indian strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir forced Islamabad to seek a ceasefire.
Defence expert Retired Captain Anil Gaur on Wednesday, 6 May cautioned against politicising recent security incidents in Punjab, asserting that the pattern of violence and illegal activities in the state points to continued involvement of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in a coordinated attempt to destabilise the region and revive the Khalistani narrative. Speaking to IANS from Jammu, Gaur argued that attributing such incidents to domestic political parties is "misplaced" given broad awareness of the alleged external orchestration.
Key Allegations Against ISI
Gaur stated that the recent twin blasts in Punjab, combined with past firing incidents and drone-based smuggling of drugs across the border, indicate a coordinated ISI operation. "Reported incidents of large consignments of drugs being sent through drones across the border suggest this is being done to revive Khalistani elements and create an impression that Punjab is a disturbed state," he said.
According to Gaur, the broader objective is to internationalise the Punjab unrest narrative — projecting instability in countries such as Canada and the United States, where pro-Khalistan sentiments are occasionally raised. "It appears instructions have been given to certain groups to carry out such activities so that globally it can be projected that Punjab is unstable and demands for Khalistan are rising," he claimed.
Warning Against Political Blame Game
Gaur warned that internal political divisions serve Pakistan's strategic interests. He noted that Pakistan's media ecosystem amplifies such divisions, citing past remarks made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Operation Sindoor as an example of content that is reportedly used to project Indian instability abroad.
"Everyone knows who is behind it and where it is coming from. Instead of blaming the ISI and other Pakistani elements involved, blaming a political party here is exactly what Pakistan wants," he said. He urged politicians to refrain from statements that could be exploited by adversaries, calling instead for "strict action" against those responsible.
NIA Probe and Ongoing Investigation
Gaur expressed confidence in the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is reportedly probing the Punjab blasts. He stated that those involved would be identified and apprehended in due course. The NIA's involvement signals the Centre's assessment that the incidents may have cross-border dimensions, though official findings are yet to be made public.
Operation Sindoor and India's Strategic Posture
On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Gaur recalled the Pahalgam incident as "shocking", alleging that civilians were targeted based on their religious identity. He termed it an ISI-backed conspiracy aimed at inciting communal violence in India and damaging its global image. However, he noted that the attempt failed as citizens maintained restraint.
"The government responded militarily and sent a clear message. Targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were struck with precision," he claimed, adding that India's actions reportedly forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. Gaur asserted that such responses signal a shift in India's strategic posture — that provocations would be met with firm retaliation.
With the NIA probe ongoing and cross-border drone activity continuing to be reported, the situation in Punjab is likely to remain under close national security scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
But it rests almost entirely on assertion rather than disclosed evidence — a distinction that matters when the NIA probe is still ongoing. The warning against politicisation is well-taken: Pakistan's information warfare apparatus does demonstrably exploit Indian political discord. Yet framing every Punjab security incident through a single ISI-Khalistan lens risks flattening a more complex ground reality that includes homegrown criminal networks and narco-political linkages. The more pressing question mainstream coverage is missing: why, despite years of awareness about drone-based smuggling corridors, has the border security architecture not been upgraded to neutralise this vector decisively?
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did defence expert Anil Gaur say about the Punjab blasts?
Retired Captain Anil Gaur alleged that the recent twin blasts in Punjab are part of a coordinated ISI strategy to destabilise the state and revive the Khalistani narrative. He cited drone-based drug smuggling and past firing incidents as part of the same pattern.
Is there an official investigation into the Punjab blasts?
Yes, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is reportedly probing the Punjab blasts. According to Gaur, the NIA is expected to identify and apprehend those involved, though official findings have not yet been made public.
How is Pakistan allegedly trying to internationalise the Punjab situation?
According to Gaur, Pakistan and ISI-backed groups are carrying out violence and smuggling operations in Punjab to project the state as unstable, particularly to audiences in Canada and the United States where pro-Khalistan sentiments exist.
What is Operation Sindoor and why did Gaur mention it?
Operation Sindoor was an Indian military operation following the Pahalgam incident, in which Gaur claims targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were struck with precision. Gaur cited it to argue that India has shifted to a posture of firm retaliation against cross-border provocations.
Why did Gaur warn politicians against blaming domestic parties for the blasts?
Gaur argued that attributing the blasts to domestic political parties is misplaced and plays into Pakistan's hands, as Pakistan's media ecosystem amplifies internal Indian political divisions to project instability abroad.
