Chandigarh: Tension brews in Punjab in the form of surging unrest as Khalistani arms, supported actively by the Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), are making intense disruption strides in the state. With seven grenade attacks targeting the police stations of various towns in the last one month, Punjab has found itself in a dire security quagmire. The seventh attack on Gurdaspur’s Bakshiwala police post was the latest. The Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Adding to this rising tension.
Threats have now emerged against the Punjab Police headquarters and the popular Punjabi singer AP Dhillon ahead of his show in Chandigarh, leading to an unprecedented security enforcement.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has raised alarm over these developments, warning possible attacks on Punjabi artists. This input has led to a significant increase in security measures for AP Dhillon’s show, set to take place on Saturday in Chandigarh’s Sector-25. The event is expected to draw massive crowds, making it a potential target. In response, authorities have deployed 2,000 security personnel at the venue. To ensure maximum safety, parking for attendees has been arranged four kilometers away from the site, so no suspicious vehicle or individual can approach the area.
Senior official of Chandigarh Police told The Sunday Guardian that they are alert and other measures involved the installation of metal detectors at all entry points, for which the Chandigarh Police has deputed six DSPs and six inspectors to oversee the arrangements. This is a reflection of the increased sense of emergency and the scale of threat perceived.
Security has been beefed up in the Homeland Society of Mohali, a residential hub to many prominent Punjabi artists, to prevent any sort of incident.
The series of attacks and threats show the increasing influence of Khalistani terror groups in Punjab with close coordination with ISI for disturbing the state. As found by NIA investigations, terror groups such as the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Babbar Khalsa International are planning more attacks on police stations and important institutions of the state.
The NIA reportedly recovered AI-controlled explosive devices and other materials manufactured in China, which were said to have been meant for large-scale attacks, during recent raids at eight locations across Punjab. This suggests a complex network of operatives who wish to create chaos and fear in Punjab. The persistent tension and repeated attacks have raised concerns in the state, with many questioning whether the state government can provide law and order.
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, recently wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the deteriorating security situation in Punjab. In his letter, he criticised the Punjab government for failing to curb the rise in terror activities and was alarmed by the targeting of police institutions and public events.
He stated that, as a border state, Punjab cannot ignore these threats; rather, they pose a major challenge to national security. He also urged the center to act decisively in response to the crisis.