With security situation in Punjab melting down, Centre to step in

Over the past year and a half, the ISI backed Khalistanis have managed to smuggle in RDX, AK-47s, detonators and explosives into Punjab. In a nut-shell the security situation in Punjab remains highly volatile

With the situation remaining extremely volatile in Punjab, the Centre has stepped in and will be sending 120 security personnel to the state.

In February, members of the radical Sikh organisation Waris Punjab De ran amok in the state and attacked the police with swords and spears. The incident that took place in Ajnala was an eye-opener for the security agencies and they felt the need to immediately reign in on radical Sikh leader, Amritpal Singh.

The protesters were demanding the release of Amritpal's close aide Lovepreet Toofan. To be sure the Punjab Police gave in to that demand.

The Intelligence Bureau too is preparing a dossier on the outfit and its leaders. An official with the Intelligence Bureau tells OneIndia that it is clear that these persons are backed by Pakistan's ISI. They are channelising the funds through Canada, the official also said.

Taking cognisance of the incident and the growing volatility in Punjab, the Centre would now deploy a company comprising 120 security personnel. These personnel would reach Punjab on March 6 and would remain there until the 16th of the same month.

The move also comes in the wake of the Home Department of Punjab requesting Central forces to be deployed in the state.

The requisition letter by the Punjab government read, " the law and order situation in Punjab is presently volatile due the various protests launched by radical groups, farmers and employees who are agitating on various religious, social and economic issues. Some radicals armed with traditional weapons have even resorted to violence and clashed with police at Mohali-Chandigarh border on February 8 and at police station in Ajnala on February 23."

This request also comes in the wake of the Intelligence agencies stating that pro-Khalistan terrorist groups have in collusion with Pakistan intelligence operatives created this situation in Punjab. Over the past year and a half, several consignments of arms and ammunition.

The official cited above also said that Pakistan had started sending in several consignments of arms to Punjab through drones. These consignments also comprised drugs, which were meant to sold and the proceeds of which were being used to fund terror. In the case by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) it was found that a gangster-terror nexus backed by the ISI was carrying out these activities in Punjab.

The requisition by the Punjab government also comes in the wake of the upcoming Holla Mohalla, a massive politico-religious event which would commence from March 3 and end on March 10.

"Hola Mohalla, a mega politico-religious event is going to commence on March 3 and will continue up to March 10. As per reliable inputs, radicals may try to hijack various religious and political events during it to spread their ideology and radicalise a greater number of gullible and vulnerable youth," the letter by the Punjab government also read.

The agencies would keep a close watch as these radicals have managed to bring in sophisticated weapons, metallic containers, pre-fabricated IEDs, timer devices, hand grenades, AK-47s and detonators from Pakistan.