High alert in Delhi over potential terror threat ahead of Independence Day
text_fields
New Delhi: The intelligence agencies are on high alert after receiving inputs about a potential fidayeen attack in Delhi or Punjab, possibly targeting the days surrounding India's Independence Day. The threat comes from operatives belonging to a terrorist group currently active in Jammu, with intelligence suggesting that the attack might be carried out a day or two after August 15, rather than on the day itself, due to the heightened security presence.
Recent intelligence reports indicate the movement of two unidentified individuals armed with weapons in a village near Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir. There is a strong possibility that these individuals could be heading towards Pathankot, raising concerns about an impending attack in the region.
Adding to the alarm, on June 1, a consignment of explosives, including IEDs, reportedly reached an area in Jammu city. These explosives are suspected to be intended for use against security forces, camps, vehicles, or critical infrastructure in the coming days.
Sources within the intelligence community have pointed to an ISI-sponsored network involving gangsters, radicals, and terrorists, particularly active in Punjab and neighboring regions of Jammu & Kashmir. This network has been trying to disrupt both the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The intelligence alert warns that deceptively fabricated IEDs could be deployed to target large crowds around August 15.
The recent uptick in terrorist activities in districts such as Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu region highlights the ongoing presence of armed terrorist groups. Intelligence inputs suggest these groups are planning to conduct disruptive or sabotage activities, potentially targeting high-profile dignitaries, key establishments, iconic locations, and areas with high footfall. Delhi has been repeatedly mentioned in past intelligence as a potential target for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Given these threats, the alert emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures in Delhi through August 15. This includes not only the tricolour-hoisting ceremony but also the 'At Home' reception hosted by the President, both of which involve the presence of the Prime Minister and other high-profile dignitaries in open, built-up areas.
A senior intelligence officer underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that the event is an attractive target for hostile elements, including Pakistan-based terror outfits, global jihadi groups, and their affiliates. The threat also extends to homegrown terrorist organizations, radical groups, Sikh militants, left-wing extremists, and Northeast insurgent factions.
Security forces across the region are on high alert, with extensive measures being taken to prevent any potential threats during this critical period.