Pakistan's ISI planning to blow up Indian railway tracks: Report
What's the story
The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan has allegedly organized a large plot to target railway lines in many Indian states, India Today reported quoting intelligence sources. According to the tip-off, ISI agents have planned to blow up railway tracks in Punjab and neighboring states. The main goal of blowing up the railway lines is to target freight trains, it added.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The ISI has been accused of carrying out terrorist acts within India on various occasions. The agency has been linked to several recent terror acts in India, including last year's court blast in Ludhiana. This event is also associated with the pro-Khalistani movement. The ISI has taken advantage of the movement seeking a separate homeland for Sikhs in both India and Pakistan's Punjab region.
Details
Service of sleeper cell being utilized: Intel alert
The intelligence officials quoted in the India Today report didn't mention further details of the attacks or the timeline. However, they have stated in the alert that the ISI is funding its operatives in India on a large scale to target railway tracks. They said Pakistan's sleeper cells present in India are being paid hefty amounts to carry out terror activities.
Mohali attack
Mohali grenade attack on Intel office also linked to ISI
Recently, the headquarters of the Punjab Police's Intelligence Wing in Mohali was attacked by a grenade propelled by a rocket. The explosion had shattered windowpanes on one of the floors of the building. According to the police, two suspects who are close to the ISI had arrived in a car and launched the rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from a distance of 80 meters.
Ludhiana blast
'Ludhiana court blast was the handiwork of ISI'
Similarly, the police claimed that the Ludhiana court blast that took place last year was the handy work of ISI. They have also apprehended the primary suspect in the case following a joint operation by the police's Special Task Force (STF) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The STF had earlier detained five persons, including a minor, in connection with the case on Friday.
Official
What did officials say about blast incidents?
VK Bhawra, Director-General of the Punjab Police, stated, "The IED [improvised explosive device] used in the Ludhiana blast was trafficked through a drone backed by [Pakistan's] ISI." He stated the case may be solved once the primary suspect was arrested. Moreover, in relation to the Mohali incident, Bhawra stated that the primary suspects in the case are also connected to Pakistan's intelligence organization.