ISI ploting Khalistan-linked attacks against Indians in UK, Canada: Report

Pakistan intelligence agency ISI is plotting Khalistan-linked attacks against Indian diaspora in Canada and Australia, Indian intelligence agencies have warned.

According to a report citing unnamed intelligence officials, there has been a sharp rise in attacks against Indian nations in both countries.

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These attacks are carried out by  Khalistan-linked elements and now with the help of the ISI, they could become even more coordinated.

However, Indian security agencies are reportedly in touch with their Western counterparts to strengthen security of Indian nationals and prevent such attacks.

An Intelligence Bureau (IB) official said the ISI, which backs the Khalistan movement, has activated its Europe-based modules to step up attacks against the Indian community in the UK and Canada.

According to the official, these incidents are no longer expected to be isolated or spontaneous, but part of a more coordinated campaign.

“The ISI is planning a series of coordinated attacks against the Indian diaspora. These elements are expected to target individuals by branding them as pro-India or supporters of PM Modi. That is likely to be the pretext for carrying out such attacks,” the official said.

This shift in the ISI’s modus operandi stems largely from growing frustration over the lack of momentum in the Khalistan movement, the official added.

The official further said that the target would not just be the Indian diaspora. There are plans afloat to target the Indian agencies too who are busting and investigating cases related to the Khalistani movement.

Indian security officials, who have been closely monitoring the Khalistan movement and the efforts to revive it, have said that the campaign has achieved only limited success.

“The frustration is growing as the plans set in motion have failed to deliver the results the ISI had anticipated. Targeting the Indian diaspora and the investigating agencies is to send out a strong message to those who are opposing the Khalistan movement,” officials say.

Another official pointed out that the ISI would be using its gangster network to carry out violent attacks.

They have been told to activate modules in Europe and India to put in motion this plan. In India, they would use the local gangsters to carry out these attacks.

“The modules in Europe would play the role of a coordinator. They have been told to use social media to call for attacks against the Indian diaspora and the investigating agencies,” the official added.

Officials also said support for the Khalistan movement in the UK and Canada has declined significantly in recent years.

While a section of the local population had earlier sympathised with the cause, the situation is changing rapidly.

Many now believe that the Khalistan movement and its associated gangster networks are no longer driven by the cause they claim to represent.

The focus is largely on extortion, narcotic and arms smuggling. Moreover, the people who have migrated to the UK or Canada want to live peacefully.

The attacks by Khalistani elements are not only disturbing peace and harmony but are also tarnishing the image of the Indian community.

(With inputs from agencies)