Pakistan helping Sikh militants get active again: Intel

Pak uses terrorism as an instrument of state policy. From support to Kashmiri groups to helping Sikh militants, this policy is evident.

NEWDELHI: Sikh militants are getting more support from across the border to foment trouble in Kashmir and other parts of the county, fresh inputs from intelligence agencies to the foreign policy establishment suggest.

Pakistan establishment supporting the Sikh militants have long remained a bone of contention between the two neighbours with Islamabad often denying its involvement.

But Indian agencies consistently pointed about number of Sikh militants have been taking refuge in Pakistan.

The fresh inputs point out the support for Manjit Singh, the leader of Khalistan Zinadabad Force (KZF).

The intelligence inputs say this outfit is getting more active in South Kashmir and Kathua region of the state and as well as in Punjab.

Sikh radical elements sheltered in Pakistan are engaged in anti-India activities like providing financial support to terror activities.

Sikh extremists leaders based in Pakistan belonging to Babbar Khalsa International , KZF.

Khalistan Commando Force or KCF, the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) are getting help for making troubles in India.

The issue of terrorism and New Delhi accusing Islamabad for using terrorism as an instrument of state policy have time and again came in the way of two sides going back to the talking table to bring a new leaser of life to their fragile peace process under the NDA government.

At the same time, Pakistan has stepped up its rhetoric on Kashmir, which coincides with Indian efforts on what officials are saying “Pakistan is not a victim of terrorism.”

Though India has scored many points over this, the recent statements from China and US secretary of state Rex Tillerson have termed Pakistan as a victim of terror.

But Indian official said saying Pakistan as a victim of terror amounts to missing woods for the trees.

“The terrorism that Pakistan suffers from is self-inflicted. The terrorism that is inflicted on India comes from across the border and it is exported. Pakistan uses terrorism as an instrument of state policy, from support to Kashmiri groups to promoting specific groups against India to helping Sikh militants, this policy is evident”, said an Indian official.