State on high alert after intel inputs on entry of terrorists
67 Jaish men possibly hiding in Ferozepur area, says circular to field, supervisory officials; DIGS, IGPS, SSPS to personally monitor countermeasures
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police’s counter-intelligence wing on Thursday issued a ‘high alert’ after getting inputs about the possibility of six-seven fidayeens belonging to Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-mohammad (JEM) having sneaked into the state and apprehending that they may move towards the national capital.
“As per our inputs, these terrorists are in Punjab, possibly in the Ferozepur area, and are planning to move towards Delhi. In view of this situation, there is the need to review and strengthen the second line of defence along the Indo-pakistan border and to coordinate closely with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other defence establishments in your areas,” reads the alert circular issued by the office of director general of police (DGP intelligence) Dinkar Gupta to all senior officials on field and intelligence duties.
“In view of these inputs, there is the need for special nakas at all important points and routes, conducting of strict vehicular checking in your area. Forces should be suitably sensitised and alerted in this regard,” the circular further reads.
Also, all supervisory field officers such as deputy inspectors general (DIGS), inspector generals of police (IGPS) and senior superintendents of police (SSPS) have been asked to personally
SENIOR OFFICIALS ASKED TO SENSITISE THE FORCES SUITABLY AND CONDUCT CHECKS AT ALL IMPORTANT POINTS AND ROUTES
look into the planning and implementation of preventive and precautionary measures under their jurisdictions.
The intelligence alert came just a day after four persons snatched a taxi at gunpoint near Madhopur area in Pathankot district of the state.
The taxi, a silver-coloured Toyota Innova, was initially hired by the four men from Jammu. They had booked it for Pathankot. Near Madhopur, they forced the driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint and drove off, triggering fears of a Pathankot airbase-like attack that took place in 2016.
The taxi driver, with the help of passers-by, later informed the police.
The terrorists who had attacked the Pathankot airbase in January 2016 had also entered the Punjab territory by snatching a car at gunpoint. Seven security personnel were killed in that attack.
In July 2015, three suspected Pakistani terrorists had carried out an attack in Dinanagar town of Gurdaspur district after securing entry from the border belt. The heavily armed terrorists in army uniforms sprayed bullets on a moving bus and stormed a police station, killing six persons, including an SP. At least eight others were injured in the attack.