Intel alert: Banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa shifts strategy in Punjab

Amritsar: Intelligence agencies have issued a fresh alert regarding a potential shift in strategy by the banned group Babbar Khalsa International, amid continued concerns over attempts to revive separatist ideology in Punjab.

According to officials familiar with the assessment, the group is reportedly recalibrating its approach after earlier efforts to recruit and radicalise youth in urban areas failed due to increased public awareness and stronger surveillance.

Shift towards rural outreach

The new strategy is believed to focus on rural regions of Punjab, where officials say misinformation campaigns may find more traction. Intelligence inputs suggest the group is attempting to target unemployed and vulnerable youth segments with ideological propaganda and online narratives.

Officials caution that repeated exposure to such messaging in rural belts could gradually influence perceptions and create susceptibility to radical narratives.

Propaganda and ideological messaging

As part of its revised approach, the outfit is also expected to expand propaganda efforts, including poster campaigns promoting separatist ideology and figures associated with the historical Khalistan movement, including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

These efforts are reportedly aimed at areas that were less affected during the peak militancy period, where historical awareness of its impact may be comparatively lower.

Urban low-intensity threat concerns

Despite the rural focus, intelligence agencies assess that the group is unlikely to abandon plans for low-intensity operations in urban centres. Potential targets mentioned in the assessment include government buildings, courts, police facilities, and intelligence-related infrastructure.

Officials note that such actions are intended to send symbolic messages rather than target civilians, with the objective of maintaining ideological visibility and pressure on security institutions.

External influence concerns

The assessment also highlights concerns that external support networks may be encouraging increased operational activity. Officials believe such backing is aimed at sustaining unrest and destabilising sensitive regions in northern India.

Security agencies have intensified monitoring of both online propaganda channels and ground-level activity as part of preventive measures.
(With IANS inputs)