Security forces in Punjab have been placed on high alert following a serious intelligence warning about a potential terrorist intrusion from Pakistan. The alert, issued by Military Intelligence (MI), suggests that hostile elements backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) may attempt to cross the international border into the Indian state of Punjab.
Heightened Security Measures in Border Districts
A senior Punjab Police officer confirmed that the inputs from Military Intelligence are being taken very seriously. The specific threat involves an attempt to infiltrate and target military installations within India. In immediate response, the state police have significantly bolstered their state of alert and operational readiness.
To counter this threat, authorities have swiftly implemented robust security protocols. Special vehicle checkpoints have been established on all major roads leading from the Pakistan border towards the sensitive districts of Pathankot and its adjoining areas. Additional police forces have been rushed to the region to reinforce existing deployments.
The officer emphasized that there is close and continuous coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF), which guards the international frontier, and the Punjab Police. This joint effort aims to foil any attempt by anti-India elements to create disturbance or carry out attacks in the state.
A Region with a History of Cross-Border Terror Attacks
The districts of Pathankot and Gurdaspur are no strangers to such threats, having witnessed devastating terror attacks originating from across the border in the past.
One of the most significant incidents occurred on July 27, 2015, in Gurdaspur. Three heavily armed terrorists, wearing Indian Army uniforms, infiltrated from Pakistan. Their GPS data confirmed their entry point near the Ravi River border. Their rampage began around 5:30 AM with a series of attacks: they hijacked a car, fired on a roadside vendor, and attacked a moving Punjab Roadways bus, injuring passengers. They then stormed the Dinanagar police station. The terrorists also planted five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the Amritsar-Pathankot railway line, which were later successfully defused by bomb disposal squads.
The ensuing gun battle with security forces lasted nearly 12 hours. Tragically, seven people lost their lives, including three civilians and four police personnel. All three terrorists were eventually neutralized in the operation led by Punjab Police's SWAT team, with support from the Indian Army and National Security Guard (NSG).
Another major attack targeted the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot on January 2, 2016. Heavily armed terrorists belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group, also disguised in army uniforms, breached the perimeter of the strategic installation. Prior to the attack, they had abducted a Punjab Police officer's vehicle. The complex gunfight and subsequent combing operations stretched over several days, finally concluding on January 5.
The attack resulted in the death of seven Indian security personnel. One NSG officer was killed in an IED explosion during the final cleanup operations. All the terrorists involved were eliminated.
Vigilance and Preparedness Remain Paramount
The latest intelligence alert underscores the persistent threat of state-sponsored terrorism from across the western border. It has triggered a familiar yet critical protocol of enhanced vigilance, inter-agency coordination, and public reassurance. The historical context of the region makes the current warnings particularly grave, compelling security agencies to leave nothing to chance.
The establishment of special checkpoints and the rapid deployment of extra forces demonstrate a proactive approach to deterrence. The coming days will be crucial as security forces maintain a tight cordon and heightened surveillance along the vulnerable border sectors to prevent any breach and protect national assets.
