The intelligence alert comes less than a week before the Kartarpur corridor is opened for Indian pilgrims (ANI... Read More

CHANDIGARH: Intelligence agencies have spotted terrorist training activities in the border district of Narowal in Pakistan’s Punjab province, the same district where Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is situated.

The intelligence alert has been received less than a week from the opening of the Kartarpur corridor for Indian pilgrims.

The corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Gurdaspur district of Indian Punjab with the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara located in Narowal district of Pakistan’s Punjab.

Sources in the intelligence agencies said terrorist training camps are situated at Muridke, Shakargarh, and Narowal in Pakistan’s Punjab province, where “substantial number of men and women are reportedly camping and undergoing training”.

These details emerged at a recently held joint meeting of all top security agencies of the country to discuss issues related to border management in Punjab.

The biggest challenge, the agencies said, is the opening of the Kartarpur corridor as anti-India activities are likely to be carried out by hostile elements in Pakistan, especially “those likely to come into contact with pilgrims at the shrine”.

TOI had earlier reported that intelligence agencies were apprehensive about Pakistan’s over eagerness in opening Kartarpur corridor because it wanted to “exploit Sikh sentiments to support Khalistan agenda” in India.

Spillage of Pakistan mobile network up to 3-4km inside Indian territory is also worrying the agencies. Sources in these agencies said the spillage of network can be used by drug smugglers and those involved in anti-national activities by using Pakistani SIM cards.

One of the central agencies, with mandate to guard borders in Punjab, requested the Punjab police to impose a ban on the use and possession of Pakistan SIM cards, on the lines of a recent ban imposed by Sri Ganganagar district collector in Rajasthan.

Another challenge for security agencies is the proscribed group, Sikhs for Justice, whose propaganda through digital media and activities abroad have been a matter of concern.



In Video: Terror training camps spotted in district that houses Kartarpur gurdwara: Intel