Punjab Police Bust ISI-Backed Terror Modules, Nine Arrested Including Four Juveniles

Punjab Police have dismantled two alleged ISI-backed cross-border terror modules operating in Amritsar, arresting nine accused, including four juveniles, in a significant operation aimed at disrupting attempts to recruit local youth for terror-related activities.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the operation led to the recovery of three illegal pistols, four petrol bottle bombs, and nine live cartridges, highlighting the potential threat posed by the network. According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were allegedly acting under the direction of foreign-based handlers linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Investigators believe the modules were tasked with recruiting local youth, carrying out surveillance of sensitive security installations, procuring illegal weapons, and creating disturbances to undermine public peace. The probe also revealed that surveillance cameras had been installed near railway tracks, with the recorded footage allegedly being transmitted to foreign handlers, raising concerns over attempts to monitor critical infrastructure.

The involvement of four juveniles has drawn attention to the growing challenge of cross-border terror recruitment targeting minors and vulnerable youth. Security agencies have increasingly warned that foreign-based handlers are exploiting online platforms, local contacts, and financial inducements to radicalise and recruit young individuals for logistics, surveillance, and other support roles in terror networks.

Police have registered FIRs at the Mohkampura, Airport, and C-Division police stations in Amritsar. Authorities said further investigations are underway to identify other members of the network, establish its forward and backward linkages, trace the financial trail, and determine whether the accused were involved in additional terror-related activities.

The latest crackdown underscores Punjab Police's continued efforts to counter cross-border terrorism and prevent attempts by foreign-backed networks to exploit local youth for activities that threaten national security and public order.