Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Punjab Security Agencies Report Shift to Smaller Khalistani Operations
Security officials say a group called Babbar Khalsa International has changed its approach in Punjab.
Instead of trying to launch one very large attack, it is allegedly carrying out smaller incidents more often.
Officials say the group struggled to gain enough local support and recruit people.
Several Punjab police officers have been killed or attacked this year.
Authorities have also seized weapons and drugs that officials say were brought in using drones.
Police are responding to these incidents while also monitoring threats and propaganda.
Officials believe the repeated incidents are meant to keep security agencies busy and worried.
They say this pressure could make it easier for a larger attack to happen later.
Security officials say Babbar Khalsa International has shifted from planned large attacks to frequent smaller operations in Punjab.
Officials attribute the change to insufficient local support and recruitment difficulties affecting the Khalistan movement.
Authorities report increased targeting of Punjab police personnel, including several fatal shootings this year.
Between September 3 and 16, officials reported seizures of 33 kilograms of heroin, 38 weapons, and 115 live cartridges.
Officials say drone smuggling, threats, and propaganda are intended to pressure security agencies and create conditions for a larger attack.
- Who
- Babbar Khalsa International, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, and Punjab security agencies are central to the report.
- What
- Officials report a shift toward frequent smaller attacks, police targeting, drone-based smuggling of weapons and drugs, and propaganda activity.
- When
- The report describes developments this year, including seizures between September 3 and September 16 and several police attacks from February onward.
- Where
- Punjab, including areas near the International Border and Ajnala.
- Why
- Officials say the strategy is intended to pressure and overstretch security agencies, create panic, and potentially enable a larger attack.
- Reported strategy
- Frequent smaller operations rather than an immediate full-scale military-style campaign.
- Reported backer
- Officials identify Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence as backing Babbar Khalsa International.
- Recent seizures
- Between September 3 and 16, authorities reported 33 kilograms of heroin and 38 weapons seized.
- Ammunition seized
- Authorities reported recovering 115 live cartridges during the same period.
- Police casualties
- Officials reported multiple Punjab police killings and attacks this year, including the deaths of Gurnam Sing, Ashok Kumar, Joga Singh, and Harjit Singh.
- Drone activity
- Officials say drones have been used to smuggle drugs and arms into Punjab.
- Additional pressure
- Officials also cite threats against police personnel and propaganda attributed to Sikhs for Justice.