Three suspected Khalistani terrorists were killed in a gunfight with a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab police in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. The encounter took place early in the morning when the police tried to arrest the trio. The terrorists, who opened fire on the officers when surrounded, were injured in the retaliatory firing and later succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.
Identities and Background of the Terrorists
The deceased terrorists were identified as Gurwinder Singh (25), Virendra Singh aka Ravi (23), and Jasan Preet Singh aka Pratap Singh (18), all from Gurdaspur, Punjab. The three were part of a Pakistan-supported Khalistan Zindabad Force terror module, which has been linked to grenade attacks on police establishments in Punjab. The group was involved in a grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur on December 18.
The Terrorist Group’s Link to Attacks in Punjab
The Khalistan Zindabad Force terror module, of which the three terrorists were members, has been active in carrying out attacks on police posts in Punjab, particularly in border areas. Following the grenade attack in Gurdaspur, the trio fled to Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, seeking refuge in an area with a significant Sikh population. Despite their presence, the local community in Pilibhit fully cooperated with the police during the operation.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered
Upon neutralizing the terrorists, the police recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, two Glock pistols, and a substantial amount of ammunition. These items were crucial in linking the terrorists to the recent attacks in Punjab and further substantiated their involvement with the Khalistani Zindabad Force.
Ongoing Investigation into Terrorist Network
Punjab Police have confirmed the terrorists’ involvement in the grenade attacks and stated that investigations are underway to expose the full scope of the terror module. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav noted that the encounter in Pilibhit is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the Khalistani network responsible for targeting police posts in Punjab. Authorities are also working to identify and apprehend any other individuals associated with this module.
Praise for Coordination Between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Police
Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar lauded the successful operation as a “daredevil” effort and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab police. This joint operation is being hailed as a prime example of how inter-state collaboration can lead to successful counter-terrorism efforts.
Recent Terror Attacks in Punjab and Suspected Khalistani Links
The operation in Pilibhit comes after a series of bomb attacks on police stations in Punjab, including the Bangar police post in Gurdaspur and the Islamabad police station in Amritsar. These incidents have raised concerns about the involvement of Khalistani terrorists. A post circulating on social media claimed that the Khalistan Zindabad Force had taken responsibility for these attacks.
Investigating Local Khalistani Sympathizers
Uttar Pradesh police are now focused on gathering more intelligence regarding the terrorists’ movements and identifying any local Khalistani supporters who may have sheltered them in Pilibhit. The authorities are committed to dismantling the terror network and ensuring that those involved in supporting these activities are brought to justice.
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Casualties in Police Encounters Under BJP Government
Since the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh in March 2017, over 200 criminals and terrorists have been killed in police encounters across the state. This operation in Pilibhit adds to the tally of successful police encounters aimed at curbing terrorism and maintaining law and order in the state.
