Heightened Alert For Independence Day After Pahalgam, Op Sindoor Suggests Joint Intel Analysis
Leading up to Independence Day, security agencies have issued heightened alerts across New Delhi following multiple intelligence inputs citing possible terror threats. Central agencies have already conveyed detailed advisories to concerned departments, warning of increased risks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in April and the subsequent retaliatory action, 'Operation Sindoor' in May.
The combination of symbolic significance, fixed venue, and large public presence has led to what officials describe as a 'critical threat environment" for this year's Independence Day celebrations, for which preparations are underway to make 'Operation Sindoor' the primary focus.
Officials have warned that New Delhi's large population and dense clusters of unauthorised colonies could serve as potential safe havens for operatives attempting to infiltrate or stage attacks.
According to sources, threats are perceived from Pakistan-based terrorist outfits, global jihadi networks, radical Islamist factions, Sikh militant groups, Left wing extremists (LWE), and certain northeast insurgent outfits. Security agencies have also considered the possibility of action by homegrown radical elements, disgruntled groups, and communal agitators seeking to exploit the occasion.
A senior official involved in the security and planning of Independence Day said the primary adversaries are Pakistan-based terrorist outfits, global jihadi groups, and radical Islamist factions.
Officials said the intelligence input has underscored the need for strict personnel verification and increased vigilance, including involvement from different agencies and central paramilitary forces. Senior officers have been instructed to ensure that no outsider in uniform gains access to restricted areas, they said.
Security sources have cautioned that potential threats could range from coordinated terrorist strikes to lone-wolf attacks, reprisal actions, or disruptive demonstrations by groups affected by recent government policies. Additionally, secondary threats are from Sikh militant elements, LWEs, northeast insurgent groups, and homegrown radical/fundamentalist organisations. All officials have been instructed not to post any information on social media, as it may have serious security implications, they said.
Pakistani intelligence operatives may try to obtain information by posing as officers and asking for details of security arrangements and deployment. All control room personnel have been instructed not to share information with any doubtful individuals and to inform seniors about any suspicious queries.
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