
Punjab Police Foils Pakistan ISI's Terror Bid; Recovers Grenades, IEDs From Forest
Last Updated:
Punjab's Director General of Police said that preliminary probe indicated a coordinated operation by the ISI and allied terror outfits to revive sleeper cells in the state.
In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police and security forces have foiled a terror bid and recovered a cache of terrorist hardware, including grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from a forested area in Punjab, the police said on Tuesday.
In a joint search operation, State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar and security forces recovered the cache in the forested area near Tibba Nangal–Kular Road, SBS Nagar, in a crackdown on terror outfits allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The crackdown on terror outfits comes in the wake of escalating India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack.
Two rocket-propelled grenades, two IEDs, five P-86 hand grenades and one wireless communication set were recovered and seized from the site.
In a major breakthrough against #ISI -backed cross-border terror networks, SSOC Amritsar, in a joint operation with central agency recovers a cache of terrorist hardware in an intelligence-led operation in the forested area near Tibba Nangal–Kular Road, SBS Nagar.Recovery:* 2… pic.twitter.com/9hGt5mQb4m
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) May 6, 2025
Punjab's Director General of Police said that preliminary probe indicated a coordinated operation by the ISI and allied terror outfits to revive sleeper cells in the state.
Earlier on Monday, a terror hideout was busted by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir Poonch district. Five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two radio sets, communication devices, three blankets, and other incriminating materials were recovered and seized from the site.
Authorities have launched large-scale counter-terror operations throughout the Valley, raiding suspected hideouts, demolishing shelters used by terrorists, and detaining hundreds of terror associates for questioning, senior officials said.
What Happened In Pahalgam?
In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage.
After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were downgraded with New Delhi announcing several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines and expulsion of its military attaches. In response, Pakistan undertook tit-for-tat measures and suspended the Shimla Agreement.
First Published:
May 06, 2025, 09:52 IST
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Phantom crash: How Chinese hackers covertly targeted smartphones of US officials and journalists
Cybersecurity investigators noticed a highly unusual software crash — it was affecting a small number of smartphones belonging to people who worked in government, politics, tech and journalism. read more Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a highly unusual software crash pattern affecting smartphones of government officials, political figures, tech professionals and journalists. The crashes, which began in late 2024 and persisted into 2025, indicated a sophisticated cyberattack potentially enabling hackers to infiltrate devices without any user interaction. Investigators at cybersecurity firm iVerify found that all victims worked in sectors of interest to China's government and had previously been targeted by Chinese-linked hackers. The attack highlights the growing threat to mobile devices and apps as critical vulnerabilities in US cyberdefenses, with foreign groups linked to China's military and intelligence increasingly exploiting these weaknesses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts warn that such security failures could expose sensitive data and compromise American interests. 'The world is in a mobile security crisis right now,' Rocky Cole, a former cybersecurity expert at the National Security Agency and Google and now chief operations officer at iVerify told AP. 'No one is watching the phones.' US authorities warned in December of a sprawling Chinese hacking campaign designed to gain access to the texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. 'They were able to listen in on phone calls in real time and able to read text messages,' Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois told Associated Press. He is a member of the House Intelligence Committee and the senior Democrat on the Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, created to study the geopolitical threat from China. Chinese hackers also sought access to phones used by Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance during the 2024 campaign. The Chinese government has denied allegations of cyberespionage, and accused the U.S. of mounting its own cyberoperations. It says America cites national security as an excuse to issue sanctions against Chinese organizations and keep Chinese technology companies from the global market. 'The U.S. has long been using all kinds of despicable methods to steal other countries' secrets,' Lin Jian, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry, said at a recent press conference in response to questions about a CIA push to recruit Chinese informants. US intelligence officials have said China poses a significant, persistent threat to U.S. economic and political interests, and it has harnessed the tools of digital conflict: online propaganda and disinformation, artificial intelligence and cyber surveillance and espionage designed to deliver a significant advantage in any military conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mobile networks are a top concern. The US and many of its closest allies have banned Chinese telecom companies from their networks. Other countries, including Germany, are phasing out Chinese involvement because of security concerns. But Chinese tech firms remain a big part of the systems in many nations, giving state-controlled companies a global footprint they could exploit for cyberattacks, experts say. Chinese telecom firms still maintain some routing and cloud storage systems in the US, a growing concern to lawmakers. 'The American people deserve to know if Beijing is quietly using state-owned firms to infiltrate our critical infrastructure,' U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich. and chairman of the China committee, which in April issued subpoenas to Chinese telecom companies seeking information about their U.S. operations. Mobile devices can buy stocks, launch drones and run power plants. Their proliferation has often outpaced their security. The phones of top government officials are especially valuable, containing sensitive government information, passwords and an insider's glimpse into policy discussions and decision-making. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House said last week that someone impersonating Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, reached out to governors, senators and business leaders with texts and phone calls. It's unclear how the person obtained Wiles' connections, but they apparently gained access to the contacts in her personal cellphone, The Wall Street Journal reported. The messages and calls were not coming from Wiles' number, the newspaper reported. While most smartphones and tablets come with robust security, apps and connected devices often lack these protections or the regular software updates needed to stay ahead of new threats. That makes every fitness tracker, baby monitor or smart appliance another potential foothold for hackers looking to penetrate networks, retrieve information or infect systems with malware. Federal officials launched a program this year creating a 'cyber trust mark' for connected devices that meet federal security standards. But consumers and officials shouldn't lower their guard, said Snehal Antani, former chief technology officer for the Pentagon's Joint Special Operations Command. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'They're finding backdoors in Barbie dolls,' said Antani, now CEO of a cybersecurity firm, referring to concerns from researchers who successfully hacked the microphone of a digitally connected version of the toy. It doesn't matter how secure a mobile device is if the user doesn't follow basic security precautions, especially if their device contains classified or sensitive information, experts say. Mike Waltz, who departed as Trump's national security adviser, inadvertently added The Atlantic's editor-in-chief to a Signal chat used to discuss military plans with other top officials. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had an internet connection that bypassed the Pentagon's security protocols set up in his office so he could use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, the AP has reported. Hegseth has rejected assertions that he shared classified information on Signal, a popular encrypted messaging app not approved for the use of communicating classified information. China and other nations will try to take advantage of such lapses, and national security officials must take steps to prevent them from recurring, said Michael Williams, a national security expert at Syracuse University. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'They all have access to a variety of secure communications platforms,' Williams said. 'We just can't share things willy-nilly.' With inputs from agencies
&w=3840&q=100)

First Post
3 hours ago
- First Post
India must be ready for China's 'fusion warfare' as it rises globally
India's demonstrated ability to maintain leadership in the Indian Ocean Region and reach in the Indo-Pacific must be accompanied by countering China's mischief, which encourages its 'client state', Pakistan, to commit acts of terror read more When a third world country begins its rise, the world gets uncomfortable finding a new competitor. The existing system which the hegemon (US) has been comfortable with does not seem to be working anymore. As is often said in the military, some are not falling in line. Geopolitical supremacy is toxic, and when a country is high on this intoxication, it is difficult for it to rehabilitate; it has to undergo doses of detoxification. World history has it, and we are observing it play out currently. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sole hegemon, the United States of America, is undergoing doses of detoxification. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has been knocking on the doors of the superpower US to climb down the supremacy ladder and make space for them. Fusion-Centric Warfare Militarily, if Operation Sindoor is anything to go by, the PRC has become a threat to the US, at least in the South China Sea. The 'fusion-centric warfare' that the PRC demonstrated using terrorists, ISI and Pakistan armed forces as a front is a clear demonstration of its prowess. Long-range radar inputs backed with updates from the Baidu satellite network and the integration of very long-range air-to-air (PL 15) and air-to-surface missiles facilitate the engagement of airborne targets even before they become a threat. The air combat technique is moving away from close air combat. This is also a wake-up call to Bharat to modernise its armed forces towards deepening their 'Fusion Centric Warfare' capabilities, particularly the Air Force. The drones, as an essential component of 'fusion centricity', will also play a major role in any engagement with the PRC by any country. The US has much to critically examine in its warfighting philosophy. Coming back to geopolitics, occasional defiance of the US by Russia results only in their calibrated response, which reflects apprehensions in the absence of a very clear military edge. The US is using levers of state power, such as economic and military, to threaten its competitors with the intention of wanting them to fall in line. Additionally, the US has a head of state who has demonstrated the will to use those powers by resorting to threats and bullying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Simultaneously other nations too are climbing the developmental ladder and watching these traits carefully. Some of these traits are also being practised in the form of coercion, economically and militarily. Look at the PRC; it is enlarging its circle of influence by way of luring countries under the garb of development, which is often embedded with a debt trap. One look at the entire Indo-Pacific, and answers will be forthcoming. Simultaneously, the PRC is proving its newly developed weapon systems through its 'client state'/ 'autonomous region' Pakistan, often fuelling them to engage in limited wars & acts of terrorism. The PRC wants to allay the complaints of its systems not being battle tested. All means being used in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by the PRC are to keep Bharat engaged in expensive regional conflicts. PRC is also encouraging nations in Bharat's neighbourhood to create geopolitical complexities. The latest limited conflict between India and Pakistan must be seen through this prism to understand the complicity of the PRC. High-ranking visits from Pakistan to the PRC before and after the recent conflict point to this understanding. Essentially, it has been the PRC's effort to keep Bharat bogged down and prevent its emergence in a leadership role in the IOR. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was not a straightforward terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan Army/ISI-hired organisations but a conflict fuelled by the PRC. The declaration of immediate support to the terror state came on the first day of the conflict. Subsequent emphasis by the PRC for its ironclad friendship was also reflected in the modification made to the UNSC statement, which shielded the act of terrorism in Pahalgam by its client state, Pakistan. The PRC promised replenishment of weapon systems which were destroyed by the Indian armed forces' successful attacks. The PRC has also been shielding terrorists by not declaring them so in the UNSC, which leaves no doubt in the minds of analysts that conflict with Pakistan is, in reality, a PRC-India clash. Pakistan's economy, infrastructure, weapon systems and platforms are all Chinese (barring a few). In Pakistan, the PRC has found a client state which is run by terror makers of the world whose guns are pointing towards Bharat. We are facing China in every conflict with its client state, Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this geopolitical disorder, it appears that a new order may emerge which could be more regional in nature than global since generating world consensus on any issue has become difficult. Multipolarity seems to be on the cards. Last week there was the annual Copenhagen Democracy Summit where 'retreat in democracy' was discussed at length. Most participants were convinced that the vital centre of democracy has been on the backfoot in Europe and the US for a decade during which it has been in retreat. Former US President Joe Biden had described the current state of global politics as a contest between 'democracies and autocracies'. In this summit, President Trump's demands for Greenland and the Panama Canal attracted criticism. The opinion was that great global dangers to democracies were Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Walter Russel Mead, the ex-Wall Street intellectual and Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute, in his recent article, has mentioned that 'democratic societies require leaders who understand the realities of their time and can inspire their fellow citizens to support the policies their countries need.' He goes on to mention, 'It is the elites and the establishments of the democratic world who are failing.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This brings my attention to our own Bharat, which has a Prime Minister in Narendra Modi who stands tall amongst world leaders. While leading Bharat towards the third-largest economy in the world, creating an ecosystem which has catapulted Bharat as a country with one of the highest numbers of start-ups, rapid infrastructure development, bringing women into the development process, pulling over 200 million people out of poverty and encouraging technology-driven armed forces, apart from many other facets of development. The UPI payment system and the Aadhar card-driven financial system, added to the introduction of the centralised tax mechanism GST, have made revenue a predictable commodity. Every aspect of human development is being addressed. These changes are pushing India towards becoming a tech-driven, industrialised country which supports the economies of its neighbourhood. Bharat's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and its cooperation with Russia, Central Asian Republics, the African Union, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and South China Sea countries, eg, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pacific Islands, etc, are stable and very respectful. Economic partnerships with Australia, Japan, France, the EU, the UK, ASEAN, etc, are all on the upswing. The armed forces have demonstrated their skill in peacetime as well as war. Bharat is a preferred security partner in IOR. Global partnerships in maritime security have spread far and wide. In the G20, Bharat's leadership role was commendable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Problems with the neighbourhood are understandable. Having gained independence around the same time, some of them are envious of the progress of Bharat. Their attempt to create roadblocks should not slow down Bharat from its larger aim of achieving its rightful place in the world. As far as the PRC is concerned, it already has much headway, whereas Bharat seeks to grow parallelly and not competitively. As far as the Kashmir issue is concerned, it is not a discussed issue in the world anymore. It is an attempt by the PRC to lure Pakistan to resort to terrorism, hyphenate India and get the world's attention back on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). J&K is an Indian state with an elected government; unfolding development has generated satisfaction amongst citizens. Economic activities have begun in full earnest after years of cross-border terror attacks. Attitudinal change amongst people of J&K was very evident when the entire J&K was on the roads to demonstrate against the terror attack in Pahalgam, seeking punishment for Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan is an irritant and should be given only that much space. Our real challenge to progress is from the PRC. Its encirclement of Bharat by economic coercion in the neighbourhood, many times by graft; the construction of dual-use infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Region; and its ingress of submarines and warships are larger long-term issues. In a recent article in National Interest, Hudson's Director of Development of South Asia, Aparna Pandey, says, 'Every crisis in Islamabad distracts New Delhi from emerging as a dependable pole in an increasingly multipolar world. By keeping India's strategic vision trained upon the subcontinent, China forestalls the broader recalibration that would enable New Delhi to project power beyond its immediate periphery.' Our recent infra development in the maritime sector and strengthening of the naval combat power not only adds to sustainable security assets but also contributes to the nation's economy by way of infrastructure and manufacturing, which leads to job creation. Bharat's reach in the maritime domain is vast, and it should be utilised for increasing our footprint not only in the IOR but also in the wider Indo-Pacific. Our ability to take G2O along is a big advantage and also in consonance with our civilisational ethos of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam'. Bharat has the capability and resources to handle regional irritants while playing its leadership role in the IOR. As we head towards becoming a US $5 trillion economy, security of neighbouring countries in the IOR would be an important ingredient for peace and stability for the growth of all in the region. Each neighbour would have a stake in the Indian economy. PM Modi's mantra of MAHASAGAR and neighbourhood first is the true path to achieving the goal of a larger leadership role in the world. The geopolitical churn of the world is in full flow. The shifting sands of the US and the activities of the deep state and PRC in our neighbourhood must be analysed, and strong messages must be conveyed to neighbours. Bangladesh is slipping into unruly turbulence each day. Our intelligence agencies and security forces would surely be on alert for any action that may be required at short notice. Our demonstrated ability to maintain leadership in IOR and reach in the Indo-Pacific must be accompanied by countering PRC's mischief, which encourages its client state, Pakistan, to commit acts of terror. Time for Bharat to continue its pursuit to accelerate economic growth and build capacities/capabilities to fight 'fusion-centric warfare". The author is Chairman, Trustee Board of India Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.


Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
FairPoint: A walk across the bridge of resolve, PM Modi's strong Chenab message
There are rare moments in a nation's history when a leader's action reverberates far beyond the physical gesture -- it speaks directly to adversaries, uplifts the national spirit, and sets the course for the future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's walk across the Chenab Bridge -- the world's highest railway bridge -- holding the Tricolour high in his right hand, was one such moment. Quiet but commanding, symbolic yet strategic, it was a bold declaration. In that symbolic stride, the Prime Minister wasn't just showcasing a feat of Indian engineering; he was delivering a bold message to those who have long sought to destabilise India through covert aggression and terror. For over three decades, Pakistan and its terror network have engaged in a relentless proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir and also in other parts of India. From cross-border infiltration to radicalisation, they have aimed to keep Jammu and Kashmir and India in turmoil. And when the Pahalgam terror attack happened, India responded with Operation Sindoor -- with military resolve and diplomatic firmness. Amid this operation, India continued with its developmental triumphs. The walk on the Chenab Bridge was a powerful signal to Pakistan, its allies, and the rest of the world. By walking that bridge with the flag aloft, PM Modi asserted territorial sovereignty and also underlined a shift in India's policy from deterrence to direct action. After the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, India has made it clear -- neither the LoC nor Pakistani territory will remain untouched if terror originates from there. The shift started with the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, the revocation of Article 370, and the May 7 Operation Sindoor. These have all marked a shift in India's strategic doctrine -- no longer defensive and reactive but proactive and assertive. Through Operation Sindoor, New Delhi has set a new strategic red line -- if terror is Pakistan's state policy, it will be met with a visible and forceful response. PM Modi's solitary walk was a signal that India will no longer be held hostage by fear nor dictated to by those who trade in violence and chaos. It was also a message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that New Delhi's commitment to development, stability, and integration is not just a promise -- it is a mission. The walk was also a reminder to every Indian watching that the fight against terror isn't only for the security forces to tackle, but it's also in our commitment to progress. Roads, tunnels, railways, and bridges -- these are India's new weapons of peace, built to empower. The PM's walk on the bridge just reflected this. In that silent, deliberate stride was the assertion that the region will no longer be a theatre for conflict but a beacon of connection and progress. PM Modi's visit to J&K came exactly one month after Operation Sindoor, a meticulously executed mission that neutralised nine high-value terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling at residential areas in Jammu and Kashmir and also indulged in drone raids across the whole of the western border. India then attacked 11 airbases of Pakistan, following which Pakistan raised the white flag and begged for a ceasefire. Operation Sindoor wasn't just a tactical win. It was a strategic signal: that India's patience with terrorism emanating from Pakistan is not infinite and that every infiltration, every ambush, will be met with proportionate force. By choosing to visit J&K after this operation and walk on the Chenab Bridge, which is just 133 km from PoK, PM Modi linked two critical narratives: the hard power of security and the soft power of development. It reflected the seamless continuation of India's twin-track approach in Jammu and Kashmir -- crush the terror infrastructure while simultaneously empowering the region through unprecedented infrastructure and economic development. This stands in stark contrast to Pakistan's approach to Kashmir: one rooted in radicalisation, violence, and diplomatic falsehoods. It is forcing the youth to die for a false narrative and an insane cause, and has kept the occupied part of Kashmir in poverty and underdevelopment. PM Modi's walk across the Chenab Bridge wasn't just physical; it was psychological. It represented an India that is no longer looking over its shoulder but walking ahead with resolve, dignity, and confidence. Holding the flag was a symbol of ownership of territory, of the future, and of the narrative. Leaders are often remembered not just for what they say but for what they do when it matters. With the Tricolour fluttering against the Himalayan winds, PM Modi's walk on the Chenab Bridge was symbolic and historic. For Pakistan, it was a warning that India will protect its territorial integrity and punish aggression with precision. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it was reassurance that they are seen, heard, and included. And for the rest of the world, it was a signal that India is prepared to lead not just economically but morally and militarily if required.