New Delhi, Jan 29 : The waters in Punjab are being tested by the Khalistani elements once again, and this could be a sign of what is coming next. After provoking and planning attacks in India from abroad, these terror groups want to intensify operations after they realised that their movement is hardly gaining any traction in Punjab.

Soft attempts are being made to test the waters, and on January 26, a Khalistani flag incident was reported at the Golden Temple. An Intelligence Bureau official said that these attempts are aimed at provoking the state. The official, however, added that similar incidents would occur on a much smaller scale across Punjab.

Such operations are cost-effective, and the chances of getting caught are very low. The Khalistanis would try to pass these off as one-off incidents at first. They would then try and analyse what the youth feel about this, and if it does gain a bit of traction, then a recruitment drive would commence, officials say.

Both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Punjab police have cracked down heavily on these elements. This explains why the Khalistan movement is unable to raise its ugly head in Punjab. Police officials also thank the elders who have lived through those times when Punjab was a violent mess, courtesy of the Khalistan issue. They have advised the youngster to stay clear and explained to them that taking this path would only lead to devastation.

Further, the Khalistani terrorists operating from abroad are under stress from both their cadres and the ISI. Questions are frequently asked as to why operations in Punjab have not scaled up.

An Intelligence Bureau official said, apart from tight scrutiny, the other reason why operations have not scaled up is due to the lack of funds. While the ISI has pumped in funds through the sale of drugs, arms, and ammunition, money is also raised through legal aid under the garb of human rights.

The official said that a lot of corruption is taking place within the ranks. Many who are part of this movement abroad are corrupt and have siphoned off the money, instead of using it to revive the movement in India, the official added. Persons like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), only give sermons and issue threats online. In reality, he lives a lavish lifestyle.

All these have contributed to the Khalistan movement not taking off in Punjab. Intelligence agencies, however, state that the security agencies must be on high alert when it comes to this soft push that these elements are making.

An official said that these should not be seen as one-off incidents or mere acts of very minor vandalism. They should be viewed very seriously as there is actionable Intelligence as to what these elements are up to, the official added.

The Khalistanis who thrived abroad for years, thanks to sympathetic regimes, are today facing the heat. India has managed to impress upon countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom to act against these elements. "We have, over the years, sent scores of dossiers detailing the activities of these elements", another official said.

While the agencies over there were convinced, it was the dispensation that was soft. However, India managed to convince them that the Khalistanis are using free speech to further their agenda. India also explained to these nations about the dangers they pose not only to India, but to their own land as well, officials added.

Now, with the fund collection dipping and the narrative from abroad not working, the push would now be made in Punjab, Intelligence assessments show. Indian security officials are capable of tackling this problem on the ground. However, the soft push is what needs to be curbed as it could very quickly become a big issue if it does gain traction among the youth, officials warn.

/IANS