The Intelligence Bureau has asked all security agencies to remain on very high alert ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital, warning of a possible coordinated terror by Jaish-e-Mohammad and Al Qaeda.
According to intelligence, the groups are planning attacks at multiple locations, including Delhi and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Officials said the plot was prepared locally but had links to Jammu and Kashmir.
An Intelligence Bureau official told IANS, “The plan is to strike at more than one location. Delhi and Ayodhya are among the main targets.”
Security has been tightened in sensitive areas, and large-scale search operations are underway to trace people linked to these outfits. The alert comes soon after police busted a Jaish-inspired module that carried out a blast near the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Another senior official said the blast was originally planned for Republic Day but was triggered earlier due to panic. “The bomber appears to have detonated the device prematurely after police busted the Faridabad module and recovered over 2,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate,” the official said.
Security agencies believe Jaish-e-Mohammad is trying to revive the same plan that failed earlier. Investigators are now tracking possible explosives routes and looking for members linked to the new module.
Officials said intelligence suggests the planning was done in Jammu and Kashmir and that online propaganda activity has increased sharply. A social media handle called Falcon Squad, linked to the Kashmiri Resistance Group, has been actively spreading extremist content and inciting youth, they said.
An official claimed that Pakistan’s ISI is directly involved in the operation and has roped in operatives from Punjab for logistical support. “The Khalistan network set up by the ISI is helping Jaish with logistics. These groups have worked together in the past, and many of their cadres have trained together in Pakistan,” the official said.
Security agencies are also closely monitoring West Bengal and northeastern states after inputs suggested a plot originating from Bangladesh. Officials warned that trained operatives are trying to infiltrate India through West Bengal, taking advantage of upcoming elections in the region.
