Authorities recently announced a significant breakthrough against terrorism following a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Police and Punjab Police, which successfully neutralized a Pakistan-sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror module. The encounter occurred on December 23, 2024, in the Puranpur area of Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the death of three suspects involved.
Identified as Gurvinder Singh, Virendra Singh, alias Ravi, and Jaspreet Singh, alias Pratap Singh, these individuals allegedly participated in recent grenade attacks targeting police stations within Punjab. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the operation's success via social media, describing it as pivotal in dismantling this dangerous group.
Yadav’s post stated, "This module is controlled by Ranjeet Singh Nita, the chief of KZF, and operated by Jaswinder Singh Mannu, based in Greece, and Jagjeet Singh, serving in the British Army." This detail highlighted the extensive network supporting the KZF across international borders, linking individuals involved with well-known terrorist activities.
The encounter unfolded dramatically when the suspects, upon being surrounded, opened fire on police officers, who responded with lethal force. Initially injured, the three suspects were rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) nearby, but they later succumbed to their injuries. This firefight marked the culmination of intense investigative efforts tracing the suspects’ involvement with previous violent incidents.
Prior to this operation, the KZF had been implicated in multiple grenade attacks on police establishments in Punjab, raising serious security concerns. The most recent attacks occurred at the Bangar police post on December 18, the Islamabad police station on December 21, and outside the Bakshiwal police post, all reflecting the orchestrated efforts of Khalistani terrorists aiming to destabilize law enforcement efforts.
During the operation, police recovered two AK-47 rifles and two Glock pistols believed to have been used by the suspects for these attacks, underscoring the potential threat posed by this terror module. Such weaponry emphasizes the urgency of addressing security threats emanated from organized terror groups within the region.
"This operation showcases the unwavering commitment of UP Police to its zero-tolerance policy against crime and criminals," stated Yadav, reinforcing the collaborative effort between the state forces as fundamental to ensuring national security. He detailed the need for inter-state cooperation to tackle the pervasive issue of terrorism.
Interestingly, the operation also reveals the depth of the KZF's operations, with Nita identified as closely affiliated with terrorist elements backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan. Initial investigations point to his role as the primary influence behind the recent surge of violence targeting Indian police forces, having established networks with pro-Khalistani groups and criminal enterprises across Europe.
Further investigations are anticipated, focusing on dismantling the broader infrastructure of the KZF, tracing its sources of funding, and establishing connections with organized crime. Significantly, the authorities aim to engage with international law enforcement to dismantle transnational operations threatening India’s stability.
This latest encounter marks not only the loss of three alleged terrorists but also sets the tone for increased vigilance by law enforcement agencies. Punjab Police also engaged with armed gangs recently, arresting criminals linked to possible weapons smuggling.
The effectiveness of the collaboration between state police departments stands as the centerpiece of future counter-terrorism strategies. Yadav's statement of unity among various police forces aims to send a strong message: terrorism will not find refuge.
Despite the tragic turn of events resulting from this encounter, it signals progress against organized terrorism and focuses on ensuring law enforcement's preparedness for future threats. The fight against terror continues to evolve, demanding sharp focus and quick action as more such operations are expected to arise.
