ISLAMABAD: Indian intelligence agencies have issued a high-level alertwarning of a sophisticated terror threat ahead of Republic Day on January26, as Khalistani separatist organisations and Bangladesh-based terroroutfits converge to potentially strike New Delhi and other urban centres.This development marks a notable shift from conventional alerts primarilyfocused on Pakistan-linked actors, introducing a multi-directionalchallenge that exploits internal criminal networks for operationaladvantage. Sources indicate heightened vigilance across northern statesfollowing credible inputs about planned disruptions to nationalcelebrations.
The alert underscores a strategic evolution in terror tactics, whereforeign handlers increasingly outsource execution to local criminalsyndicates rather than relying on direct cross-border infiltration.Punjab-based gangsters, long entrenched in organised crime, are reportedlybeing recruited as foot soldiers to handle logistics, weapon movement andground-level attacks. This approach provides plausible deniability tooverseas orchestrators while leveraging existing criminal infrastructure toevade traditional border surveillance mechanisms.
Geographically, the threat extends well beyond Punjab, with operativesactive in Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Intelligencereports highlight gradual establishment of linkages between these gangstersand Khalistani elements, facilitating coordinated transfer of funds, armsand intelligence. Such cross-state expansion complicates counter-terrorismefforts, demanding seamless collaboration among multiple state policeforces and central agencies to monitor suspicious movements andcommunications.
According to inputs from the Intelligence Bureau, radical handlersoperating abroad are exploiting deep-rooted criminal networks in theseregions to advance their agendas. This outsourcing model not only reducesdirect exposure for foreign entities but also amplifies the potential forlocalised disruptions, as gangsters possess intimate knowledge of urbanterrains and evasion routes. Authorities have noted an uptick in suchcollaborations, raising concerns about the hybrid nature of emergingthreats blending separatism with organised crime.
In response to the alert, security measures have been intensifiednationwide, particularly in Delhi and surrounding areas. North DistrictPolice have conducted multiple simulated mock drills at vulnerablelocations, including vital installations, historical sites, prominentmarkets and transport hubs during the first half of January 2026. Theseexercises aim to evaluate response times, enhance coordination amongstakeholders and sensitise the public to remain vigilant amid potentialrisks.
The convergence of Khalistani and Bangladesh-based elements represents anescalation in the threat landscape, diverging from historical patternswhere Pakistan-based groups dominated Republic Day alerts. This new dynamicnecessitates a broader strategic reassessment, incorporating monitoring oftransnational linkages and criminal-terror nexuses. Security expertsemphasise that timely intelligence sharing and proactive operations remaincritical to neutralising such plots before they materialise.
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While no specific attack timeline or target has been publicly disclosedbeyond general urban centres, the alert reflects proactive measures tosafeguard national events. Republic Day preparations continue, with plansfor a grand parade featuring 30 tableaux along Kartavya Path showcasingIndia’s cultural diversity and progress. Authorities maintain that robustsecurity grids and public cooperation will ensure peaceful commemorationsdespite the looming concerns.
This episode highlights the evolving challenges to India’s internalsecurity, where ideological extremism intersects with criminal opportunismacross borders. Sustained vigilance, intelligence-driven operations andinter-agency synergy are deemed essential to counter these adaptive threatseffectively.
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/republic-day-alert-intel-flags-terror-threat-from-bangladeshi-khalistani-outfits-delhi-among-targets/articleshow/126606555.cms
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