ISI has asked Indian Mujahideen operatives to desecrate shrines: Intelligence inputs

NEW DELHI: Pakistani intelligence agency ISI has reportedly tasked terrorists belonging to Indian Mujahideen to carry out acts of vandalism at religious places in India, particularly Punjab, in a bid to incite communal passions.

Sources said attempts to vandalize religious places or desecrate religious symbols could be undertaken in border areas of Punjab or Jammu & Kashmir by IM terrorists, mainly absconders in ongoing cases relating to past attacks by the outfit. The two states have been advised to step up vigil in a latest advisory marked to the state chief secretaries/DGPs.

A few other states, including Haryana and UP, have been alerted and asked to take preventive steps as vandalism at their religious places may lead to communal tension in the neighbouring states.

Only last month, inputs about five Pakistani terrorists having entered India had prompted the Centre to alert all states. They were asked to stay extra vigilant against any attempt by subversive elements to disrupt the peace and spark communal tensions during the festival season.

The advisory had warned how campaigns against cow slaughter by Hindu activists could lead to road-blockades, arson and communal incidents. Communal tension could also be triggered due to sacrifice of cattle at public and non-traditional places.