IB had warned of possible trouble during Modi's Ferozepur visit

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 7

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) report, which was shared with the Punjab Government, had “specific and actionable” input saying “some sort of demonstration or agitation” could not be ruled out while the PM was on his way to Hussainiwala, a stronghold of farmers’ unions.

The report said: “Leaders of SKM constituents, including the BKU(E-U) and KMSC (Satnam Singh Pannu group), which have not joined the SKM’s recently floated political outfit ‘Sanyukt Samaj Morcha’, have already declared that they would organise a gherao of the PM on his visit to Ferozepur…”

It also said farm unions “remained staunchly critical of PM Modi.” It cautioned the Punjab Government over radical Sikh organisations “time and again” raising the issue of release of Sikh prisoners. “They have submitted memorandums and organised protests many times to raise the issue.The possibility of opposition of Sikh radicals too cannot be ruled out,” the report read.

The IB warned that Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of the proscribed Sikhs For Justice had been provoking local youths and luring them with money. Issuing a general alert, it asked the Punjab Government to remain vigilant as the venue of the PM’s function was close to the border with Pakistan.