Security agencies tracing local helpers of terrorists in Terai region after Pilibhit encounter

Following the killing of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, security agencies have ramped up their search for local accomplices in the region. The terrorists, suspected of involvement in a grenade attack in Gurdaspur, were killed in an early morning encounter on Monday. Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, called the operation a significant breakthrough against a Pakistan-backed terror network.

Bareilly Range IG, Rakesh Singh, said police and intelligence agencies are on high alert due to ongoing threats. "Investigations are ongoing and security measures have been strengthened along the border areas. We will take action against anyone found aiding terrorist activities," he said.

The Pilibhit encounter follows a series of explosions in Punjab earlier this month. The gunfight occurred in Puranpur when KZF members fired at a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Police. In a related development, a video surfaced on the social media platform ‘X’, in which an individual made threats to incite terror during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj next month.

The video, shared on December 24, included derogatory remarks about the Hindu religion and political figures, with the person threatening to cause disruptions on key dates in January and February. A police case was filed in Pilibhit after the video emerged. The investigation is ongoing, though police declined to provide further details about the individuals involved. PTI