New Delhi, April 16 Khalistani terrorist organisations are "desperate" to undertake "some sensational terrorist action" in India under constant pressure from Pakistan's ISI and revive terrorism in Punjab, the government has told a parliamentary committee whose report was tabled in the Lok Sabha today. Union Home Secretary Kamal Pande told the Standing Committee on Home Affairs that recent inputs indicated that Pakistan-based terrorists of the Khalistan Commando Force (Panjwar), Babbar Khalsa International, Khalistan Zindabad Force and International Sikh Youth Federation (Rode) were "desparate to undertake some sensational action in India because of constant pressure from Pakistan's ISI".
Attempts to revive terrorism in Punjab also became evident from the continued recovery of large quantities of arms, ammunition, explosives and sophisticated timer devices in the border state, he said.  Mr Pande said security forces arrested 31 terrorists while one surrendered to the police last year. As many as 35 terrorists were arrested and three surrendered the previous year. "Despite reverses and neutralisation of some of their top-rung activists over the years, the Khalistani terrorists still retain the capacity and substantial fire power to carry out acts of violence," Mr Pande said.
In view of these developments, the committee chaired by Mr Pranab Mukherjee felt that "There is a subtle change which is taking place on the ground".
The committee, which includes members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, said, "Therefore, there is need for being vigilant to ensure that terrorism does not rear its head once again" in Punjab.  "The committee, therefore, urges the government to take all necessary preventive measures
to thwart attempts of Pakistan's ISI to revive terrorism in Punjab," the committee's 88th report said, adding that strict vigil must be kept on the
activities of recently returned separatist leaders so that they do not once again become a potent threat to the security and unity of the country. It also appealed to the government to "consider" the cases of 400-odd policemen facing trial in various courts for their role in anti-terrorism operations during the heydays of terrorism in Punjab.
Members expressed concern over the trial of these policemen, saying that it might have a demoralising effect on the police force in general and those fighting terrorism in particular. "It becomes even more demoralising when persons, who spearheaded the terrorist movement from their foreign bases,
are not only being allowed entry into the country but also to move freely,"
it said, wondering whether these recently returned separatist leaders could
be a threat to the security and unity of India. It said, "Ironically, those who indulged in terrorism are moving freely and, in sharp contrast, those who fought terrorism are going through a hell of an experience".

Source: PTI