Chandigarh- The purported release of video footage by a Pakistan-based terror outfit showing the killing of ASI Joga Singh marks a deeply disturbing and dangerous development. This is reportedly the second such incident, following the earlier murders of two police personnel deployed in the second line of defence. The matter warrants an urgent and serious security review. This was disclosed here by Senior Congress leader Gurinder Singh Dhillon, IPS
Dhillon further said that if verified, it strongly indicates that the same handler or network operating from across the border may be orchestrating these attacks. Punjab’s border belt has historically remained vulnerable to such terror-linked activities, but the present pattern reflects a more complex and evolving threat.
This is no longer merely a border infiltration issue. It now involves the identification, radicalisation, recruitment, and use of vulnerable local individuals as hired killers — a trend that creates an extremely dangerous internal security situation. Monitoring every vulnerable youth in the border districts is neither simple nor sustainable through conventional policing alone.
The situation demands close coordination between the Government of Punjab and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. A multi-layered strategy involving digital surveillance, technical intelligence, human intelligence, and strong community sensitisation mechanisms is essential under these circumstances.
At the ground level, there is also a compelling need to revive and modernise traditional beat policing systems. An effective beat and jail intelligence structure covering all villages and urban wards across the seven border districts adjoining Pakistan can significantly strengthen early-warning capabilities. With modern technical tools and app-based monitoring systems, this time-tested policing pyramid can become highly effective in identifying vulnerable individuals before they are exploited by hostile elements.
Dhillon said that he is confident that the Punjab Police leadership, under the guidance of the State DGP, will continue refining and strengthening these mechanisms. However, one challenge may remain constant the need for adequate manpower enhancement and sustained resource support.
Public sensitisation is equally important. Communities must become active stakeholders in identifying suspicious influences, recruitment attempts, and radicalisation patterns.
Simultaneously, strong and aggressive countermeasures across the border ecosystem may also become necessary. After all, similar vulnerabilities exist in western Punjab as well.
The State of Punjab should also be provided enhanced operational and source-development funds to strengthen intelligence penetration and counter-terror capabilities.