Terrorists Planning to Escape the Country Foiled : The recent Pilibhit encounter in Uttar Pradesh has once again spotlighted the region’s grim history with terrorism. On Monday morning, three pro-Khalistan terrorists were neutralized in a joint operation by the Punjab Police and Pilibhit Police. Investigations are now focused on understanding why these militants chose Pilibhit as their hideout and how they planned to use the region’s porous Nepal border to escape the country.
A Troubling History of Terrorism in Pilibhit
Pilibhit, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region, has long been a haven for terrorists and criminal elements. With a history dating back to the 1990s, the district has witnessed several high-profile encounters with Khalistani militants. In 1991, the region saw one of its bloodiest days when security forces neutralized ten Khalistani terrorists in three separate encounters within 16 hours.
The recent encounter is eerily reminiscent of those events. The three slain terrorists were found hiding in Pilibhit’s Puranpur area, a Sikh-dominated locality. Preliminary investigations suggest they had arrived in the district two days earlier, likely with the intention of escaping to Nepal.
Why Pilibhit? A Strategic Yet Vulnerable Location
Pilibhit’s geographical location makes it an attractive hideout for terrorists. The district shares an open border with Nepal, stretching nearly 40 kilometers from pillar 17 to 28. This porous border, dotted with unguarded paths and dense forest cover, offers easy passage for criminals and militants.
Additionally, Pilibhit borders Uttarakhand, another factor contributing to its accessibility for illicit activities. The lack of stringent surveillance along these borders has turned the region into a transit route for terrorists attempting to evade law enforcement.
Details of the Recent Encounter
The Monday morning operation unfolded in the Puranpur area near the Madhotanda road. According to Uttar Pradesh Police, Punjab Police alerted them about the presence of three suspects linked to Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). The suspects, identified as Gurvinder Singh (25), Varinder Singh alias Ravi (23), and Jasnapreet Singh alias Pratap Singh (18), were involved in a grenade attack on a Punjab police checkpoint.
The encounter began around 5:30 AM, following a tip-off that the suspects were moving on a stolen motorcycle. As police teams attempted to intercept them, the terrorists opened fire. In the ensuing gunfight, all three terrorists were fatally injured. They were rushed to the district hospital but succumbed to their injuries. Two policemen sustained injuries during the encounter and are currently under treatment.
Weapons and Connections Unearthed
The operation led to the recovery of:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- Two foreign-made pistols
- A stolen motorcycle
These findings underline the military-grade arsenal at the terrorists’ disposal, pointing to their deep connections with militant organizations. The investigation is now centered on tracing their local network, identifying individuals who may have aided them, and understanding their broader objectives.
Nepal Border: A Growing Concern
Pilibhit’s proximity to Nepal has long been a concern for security agencies. The open border policy with Nepal allows for unrestricted movement of people and goods, making it a preferred route for terrorists and smugglers.
- Recent Incidents:
- In March 2024, five shooters involved in the murder of Jammu-based gangster Rajesh Dogra were found hiding in Pilibhit’s Shahgarh area.
- In 1991, Khalistani militants used the Nepal border to evade capture following police operations.
The district’s Puranpur and Kalanagar regions, which are connected to the Nepal border, remain under constant scrutiny. Authorities have emphasized the need for enhanced border patrolling and surveillance measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
A Region Haunted by Past Terror Activities
The recent encounter is not an isolated incident but part of Pilibhit’s long-standing struggle against terrorism. In the 1990s, the Terai region, including Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, and Lakhimpur Kheri, was a hotbed of Khalistani militancy.
Notable Incidents:
- 1991 Pilibhit Encounters:
- In July 1991, police neutralized 10 Khalistani terrorists in a series of coordinated operations. Among the deceased were prominent militants like Baljeet Singh “Pappu” and Jaswant Singh, self-styled commanders of the Khalistan Liberation Army.
- Sub-Inspector Harpal Singh sustained injuries during these operations.
- April 1990 Jungle Siege:
- Security forces, with support from ITBP, sealed Pilibhit’s forests to flush out militants hiding in the area.
- December 1991 PAC Truck Bombing:
- Militants detonated a remote-controlled IED on a PAC convoy in Hajara, killing three police personnel and injuring several others.
Inter-Agency Coordination Key to Success
The success of Monday’s encounter underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration. The joint operation by Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Police was a testament to their shared intelligence and swift action. However, questions remain about the security gaps that allowed the terrorists to infiltrate and find refuge in Pilibhit.
- Punjab Police Findings: The slain terrorists were linked to the Khalistan Zindabad Force, with prior involvement in attacks on police checkpoints.
- UP Police Role: Local intelligence networks played a critical role in tracking the suspects’ movements and coordinating the operation.
