Chandigarh: The Punjab Police has foiled a major bid by Pakistan-backed terrorists to target socio-religious leaders and disturb the communal harmony of the state with the arrest of three members of the Khalistan Liberation Front (KLF).

According to Punjab DGP, Dinkar Gupta, the terror module, busted on Sunday, was operating in various parts of Punjab at the behest of pro-Khalistani elements based in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UK.

DGP Dinkar GuptaGupta said one .32 bore pistol, along with 7 cartridges, has been recovered from the alleged terrorists, identified as Sukhchain Singh r/o Village Sehra, PS Ganda Kheri, Distt. Patiala; Amritpal Singh r/o Village Achanak, PS Boha, Distt Mansa; and Jaspreet Singh r/o Borewal Sohan, Police Station Majitha.

Another of their associates, Lovepreet Singh r/o Kaithal, has already been arrested recently by Delhi Police, along with other KLF members.

Giving details of the case, the DGP said the three men had come into contact with one other through social media.

They further came in touch with Pakistan-based handlers who provoked them to target socio-religious leaders, and also disturb Punjab’s peace and law & order.

Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta

Amritpal Singh was instrumental in connecting and motivating Sukhchain and Lovepreet Singh in taking the dangerous agenda forward.

Initial investigations show that their Pakistan-based handlers also invited these men to visit Pakistan for planning the future course of action.

One of the foreign handlers, based in Saudi Arabia, promised to provide them shelter once they execute their actions on ground.

FIRAn FIR has been registered at Police Station Sadar, Samana, district Patiala under sections 13,16,18,20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and 25/54/59 Arms Act, and further investigations are in progress.

Gupta said with this, the Punjab Police has busted a total of nine terror modules in the first six months of this year itself.