S.A.S. NAGAR, January 28: In a major offensive launched against terrorists, the Punjab police have arrested five suspected terrorists belonging to the Babbar Khalsa International and Khalistan Commando Force (Jarnail Singh Shantrana gang) who were planning to strike in the state. The police also seized 13 weapons and a large quantity of ammunition from their possession.Addressing media persons here today, Punjab Director General of Police P. C. Dogra, said that the suspects were arrested while holding a meeting at a dera of Baba Balkar Singh in Anandpur Sahib yesterday, while planning robberies in Ropar district. The operation was conducted under the supervision of SSP Ropar Ranbir Singh Khatra and SP (D) Gurmit Singh.Those arrested have been identified as Gurmukh Singh of Ropar, Bhajan Singh and Darshan Singh from Uttar Pradesh, Kuldip Singh of Batala and Baljit Singh of Patiala. Baba Balkar Singh is still at large.Baba Balkar Singh who had been giving shelter to terrorists, formed a new gang andsent them to Rudrapur in Uttar Pradesh with arms and ammunition to join Gurmukh Singh's gang.In a bid to revive terrorism in Punjab, Baba Balkar Singh, Dogra said, brought both the groups to his dera in Anandpur Sahib and used his `kar sewa' truck for criminal activities there. Gurmukh Singh Pipal Majra, an active member of the BKI, who has been absconding since 1990, remained active in Ropar, Kharar, Morinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib. He also set up a gang that included Jora Singh Mandauli, Puran Singh Chaura (both hardcore terrorists) and Mehar Singh who carried out murders and abductions for ransom.Later, Gurmukh Singh killed Jora Singh Mandauli, Puran Singh Chaura and Mehar Singh of Bareili with the help of his accomplices following differences on distribution of looted property and molestation of young girls, the DGP disclosed.Dogra said the arrested desperadoes were allegedly involved in at least 16 cases of murder in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The seized arms included two AK-47 assault rifleswith four magazines and 60 live cartridges, four guns and seven pistols, besides a large quantity of ammunition.
