A video, which has surfaced on Telegram, an app already in the crosshairs of India, shows a Pakistan-based terrorist, Farhatullah Ghori, asking his followers to cause derailments of trains in metropolises like Delhi and Mumbai.
Shocking visuals have horrified the entire nation, with grave cause for concern on questions of safety and security regarding the infrastructural set-up of India as a whole and its railway network in particular.
Ghori has been a notorious terrorist for a long time. He perpetrated the Akshardham temple attack in Gandhinagar in 2002; and he has been on the radar of Indian intelligence agencies for years.
The latest video did not confine itself to calling for derailments of trains but also for targeting the vital supply chains, pipelines, and transport systems of India.
The video has been in action for the last couple of weeks, and since it brings a nationwide warning, security officials work day and night to act against any attack probably inspired by this malignant call to action.
Recent Rail Accidents: A Pattern of Sabotage?
Within the last three months, a spate of train accidents has occurred-their timing not being any less suspicious. The government, more so the Railways Ministry, had been at the receiving end of speculation and criticism.
But Ghori's video puts these incidents in a totally different perspective. They appear as part of an orchestrated effort by terrorist elements to destabilise the country.
Taking place at a time when the video of Ghori was in circulation, the accidents have been viewed to point towards a deliberate strategy of fearful chaos, fast eroding public confidence in the capabilities of this government to keep its citizens safe.
In this context, the alerts by the intelligence agencies have thwarted an attempt to derail a Vande Bharat train on August 23-24 by keeping cement blocks on railway tracks.
The above incident, which initially seemed to be an act of random vandalism, appears to be part of a big plot by terrorist operatives like Ghori.
Detection of this plot has ensured that the authorities reviewing other recent rail accidents have started doing so with a view to finding any possible connection with terrorist activities.
A Dangerous Call to Arms
In the video, Ghori's message is clear: "Target petrol pipelines, their logistics chain, and the collaborators... disrupt the railway lines, their transport system... These will precipitate chaos." His call for "fidayeenwar" or suicide attacks targeting Hindu leaders and police further underscores the severity of the threat.
Intelligence sources believe that Ghori's message is part of a broader ISI-backed strategy to destabilise India by inciting communal violence and disrupting critical infrastructure.
Ghori's reference to "collaborators" is particularly concerning, as it suggests that his followers may be receiving support from within the country.
This raises the possibility of a homegrown element to these plots, with disaffected individuals or extremist sympathisers aiding in the execution of these attacks.
The government's efforts to root out these collaborators will be crucial in preventing further incidents and ensuring the safety of India's railways.
The Role of Pakistan and ISI
Farhatullah Ghori's operations have long been seen to be propped up by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, known for its decades-long reliance on terrorism as an instrument of attaining its strategic goals. Ghori's resurgence of late and greater visibility are part of an ISI-orchestrated game plan aimed at creating disaffection within India.
In fact, as an IS recruiter, Ghori reportedly has also been actively recruiting Indian youths, especially students, which underlines a clear cross-border dimension of this threat from the terror group.
India has, for long, accused Pakistan of sheltering and giving refuge to various terrorists like Ghori. This recent development is further confirmation of such accusations made by India against its neighbour.
Declared a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020, Ghori has continued to operate from Lahore, Pakistan. This seriously raises questions about their intentions of fighting against terrorism in light of the obvious lack of consequences for Ghori and associates as far as the Pakistani authorities are concerned.
Government's Response and Public Perception
The Indian government's response to this emerging threat has been swift. Security agencies are on high alert, closely monitoring developments and working to preempt any attacks inspired by Ghori's call to arms.
The government has also stepped up efforts to secure critical infrastructure, particularly the railway network, which has been identified as a key target by terrorists.
However, the government's handling of the recent spate of rail accidents has come under intense scrutiny, with critics accusing the administration of failing to ensure the safety of passengers.
The emergence of Ghori's video provides a new perspective on these incidents, suggesting that they may have been part of a broader terrorist plot rather than the result of negligence or incompetence.
This revelation has the potential to shift public perception of the government's efforts, as it becomes clear that these accidents were not isolated incidents but rather coordinated attacks aimed at destabilising the nation.
The government's ability to effectively communicate this message to the public will be crucial in restoring confidence in the safety of India's railways.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
A video surfaced on Telegram by Farhatullah Ghori reveals a serious threat to India's national security-a threat which could bring widespread disruption and loss of life.
The latest incidents of train accidents, till now attributed to operational failure, would have to be looked at in the light of this bigger terrorist conspiracy.
As the government works to prevent further attacks and apprehend those responsible, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and support the authorities in their efforts to safeguard the nation's infrastructure.
It is a real threat, lurking round the corner with terrorists such as Ghori, but India should meet this challenge through some coordinated action and public cooperation to keep its citizens safe and secure.
The focus must now be on thwarting these nefarious plans and bringing those responsible to justice, while also addressing the underlying factors that allow such plots to take root.
Only by doing so can India hope to maintain its stability and continue its progress toward a safer and more prosperous future.
Article by
Shomen Chandra
Sub Editor, The Narrative