Pakistan’s ISI raises killer squad Halal Dasta to take on Indian forces

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has launched Halal Dasta, a new killer squad to attack Indian security forces acting against Pakistan-supported terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir.

The new terror group consists of members of banned terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) that already has terrorists as members, reports quoting Indian intelligence sources said today.

While the new terror group has been formed to carry out attacks along with the Border Action Team (BAT), it will have wider participation of terror groups. Intelligence agencies have reported movement of terrorists in PoK.

Their main job is to carry out strikes along the Line of Control (LoC), especially along the Surankot and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir and inflict damage on the Indian Army.

According to intelligence sources, the ISI has formed a new group of terrorists recruiting members of terror outfits like the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and named it Halal Dasta.

By pushing new terror group along the line of control the Pakistani establishment stands to gain by inflicting casualties on the Indian border security forces without active military involvement. Halal Dasta could easily be classified as another non-state actor.

ISI officials also held a meeting with top commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen to prepare a blueprint of the attacks. During recent meetings with Syed Salahuddin of Jaish-e-Mohammad and representatives from Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT, the ISI officials have reportedly decided to extend Kashmiri jehadi movement to Sunderkot and Poonch areas besides the Valley, according to reports.

The ISI is also reported to have identified Surankot and Poonch as areas of prime activities.

The ISI is reported to have directed these terror groups to launch attack on security forces, including the Road Opening Party, isolated posts and army bridges.

Indian intelligence agencies have reported major terror movements in PoK, especially at launching pads in PoK- 615 (in July and August).

Meanwhile, the Border Action Team (BAT) of Pakistan Army is active in these regions. The security forces have issued alert with regard to movement of the BAT. Intel agencies issued BAT alert at Naugham, Uri, Tanghdhar, Naugham, Krishna Ghati, Poonch, Bhimber Gali, Naushera and Sunderbani.

Intelligence agencies also reported presence of Pakistan Special Service Group (SSG) at locations opposite of Uri, KrishnaGhati, Bimber Gali and Sunderkot sectors along the LoC.