New Delhi: In a sharp assessment of India’s evolving security challenges, Lt Gen (Retd) KJS Dhillon has warned that “white-collar terrorism” — covert support systems that enable extremist plots — is becoming increasingly dangerous and is now surfacing more openly in India.
Speaking to ANI, the former Corps Commander said such elements operate quietly but pose a “ticking time bomb” to national security. Referring to the Faridabad arrests and the Red Fort blast investigation, he noted that the pattern of planning and execution bears a resemblance to previous attacks attributed to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
According to him, both the recent Delhi incident and the 2019 Pulwama bombing involved vehicles and materials passing through multiple hands to obscure the masterminds. “The signature is unmistakable,” he said, claiming several operational similarities between the two cases.
Dhillon also cautioned that India is witnessing, for the first time, individuals embedded in mainstream professions participating in operational roles. “Sleeper networks have always existed, but now we are seeing them cross the line from sympathy to active involvement,” he said.
‘Pakistan’s Deep State Backing JeM’: Dhillon
During the interview, the retired Army officer strongly pointed to Pakistan’s establishment as a source of support for the Red Fort module. He cited remarks made by former PoK leader Anwarul Haq, arguing that such statements indirectly confirm cross-border involvement.
“In Pakistan, the political class, military, intelligence — there is no distinction when it comes to fuelling instability in India,” Dhillon remarked. He described Jaish-e-Mohammad as an asset nurtured by Pakistan’s deep state.
“The blast was enabled by JeM and by Pakistan. The NIA will establish this beyond doubt,” he asserted.
Operation Sindoor Reference and Warning of ‘Sindoor 2.0’
Recalling Operation Sindoor, Dhillon said India had already demonstrated its ability to force a nuclear-armed adversary to step back. He reiterated that India’s response to acts of terror would come “at a time and place of its choosing.”
On the possibility of another similar operation, he was cautious but firm:
“It can take any form — the timing and nature of India’s reaction will always remain our prerogative.”
