Kumar Bahukhandi
Cyber Crime (representative image) – Photo: Free-Pik
The list of suspected ISI spies arrested by security agencies includes businessmen, YouTubers, students, security guards and even daily wage labourers, which is shocking and underlines the fact how deeply the roots of anti-national activities have spread.
Recently, Indian security agencies have arrested about twelve suspected spies linked to the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, which not only proves the readiness of the security agencies but also underlines the fact that the country’s security is not only threatened from across the border, but also from internal spies, who remain active in many states and pass on sensitive information to the enemies.
The shocking thing is that these suspects did not come from any particular class or background; these people arrested on charges of espionage include businessmen, YouTubers, students, security guards, daily wage laborers, etc., who used mobile apps and jail inmates to collect and disseminate sensitive information, some of whom also received money for their activities.
Be it businessman Shahzad arrested from Uttar Pradesh, YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, postgraduate student Devendra Singh Dhillon, Murtaza Ali, Ghazala, Yamin or others, the disturbing thing is that these are the faces that are around us in everyday life. This diversity also underlines the seriousness of the threat that now the enemy is not giving priority to any particular profile, but to ‘easy access’ and ‘availability of information’ and is constantly trying to acquire our military, technical and strategic information.
It is possible that financial constraints, pressure or greed may have pushed these people on the wrong path, but this situation certainly points towards the inherent shortcomings of our society and humans. The security agencies should be praised for tightening the noose around these suspects, but this is only the beginning.
We have to understand that in the digital age, while social media and the Internet have made the life of the common man easier, it has also increased such apprehensions. The security agencies will not only show their alertness and bring such informers to justice, but it is also the duty of civil society to keep an eye on the people around them and inform the security forces about their suspicious activities.
The security of the country cannot be compromised, therefore it is necessary to ensure that such people are given strict punishment for their crimes and also to uproot the ISI-backed spying network. Along with reviewing the security system, there is also a need to focus on public awareness and digital security.
