New Delhi: In a significant security operation, the Delhi Police apprehended two individuals linked to Khalistani separatist activities for allegedly writing inflammatory slogans in various parts of the capital as the Republic Day celebrations approach, officials reported on Thursday.

These arrests come amidst increased security protocols in the city, with authorities closely monitoring potential threats from pro-Khalistan factions.

Sources within the police indicate that the suspects were reportedly acting under the guidance of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist based in the United States, and his organization, 'Sikhs For Justice'.

Investigators suspect that these individuals were part of a strategic initiative aimed at inciting unrest and disturbing public peace in the lead-up to January 26.

A close associate of Pannun, currently residing in Canada, is believed to have recruited the two suspects, identified as Baljinder and Rohit (also known as Kirath), to execute this plan in Delhi.

Baljinder reportedly works as an ambulance driver, while Rohit is described as his partner.

Authorities revealed that the alleged mastermind of this operation, who lives in Tilak Nagar, west Delhi, had traveled to Canada shortly before Republic Day and maintained direct communication with Pannun during the planning stages.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the orchestration of this act was managed from abroad.

Officials disclosed that the suspects were allegedly promised Rs 2 lakh for inscribing the slogan 'Khalistan Zindabad' at various strategic locations throughout the city.

The police believe the motive behind this act was to instigate chaos and instill fear in the capital just before the Republic Day festivities, a time when security measures are heightened.

Both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation, with police efforts focused on identifying additional individuals who may have participated in the conspiracy or provided logistical and financial assistance.

These arrests follow an FIR filed against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on January 23, concerning alleged threats to disrupt peace in the capital ahead of Republic Day.

This case emerged after a video circulated on social media, in which Pannun purportedly warned of unrest during the national celebrations.

In the video, he claimed that pro-Khalistan posters had been placed in various locations, including Rohini and Dabri, by what he referred to as sleeper cells in the city.

However, officials from the Special Cell conducted checks at the mentioned sites and found no such posters, indicating that Pannun's claims might have been an attempt to incite panic or spread misinformation.

Authorities continue to investigate to uncover the full scope of the alleged network and explore potential connections between the arrested individuals and foreign operatives involved in pro-Khalistan activities.