Chandigarh, Jun 30 (IANS): Punjab Police on Tuesday said that it had foiled a major bid by Pakistan-backed terrorists to target socio-religious leaders and disturb the state's communal harmony with the arrest of three members of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).

Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta said the terror module was operating in various parts of the state at the behest of pro-Khalistani elements based in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.

He said one .32-bore pistol, along with seven cartridges, has been seized from the accused, identified as Sukhchain Singh, Amritpal Singh and Jaspreet Singh.

Their accomplice, Lovepreet Singh, was arrested recently by Delhi Police along with other KLF members.

The DGP said in a statement that three men had come into contact with each other through the social media.

They further came in touch with Pakistan-based handlers, who provoked them to target socio-religious leaders and also disturb Punjab's law and order.

Amritpal Singh was instrumental in connecting and motivating Sukhchain and Lovepreet Singh.

Initial investigations show that their Pakistan-based handlers also invited them to visit Pakistan for planning the future course of action, the DGP said.

One of the foreign handlers, based in Saudi Arabia, promised to provide them shelter once they execute their actions on ground.

Gupta claimed that with this, the Punjab Police has busted nine terror modules in six months.