Over the last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs has designated four individuals affiliated with Khalistani terror groups as terrorists, marking them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Three individuals are linked to the Babbar Khalsa group, while Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dala, is associated with the Khalistani Tiger Force.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has played a pivotal role in these developments, with cases registered since 2020 leading to the declaration of nearly a dozen terrorists.
Since January 2023, the Government of India has been intensifying efforts against Khalistani terror groups, adding Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar, Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and Arsh Dalla to the list of declared terrorists under Section 35 of the UAPA. According to the dossiers, these terror leaders are operating from Canada and a detailed query has been sent to the Canadian High Commission in India. A response from the mission is awaited.
Expediting Justice and Global Attention
Officials from central investigation and intelligence agencies emphasise that declaring these individuals as terrorists accelerates the justice process in India and strengthens the case on international platforms. Despite some nations categorising them as ‘local criminals’ rather than ‘terrorists’, such designations expose the nations supporting them, creating a significant impact, said a high-ranking government official involved in the investigation of Khalistani terrorism cases.
Officials pointed out that the designation of these individuals as terrorists also contributes to their recognition as global terror groups by international organisations, reinforcing India’s case.
Challenges and Diplomacy: International Efforts Against Khalistani Terror
A top-level intelligence official told News18 that India’s efforts against Khalistani terror groups operating from Canada and the UK faced objections, particularly from Canada, which hesitated to act. “India has consistent communication with the Canadian government, urging action against declared terrorists. Despite these efforts, attacks on Indians and places of worship persisted, raising concerns about the local government’s stance,” the official investigating Khalistani terror said.
Asset Attachments and Bans
In recent months, the NIA has seized properties associated with declared terrorists, leveraging new legal amendments. These amendments empower law enforcement agencies to attach properties even without a formal statement from the accused, and impose various bans, including travel restrictions. This strategy aims to expedite legal proceedings and curb the activities of Khalistani terror groups.
Who Were Declared Terrorists and Why
Goldy Brar
Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar was declared a terrorist on January 1 this year. As per the MHA, the Babbar Khalsa terrorist was involved in multiple killings, professes radical ideology, and was involved in making threatening calls to pro-nationalist leaders, demanding ransom. He also posted the claims of killings on different social media platforms. Brar was also allegedly involved in smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunitions and explosive materials through drones from across the border and was further supplying these to carry out killings.
Lakhbir Singh Alias Landa
Landa was declared a terrorist on December 29, 2023. He is also with the Babbar Khalsa and has been allegedly involved in the supply of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), arms, sophisticated weapons, explosives from across the border to various modules for carrying out terrorist activities in Punjab. He is also allegedly involved in killings, planting IEDs, smuggling of weapons and narcotics and using funds or proceeds thereof for terrorist acts in Punjab and other parts of the country.
Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda
According to the MHA, Rinda, who was declared terrorist last year in February, has direct links with Pakistan-based terrorist groups and is also involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, ammunition, militant hardware besides drugs on a large scale. Rinda is also allegedly involved in various criminal offences like
murder, attempt to murder, contract killing, robbery, extortion, etc in the states of Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Arsh Dala
Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala was allegedly involved in heinous crimes such as murder, extortion and targeted killings besides terror activities. Gill is also suspected of terror financing, cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons.
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