Avtar Singh Khanda, Key Figure in Khalistan Movement, Passes Away in Birmingham Hospital

Remembering Avtar Singh Khanda: A Prominent Figure in the Khalistan Movement (Photo Credit:Twitter)

Avtar Singh Khanda, also known as Ranjodh Singh, a prominent figure in the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and a central figure in the radicalization of Sikh youth towards the separatist movement for Khalistan, has died in a hospital in Birmingham. The cause of his death is currently unknown, pending the results of the medical report.

Background and Involvement in Separatist Activities

Khanda, whose father was a KLF terrorist killed by security forces in 1991, sought political asylum in the UK. He played a significant role in promoting the Khalistan cause and was actively involved in radicalizing Sikh youth. His mother was connected to another KLF member, Gurjant Singh Budhsingwala, who had strong ties to the Pakistani deep state.

Role in the March 19 Violence at Indian High Commission in London

Khanda, along with three other separatists, was identified by the National Investigating Agency as one of the principal accused involved in the dishonoring of the Indian flag during a protest at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19. Despite the Indian High Commission alerting the UK intelligence agency, MI-5, about the anticipated violence, the UK Police's lack of action during the protest raised concerns.

Entry into the UK and Association with Khalistani Supporters

Like many Khalistani sympathizers, Khanda entered the UK using a student visa and swiftly became associated with the separatist movement. He actively engaged with Khalistani supporters and was involved in fundraising activities at certain gurudwaras managed by Khalistani sympathizers. These gurudwaras allegedly collected funds under the pretext of addressing human rights violations against the Sikh community in India, which were believed to be used to support terrorist activities.

Controversies and Intelligence Warnings

Khanda's extremist activities and anti-India rhetoric had caught the attention of Indian intelligence agencies, who had flagged his involvement on multiple occasions prior to the events of March 19, 2023. Alongside Jagjeet Singh Jeeta, Khanda used to express his anti-India sentiments on a pro-Khalistani KTV channel. However, the channel was shut down in April 2022 following protests by the Indian community in Britain.

The UK Establishment and Sikh Separatist Activities

The UK's response to Sikh separatist activities has been a subject of criticism, with allegations of indifference by the core UK establishment. Despite the evidence provided by Indian intelligence, Khanda and other individuals, such as Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru, and Gursharan Singh, have consistently participated in protests outside the Indian High Commission in London.

Conclusion

While Avtar Singh Khanda's passing raises questions about the cause of his death, it is important to await the medical report for confirmation. Khanda's involvement in the Khalistan movement, his role in the March 19 violence, and his association with other separatist individuals highlight the challenges posed by Sikh separatist activities. The situation also underscores the need for continued collaboration and vigilance between Indian and UK authorities in addressing such extremist movements.