In a shocking series of events over the past six months, the Khalistani movement has been rocked by the deaths of several prominent leaders, raising concerns about the safety of Khalistani activists and the future of the separatist movement.
While the culprits remain unidentified, speculation abounds regarding the involvement of rival Khalistani groups or the Indian government.
Harvinder Rinda
Harvinder Rinda, a senior leader of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), met his demise in a dramatic police encounter in Pakistan in November 2022.
His death sent shockwaves throughout the Khalistani community.
Parmjit Panjwar
In February 2023, Parmjit Panjwar, a member of the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), met a similar fate during a gunfight with police in Punjab.
The circumstances surrounding Panjwar's death have only added to the growing concerns within the movement.
Khalid Raza
Another blow came in February 2023 with the killing of Khalid Raza, a suspected member of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), in Lahore, Pakistan.
It is believed that Raza fell victim to rival Khalistani factions, highlighting internal strife within the movement.
Avtar Khanda
In the United Kingdom, the passing of Avtar Khanda, a former leader of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), in January 2023 at the age of 65, has reignited discussions about his controversial legacy.
Khanda had been released from prison in 2020 after serving a 23-year sentence for his role in the 1984 assassination of Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Canada witnessed its share of tragedy in March 2023 when Nijjar, a suspected member of the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF) and an associate of the late Harvinder Rinda, was fatally shot in Vancouver.
The belief that Nijjar's murder may be connected to rivalry within Khalistani circles has added to the uncertainty surrounding the movement's future.
The Khalistani movement, which has sought to establish an independent Sikh state in India since the 1970s, has a history marred by terrorist attacks in India and beyond.
In response, the Indian government has intensified efforts to suppress the movement in recent years, leading to the arrest or elimination of several key Khalistani figures. Despite these setbacks, the Khalistani movement remains active, leaving the world to wonder what lies ahead for this separatist cause.
