AI Generated Summary
- One of the oldest and most organized Khalistani terrorist groups, Babbar Khalsa has roots in the 1920s Babbar Akali movement and officially formed after the 1978 clashes between the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and the Nirankaris.
- This is especially significant considering the manner in which Khalistani supporters have gathered around the G7 summit venue and have carried out shameful acts, such as creating tableaux showing PM Modi imprisoned and in handcuffs.
- It is currently overseen by Mohinder Singh Bual, a resident of Vancouver and a close associate of Canadian Khalistani leader Jagmeet Singh.
In recent years, Canada has become a safe haven for Khalistani and Islamist terrorists. As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G7 Summit, Modi’s security becomes a critical concern for the Canadian government. This is especially significant considering the manner in which Khalistani supporters have gathered around the G7 summit venue and have carried out shameful acts, such as creating tableaux showing PM Modi imprisoned and in handcuffs. Such displays are deeply disgraceful.
These acts are even more appalling because Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only represents India but also holds deep respect and love for the Sikh community and unwavering faith in the Sikh Gurus. The behavior of a minuscule section of the Sikh community towards him cannot be justified in any way.
The G7 Summit in Canada is being held in Alberta on June 16–17, 2025. Prime Minister Modi is arriving in Canada on Monday, June 16. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Khalistani terrorists are planning major protests and even potential attacks during Modi’s visit to Alberta. Several active Khalistani terror organizations currently based in Canada may carry out such plans.
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)
Sikhs for Justice is a Khalistani organization operating from the United States. It was founded in 2009 by lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The group advocates for an independent Khalistan and has been organizing referendums worldwide in support of this cause. It actively promotes terrorism through social media. The Indian government banned it under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) in 2019. The group often tampers with maps of India and threatens Indian leaders and officials. Pannun, its leader, has ties with other terrorists and frequently uses online platforms to promote the Khalistani agenda.
Babbar Khalsa International
One of the oldest and most organized Khalistani terrorist groups, Babbar Khalsa has roots in the 1920s Babbar Akali movement and officially formed after the 1978 clashes between the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and the Nirankaris. It was banned under UAPA in India. After the assassination of Nirankari head Gurbachan Singh in 1980, followers of Bibi Amarjeet Kaur declared themselves as Babbar Khalsa. The group began its operations from Canadian soil in 1981.
The Pakistani intelligence agency ISI is known to fund its activities. Babbar Khalsa was responsible for the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing, which killed over 300 people. It also orchestrated the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Its leader Wadhwa Singh Babbar is currently residing in Pakistan. Other key members include Lakhbir Landa, Harvinder Rinda, and Goldy Brar—all of whom operate from abroad and aim to destabilize India, especially Punjab.
International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF)
Also banned under the UAPA, the ISYF operates through branches in the UK, Germany, Canada, and the US. It also seeks the creation of Khalistan. It was initially led by Lakhbir Singh Rode, nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who died in Pakistan in 2023. His son, Bhagat Brar, currently involved with the group, lives in Canada and frequently travels to Pakistan for Khalistani activities. He is also on Canada’s No-Fly List.
Sikh Liberation Front
This group, comprising expatriate Khalistanis from Canada, the UK, and the US, is less like a formal organization and more of an informal alliance. It has no significant online or public presence. The Indian intelligence agencies keep a close watch on its activities. It is currently overseen by Mohinder Singh Bual, a resident of Vancouver and a close associate of Canadian Khalistani leader Jagmeet Singh. Bual has known connections with a family of terrorists.
Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF)
Formed in 1993 by terrorist Ranjit Singh Neeta, the KZF is banned under UAPA. Three of its members were recently killed by Indian forces in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. The group has a global network extending from the US and Canada to Malaysia, Germany, and Nepal. It has claimed responsibility for multiple terror acts, including the 1996 Jhelum Express bombing and the 2000 Paharganj blast in Delhi.
During the G7 Summit, Prime Ministers Modi and Carney may also hold discussions on curbing the rising Khalistani activities in Canada—something that will certainly be unwelcome to these extremist groups. Therefore, these groups might attempt some vile act during the visit. It will be a major challenge for the Canadian government to ensure foolproof security measures to thwart any such plans and protect Prime Minister Modi.
