In a major operation on Tuesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at two locations linked to the India chapter of the UK-based NGO Khalsa Aid. The simultaneous raids took place at Rishi Colony and a residence in Shera Wala Gate, Patiala, Punjab, commencing at 6 AM and lasting until the afternoon.
Additionally, the NIA carried out searches in Amritsar, Mohali, and Muktsar districts. Notably, one of the raids was at the residence of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist, Paramjit Singh Pamma, situated in Phase 3B2, Mohali. NIA officials arrived at Pamma’s house at 6 AM and conducted questioning, including interviewing his parents.
Paramjit Singh Pamma is on the top of the NIA’s wanted list due to his involvement in several terrorist activities, including the assassination of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (an RSS affiliate organization) president, Rulda Singh. The incident occurred in Patiala in August 2009.
A representative from Khalsa Aid expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the raid. NIA officials questioned Amarpreet Singh and his family members, with the Patiala Police accompanying them, albeit not being directly involved in the interrogation.
In a statement, Amarpreet Singh confirmed that he cooperated fully with the NIA officials’ inquiries. He has been summoned to visit the NIA office in Delhi on August 3rd, where they asked him about Khalsa Aid’s alleged involvement in anti-national activities. The NIA also inquired about the organization’s sources of funding and the number of volunteers involved in its operations.
As part of the raid, NIA officials seized Amarpreet Singh’s phone and certain documents related to Khalsa Aid.
Background on NIA’s Investigation on Khalsa Aid
The NIA’s scrutiny of Khalsa Aid came about during the farmer protests in 2021. After registering a case against Sikhs for Justice under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the NIA alleged that SFJ was channeling funds into the farmer protests through NGOs to advocate for Khalistan “Referendum 2020”. While the farmer protests were ongoing at the Delhi border, the NIA summoned Khalsa Aid representatives, farmer union leaders, activists, and journalists from Punjab and Haryana. However, their appearances were deferred due to the ongoing demonstrations.
Khalsa Aid’s chief, Ravi Singh, is a staunch supporter of the Khalistan separatist movement.
According to the report by Hindustan Times, the NIA’s investigation into Khalsa Aid continues, as the authorities delve into the organization’s activities and alleged links to separatist movements. Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
