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[[Image:Babbar Khalsa International logo.png|right|thumb|150px|Babbar Khalsa International logo]]
[[Image:Babbar Khalsa International logo.png|right|thumb|150px|Babbar Khalsa International logo]]
[[Image:Babbar Khalsa International logo variation.png|right|thumb|150px|Babbar Khalsa International logo variation]]
[[Image:Babbar Khalsa International logo variation.png|right|thumb|150px|Babbar Khalsa International logo variation]]
The '''Babbar Khalsa''' is the oldest and most prominent Sikh freedom fighting organisation and is one of many Sikh groups operating for the formation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan (meaning Land of the Pure) from Indian territory in the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Like other Sikh freedom fighting organisations, the Babbar Khalsa was most active in the 1970s and 1980s, although sporadic events are still attributed to it. It is sponsored by expatriate Sikhs, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada as well as Sikh groups within India.


The Babbar Khalsa traces its origin to the Babbar Akali Movement of 1920, which agitated against British colonial rule in India. The conception of Babbar Khalsa in its modern day form is widely believed to have been brought about as a result of the Nirankari-Akhand Kirtani Jatha clash on Vaisakhi in 1978. The Nirankaris were a sect who claimed to be Sikh yet broke many fundamental laws of Sikhism. However, their greatest insult to the Sikh faith in the eyes of many was their assertion of an eleventh human Guru. The killing of 13 Sikhs of Akhand Kirtani Jatha at the hands of the Nirankaris and the subsequent lack of judicial action outraged many Sikhs and retaliation followed on April 24, 1980, with the slaying of Gurbacharan Singh, the self-styled "Baba" of the Nirankaris. This killing was claimed by Babbar Khalsa and thus the modern day freedom fighting organisation was born.
The '''Babbar Khalsa''' ({{lang-pa|ਬੱਬਰ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ}}, ''{{IAST|babbar ḵẖĝlsĝ}}'') is a [[militant]] group considered to be among the oldest and most prominent of [[Sikh]] organisations calling for the formation of an independent Sikh state.  The envisioned state, called [[Khalistan]] (meaning ''Land of the Pure'') by its proponents, would comprise [[India|Indian]] territory in the [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]-speaking areas of [[Haryana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Rajasthan]]. Like other militant organisations, Babbar Khalsa was most active in the late 1970s and [[1980]]s; the end of militancy in 1993 led to a dramatic fall in violence, although infrequent acts of terrorism are still attributed to it. It was, and continues to be, sponsored largely by expatriate Sikhs, particularly in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Canada]].
Babbar Khalsa is listed as a [[terrorism|terrorist]] organisation by the United Kingdom,<ref>[http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups?version=1 Home Office - Proscribed terrorist groups in the UK]</ref> the EU,<ref>[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2005/l_144/l_14420050608en00540058.pdf EU list of terrorist groups]</ref> Canada,<ref>[http://www.psepc.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-en.asp#bkbki13 Canadian listing of terrorist groups]</ref> India, and the United States. The United States has designated the Babbar Khalsa responsible for the bombing of [[Air India Flight 182]];<ref>[http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/20123.pdf US designation of Babbar Khalsa responsibility for Flight 182]</ref> although the alleged members deemed responsible were all acquitted in a Canadian trial in 2005 for the lack of evidence in court.  


Shaheedi Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar and Shaheedi Bhal Talwinder Singh Parmar were the most prominent founding members of this organisation, with Shaheedi Talwinder Singh Parmar taking over foreign duties in the guise of Babbar Khalsa International and Shaheedi Sukhdev Singh Babbar handling matters within India. Shaheedi Talwinder Singh Parmar later left, forming his own faction (Babbar Khalsa Parmar) when he fell out with the BKI leadership.
==Origins of the Babbar Khalsa==
The Babbar Khalsa name traces its origin to the [[Babbar Akali Movement]] of [[1920]], which agitated against British colonial rule in India. The conception of Babbar Khalsa in its modern day form is widely believed to have been brought about as a result of the [[Nirankari]]-[[Akhand Kirtani Jatha]] clash on [[Vaisakhi]] in [[1978]], where thirteen Sikhs where killed in a police-backed [[Nirankari]] assault against Sikhs in Amritsar, where three Nirankaris were also left dead.<ref>[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/publication/nightsoffalsehood/falsehood4.htm Punjab: The Knights of Falsehood &mdash; Psalms of Terror], [http://allaboutsikhs.com/events/akj.htm All About Sikhs &mdash; Amritsar Massacre 1978]</ref>. The founders of the organisation were Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Mehal Singh Babbar and Amarjit Kaur (wife of Fauja Singh, the leader of the procession of Sikhs killed in the unexpected assault by Nirankaris). The initial aim of this panthic organisation was to avenge the death of Sikhs and to eliminate enemies of the Sikh nation. On [[24 April]] [[1980]], Gurbachan Singh, the "Baba" (head) of the Nirankaris, was killed; responsibility for this killing was claimed by Babbar Khalsa.


The schism greatly weakened the Babbar Khalsa, ultimately leading to the death of Shaheedi Sukhdev Singh Babbar (August 9 1992) and Shaheedi Talwinder Singh Parmar (October 15 1992). Parmar's death remains controversial, with Canada's CBC network reporting that Parmar had been in police custody for some time prior to his death, lending credence to those who claim Parmar was tortured and murdered before his execution at the hands of Punjab police in a "fake encounter". According to Punjab Police, the last words uttered by Shaheedi Sukhdev Singh Babbar were: "The Sukhdev Singh you have come to get has left, this body is an empty vessel, you may do with this as you wish." The death of Shaheedi Sukhdev Singh Babbar, described by India Today as “the most prominent militant leader since 1978” who had “an aura of invincibility”, severely weakened the Babbar Khalsa and had a knock-on effect with regards to the Sikh struggle.
[[Talwinder Singh Parmar]] was put in charge of the international wing of the Babbar Khalsa in 1981, with Sukhdev Singh Babbar remaining the overall chief or "Jathedar". Wadhawa Singh Babbar and Mehal Singh Babbar were assigned as vice-Jathedars.


Despite the setbacks incurred in the early Nineties, Babbar Khalsa is still active, although not to the extent it once was. The organisation at present is predominantly active in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. The Parmar faction has a presence in the UK, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. Following the terrible events of 9/11, the Babbar Khalsa was listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Kingdom, along with other active groups including the International Sikh Youth Federation. Current leadership resides with Bhai Wadhawa Singh Babbar.
==Decline==
The crackdown on Sikh Organisations (formed to avenge the Nirankai-Akhand Kirtani Jatha Clash, [[Operation Bluestar]], and the  [[1984_Anti-Sikh_riots]]) by the Indian Government in the early 1990s, followed by the criminal and government infiltration of the Khalistan movement and the various "militant" organisations respectively, greatly weakened Babbar Khalsa, ultimately leading to the death of Sukhdev Singh Babbar ([[9 August]] [[1992]]) and Talwinder Singh Parmar ([[15 October]] [[1992]]).  Parmar's death remains controversial, and today he is accepted to have been shot in a gun battle with Indian police, with Canada's [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] network reporting that Parmar had been in police custody for some time prior to his death.  


Although its activites were severely curtailed after 1992, the Babbar Khalsa is still capable of causing damage and hitting political targets. For example, on August 31, 1995, Dilawar Singh Babbar, assassinated Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh at the civil secretariat in Chandigarh during a suicide bombing in response to Beant Singh's heavy handed tactics in bringing about an end to the Sikh freedom struggle. These tactics, as reported by Amnesty International, involved the widespread use of torture, rape, extra-judicial killings and unreported cremations.
According to Punjab Police,{{Fact|date=February 2007}} the last words uttered by Sukhdev Singh Babbar were: "The Sukhdev Singh you have come to get has left, this body is an empty vessel, you may do with this as you wish." The death of Sukhdev Singh, described by [[India Today]] as “the most prominent militant leader since 1978” who had “an aura of invincibility”, severely weakened Babbar Khalsa.  


Although the Sikh freedom struggle has temporarily abated, widespread concern in Indian police circles about its emergence remains. Lingering discontent coupled with decades old Sikh greivances ensure significant sympathy among the Sikh population in Punjab. The recent emigration of Hindu non-Punjabi work migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has strengthened the hand of the Sikh freedom fighting organisations. Furthermore, the romance and allure of the Sikh freedom fighting organisations, particularly the Babbar Khalsa, remains strong abroad.
Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar is universally recognised as being of paramount influence in propagating and maintaining the aim of Khalistan and was widely considered one of the backbones of the movement. Contrary to belief in certain quarters, Sukhdev Singh and the late Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale enjoyed a close and personal friendship and fought alongside each other during the Indian Army's assault on the Golden Temple complex. s


The demand for Khalistan enjoys an increasing undercurrent of support, especially in Sikh youth outside of Punjab. Sikh communities in Canada, the USA and the United Kingdom have been particularly instrumental in keeping this issue alive. In the United Kingdom, support for Khalistan has spilt over into the formation of other Sikh groups, for example, the formation of Shere Punjab, originating in Southall, Hayes and Hounslow in West London.
Sant Bhindranwale was quoted on numerous occasions as referring to Sukhdev Singh as  "Sacha Sukha" (Truthful Sukhdev). Sant Bhindranwale had said this because at the time, rumours were circulating of a rift between Sant Bhindranwale's followers and Babbar Khalsa. In order to prevent disinformation from becoming truth, Sant Bhindranwale made many comments honoring the Babbars, complimenting their affection and love for Sikhi.  


Sikh militant attacks included assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings. Despite protests from leading human rights organisations such as Amnesty International, the Indian security forces operated a policy of "shoot first, ask later", leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of Sikhs (Amnesty International, which incidentally is banned from India, puts the figure above 100,000). The effect of these gross human rights abuses, where torture and extra-judicial killings were common, was the execution or capture of most Sikh freedom fighting leaders. Civilian deaths in Punjab have declined by more than 95 percent since over 3,300 civilians officially died in 1991.
==Recent events - possible revival?==
Origins of the Babbar Khalsa
Despite the setbacks incurred in the early Nineties, Babbar Khalsa is still active, although not to the extent it once was. The organisation at present is predominantly active in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. Current leadership resides with Wadhawa Singh Babbar, with Mehal Singh Babbar as deputy Jathedar. Presumed headquarters are located in Lahore.


The Babbar Khalsa name traces its origin to the Babbar Akali Movement of 1920, which agitated against British colonial rule in India. The conception of Babbar Khalsa in its modern day form is widely believed to have been brought about as a result of the Nirankari-Akhand Kirtani Jatha clash on Vaisakhi in 1978, where thirteen Sikhs where killed in a police-backed Nirankari assault against Sikhs in Amritsar, where three Nirankaris where also left dead.[5]. The founders of the organisation were Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Mehal Singh Babbar and Amarjit Kaur (wife of Fauja Singh, the leader of the procession of Sikhs killed in the unexpected assault by Nirankaris). The initial aim of this panthic organisation was to avenge the death of Sikhs and to eliminate enemies of the Sikh nation. On 24 April 1980, Gurbachan Singh, the "Baba" (head) of the Nirankaris, was killed; responsibility for this killing was claimed by Babbar Khalsa.
On [[31 August]] [[1995]], [[Dilawar Singh Babbar]] assassinated Punjab Chief Minister [[Beant Singh]] in a [[suicide bomber|suicide bomb]] attack at the civil secretariat in [[Chandigarh]].<ref>[http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040123/asp/nation/story_2817255.asp The Telegraph, Calcutta, India, "Beant trial trio in tunnel getaway"] [[22 January]] [[2004]]</ref>  Dilawar claimed allegiance to the Babbar Khalsa and four other members of the Babbar Khalsa were named responsible for the killing.


Talwinder Singh Parmar was put in charge of the international wing of the Babbar Khalsa in 1981, with Sukhdev Singh Babbar remaining the overall chief or "Jathedar". Wadhawa Singh Babbar and Mehal Singh Babbar were assigned as vice-Jathedars.
On [[31 May]] [[2005]] two alleged members of the Babbar Khalsa, Balvinder Singh Babbar and Jaganath Yadav were arrested and charged with the bombings of cinemas showing [[Jo Bole So Nihal (film)|Jo Bole So Nihal]] in [[New Delhi]] on [[22 May]] [[2005]]. On [[1 June]] [[2005]] the Delhi Police seized arms and ammunition from the house of Jaspal Singh Babbar.  The seized items included 1 [[kilogram|kg]] of [[RDX]], a timer, detonator, a .303 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunitions, the uniform of a head constable of the Punjab Police along with several fake driving licences.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050601/main4.htm The Tribune, India, "2 Babbars held for Delhi cinema blasts"] [[31 May]] [[2005]]</ref> The indian government has always maintained false refernces to the sikhs, they set up the Air India plane crash to bad name the Sikh religion. Also the cinema attacks have never been shown to be done by the Babbar Khalsa, the Indian Govt had planned this because the Beant Singh trial was going on and they wanted to bad mouth the Sikhs.


[edit] Decline
One week later the Delhi police arrested Babbar Khalsa's India operations chief Jagtar Singh Hawara Babbar. Hawara had escaped from jail in Chandigarh last year through a long tunnel dug by inmates.  He is one those accused of having involvement in Beant Singh's assassination. Among the items recoverd in the arrest were 10.35 [[kilogram|kg]] of [[RDX]], four pistols, 207 live cartridges, remote control devices, and a hand grenade.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050609/main1.htm The Tribune, India, "Delhi blasts: Babbar Khalsa chief Hawara held"] [[8 June]] [[2005]]</ref> Hawara Zindabad!


The crackdown on Sikh Organisations (formed to avenge the Nirankai-Akhand Kirtani Jatha Clash, Operation Bluestar, and the 1984_Anti-Sikh_riots) by the Indian Government in the early 1990s, followed by the criminal and government infiltration of the Khalistan movement and the various "militant" organisations respectively, greatly weakened Babbar Khalsa, ultimately leading to the death of Sukhdev Singh Babbar (9 August 1992) and Talwinder Singh Parmar (15 October 1992). Parmar's death remains controversial, and today he is accepted to have been shot in a gun battle with Indian police, with Canada's CBC network reporting that Parmar had been in police custody for some time prior to his death.
As of [[21 March]], [[2006]], three Babbar Khalsa members had been arrested.  Among the ones arrested was Paramjit Singh Bheora Babbar; the current head of Babbar Khalsa International (India branch).  Bheora assumed the position of the Babbar Khalsa International (India branch) after Jagtar Singh Hawara Babbar's arrest. Bheora was arrested with his 2 acccomplices Jasbir Singh Babbar and Bhupinder Singh Babbar.  


According to Punjab Police,[citation needed] the last words uttered by Sukhdev Singh Babbar were: "The Sukhdev Singh you have come to get has left, this body is an empty vessel, you may do with this as you wish." The death of Sukhdev Singh, described by India Today as “the most prominent militant leader since 1978” who had “an aura of invincibility”, severely weakened the Babbar Khalsa.
According to Delhi Police along with the arrest of 3 Babbar Khalsa members they arrested they have also seized  "4 kilograms of RDX, 3 detonators, 1 remote control device with a  wireless set, 1 timer, 3 Star make pistols, 39  cartridges and a stolen  car.  Bheora was involved with Jagtar Singh Hawara and Jagtar Singh Tara Babbar in digging a 100 foot tunnel to escape from the Burail jail. <ref>  [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060321/main1.htm The Tribune, India, "Bheora, 2 other Babbars arrested"] [[21 March]] [[2006]]</ref>


[edit] Recent events - possible revival?
[[Ripudaman Singh Malik]], once accused but now acquitted of the Air India bombing, admitted that he had donated money to the Babbar Khalsa. Malik said that he had donated 100 Canadian dollars to the Babbar Khalsa in 1985, ''before'' they were registered as a terrorist organization in Canada. <ref> [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060331/main8.htm The Tribune, India, "Malik admits donating money to BKI"] [[30 March]] [[2006]]</ref>


Despite the setbacks incurred in the early Nineties, Babbar Khalsa is still active, although not to the extent it once was. The organisation at present is predominantly active in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. Current leadership resides with Wadhawa Singh Babbar, with Mehal Singh Babbar as deputy Jathedar. Presumed headquarters are located in Lahore.
Paramjit Singh Bheora told the Punjab police that after he escaped from prison he had recruited 24 people into the Babbar Khalsa.
Bheora wanted to send 6 of them to [[Pakistan]] for training and to purchase some weapons. <ref> [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=176166  Express Newsline, India, "Bheora recruited 24 men after escaping"] [[01 April]] [[2006]]</ref>


On 31 August 1995, Dilawar Singh Babbar assassinated Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in a suicide bomb attack at the civil secretariat in Chandigarh.[6] Dilawar claimed allegiance to the Babbar Khalsa and four other members of the Babbar Khalsa were named responsible for the killing.
The Punjab Police arrested 4 more people associated with Babbar Khalsa International (India branch) chief Paramjit Singh Bheora. <ref> [http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=374752 Outlook India, India, "Four associates of BKI militant Bheora arrested"] [[04 April]] [[2006]]</ref>


On 31 May 2005 two alleged members of the Babbar Khalsa, Balvinder Singh Babbar and Jaganath Yadav were arrested and charged with the bombings of cinemas showing Jo Bole So Nihal in New Delhi on 22 May 2005. On 1 June 2005 the Delhi Police seized arms and ammunition from the house of Jaspal Singh Babbar. The seized items included 1 kg of RDX, a timer, detonator, a .303 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunitions, the uniform of a head constable of the Punjab Police along with several fake driving licences.[7]
Punjab Police  apprended Amanpreet Kaur, wife of Paramjit Singh Bheora along with 4 other suspected terrorists. The police recovered some weapons from them. <ref> [http://indiamonitor.com/news/readNews.jsp?ni=11212 India Monitor, UK, "Police nab five terrorists in Kapurthala"] [[04 April]] [[2006]]</ref>


One week later the Delhi police arrested Babbar Khalsa's India operations chief Jagtar Singh Hawara Babbar. Hawara had escaped from jail in Chandigarh last year through a long tunnel dug by inmates. He is one those accused of having involvement in Beant Singh's assassination. Among the items recoverd in the arrest were 10.35 kg of RDX, four pistols, 207 live cartridges, remote control devices, and a hand grenade.[8]
Police arrested an aide to Jagtar Singh Hawara, known as Gurinder Singh Babbar in a town of Jagraon. Gurinder Singh charged by the Indian Police for planning to assassinate a retired army general who played a vital part in [[Operation Bluestar]] and for providing shelter to Hawara when he escaped from Burail prison.<ref> [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=179896 Express India, India, "Jagraon Police nets ‘big fish’: Hawara aide nabbed from bus stand"] [[28 April]] [[2006]]</ref>


As of 21 March 2006, three Babbar Khalsa members had been arrested. Among the ones arrested was Paramjit Singh Bheora Babbar; the current head of Babbar Khalsa International (India branch). Bheora assumed the position of the Babbar Khalsa International (India branch) after Jagtar Singh Hawara Babbar's arrest. Bheora was arrested with his 2 acccomplices Jasbir Singh Babbar and Bhupinder Singh Babbar.
The Indian Police arrested Harpal Singh Cheema in [[New Delhi]] at the Indira Gandhi Airport. According to the Indian Police, Cheema has links to some Sikh extremist groups such as Babbar Khalsa International.<ref> [http://indiamonitor.com/news/readNews.jsp?ni=11454 India Monitor, UK, "Terrorist nabbed at IGI Airport"] [[03 May]] [[2006]]</ref>


According to Delhi Police along with the arrest of 3 Babbar Khalsa members they arrested they have also seized "4 kilograms of RDX, 3 detonators, 1 remote control device with a wireless set, 1 timer, 3 Star make pistols, 39 cartridges and a stolen car. Bheora was involved with Jagtar Singh Hawara and Jagtar Singh Tara Babbar in digging a 100 foot tunnel to escape from the Burail jail. [9]
The [[Canadian]] government decided to deport a Babbar Khalsa militant, Bachan Singh Sogi Babbar, on charges of planning to assassinate former Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal along with his son Sukhbir Singh Badal, and former Punjab Police Chief [[KPS Gill]]. <ref> [http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=306695&sid=NAT Zee News, India, "Canada deports Babbar Khalsa militant"] [[03 July]] [[2006]]</ref>


Ripudaman Singh Malik, once accused but now acquitted of the Air India bombing, admitted that he had donated money to the Babbar Khalsa. Malik said that he had donated 100 Canadian dollars to the Babbar Khalsa in 1985, before they were registered as a terrorist organization in Canada. [10]
Indian Police will continue to hold the Babbar Khalsa militant Bachan Singh Sogi in their custody till July 13, 2006. Bachan Singh Sogi Babbar, who is considered number three in Babbar Khalsa International, after Wadhwa Singh Babbar and Mehal Singh Babbar. <ref> [http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=308295&sid=NAT Zee News, India, "Police remand of Sogi extended till July 13"] [[10 July]] [[2006]]</ref>


Paramjit Singh Bheora told the Punjab police that after he escaped from prison he had recruited 24 people into the Babbar Khalsa. Bheora wanted to send 6 of them to Pakistan for training and to purchase some weapons. [11]
==References==


The Punjab Police arrested 4 more people associated with Babbar Khalsa International (India branch) chief Paramjit Singh Bheora. [12]
<references/>


Punjab Police apprended Amanpreet Kaur, wife of Paramjit Singh Bheora along with 4 other suspected terrorists. The police recovered some weapons from them. [13]


Police arrested an aide to Jagtar Singh Hawara, known as Gurinder Singh Babbar in a town of Jagraon. Gurinder Singh charged by the Indian Police for planning to assassinate a retired army general who played a vital part in Operation Bluestar and for providing shelter to Hawara when he escaped from Burail prison.[14]
[[Category:Sikh politics]]
[[Category:Irregular military]]


The Indian Police arrested Harpal Singh Cheema in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Airport. According to the Indian Police, Cheema has links to some Sikh extremist groups such as Babbar Khalsa International.[15]
[[de:Babbar Khalsa]]
 
The Canadian government decided to deport a Babbar Khalsa militant, Bachan Singh Sogi Babbar, on charges of planning to assassinate former Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal along with his son Sukhbir Singh Badal, and former Punjab Police Chief KPS Gill. [16]
 
Indian Police will contine to hold the Babbar Khalsa militant Bachan Singh Sogi in their custody till July 13, 2006. Bachan Singh Sogi Babbar, who is considered number three in Babbar Khalsa International, after Wadhwa Singh Babbar and Mehal Singh Babbar.

Revision as of 21:02, 12 August 2007

Babbar Khalsa International logo
Babbar Khalsa International logo variation

The Babbar Khalsa (Punjabi: ਬੱਬਰ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ, babbar ḵẖĝlsĝ) is a militant group considered to be among the oldest and most prominent of Sikh organisations calling for the formation of an independent Sikh state. The envisioned state, called Khalistan (meaning Land of the Pure) by its proponents, would comprise Indian territory in the Punjab, and Punjabi-speaking areas of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Like other militant organisations, Babbar Khalsa was most active in the late 1970s and 1980s; the end of militancy in 1993 led to a dramatic fall in violence, although infrequent acts of terrorism are still attributed to it. It was, and continues to be, sponsored largely by expatriate Sikhs, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada. Babbar Khalsa is listed as a terrorist organisation by the United Kingdom,[1] the EU,[2] Canada,[3] India, and the United States. The United States has designated the Babbar Khalsa responsible for the bombing of Air India Flight 182;[4] although the alleged members deemed responsible were all acquitted in a Canadian trial in 2005 for the lack of evidence in court.

Origins of the Babbar Khalsa

The Babbar Khalsa name traces its origin to the Babbar Akali Movement of 1920, which agitated against British colonial rule in India. The conception of Babbar Khalsa in its modern day form is widely believed to have been brought about as a result of the Nirankari-Akhand Kirtani Jatha clash on Vaisakhi in 1978, where thirteen Sikhs where killed in a police-backed Nirankari assault against Sikhs in Amritsar, where three Nirankaris were also left dead.[5]. The founders of the organisation were Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Mehal Singh Babbar and Amarjit Kaur (wife of Fauja Singh, the leader of the procession of Sikhs killed in the unexpected assault by Nirankaris). The initial aim of this panthic organisation was to avenge the death of Sikhs and to eliminate enemies of the Sikh nation. On 24 April 1980, Gurbachan Singh, the "Baba" (head) of the Nirankaris, was killed; responsibility for this killing was claimed by Babbar Khalsa.

Talwinder Singh Parmar was put in charge of the international wing of the Babbar Khalsa in 1981, with Sukhdev Singh Babbar remaining the overall chief or "Jathedar". Wadhawa Singh Babbar and Mehal Singh Babbar were assigned as vice-Jathedars.

Decline

The crackdown on Sikh Organisations (formed to avenge the Nirankai-Akhand Kirtani Jatha Clash, Operation Bluestar, and the 1984_Anti-Sikh_riots) by the Indian Government in the early 1990s, followed by the criminal and government infiltration of the Khalistan movement and the various "militant" organisations respectively, greatly weakened Babbar Khalsa, ultimately leading to the death of Sukhdev Singh Babbar (9 August 1992) and Talwinder Singh Parmar (15 October 1992). Parmar's death remains controversial, and today he is accepted to have been shot in a gun battle with Indian police, with Canada's CBC network reporting that Parmar had been in police custody for some time prior to his death.

According to Punjab Police,[citation needed] the last words uttered by Sukhdev Singh Babbar were: "The Sukhdev Singh you have come to get has left, this body is an empty vessel, you may do with this as you wish." The death of Sukhdev Singh, described by India Today as “the most prominent militant leader since 1978” who had “an aura of invincibility”, severely weakened Babbar Khalsa.

Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar is universally recognised as being of paramount influence in propagating and maintaining the aim of Khalistan and was widely considered one of the backbones of the movement. Contrary to belief in certain quarters, Sukhdev Singh and the late Sant Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale enjoyed a close and personal friendship and fought alongside each other during the Indian Army's assault on the Golden Temple complex. s

Sant Bhindranwale was quoted on numerous occasions as referring to Sukhdev Singh as "Sacha Sukha" (Truthful Sukhdev). Sant Bhindranwale had said this because at the time, rumours were circulating of a rift between Sant Bhindranwale's followers and Babbar Khalsa. In order to prevent disinformation from becoming truth, Sant Bhindranwale made many comments honoring the Babbars, complimenting their affection and love for Sikhi.

Recent events - possible revival?

Despite the setbacks incurred in the early Nineties, Babbar Khalsa is still active, although not to the extent it once was. The organisation at present is predominantly active in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. Current leadership resides with Wadhawa Singh Babbar, with Mehal Singh Babbar as deputy Jathedar. Presumed headquarters are located in Lahore.

On 31 August 1995, Dilawar Singh Babbar assassinated Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in a suicide bomb attack at the civil secretariat in Chandigarh.[6] Dilawar claimed allegiance to the Babbar Khalsa and four other members of the Babbar Khalsa were named responsible for the killing.

On 31 May 2005 two alleged members of the Babbar Khalsa, Balvinder Singh Babbar and Jaganath Yadav were arrested and charged with the bombings of cinemas showing Jo Bole So Nihal in New Delhi on 22 May 2005. On 1 June 2005 the Delhi Police seized arms and ammunition from the house of Jaspal Singh Babbar. The seized items included 1 kg of RDX, a timer, detonator, a .303 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunitions, the uniform of a head constable of the Punjab Police along with several fake driving licences.[7] The indian government has always maintained false refernces to the sikhs, they set up the Air India plane crash to bad name the Sikh religion. Also the cinema attacks have never been shown to be done by the Babbar Khalsa, the Indian Govt had planned this because the Beant Singh trial was going on and they wanted to bad mouth the Sikhs.

One week later the Delhi police arrested Babbar Khalsa's India operations chief Jagtar Singh Hawara Babbar. Hawara had escaped from jail in Chandigarh last year through a long tunnel dug by inmates. He is one those accused of having involvement in Beant Singh's assassination. Among the items recoverd in the arrest were 10.35 kg of RDX, four pistols, 207 live cartridges, remote control devices, and a hand grenade.[8] Hawara Zindabad!

As of 21 March, 2006, three Babbar Khalsa members had been arrested. Among the ones arrested was Paramjit Singh Bheora Babbar; the current head of Babbar Khalsa International (India branch). Bheora assumed the position of the Babbar Khalsa International (India branch) after Jagtar Singh Hawara Babbar's arrest. Bheora was arrested with his 2 acccomplices Jasbir Singh Babbar and Bhupinder Singh Babbar.

According to Delhi Police along with the arrest of 3 Babbar Khalsa members they arrested they have also seized "4 kilograms of RDX, 3 detonators, 1 remote control device with a wireless set, 1 timer, 3 Star make pistols, 39 cartridges and a stolen car. Bheora was involved with Jagtar Singh Hawara and Jagtar Singh Tara Babbar in digging a 100 foot tunnel to escape from the Burail jail. [9]

Ripudaman Singh Malik, once accused but now acquitted of the Air India bombing, admitted that he had donated money to the Babbar Khalsa. Malik said that he had donated 100 Canadian dollars to the Babbar Khalsa in 1985, before they were registered as a terrorist organization in Canada. [10]

Paramjit Singh Bheora told the Punjab police that after he escaped from prison he had recruited 24 people into the Babbar Khalsa. Bheora wanted to send 6 of them to Pakistan for training and to purchase some weapons. [11]

The Punjab Police arrested 4 more people associated with Babbar Khalsa International (India branch) chief Paramjit Singh Bheora. [12]

Punjab Police apprended Amanpreet Kaur, wife of Paramjit Singh Bheora along with 4 other suspected terrorists. The police recovered some weapons from them. [13]

Police arrested an aide to Jagtar Singh Hawara, known as Gurinder Singh Babbar in a town of Jagraon. Gurinder Singh charged by the Indian Police for planning to assassinate a retired army general who played a vital part in Operation Bluestar and for providing shelter to Hawara when he escaped from Burail prison.[14]

The Indian Police arrested Harpal Singh Cheema in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Airport. According to the Indian Police, Cheema has links to some Sikh extremist groups such as Babbar Khalsa International.[15]

The Canadian government decided to deport a Babbar Khalsa militant, Bachan Singh Sogi Babbar, on charges of planning to assassinate former Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal along with his son Sukhbir Singh Badal, and former Punjab Police Chief KPS Gill. [16]

Indian Police will continue to hold the Babbar Khalsa militant Bachan Singh Sogi in their custody till July 13, 2006. Bachan Singh Sogi Babbar, who is considered number three in Babbar Khalsa International, after Wadhwa Singh Babbar and Mehal Singh Babbar. [17]

References

  1. ^ Home Office - Proscribed terrorist groups in the UK
  2. ^ EU list of terrorist groups
  3. ^ Canadian listing of terrorist groups
  4. ^ US designation of Babbar Khalsa responsibility for Flight 182
  5. ^ Punjab: The Knights of Falsehood — Psalms of Terror, All About Sikhs — Amritsar Massacre 1978
  6. ^ The Telegraph, Calcutta, India, "Beant trial trio in tunnel getaway" 22 January 2004
  7. ^ The Tribune, India, "2 Babbars held for Delhi cinema blasts" 31 May 2005
  8. ^ The Tribune, India, "Delhi blasts: Babbar Khalsa chief Hawara held" 8 June 2005
  9. ^ The Tribune, India, "Bheora, 2 other Babbars arrested" 21 March 2006
  10. ^ The Tribune, India, "Malik admits donating money to BKI" 30 March 2006
  11. ^ Express Newsline, India, "Bheora recruited 24 men after escaping" 01 April 2006
  12. ^ Outlook India, India, "Four associates of BKI militant Bheora arrested" 04 April 2006
  13. ^ India Monitor, UK, "Police nab five terrorists in Kapurthala" 04 April 2006
  14. ^ Express India, India, "Jagraon Police nets ‘big fish’: Hawara aide nabbed from bus stand" 28 April 2006
  15. ^ India Monitor, UK, "Terrorist nabbed at IGI Airport" 03 May 2006
  16. ^ Zee News, India, "Canada deports Babbar Khalsa militant" 03 July 2006
  17. ^ Zee News, India, "Police remand of Sogi extended till July 13" 10 July 2006

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