Narain Singh Chaura: Militant Who Attacked Sukhbir Singh Badal Is From Babbar Khalsa Terror Group

A tense moment unfolded outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar when former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal became the target of an assassination attempt. Narain Singh Chaura, the attacker, is no stranger to extremism—he is connected to the infamous Babbar Khalsa, a group known for its violent struggle to create an independent Sikh state. The attack on Badal wasn’t a mere outburst of violence; it was part of a deeper, ongoing political battle, and Chaura’s background provides chilling insight into what drives these actions.

The Dark Past of Narain Singh Chaura

Narain Singh Chaura, the man who tried to assassinate Badal, has a long history intertwined with radical Sikh separatism. Tied to the Babbar Khalsa—a group that seeks to carve out a Khalistan through terror—Chaura’s criminal history is well-documented. His role in the assassination of Punjab’s former Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995 is particularly notorious. After serving a five-year sentence, Chaura was released in 2018, yet his extremism remained unabated. This recent attack on Badal illustrates how deeply these radical ideologies have taken root, threatening the political landscape in Punjab.

The Babbar Khalsa: Seeds of Terror

The Babbar Khalsa, founded in 1978, is a militant group that has used violence and bloodshed in its quest for Khalistan. Known for bombings, assassinations, and brutal attacks, the group has made headlines for decades. In 1985, the Babbar Khalsa was involved in the bombing of Air India Flight 182, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history, killing 331 innocent lives. Its violent tactics earned it a place on international terror watchlists, with countries like the U.S., India, and Canada all banning the group for its role in fomenting terror. Chaura’s attack on Badal shows that, even today, the organization’s influence lingers on, driving individuals like him to attempt political assassination.

Badal’s Calm Amidst Chaos

What makes the attack on Badal even more remarkable is his composure in the face of it. As Chaura aimed for the former leader’s life outside one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, Badal remained unfazed. Rather than fleeing, Badal continued his religious duties within the Golden Temple, an act of resilience and spiritual devotion that has captivated many. His calm reaction was a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him, earning him praise as a symbol of Sikh pride and leadership.

The Broader Implications: Political and Security Ramifications

The attack on Badal has stirred both political and security concerns. The Shiromani Akali Dal wasted no time condemning the assault, urging authorities to take greater steps to protect political leaders, especially within such sacred spaces. The Golden Temple, now more than ever, has become a symbol not only of religious reverence but also of the high stakes in Punjab’s political battles.

With the Babbar Khalsa still an active threat, questions are being raised about the group’s continued influence on the region’s stability. Both the Indian government and the global community have long recognized Babbar Khalsa as a terror group, but the events surrounding Badal’s attack demonstrate that these extremist forces remain an enduring issue in Punjab.

Narain Singh Chaura’s failed attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal’s life serves as a reminder that the Khalistan movement and its violent offshoots are far from a thing of the past. The attack highlights the enduring tensions in Punjab, the influence of groups like Babbar Khalsa, and the challenges in maintaining peace and security. As investigations unfold, the need for increased vigilance—especially around religious and political sites—has never been more pressing. This attack is not just a local issue; it is a wake-up call to the global community about the persistence of extremism in regions with long-standing political and religious conflicts.

Also Read: Who is Narain Singh Chaura? Know All About Him