India Alerts Canada About Khalistani Terrorist Sandeep Singh Sidhu in Border Police Role
In a major development, India has alerted Canadian authorities about Khalistani terrorist Sandeep Singh Sidhu, also known as Sunny, who is reportedly working as a border police official in Canada. Sidhu, backed by Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI, is wanted for the murder of Shaurya Chakra awardee Balwinder Singh Sandhu in 2020.
Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a noted anti-terrorism activist during the insurgency in Punjab in the 1990s, was shot dead outside his home in Bhikhiwind, Tarn Taran district of Punjab, in October 2020. Sandhu had received the prestigious Shaurya Chakra for his courage and relentless efforts to fight militancy in the region. The Shaurya Chakra is a high military honor awarded for acts of valor and self-sacrifice, especially outside direct combat situations.
Background of the Assassination
According to Indian authorities, Sandeep Singh Sidhu, a Khalistani terrorist, played a pivotal role in Sandhu’s assassination. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed that Sidhu was part of a conspiracy hatched by the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), a terrorist group with strong ties to Pakistan's ISI. Reports indicate that Sidhu was in contact with Pakistan-based KLF leader Lakhbir Singh Rode, along with other ISI operatives, who orchestrated the killing.
Balwinder Singh Sandhu had been a staunch critic of militancy and had resisted various attempts to smuggle weapons and narcotics across the India-Pakistan border. His opposition to such activities put him at odds with Khalistani terrorists and their backers. Sidhu allegedly executed the murder to silence Sandhu and ensure the continuation of smuggling operations.
Canada’s Involvement
The controversy took a surprising turn when it was revealed that Sandeep Singh Sidhu had been promoted to a position at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This revelation has raised concerns about how an individual with links to terrorism and smuggling could be employed in such a sensitive role.
The Indian government has shared detailed information with Canadian authorities, urging them to take action against Sidhu. It is believed that his involvement with Khalistani extremist groups poses a significant security threat, not only to India but also to Canada.
The NIA’s investigation into Sandhu’s murder has pointed to the involvement of multiple Canada-based Khalistani terrorists, including Sukhmeet Pal Singh, also known as Sukh Bhikariwal, and Lakhveer Singh Rode. These individuals are believed to have instructed Sidhu and others to carry out the assassination.
India’s Stand Against Khalistani Extremism
India has repeatedly raised concerns with Canada about the growing influence of Khalistani extremists operating from Canadian soil. The issue has strained relations between the two countries, as India continues to push for stricter measures against individuals and groups involved in anti-India activities. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has been under pressure to address these concerns, especially with the rise in Khalistani activism within the country.
Balwinder Singh Sandhu’s murder is a stark reminder of the lingering threat posed by Khalistani extremists, and India’s alert to Canada underscores the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism. The NIA’s findings have shed light on the transnational nature of the conspiracy, involving operatives in both Pakistan and Canada.
The revelation that a Khalistani terrorist like Sandeep Singh Sidhu, who played a key role in the murder of a Shaurya Chakra awardee, is working as a border police officer in Canada has sent shockwaves through both countries. As India continues its diplomatic efforts to bring Sidhu to justice, the international community will be watching closely to see how Canada responds to these serious allegations.
The case has underscored the global reach of terrorist networks and the challenges countries face in identifying and neutralizing threats within their own borders. For India, ensuring justice for Balwinder Singh Sandhu and protecting national security remain top priorities, while for Canada, addressing the growing Khalistani influence is becoming increasingly critical.
