In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India has declared Lakhbir Singh Landa, a Canada-based gangster and leader of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), as an individual terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The announcement, made on Friday, sheds light on Landas alleged involvement in various terrorist activities, including the masterminding of a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack in Mohali last year.Lakhbir Singh Landa, operating from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has been accused of supervising the smuggling of arms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from Pakistan to India. The RPG attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali on May 9, 2022, is attributed to Landa, making him a prime target for both the Punjab Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).The MHA notification highlights Landas close association with Canada-based pro-Khalistan elements, including the late Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.Terror activities and modus operandiAccording to the notification, Lakhbir Singh Landa, also known as Landa, played a pivotal role in the RPG attack using a shoulder-mounted Rocket Propelled Grenade. He is implicated in the supply of IEDs, arms, sophisticated weapons, and explosives from across the border to various modules for executing terrorist activities in Punjab. His involvement extends to various criminal cases, including the formation of terror modules, extortion, killings, planting IEDs, smuggling weapons and narcotics, and using funds for terrorist acts in Punjab and other parts of India.Geographical background and law enforcement actionLanda, originally a resident of Harike in Punjabs Tarn Taran district, has found refuge in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The MHAs declaration follows a look-out circular issued against Landa in 2021, indicating heightened efforts to apprehend him. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also declared a reward for information leading to his capture.Criminal portfolio and anti-national activitiesThe notification underscores Lakhbir Singh Landas involvement in a spectrum of criminal activities, including targeted killings, extortions, and anti-national endeavours in different parts of India. His association with Babbar Khalsa International, a Sikh militant organisation known for its separatist agenda, raises concerns about the transnational reach and influence of such groups.
