Lakhbir Singh Rode, a prominent Khalistani activist and leader of thebanned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and International Sikh YouthFederation (ISYF), reportedly passed away in Pakistan at the age of 72 dueto a reported ‘heart attack,’ according to The Indian Express.
The deceased, who was the nephew of the slain Khalistani militant JarnailSingh Bhindranwale, had his death confirmed by his brother, Jasbir SinghRode, a former Akal Takht Jathedar.
Jasbir shared that they were notified by Lakhbir’s son, mentioning that hesuccumbed to a heart attack in Pakistan and was cremated there. Lakhbir,known to be highly diabetic, left behind two sons, a daughter, and his wiferesiding in Canada.
Originally from the Moga district in Indian Punjab, Lakhbir Singh Rodeinitially fled to Dubai and later sought refuge in Pakistan, while hisfamily remained in Canada.
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In 2002, the Indian government initiated efforts to extradite him fromPakistan. Recognizing him as an ‘individual terrorist’ under the UnlawfulActivities Prevention Act (UAPA), New Delhi pursued legal action. Notably,the National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Mohali recentlyordered the confiscation of land owned by Lakhbir in the Moga district ofIndian Punjab.