Top Khalistani leader sudden death reported in Pakistan by Indian media

Top Khalistani leader sudden death reported in Pakistan by Indian media

Lakhbir Singh Rode, a prominent Khalistani activist and leader of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), reportedly passed away in Pakistan at the age of 72 due to a reported 'heart attack,' according to The Indian Express.

The deceased, who was the nephew of the slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, had his death confirmed by his brother, Jasbir Singh Rode, a former Akal Takht Jathedar.

Jasbir shared that they were notified by Lakhbir's son, mentioning that he succumbed to a heart attack in Pakistan and was cremated there. Lakhbir, known to be highly diabetic, left behind two sons, a daughter, and his wife residing in Canada.

Originally from the Moga district in Indian Punjab, Lakhbir Singh Rode initially fled to Dubai and later sought refuge in Pakistan, while his family remained in Canada.

In 2002, the Indian government initiated efforts to extradite him from Pakistan. Recognizing him as an 'individual terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), New Delhi pursued legal action. Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Mohali recently ordered the confiscation of land owned by Lakhbir in the Moga district of Indian Punjab.