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The banned terrorist group, Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), has claimed responsibility for a series of arson attacks that occurred in three different locations across Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The recent incidents have once again brought attention to the group and raised concerns about the threat of extremist groups in the region.
KLF Claims Responsibility for Fires
A press release allegedly linked to KLF and disseminated through social media accounts associated with the group stated that it was responsible for igniting three significant fires across Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh on April 1. The statement, attributed to KLF member Ranjodh Singh, claimed responsibility for the blazes at a factory in Wazirpur, Delhi, the Azma Hotel in Panchkula, Haryana, and a market in Kanpur.
In a Punjabi press release, the KLF claimed credit for the fire assaults, which it characterized as reprisal for “repression against Sikhs by the Hindutva government of India.” The statement stated unequivocally that their actions were aimed at the Indian state, industry, and infrastructure rather than civilians. In the past, the KLF has been linked to several murders.
According to the press release attributed to KLF, the recent fires were a response to sacrilege incidents and alleged support for the perpetrators of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The group stated that imprisoning or killing pro-Khalistanis would not halt their campaign against India. The KLF warned Sikhs working for the police, army, and security agencies to cease their cooperation with the Indian state or face severe consequences and called on Sikhs to contribute to their war effort with “mind, body, and money.”
No official statement from any security agency has confirmed the authenticity of KLF’s claims. Independent verification of the group’s assertions was not possible, according to OpIndia. The Twitter account that disseminated the press release has been withheld in India.
Fires Occur Across Three Locations
The fires occurred on March 31, with one breaking out in Hamraj Market in Bansmandi, Kanpur, and another at a factory in Wazirpur, Delhi. The third incident took place at the Aasma Hotel in Panchkula’s Amravati Enclave. There were no fatalities recorded in any of the fires.
KLF is a Pakistan-based terrorist organization responsible for bombings, abductions, and attacks on Indian security forces. The group has received funding from various countries, including Malaysia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Jagtar Singh Johal (Jaggi), who is currently imprisoned in Tihar jail, is among the KLF operatives arrested by the National Investigation Agency.
Jaggi Accused of Terrorist Activities
Jaggi, who is currently in Tihar jail, has been accused of paying Rs.27 lakh to KLF chief Harminder Singh Mintoo (now deceased) in France in 2013 to assassinate RSS leader Ravinder Gosain. Jaggi’s name was also linked to the attempted assassination of Shiv Sena member Amit Arora in 2016 as well as the shooting at an RSS Shakha in Kidwai Nagar, Ludhiana. Despite numerous campaigns to establish his innocence, Jaggi remains imprisoned.
KLF was banned by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The recent arson attacks claimed by the banned terrorist organization Khalistan Liberation Force have once again highlighted the threat posed by extremist groups in the region. The Indian government must continue to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
