New Delhi, March 6 – The renewed ties between Canada and India have largely frustrated Khalistan elements, with Indian agencies warning of a new round of aggression.
The murder of Nancy Grewal, a 45-year-old social media influencer of Punjabi origin, is a clear sign that Khalistani elements are becoming increasingly aggressive. Grewal had stated in a video posted on February 22 that she only respects the original Khalistan and that she despises those who disrespect the Indian flag.
Grewal, who had been a critic of the violence and abuse against women perpetrated by Khalistani elements, was tragically killed in a stabbing incident in Canada on March 3.
She frequently criticized individuals like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who heads the terrorist organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
The Canadian police have yet to reveal the motive behind the killing. However, Indian agencies believe that this murder could be linked to Grewal's criticism of Khalistani elements, such as Pannun.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau said that individuals like Pannun, who are rattled by the renewed ties between India and Canada, are planning to undertake violence in various parts of Canada and the UK.
Pannun has been instructing these elements to indulge in violence and target more Indians living abroad. He believes that this will send a message to both the Indian and Canadian governments not to interfere in their affairs.
Khalistan elements have drawn up a hit-list of several persons both in India and abroad and are attempting to target them. The plan is not to carry out isolated attacks, but to ensure that the killings turn into a wave.
Intelligence agencies have also intercepted communications where Khalistanis living abroad have been reaching out to their criminal network in Punjab to carry out these killings.
Another official explained that mass killings, particularly those involving influential persons, is what the Khalistan elements are planning. Such acts are more chilling in nature and are aimed at sending a message to the establishment, the official said.
In the past several months, multiple attempts have been made to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab. The various drones that are being flown into Punjab from Pakistan are aimed at supplying arms and ammunition. Many consignments have been flown in with narcotics, and the proceeds from the sale are meant to raise funds for the movement, the official also added.
However, owing to high security along the border areas, attempts to revive the movement have failed in Punjab. Even the youth do not subscribe to the movement, and hence, there is no traction that is taking place, officials said.
Now that India and Canada are on the same page and recognize the Khalistan issue as an internal and external threat, these elements are getting extremely frustrated. Both nations have agreed to cooperate on multiple fronts, which also includes security.
Another official said that the Khalistan elements have decided to spread panic and fear, and hence are plotting mass murders of both common and prominent personalities, both in Punjab as well as abroad. The official added that the intention is to send a message to both countries that there would be grave consequences if there is any interference in their activities.