Lakhbir Singh Rode, the Pakistan-based chief of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and a prominent figure in anti-India operations, has reportedly passed away at the age of 72. Rode, who was also the self-styled head of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and the nephew of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, succumbed to undisclosed circumstances in Pakistan on Monday.
Jasbir Singh Rode, Lakhbir Singh's brother and former Akal Takht Jathedar, confirmed his death, stating that Rode had already been cremated in Pakistan on Monday. Recently, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Mohali had ordered the confiscation of Rode's land in Punjab's Moga district under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The designated terrorist's land, located at Kothe Gurupura village near Smalsar in Baghapurana tehsil of Moga district, was confiscated based on the NIA's case registered in October 2021. The case involved charges under the Explosive Substances Act, UAPA, NDPS Act, and the IPC, originating from a tiffin bomb blast near Punjab National Bank in Fazilka district on September 15, 2021.
The ISYF, founded in 1984, has remained active in Canada and the UK, with Rode as its head settled in Lahore. The organization, previously banned under the Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act (POTA) and the UK's laws, rebranded itself as Sikh Federation-UK (SFUK) after the ban.
Lakhbir Singh Rode collaborated closely with Pakistan's ISI to disrupt peace in Punjab, orchestrating various incidents, including the Ludhiana Court blast of 2021. He was implicated in the arrest of his nephew, connected to the recovery of RDX and a tiffin bomb. Rode's involvement in the killing of Shaurya Chakra awardee Comrade Balwinder Singh in 2020 has also been documented.
In February of this year, the Punjab Police's state special operation cell booked Rode and eight others for alleged involvement in smuggling arms, ammunition, drugs, and explosives using drones from across the border. Rode's demise marks the end of a chapter in the ongoing efforts to counter terrorism in the region.
