Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)
The Indian government has recently declared the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). According to the government, the KTF aims to revive terrorism in Punjab, a state in northern India. The KTF was found to be involved in activities that threatened territorial integrity, national security, unity, and sovereignty. It was also promoting various terror activities, including targeted killings in Punjab.
Khalistan Movement
The Khalistan movement refers to a movement that aims to create a separate Sikh state called Khalistan in the northern Indian state of Punjab. The movement was at its peak during the 1980s and 1990s when several militant groups, including the KTF, carried out terrorist activities in the state. However, the movement lost steam in the late 1990s due to a combination of factors, including successful police operations and the declining support of the Sikh community.
Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)
The KTF is a militant group that operates in Punjab and aims to revive the Khalistan movement. The group was founded in 1986 by Jagtar Singh Hawara, who was also the mastermind behind the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995. The KTF is known for its involvement in various terrorist activities, including targeted killings and bombings.
UAPA
The UAPA is an Indian law that aims to prevent unlawful activities that threaten the integrity and sovereignty of India. The Act was first enacted in 1967 and was amended several times, the latest being in 2019. The UAPA allows the government to declare an organisation as a terrorist organisation and ban it. It also allows the government to arrest and detain individuals without charge for up to 180 days if they are suspected of being involved in terrorist activities.
Designated Terrorist Organisations
Currently, there are 44 designated terrorist organisations under the 1st Schedule of the UAPA. These organisations include the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, among others. The UAPA has been used extensively by the Indian government to crack down on terrorism and prevent the spread of violent extremism.
Implications of KTF’s Ban
The ban on the KTF is a significant step taken by the Indian government to prevent the revival of the Khalistan movement. The ban will make it illegal for anyone to support or be a member of the KTF. It will also allow the government to freeze the group’s assets and prosecute its members. The ban on the KTF is expected to have a significant impact on the group’s operations and finances.
The ban on the KTF is also likely to have a broader impact on the Khalistan movement. The KTF is one of the most prominent militant groups associated with the movement, and its ban could lead to a decline in support for the movement. The ban could also lead to a decrease in the number of terrorist activities carried out by the group and other associated organisations.