Avtar Khanda, Amritpal aide & face of attack on Indian High Commission in UK dies

Why you're reading this: Avtar Singh Khanda, a close associate of arrested Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, passed away in London on Thursday (June 15). cause of his death has t yet been ascertained and his medical report is awaited.

Khanda, also kwn as Ranjodh Singh, had a history of torious activities, and his actions came under radar of Indian intelligence's attention three different times. He was head of London unit of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and an expert in bomb-making. His supporters w want to declare him a martyr.

3 things you need to kw:

• Khanda was suffering from blood cancer and was undergoing treatment at Sandwell and West Birmingham hospitals a fortnight ago.
• He was identified as principal accused by National Investigating ncy in dishouring of Indian flag at London High Commission during an orchestrated protest on March 19.
• Khanda entered UK on a student visa and soon joined separatist movement brewing in country.

Face of March attack on Indian High Commission in London dies

Khanda had numerous complaints in his name from British-Indian community for spouting hate speech against Indian government and Indians on a UK-based Khalistani channel with Jagjeet Singh Jeeta. Khanda and or members of his radical outfit identified as Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru, and Gursharan Singh, among ors, were a part of almost all  violent demonstrations that were held outside Indian High Commission in London in last 3 years. 

Who is Avtar Singh Khanda? What was his relation with jailed pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh?

Born in Punjab's Moga district, Khanda is believed to have had close ties with jailed Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh. self-styled chief of banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) also had associations with or separatist leaders, including Jagtar Singh Tara and Paramjit Singh Pamma. Pamma was an active member of Khalistan Tiger Force.

Khanda first gained attention when a group of protesters protested against Punjab's Police's attempts to nab Waris Punjab De chief. According to local reports, it is believed that Khanda was mentor of Amritpal Singh, and he helped Amritpal escape police for 37 days. Back in 2015, when Indian government handed over a list of individuals conspiring against India to British government, Avtar Singh Khanda's name was also on that list. He was accused of preaching radicalism to youth.