Lakhbir Singh Rode was a Canada-based pro-Khalistan figure. |
He led the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), which aimed to establish Khalistan. |
Rode was related to the infamous Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and had ties to groups such as Khalistan Zindabad Force and Khalistan Liberation Force. |
He engaged in armed attacks, bombings, targeted killings, extortion, and fundraising for terrorist activities. |
Rode passed away from a heart attack in Lahore, Pakistan on 1 December 2023. |
He founded the ISYF in 1984 after Operation Blue Star to support an independent Sikh state. |
Rode had connections with Lashkar-e-Toiba and was involved in creating Khalistan-Kashmir International. |
ISYF, under Rode's leadership, expanded to numerous countries in Western Europe and Canada. |
The ISYF was banned in the UK in 2001 and in India in 2002. |
Rode was allegedly involved in the Air India Flight 182 bombing. |
He was also linked to a 2021 Ludhiana Court Complex bomb blast. |
Rode's land in Moga was confiscated by the NIA in 2023 based on various charges. |
His passing in Pakistan was confirmed by his brother and others in December 2023. |