NIA team in Canada to investigate pro-Khalistan groups, their funding

Toronto: To investigate the funding of pro-Khalistan groups, a three-member team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached Canada on Friday. These pro-Khalistan groups attempting to create unrest in India.

During its four-day visit, the team, led by an Inspector General-rank officer, would discuss with the Canadian authorities the findings of its probe against such groups, including Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).

Besides Canada, the investigating team is learnt to be equipped with details of funding routes from the UK, the US, Australia, France and Germany.

According to agencies, SFJ is learnt to have announced a $2.5 lakh (approx Rs 1.85 crore) reward for anyone hoisting a Khalistani flag atop the Red Fort during farmers protest on the Republic Day.

The SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had, in a purported video, tried to link the protests with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.