London (United Kingdom): The United Kingdom (UK) has announced its first set of sanctions aimed at crippling the funding channels of the Pro-Khalistan terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa. The move marks a significant step in Britain’s counter-terror strategy, targeting individuals and entities suspected of aiding extremist activity linked to India.
The UK Treasury imposed an asset freeze and director disqualification on Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of involvement with organisations connected to terrorism in India. Authorities also announced an asset freeze on Babbar Akali Lehar, a group accused of promoting and supporting Babbar Khalsa’s operations.
According to the UK Treasury, Rehal played an active role in the activities of Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar. His alleged involvement includes promoting extremist ideology, conducting recruitment, offering financial services, purchasing weapons and military supplies, and providing operational support to both organisations.
The government noted that Babbar Akali Lehar is deeply intertwined with Babbar Khalsa’s network, engaging in recruitment and promotional activities that further the group’s agenda.
All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held, or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar have now been frozen. Rehal is further barred from acting as a company director or participating in company management due to the director disqualification sanctions.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said the UK will not allow its financial system to be misused by extremist elements. “This landmark action shows we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to choke off funding for terrorism, wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible. The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred,” she said.
The action was taken under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which empower the Treasury to impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism.
Babbar Khalsa remains a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK.
