Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: INDIA has welcomed the actions taken by the United Kingdom (UK) Government against anti-India, Khalistani extremist elements, hoping that both countries will continue to work closely in further strengthening the counter-terrorism and security cooperation. While addressing a regular media briefing recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the steps taken by the UK Government strengthen the global fight against terrorism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks.
When asked about UK Government’s action against Babbar Khalsa’s Gurpreet Singh Rehal and Babbar Akali Lehar group, Jaiswal responded, “We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks. Such individuals and entities pose a threat not just to India and the UK but to people across the world. We look forward to continuing to work very closely with the UK side in further strengthening our counter terrorism and security cooperation.”
On December 4, the UK Treasury announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal (Rehal) who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India. It also announced an asset freeze against a group, Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group. “HM Treasury assesses Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, providing financial services to as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel. HM Treasury also assesses that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa’s terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself,” read a statement issued by the UK government.
According to the statement, all funds owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar in the UK are subject to an asset freeze. These sanctions will stop UK individuals and entities from dealing with any funds or economic resources owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar or making funds, economic resources and financial services available to or for their benefit.
