ISI pumping in money to revive BKI: NIA

Terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is learnt to have got a new lease of life with active support coming from Pakistan's Inter Service Intelligence (ISI). It has reportedly received more than Rs 80 crore in the last four years to fund its cadres. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a probe into the funding of BKI and is soon going to register a case against it and foreign NGOs under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code.

According to the NIA, there are more than two dozen websites and nearly 50 groups on various social networking sites trying to revive the movement and recruiting them for demand of an independent Sikh state. The groups also target sites where they initiate public discussion and try to scout for talents. Some of these popular sites are www.neverforget84.com and www.prisonerwelfare.com. These sites have videos, pictures and details about the prisoners, those who died during 1984 riots and Operation Bluestar.

In one such post dated March 31, 2012, a letter from jailed Jagtar Singh Hawara (a convict in Chief Minister Beant Singh assassination case and 2005 twin cinema blasts) has been posted on the website. The letter written in Gurmukhi and translated in English says: "...I (Jagtar) would specifically like to thank 2 advocates who have taken the time and effort to do Parchaar (educate) and Seva (selfless service) in the Sangat. They are educating the youth and elders alike about the true history — past and now presently — of the Sikh struggles. Despite the contemptible actions of the corrupt government these Gursikhs are not allowing any other hurdle get in their way of Sewa. They are helping both Sikh and non-Sikh Political Prisoners very bravely and without any fear..."

It adds: "In these difficult times it is the UK charity, SOPW, who with the support of the UK and International Sangat, is paying for these prisoners' lawyers, other jail expenses and also assisting their families at their time of need. I would specifically like to thank these 2 advocates and also the rest of the SOPW team for the great work they are doing..."

... contd.

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