Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF)

Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF)

The Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) is a militant group associated with the broader Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate Sikh homeland, Khalistan, by seceding Punjab and parts of neighboring states from India.

Recent Developments

• Encounter in Uttar Pradesh:
  • Three KZF operatives linked to a recent grenade attack in Punjab were killed in an encounter in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh.
  • This highlights ongoing security challenges posed by pro-Khalistan groups operating within and beyond India’s borders.

Background

• Formation:
  • Established in 1993 by Ranjeet Singh Neeta, KZF emerged as one of the militant factions advocating for Khalistan.
• Ideology:
  • Part of the Khalistan movement, KZF aims to create an independent Sikh homeland by carving out Punjab and portions of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh from India.

Designation and Global Ban

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA):
  • KZF is designated as a terrorist organization under India’s UAPA, which allows for strict action against its members and supporters.
• International Ban:
  • KZF is also banned in European Union nations, reflecting global recognition of its activities as a threat to security and peace.

Activities and Concerns

• Militant Operations:
  • The group is involved in terrorist activities, including grenade attacks, targeted killings, and cross-border smuggling of weapons.
• Support Networks:
  • KZF has allegedly received support from foreign entities, including groups based in Pakistan, which facilitates the smuggling of arms and funding for its activities.

Government Response

India has taken a multi-pronged approach to address the threat posed by KZF and similar groups:

1. Counter-Terrorism Operations:
   • Encounters, arrests, and intelligence-driven crackdowns on operatives and sleeper cells.
2. Legislation:
   • Stringent laws like UAPA to curb terrorism and disrupt financial networks.
3. Diplomatic Efforts:
   • Engaging with other countries to ban pro-Khalistan groups and prevent their activities on foreign soil.

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