A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
Groups
Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)
Origins of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) can be traced back to Babbar Akali Movement in 1920. However, its latest violent incarnation was created in the aftermath of sectarian clash on April 13, 1978 between Nirankaris and activists of Akhand Kirtani Jatha. The clash had resulted in the death of Akhand Kirtani Jatha Chief Fauja Singh.
ISYF was formed in August 1984 in England in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star. It was founded by Amrik Singh and Jasbir Singh Rode, nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who had joined Khalistani movement in 1982. ISYF held its first conference in Walsall, United Kingdom. Similar to other Khalistani militant groups, ISYF also has fractured into splinter groups. Initially
Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) was formed towards the end of 1986 by Arur Singh as its ‘chief’. He formed KLF after being ejected from the Panthic Committee. He organised Mai Bhago Regiment under the banner of KLF as the armed wing of Presidium faction of All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF).
Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) was formed with the support of Panthic Committee and Damdami Taksal in August 1986 under the leadership of Manbir Singh Chaheru.