London, December 6 (ANI) — The UK government has moved to disrupt funding for the pro‑Khalistan group Babbar Khalsa, announcing sanctions for the first time directed at the organisation.
The Treasury has imposed an asset freeze and director disqualification on Gurpreet Singh Rehal, whom it suspects of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India. An asset freeze has also been placed on Babbar Akali Lehar for promoting and supporting Babbar Khalsa.
In its statement, the UK Treasury says Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging the organisations, recruiting for them, providing financial services, and supporting operations such as purchasing weapons and other military materiel.
The government says Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with Babbar Khalsa and has promoted, encouraged and carried out recruitment activities for both groups.
As a result of the measures, all funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now frozen. In addition to the asset freeze, Rehal is subject to director disqualification sanctions that bar him from acting as a company director or from directly or indirectly participating in the promotion, formation or management of any company.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said: “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system. 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.”
The measures were taken under the Counter‑Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which empower the Treasury to freeze assets and impose restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of involvement in terrorism. Babbar Khalsa is a proscribed terrorist organisation.
