British Army Soldier Jagjeet Singh Identified as Leader of Khalistani Terror Module in Gurdaspur Grenade Attacks: Punjab DGP

On December 23, Punjab Police and Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a joint operation in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, neutralizing three Khalistani terrorists. The individuals killed in the encounter were identified as Gurwinder Singh, Virendra Singh, and Jasanpreet Singh, all affiliated with the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). They were wanted for their involvement in a grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur district, Punjab.

Jagjeet Singh is accused of running the operations of the KZF module behind the Punjab grenade attack | By special arrangement | ThePrint

In a video statement, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed that one of the suspects orchestrating the KZF module was identified as Jagjeet Singh, alias Fateh Singh ‘Baggi,’ a Sikh soldier in the British Army. According to DGP Yadav, the module was being directed by KZF chief Ranjeet Singh Nita, based in Pakistan, and Jaswinder Singh Mannu, who operates from Greece.

Who is Jagjeet Singh?

Jagjeet Singh, suspected to have served in the British Army, hails from Tarn Taran, Punjab. He belongs to a family with a strong military tradition—his grandfather and father were both members of the Indian Army, with his father retiring as a Subedar. His brother also served in the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army. According to The Indian Express, Jagjeet moved to the United Kingdom approximately a decade ago on a student visa to study software engineering at the University of East London. Subsequently, he joined the British Army.

The report also revealed that Singh was part of the 4th Battalion of The Rifles, a distinguished infantry regiment known for its operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone. After completing his basic training, he undertook a tour of duty in Afghanistan. DGP Yadav informed the media that Jagjeet is currently residing in the UK, though it remains uncertain whether he is still active in the British Army.

Religious Identity and the Amritdhari Sikh

Jagjeet Singh, an Amritdhari (baptized) Sikh, maintained his adherence to Sikh traditions while serving in the British Army. His unique status highlights him as one of the rare individuals to receive religious exemptions within the British military.

Involvement in KZF and ISI connections

This marks the first instance of a British Army soldier being connected to a terrorist module targeting India. Punjab Police suspect Pakistan's ISI played a role in recruiting Jagjeet Singh into the terror network. The ISI has a history of leveraging Sikh personnel in foreign militaries to further the Khalistan movement.

According to unnamed Punjab Police sources quoted by Indian Express, the module led by Jagjeet Singh primarily relied on petty criminals to carry out attacks, such as the grenade assault on the Bakshiwal police post in Gurdaspur. The KZF claimed responsibility for the attack via social media.

Current Investigation and Global Implications

The Punjab Police have notified central agencies to deepen the investigation into Jagjeet's activities. Additionally, requests have been made to British authorities for assistance, including tracking Jagjeet's location and examining his potential connection to the British Army. Police officials, however, stated, “Normally, we do not get a positive response from foreign agencies on such inquiries as they tend to deny any involvement of any citizen of theirs who is working in a government establishment.” The Ministry of External Affairs is likely to handle the issue through diplomatic channels with the UK government.

(This Article was originally published by OpIndia)