Sikh groups abroad reviving Punjab militancy: government

NEW DELHI - Sikh militant groups based abroad are trying to revive terrorism in Punjab and the government is maintaining a close watch on such outfits, the home ministry says.

Available reports suggest that Sikh militant groups, especially those based abroad, continue to persist with their efforts to revive militancy in Punjab, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken told the Rajya Sabha last week.

A close watch is maintained on the activities of various groups known to have been engaged in trying to foment terrorist activities in Punjab, he said.

The minister said the government had adopted an integrated approach to counter the militants.

He said sustained vigilance was maintained along the borders and intelligence wings were being strengthened.

He said pro-Khalistan terrorist outfits namely Babbar Khalsa International, International Sikh Youth Federation, Khalistan Commando Force and Khalistan Zindabad Force continued to be banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2004.