In a significant incident, Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, commonly known as Arsh Dala, was arrested in British Columbia. He was a close associate of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a well-known Khalistani leader whose assassination in June 2023 worsened tensions between India and Canada.
Many feel Dala’s arrest would be an outstanding achievement in the campaign against the rising tide of Khalistani extremism, especially within Canada.
Who is Arsh Dala?
Arsh Dala is a crucial actor within the Khalistan Tiger Force that has orchestrated terror-related activities, mainly targeting India. Dala, someone who was originally hailing from Punjab, India, shifted to Canada and continued doing his business of numerous extortion rackets and contracted murders.
He has been on India’s radar due to his involvement in financing terror activities and colluding with other anti-India forces promoting separatist agendas.
A significant amount of attention has been directed at Dala’s involvement with Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force in Canada. India designated Nijjar himself as a terrorist.
Following Nijjar’s assassination, Dala reportedly was more active in trying to escalate the Khalistani movement toward creating a rift in the Punjab region.
Arrest Details and Charges
Canadian law enforcement agencies arrested Dala and likely international partners. Additionally, the arrest came within the scope of charges weakening for the financing of terror, extortion and is significantly involved in supporting Khalistani separatist activities.
Indian agencies, through Interpol, were keen on putting an end to a Red Corner notice against him; consequently, the coordinated action was being contemplated by authorities on behalf of Canada.
With the arrest of Dala, Canada has now opened a window for consideration regarding extradition to India on charges relating to serious offenses, including extortion and targeted killings of significant figures within Punjab.
Dala’s extradition is being pushed by the NIA, which cited his involvement in more than 20 criminal cases, beginning with arms smuggling and leading to murder. His arrest might be the beginning of the end for the transnational network of Khalistani extremists operating from Canada.
Dala’s arrest could mark a turning point in the confrontation between India and Canada, wherein the latter has been allegedly lenient towards Khalistani extremists. The Indian authorities have been long accusing Canada of not taking stringent measures against wanted individuals who resort to separatist activities.
The arrest of Dala might indicate a change towards enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism missions in light of international pressure to contain the activities of such extremist groups.
With Dala being detained, Indian authorities hope to gain intelligence from the Khalistani network. His interrogation may expose several more individuals who have funded and supported the Khalistani agenda from abroad, leading to other arrests and crackdowns.
This arrest should send ripples across the activities of Khalistani elements across Canada and other countries with notable expatriate populations sympathetic to the separatist movement.
Indian intelligence is keenly observing the developments operationally because it could mean further international cooperation against separatism and extremism at a global level.
