Chandigarh – In a significant development, Amarpreet Singh, who had been serving as the India chief of the UK-based non-governmental organization Khalsa Aid since 2014, has tendered his resignation amidst allegations of receiving foreign funds from the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
A statement dated October 8, purportedly issued by Khalsa Aid and circulated on social media, highlights the necessity for organizational changes within the NGO’s structure. The statement emphasizes the organization’s commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of its operations across India and particularly in Punjab.
Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had conducted a raid on Khalsa Aid’s India headquarters in Patiala in August. During the raid, the agency confiscated several documents and two mobile phones belonging to Amarpreet Singh. Subsequently, the NIA team also conducted a search at Amarpreet Singh’s residence in the Patiala area, seeking information regarding the source of funds and details of volunteers associated with the NGO.
These actions were initiated as part of the NIA’s probe into the activities of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a US-based terrorist organization. It is alleged that SFJ channeled foreign funds through NGOs to support “pro-Khalistan elements” in spreading anti-India propaganda.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent member of SFJ, was killed in Canada earlier this year. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised further questions about the activities of such organizations.
While Amarpreet Singh has not issued a public statement on his resignation, officials from the Patiala Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have confirmed his decision to step down as Khalsa Aid’s India chief.
