Khalistan Commando chief Paramjit Panjwar shot dead in Lahore

Chief of the separatist group Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) Paramjit Singh Panjwar was reportedly shot dead in Lahore's Sunflower Society Johar Town in Pakistan on Saturday morning.

He was gunned down when was walking near his house around 6 am, according to a report in Hindustan Times.

Paramjit Singh Panjwar, who was born in 1960 in Tarn Taran's Panjwar village, was a prominent figure within the KCF, which is designated as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

After working at a Central Cooperative Bank in Sohal, he was radicalized by his cousin Labh Singh in 1986 and subsequently became a member of the KCF.

After his cousin was killed by the Indian security forces, he took over the reins of the KCF in 1990s and shifted his base to Pakistan. Although the Pakistan government had denied that he was staying in the country, he lived in Lahore while his family settled in Germany, the report said.

Sources have informed India Today that his murder might be linked to inter-gang rivalry.

"Paramjit Singh Panjwar had been broadcasting highly seditious and separatist programmes on Radio Pakistan, intended to incite the minorities against the Government of India. He also remained active in smuggling of drugs and a major conduit between smugglers and terrorists. Panjwar's complicity in promoting drug trade and Fake Indian Currency Notes operation in Punjab are well documented. Efforts are being made by his organisation i.e. KHALISTAN COMMANDO FORCE, to reactive former militants, sleeper cells and also those on bail and has been in favour of forming nexus with other forces hostile to India," according to the Union Home Ministry.