Terrorist Linked to Air India Kanishka Bombing Dies in Pakistan

Lakhbir Singh Rode, a terrorist linked to the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing died in Pakistan due to a heart attack at the age of 72 years.

He was the self-proclaimed leader of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). He was the nephew of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Lakhbir’s death was confirmed by his brother, former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode. Lakhbir’s funeral rites were conducted in Pakistan recently.

Lakhbir was listed as an ‘individual terrorist’ under the UA(P)A in India. Pakistan had provided shelter to him.

Recently, the NIA special court in Mohali took action to seize land owned by Lakhbir Singh in Punjab’s Moga district.

Lakhbir was used by Pakistan’s ISI for terrorist attacks in India. He was linked to the tiffin bomb modules unearthed by the Punjab Police. He was the mastermind of the Ludhiana Court blast in 2021.

As per the US State Department, the ISYF led by Lakhbir Singh was an active terrorist organization, maintaining ties with Islamist militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).