London

In a major crackdown on Khalistani extremism, the United Kingdom on Friday imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting the financial networks of the Pro-Khalistan terror group Babbar Khalsa — the first such action taken against the organisation.

The UK government announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, suspected of involvement with groups linked to terrorism in India. A separate asset freeze has also been enforced against Babbar Akali Lehar, an organisation accused of promoting and supporting Babbar Khalsa.

According to the UK Treasury Department, Rehal has been involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including propaganda, recruitment, provision of financial services, and procurement of weapons and other military equipment.

The government added that Babbar Akali Lehar has similarly played a role in supporting Babbar Khalsa’s extremist agenda by encouraging radicalisation, conducting recruitment activities, and contributing to its operational structure.

Under the sanctions, all funds and economic resources held, owned or controlled in the UK by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar have been frozen. Rehal has further been barred from acting as a company director or engaging directly or indirectly in company management.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby, said the sanctions demonstrate the UK’s commitment to preventing the misuse of its financial system by extremist movements.

“We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system. This landmark action shows we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to choke off funding for terrorism, wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible. The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred,” she said.

The measures come under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which empower the UK Treasury to impose financial restrictions on individuals and entities suspected of terrorist activity.

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Babbar Khalsa remains a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law.