In a shocking incident, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, narrowly escaped an attack near the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday. The alleged assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, an ex-Khalistani militant, opened fire at Badal but was swiftly subdued by bystanders. Authorities later took Chaura into custody. This incident has raised significant concerns about Punjab’s security situation, especially given Chaura’s past as a militant.
Who Is Narain Singh Chaura?
Narain Singh Chaura is a former member of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the Akal Federation. He was deeply involved in militant activities during the height of the separatist Khalistan movement. His criminal history is extensive, including allegations of smuggling arms and explosives into Punjab, facilitating cross-border insurgent activities, and authoring guerrilla warfare literature.
Key Moments in Chaura’s Militant History
Chaura reportedly crossed into Pakistan in 1984 during the peak of the Khalistani insurgency. He played a key role in organizing and smuggling arms consignments into Punjab, aiding the militant movement. Chaura was arrested in 2013 in Jalalabad village, Tarn Taran, alongside accomplices Sukhdev Singh and Gurinder Singh. Subsequent raids in Kurali, Mohali district, unearthed a cache of arms and ammunition. Chaura faced numerous charges under the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in districts such as Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar. In 2018, Chaura was acquitted in a case filed under the Explosives Act. His lawyer, VP Singh Bhatia, confirmed this ruling. That same year, he was granted bail in another case filed under UAPA. Chaura was also implicated in the infamous Burail jailbreak, one of the most sensational cases in Punjab’s militant history. Reports indicate that while in Pakistan, Chaura authored a book on guerrilla warfare and other seditious content aimed at fostering insurgency in Punjab.
The Attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal
On December 3, Chaura reportedly fired at Badal as the SAD leader served as a sewadar at the Golden Temple’s entrance. This act was part of Badal’s ongoing religious penance for “mistakes” attributed to the SAD government during its 2007-2017 tenure. The bullet missed its target, hitting the temple wall instead, sparing Badal. SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema condemned the attack, terming it a conspiracy to destabilize Punjab. He demanded answers from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the state’s security measures.
Security and Political Implications
This attack highlights the lingering influence of former militants like Chaura and raises concerns about their potential resurgence. For a state that has worked tirelessly to overcome its violent past, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Calls for tighter security measures and investigations into how individuals with such a history can operate freely are growing louder. Meanwhile, the political ramifications for Chief Minister Mann’s administration are likely to intensify in the days to come. This unfolding story underscores the importance of vigilance and unity to ensure Punjab’s peace and stability.