CHANDIGARE: There is a growing trend among Indian army deserters joining the Khalistan National Army (KNA), a new outfit.
Indian Army personnel hailing from the disturbed border districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur are being persuaded to join the KNA. Reports suggest that there have already been instances when army personnel particularly hailing from the lower ranks have failed to report for duty after expiry of their leave.
So far two army personnel have been identified as having joined KNA ranks. They are Naik Harjit Singh of Dugalwa village, The KNA headed by a Canadian Sikh, Balkar Singh has reportedly been formed with the aim of raising an army which with sophisticated weapons would indulge in large scale sabotage activities in Indian Army uniforms in the event of a war. Balkar Singh who belongs to Heer village in Amritsar district had migrated to Canada in the early 80’s and ironically was arrested in 1987 only to be released soon after ‘owing to pressures from the Canadian governments.
After his release he flew back to Canada but then shifted to Pakistan where he is currently believed to be based,
Apart from Balkar Singh other prominent members of the outfit have been identified as Ravel Singh, Kabul Singh, Arjan Singh, Gurmej Singh and Geja Singh — all of whom had deserted their ranks following Operation Blue star.
(This news report appeared in several leading newspapers in Delhi).
Article extracted from this publication >> July 6, 1990
