Khalistani militant Arsh Dalla, a close aide of slain KTF (Khalistan Tiger Force) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was reportedly apprehended in Canada in connection with a shootout on October 27-28. This arrest, though unconfirmed by Canadian authorities, highlights the deepening tensions between India and Canada over Khalistani-linked activities. Designated a terrorist by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs in January 2023, Dalla is notorious for his involvement in numerous violent incidents and is considered a high-priority threat by Indian security agencies.

According to Indian intelligence, Dalla, originally from Moga in Punjab, was detained after being linked to the recent shootout in Canada. His criminal record is extensive, with involvement in targeted killings, extortion, and acts of terror. Notably, he was implicated in the murder of Dera Sacha Sauda follower Manohar Lal in 2020, as well as in a conspiracy to kidnap and kill another follower, Shakti Singh. Indian authorities have long sought Dalla, issuing lookout notices and tracking his movements since he fled to Canada in 2020.

Dalla, who allegedly masterminds gang operations from Canada, has been active in radicalizing and recruiting Indian youth into criminal and terrorist activities. Known to use social media platforms, especially Facebook, for disseminating propaganda and attracting followers, he has been instrumental in fueling the Khalistani separatist movement abroad. Reports indicate that Dalla was also closely associated with Nijjar, who was killed in 2023, and together, they formed and led the KTF in its mission to carry out attacks within India.

The recent escalation of India-Canada diplomatic tensions has brought cases like Dalla’s under renewed scrutiny, with Canada facing criticism for perceived leniency towards Khalistani militants residing in the country. While Canadian authorities have yet to officially acknowledge Dalla’s arrest, Indian agencies continue to monitor developments closely, hoping this apprehension signals a step forward in dismantling the overseas support networks of militant groups like the KTF.

Dalla’s criminal activities span beyond local crimes; he has been linked to orchestrating cross-border terrorism with alleged support from Pakistan’s ISI, including plans for attacks during Indian national holidays. His role in organizing criminal activities places him among India’s most wanted, overshadowing even notorious figures like Lawrence Bishnoi due to his involvement in terror-related offenses.

This arrest, if confirmed, could have significant implications for Indo-Canadian relations, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse over terrorism and national security, which remains a point of contention between the two nations.