Sukhbir Badal survived the attack outside Golden Temple as ex-militant Narayan Singh Chaura identified as attacker

Amritsar: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former deputy chief minister of Punjab, barely escaped an assassination bid on Wednesday morning as a ‘sewadar’ of the revered Golden Temple here. The alleged assassin was identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, an old Khalistani militant, and he has been into serious crime for a long time, police officials said.

Narayan Singh Chaura is very popular.

Narayan Singh Chaura is a militant figure who was one of the chiefs of Akal Federation. Narayan Singh Chaura has been heavily involved in Punjab’s militancy history. Police sources report that Chaura had been trained in Pakistan and has reportedly visited the country thrice before returning to India in 1995. According to police sources, while in Pakistan, Chaura was writing books on Sikh militancy and guerrilla warfare.

In one of the most sensational murders, he was named in connection with former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh’s murder. He is also accused in the sensational break-out case from Burail Jail in 2004, wherein Babbar Khalsa International chief Jagtar Singh Hawara and four others dug out from the jail.

Record of Crime

The name Chaura is associated with more than 30 cases under the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA. Cases were lodged against him in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar. Chaura was arrested in 2013 from Jalalabad village in Tarn Taran. He was later released on bail but was always in the scanner of the police for his militant activities.

The Assassination Attempt

On Wednesday morning, Sukhbir Badal was serving as a sewadar at the Golden Temple by assisting devotees when Chaura opened fire. The prompt response by security personnel ensured that Badal remained safe and sound. This incident shocked Punjab as the elements of Khalistan started rising in the state.

Role of Chaura in Punjab Militancy

Chaura is said to be among the key arms and explosives smugglers into Punjab during the militancy period of the 1980s. Known to have crossed over into Pakistan in 1984, Chaura had been an important link in the trade of arms that fed upon the unrest in the state.

Political and Security Implications

Political shock waves in Punjab, the attack has sent the SAD leaders demanding strict action against pro-Khalistan elements. The matter has also brought to the fore security lapses at important religious sites like the Golden Temple.

Police Investigation Underway

The Punjab Police is probe the incident thoroughly. Authorities are looking into Chaura’s past activities and connections to uncover some larger conspiracy behind the attack.

Public Reactions Sikh communities and political leaders cutting across party lines have condemned the attack and called for a strong response to curb any resurgence of militancy in Punjab. This brings an upgraded vigilance and preventive steps to achieving peace and security in the state. Tags: Sukhbir Badal Assassination Attempt, Narayan Singh Chaura, Khalistani Militancy, Golden Temple Attack, Punjab Politics, Shiromani Akali Dal.