72-year-old Bhai Lakhbir Singh Rode, nephew of Sikh national hero Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale -a notable martyr of the Indo-Sikh Battle of June 1984 at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, and brother of former Jathedar Akal Takht -Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, passed away in Pakistan of heart failure on 2 December, where he was cremated as per Sikh traditions. He had been living there for the last many decades. WSN reports.

Lakhbir Singh Rode was a notable figure associated with the Sikh militant movement, particularly during the turbulent period in Punjab, India, in the 1980s and 1990s. He was linked with the Sikh militant movement that sought an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.

Soft-spoken, ever-friendly, humble, and committed to the Panth, Lakhbir Singh’s journey of life saw him move from village Rode in the Moga district of Punjab to Dubai and then to Canada, culminating in a life as a stateless person in Pakistan.

Living in Canada during the eighties, Rode reportedly took on a leadership role in one of the militant factions advocating for Khalistan -the International Sikh Youth Federation, which has been proscribed in many countries.

The Indian government had dubbed him as a most wanted person. He was a controversial figure and faced various allegations. He was one of the longest-surviving Sikh militant leaders.

Since the late 80’s he has been camping in Pakistan. Some former militants have claimed that he was close to the Pakistan leader Mian Nawaz Sharif when he was the Prime Minister.

It is noteworthy that Bhai Rode was instrumental in the formation of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee -PSGPC during the Nawaz regime.

Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh, who knew him intimately has expressed grief at his passing away. Speaking to this reporter, he said, “His role and contribution towards the goal of Sikh independence will be ever remembered. Sadly, the stress of living in isolation has taken its toll.”