![\"Separatist](\"https:\/\/c.ndtvimg.com\/2023-06\/lc19ge3_avtar-singh-khanda_625x300_15_June_23.jpg\"\/ "\\"Separatist")
<\/div>\nAvtar Singh Khanda had led the protests at the Indian High Commission in London<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
New Delhi: <\/b><\/p>\n
Khalistani separatist Avtar Singh Khanda, a close associate of jailed radical preacher Amritpal Singh, died today in the UK.<\/p>\n
Sources say Avtar Singh Khanda was admitted to a Birmingham hospital after he complained of uneasiness on Monday.<\/p>\n
The exact cause of the separatist’s death is not clear yet. Some reports suggest that he had been suffering from blood cancer.<\/p>\n
Avtar Singh Khanda had led the protests at the Indian High Commission in London earlier this year while Amritpal Singh was on the run.<\/p>\n
In March, the massive Indian flag was pulled down at the Indian High Commission by Khalistani separatists, protesting against the police crackdown on Amritpal Singh.<\/p>\n
Cellphone videos posted on social media showed protesters climbing the building and taking down the Indian flag. Avtar Singh Khanda was seen leading the protest in the videos.<\/p>\n
India had registered strong protest over the incident, saying “the UK government’s “indifference” to Indian diplomats and personnel was “unacceptable”.<\/p>\n
After eluding Punjab Police for 35 days, separatist and radical preacher Amritpal Singh surrendered at a Gurdwara in Punjab’s Moga on April 23.<\/p>\n
Punjab Police had launched a massive crackdown against Amritpal Singh and members of his outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’ on March 18, a month after the separatist and his supporters broke into a police station with swords and guns for the release of one of his aides. Six policemen were injured in the clash.<\/p>\n
The ‘top secret’ action was a coordinated effort between Aam Aadmi Party-ruled Punjab, the Centre, and BJP-governed Assam. Sources say Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had discussed the plan to arrest Amritpal Singh with Home Minister Amit Shah in a meeting on March 2.<\/p>\n
Home Ministry sources had said that Amritpal singh was planning to launch a statewide procession to baptize the youth to carry out suicide attacks. The radical preacher was using de-addiction centres to stockpile weapons illegally sourced from Pakistan, they said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n