Amritsar: A news report has emerged across various Punjabi media outlets in India stating that Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Wadhawa Singh Babbar has issued a warning to those who are seeking ransom or threatening innocent individuals in the name of BKI.

The news, dated 24 July, was published in several Punjabi vernacular newspapers on 25 July 2025, including Daily Ajit newspaper, where it was reported by journalist Surinder Kochhar. The reports refer to a three-page written statement reportedly issued by the BKI chief.

Sources of Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) have also confirmed the issuance of a three-page statement by Wadhawa Singh Babbar.

While the report published in Daily Ajit remains brief, Hak Sach Da Pehredar newspaper has published a more detailed account, which appears to include the text of the statement.

According to these reports, the BKI chief stated: “There is a common worldly saying that ‘everything is fair in love and war.’ But the Khalsa Panth outright rejects this notion. Our principle is that even on the battlefield, it is essential to uphold the Guru’s commands and the tenets of Gurmat. Babbar Khalsa International has always strived to ensure that the struggle is fought within the framework of the principles bestowed upon us by the Guru Sahiban.”

He further stated that from the inception of BKI till today, the organization has been sustained solely through Dasvandh (voluntary contribution) from the Sangat: “No matter how many hardships we have had to endure, our reliance has always been on the Guru-roop Sangat. Therefore, let it be absolutely clear: if anyone uses the name of our organization to threaten someone for funds, that person cannot be one of us.”

“Forcibly collecting funds from our own people has never been a part of our principles—nor is it, nor will it ever be. Yes, apart from Dasvandh, there is one method of collecting funds that is permissible according to Gurmat, and that is to seize the enemy’s war equipment or treasury. However, the condition is that the target must be our direct enemy or someone clearly aligned with enemy ranks”, said he.

“To threaten, intimidate, or extort from the weak, the poor, the innocent, or the unarmed is completely against Sikh principles”, he added.

On organizational values, he said: “It has always been a core principle of our organization to never raise a hand against the humble, the poor, or the weak, and to never attack the innocent. The glorious history of Sikhi teaches us that strength is meant to protect the oppressed, not to intimidate or terrorize them. Gurbani clearly warns us about tyrants like Babur, who committed atrocities — ‘ਪਾਪ ਕੀ ਜੰਞ ਲੈ ਕਾਬਲਹੁ ਧਾਇਆ ਜੋਰੀ ਮੰਗੈ ਦਾਨੁ ਵੇ ਲਾਲੋ ॥’ — a verse that continues to remind us of our moral responsibilities.”

He also cited the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to emphasize the organization’s ideology: “Furthermore, in accordance with the command of Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, ‘ਭੈ ਕਾਹੂ ਕਉ ਦੇਤ ਨਹਿ, ਨਹਿ ਭੈ ਮਾਨਤ ਆਨ ॥’ our organization neither instills fear in any innocent or oppressed individual nor accepts any fear or intimidation from tyrants. According to the organization’s ideals, Panthic service is meant to resist tyranny, not to inflict it upon the weak or defenseless. We have always ensured that our strength and influence never become a source of fear for any innocent person.”

Clarifying BKI’s area of operations, Wadhawa Singh added: “Our area of operations has primarily remained confined to Punjab and India, rather than foreign countries. Therefore, if the Indian government tries to falsely link our name with any unauthorised or ideologically inconsistent activities abroad, it should be seen as a deliberate attempt to defame the struggle. The Sikh community must remain alert to such tactics.”

He further warned against internal subversion: “In addition to this, some infiltrators and traitors dressed in Sikh guise also make continuous efforts to tarnish the image of the movement and defame our organization. Sangat should remain cautious of such elements. In the present era, India’s Brahmanical government is waging a psychological war to sow hatred within Sikhs against the ongoing struggle. The community must stay aware and vigilant against this as well.”

Calling upon Sikh intelligentsia, he said: “When state propaganda is used to target any militant organization, it becomes the duty of Sikh scholars, intellectuals, journalists, and sympathizers of the struggle to expose that propaganda and stand in solidarity with the movement.”

It is notable that the Government of India has declared Babbar Khalsa International as a banned organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to the Indian state and mainstream media, Wadhawa Singh is believed to be based in Pakistan.