KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
13-Jan-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has shared its findings with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the March 2023 attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US). The NIA provided information on the nexus between terrorists and organized criminal syndicates. Currently, the FBI is aggressively investigating the case. In September 2023, the NIA released photos of 10 individuals wanted for the attack. The incident involved pro-Khalistan entities illegally entering the consulate premises, attempting to set it afire, and assaulting officials.
13-Jan-2024
According to reports, several Khalistani organizations, including Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), World Sikh Parliament (WSP), and Sikh Youth for America, are actively promoting the demand for a separate Punjab while operating from the United States (US). SFJ, a banned Khalistani terror outfit led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a known Khalistani terrorist, plans to hold a referendum on Khalistan in San Francisco, US, on January 28, potentially straining India-U.S. relations. SFJ's anti-Indian campaign has faced bans in India for supporting separatism. Many Gurudwaras in California, home to over 250,000 Sikhs, are reportedly influenced by Khalistan supporters, raising concerns about extremism and violence. The Hudson Institute, a US think tank, has called for investigations into Khalistan-related activities within America.
12-Jan-2024
In the last two weeks, two Hindu temples in the Bay Area, California, United States (US), were vandalized in what is being investigated as hate crimes. The incidents involved spray-painting anti-India graffiti with Khalistan slogans, indicating a connection to the long-standing conflict between Khalistan movement supporters and the Indian government. This resurgence of Khalistani extremism in the diaspora, particularly in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK), has led the Indian government to take the threat more seriously.
11-Jan-2024
United States (US) District Judge Victor Marrero on January 11 denied a request for defence materials by Indian national Nikhil Gupta, charged in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. The judge cited Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16.1, stating that Gupta has no right to discovery before arraignment. The US government opposed Gupta's motion and pledged to provide discovery upon his appearance in a New York court and arraignment.
11-Jan-2024
Indian-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his banned terror outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), plan to hold a controversial referendum in San Francisco, United States (US), on January 28. This move has raised concerns about religious discrimination by radical Sikhs. Despite accusations of black operations by India, Canadian and US law enforcement agencies have shown little interest in addressing the defacing of Indian temples by Khalistanis and in preventing insurrection under the guise of dissent. The US Department of Justice has indicted an Indian national in an assassination plot against Pannun, giving rise to suspicions about Pannun's connection to US federal agencies.
10-Jan-2024
The United States (US) government, on January 10, opposed providing defense materials to Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national detained in a Czech prison on murder-for-hire charges for the attempted assassination of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US government argued that it would share information only after Gupta's appearance in a New York court and arraignment.
08-Jan-2024
A federal court in New York on January 8 asked United States (US) federal prosecutors to provide documentary evidence for their "murder for hire" charges against Indian national Nikhil Gupta. Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023, is accused of orchestrating the hit on Pannun at the behest of a senior Indian government officer referred to as "CC-1." The court order directs the government to respond to the defense’s motion to compel production of discovery materials within three days. Pannun, designated as a terrorist in India, is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities and Prevention Act (UAPA).
07-Jan-2024
Supporters of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikh For Justice (SFJ) on January 7 blockaded and besieged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco in the United States (US) as part of the 'Khalistan Freedom Car Rally.' The rally, organized by SFJ, featured over 1,000 vehicles and included a float depicting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun urged caution to Indian PM Narendra Modi, referencing historical Sikh responses to state violence. SFJ also emphasized the Khalistan Referendum ahead of the voting scheduled for January 28.
05-Jan-2024
The Hindu American Foundation reported on January 5 that the Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California, had been defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, just weeks after a similar occurrence at the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, United States (US). The foundation highlighted the rising threat from Khalistan supporters and emphasized the importance of installing security cameras and alarm systems.
05-Jan-2024
Three Hindu temples—Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, Shiv Durga Temple, and Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward—have been targeted by unknown miscreants in quick succession, vandalized with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti in the Bay Area region of California, United States (US). The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is in contact with temple leaders and authorities to address the matter, urging heightened security measures. The attacks, occurring between December 2023 and the New Year, have raised concerns about Hinduphobia, leading US authorities to investigate the incidents as potential hate crimes. The Indian-American community in the Bay Area is growing, and these incidents are seen as reflecting political issues and divisions within the community.
31-Dec-2023
Pakistani sources claim that the Khalistan movement continues to gain momentum, with the upcoming January 28, 2024, referendum in San Francisco, United States (US), set to be a significant event following global initiatives. Paramjit Singh Pamma, a leader of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), highlighted the alleged challenges faced by Sikh leaders advocating for Khalistan, emphasizing the Sikh community's determination for Punjab's independence despite threats from the Indian government.
25-Dec-2023
The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC), via a statement on December 25 condemned the vandalism of the Hindu Temple, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California. The temple was defaced with anti-India graffiti, including the word 'Khalistan,' prompting a hate crime investigation. The AGPC expressed solidarity with the Hindu community and emphasized the importance of religious freedom and mutual respect. Citing similar incidents globally, the committee called for collaboration with law enforcement to address such acts.
23-Dec-2023
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US) on December 23 condemned the defacement of the Hindu Temple - Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha - with anti-India and pro-Khalistani graffiti in Newark city, California, US. The incident, discovered on the night of December 21, prompted the consulate to call for a swift investigation and prompt action by US authorities. The Hindu American Foundation urged the Newark police to investigate it as a hate crime, emphasizing the traumatizing intent behind mentioning the name of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Newark police labelled the incident a 'targeted act' and assured a thorough investigation.
23-Dec-2023
The United States (US) State Department, through a post on the social media site X on December 23, condemned the vandalism of the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in California, denouncing the anti-India graffiti. The statement expressed support for the efforts of the Newark Police Department in holding those responsible accountable.
22-Dec-2023
A Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, in the United States (US) was vandalized on December 22 with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti on its exterior walls. The Newark Police Service initiated an investigation, treating the incident as a targeted act. The temple authorities and the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, condemned the defacement, pressing for a quick investigation and action against the vandals.
21-Dec-2023
According to reports, amid tensions over the alleged Indo-United States (US) plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a growing chorus in Washington, including Senators and Congressmen, is urging President Biden to condemn India on grounds of religious freedom. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has implored the designation of India as a "Country of Particular Concern," citing the assassination allegations.
20-Dec-2023
United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while speaking at the end-of-year press availability in Washington, on December 20 emphasized the deepening ties with India amid the controversy over the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He highlighted the strengthened partnership through the Quad, which comprises the US, India, Australia, and Japan, working towards a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
20-Dec-2023
Sukhi Chahal, an activist and entrepreneur based in San Jose, United States (US), criticized the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, branding them as criminals and goons. Chahal contends that the Khalistan issue is no longer relevant in Punjab but is being exploited in the West, tarnishing the Sikh community's credibility. He condemned the organization for disrespecting Indian leaders.
19-Dec-2023
Nikhil Gupta, the accused in a United States (US) indictment for plotting the murder of Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claimed to be a law-abiding Indian businessman caught in the crossfire between the US and Indian governments, according to documents filed under the pseudonym 'Mr. X' in a federal court in Manhattan, US. His lawyer argued that there is no evidence linking Gupta to the alleged plot and raised concerns about adverse legal advice influenced by US agencies. The petition also revealed Gupta's denial of using the alias 'Nick' and cited mistaken identity while detailing his unjust detention and inhumane conditions.
19-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist and chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who was targeted in an alleged assassination plot linked to an Indian government official, claimed that he continues to receive hundreds of threats daily. The United States (US) Department of Justice had earlier revealed that an Indian official, identified as CC-1, had orchestrated the plot to kill him on US soil.