KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Jul-2024
Dal Khalsa leaders, expressing concern over the misuse of the Akal Takht for political gains by warring Akali factions, met with Jathedar Gaini Raghbir Singh in Amritsar, Punjab, on July 1. They criticized the Akali Dal's leadership for their political blunders and shifting loyalties, which have led to a loss of credibility among Sikhs. After the meeting, party president Paramjit Singh Mand, speaking to the media, called for an overhaul of the Akali Dal's leadership and structure, urging the Jathedar to take command and consult with panthic experts to address the crisis.
01-Jul-2024
Rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders on July 1 apologized to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh for mistakes made during their party's rule from 2007 to 2017, including failures related to the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the pardoning of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. They held SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal responsible and sought forgiveness, expressing readiness to face any punishment as per Sikh tenets.
01-Jul-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on July 1 recovered a large packet containing 2.320 kg of heroin near the garbage dump of Kalsian village in Tarn Taran district.
01-Jul-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on July 1 recovered a packet wrapped in white cloth containing 545 grams of heroin on the outskirts of Kalsian village in Tarn Taran district.
01-Jul-2024
Police on July 1 arrested four members of the Shishu gang, identified as Jagsir Singh alias Shishu, Vicky alias Sundi, Kapil, and Sachin, from Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
01-Jul-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on July 1 criticized the rebel Akali group for visiting the home of radical Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh in Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar district before meeting the Akal Takht Jathedar in Amritsar, accusing them of prioritizing politics over religious duties. The rebels, including leaders such as Prem Singh Chandumajra and Jagir Kaur, submitted a letter to the Akal Takht listing mistakes made during the SAD-BJP rule from 2007 to 2017.
01-Jul-2024
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on July 1 arrested a member of the Bambiha group involved in an extortion racket, identified as Harjeet Singh alias Pokhi in Faridkot in Faridkot district.
01-Jul-2024
The police initiated a massive search operation on July 1 after a woman named Asha Rani reported seeing two suspected militants carrying bags in Dinanagar, Gurdaspur district, Punjab. The description matched sightings in Pathankot on June 25.
01-Jul-2024
One Pakistani inmate, identified as Zafar Alam, died after a quarrel with fellow Pakistani inmate Sahib in Amritsar Central Jail, Punjab, on July 1. Alam, who suffered a fatal head injury during the scuffle, was taken to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Alam had completed his jail term in 2011 but remained in prison due to pending verification from Pakistani authorities.
01-Jul-2024
Following the alleged drug overdose death of policeman Gursewak Singh, the police on July 1 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Balkar and Karanjit, and booked three others, identified as Golu, Ajay, and Bheju, in Amritsar, Amritsar district. Gursewak, who was on leave from his post in Ludhiana, was found dead under a tree. The cause of death will be confirmed after the autopsy report, expected in two to three days.
30-Jun-2024
A case was registered on June 30 against a Facebook user identified as Vish Singh for posting objectionable content against the Sikh community on June 21 at Kotwali Nagar police station in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The complaint, filed by Municipal Corporation councillor Abhishek Tinku, led to charges under sections 295-A and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and section 67 of the IT Act.
30-Jun-2024
On June 30, Dal Khalsa's leadership met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, urging him to assume leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to prevent its factions from misusing Sikhism's supreme temporal seat for their interests. Dal Khalsa’s working president, Paramjit Singh Mand, proposed dissolving the current SAD structure and consulting panthic experts, intellectuals, and people of integrity to address the party's challenges.
30-Jun-2024
On June 30, Indian Sikh yatrees (pilgrims) returned to India via the Wagah border crossing in Amritsar district in Punjab after completing a 10-day visit marking the 185th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
30-Jun-2024
Amritsar Police on June 30 busted a local network of drug suppliers and arrested six individuals identified as Yuvraj Singh, Ranjit Singh, Prabhjit Singh, Jagroop Singh, Mangal Singh, and Akashdeep Singh and seized 1 kg of heroin, 500 grams of ICE (methamphetamine), INR 5 lakh of drug money, three 12-bore rifles, along with gold jewellery, two vehicles, and nine mobile phones from their possession in Amritsar district. Police stated that the suspects were reportedly in contact with a United Kingdom (UK)-based gangster named Gopi.
30-Jun-2024
Police on June 30 arrested five shooters belonging to the gang of Canada-based designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, identified as Jashanpreet Singh alias Kala, Gursharan Singh, Harmanjit Singh, Gurbaj Singh, and Amritpal Singh and seized three 30-bore pistols with two cartridges and one 32-bore revolver from their possession in Jalandhar district. Police stated that the arrests were made following a complaint by a security guard and revealed that the gang members were acting on orders from Landa, involved in arms smuggling, extortion, and contract killings.
29-Jun-2024
Another aide of Khalistani preacher, Member of Parliament (MP)-elect, and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh, identified as Kulwant Singh Rauke, who is also detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail, is set to contest the Barnala Assembly bypoll, as announced by his brother Maha Singh.
29-Jun-2024
Panthic organizations, which supported Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa in the recent Lok Sabha polls, have decided not to back any candidate in the Jalandhar West bypoll on July 10. They are still considering their stance for the upcoming bypolls in Barnala, Gidderbaha, Chabbewal, and Dera Baba Nanak.
29-Jun-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the cancellation report filed by Punjab Police in a case against singer Gurdas Maan under Section 295-A IPC for allegedly offending Sikh religious sentiments. The court found no evidence that Maan's statement about Laddi Shah being a descendant of the third Sikh Guru was intended to maliciously outrage religious feelings. The court emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and noted that Maan's actions lacked the necessary intent to provoke public disorder. Maan's apology was also considered in the court's decision.
29-Jun-2024
Members of Sikh organizations, led by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Karnail Singh Panjoli, held a protest march on June 29 demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences, as well as the release of Khalistani preacher, Member of Parliament (MP)-elect, and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh, at Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district.
29-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 29 recovered 560 grams of heroin from fields outside Mahawa village in Amritsar district.
29-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 29 recovered 5.570 kg of heroin, dropped by a Pakistani drone, near Kakkar village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
29-Jun-2024
In Jeobala village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, the month of June witnessed four deaths due to drug overdoses, involving individuals identified as Karamjit Singh, Shera Singh, Sharanjit Singh, and Daler Sharma. Expressing anger and dismay, villagers accused the government of failing to curb drug peddling. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sandeep Kumar and Goindwal Sahib Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ravisher Singh promised stringent measures against traffickers and called for public cooperation.
29-Jun-2024
On June 29, a 24-year-old Punjab Police officer identified as Gursewak Singh was found dead in Kayampur village in Ajnala, Amritsar district, with his family alleging he died as a result of a drug overdose. His grandfather, Harbans Singh, claimed drugs are rampant in the area, and local authorities have failed to act against peddlers. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajkumar stated that no syringe was found near the body and that the cause of death would be determined after an autopsy.
29-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 29 arrested two drug peddlers identified as Gurbhej Singh and Jaskaran Singh, and seized 6 kg of heroin along with three pistols, including a 9 mm Glock pistol and two .32 bore calibre pistols, from their possession near Bachiwind village in Ajnala, Amritsar district. The police stated that the arrested individuals were directly in touch with Pakistan-based smugglers who were supplying drugs across the state via drones.
29-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 29 arrested four drug peddlers identified as a father-son duo – Balbir Singh and Akashdeep Singh, along with Philpus and Jobanjit Singh, and seized 2 kg of heroin, INR 30,000 in drug money, along with a scooter and a motorcycle from their possession near Nupur village in Ajnala, Amritsar district. The police stated that the arrested individuals were directly in touch with Pakistan-based smugglers who were supplying drugs across the state via drones.
29-Jun-2024
The Jalandhar rural police on June 29 busted an interstate illegal arms supply gang and arrested two operatives identified as Sukhyad Singh alias Yaad and Jugraj Singh, seizing 66 kg of opium along with a car from their possession near Sappan Wali village in Abohar, Fazilka district.
28-Jun-2024
Following sightings of a suspected terrorist near the Kathua-Pathankot border, Punjab Police released a sketch of the suspect on June 28. Multiple police teams are involved in tracking the individual, who was last seen on June 27 and is believed to be affiliated with terror groups. Authorities have alerted local residents to remain vigilant and have provided contact numbers for sharing information.
28-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 28 busted a cross-border drug cartel operating in the border belt and arrested two individuals identified as Bachitar Singh and Sunny and seized 8.2 kg of heroin, INR 95,000 in drug money, and a Swift car from their possession in Amritsar district. Police stated that the drugs were smuggled via drones by Pakistan-based smugglers. Financial investigations are underway to freeze their assets and uncover the broader network of suppliers and buyers involved.
28-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 28 busted a cross-border drug cartel operating in the border belt and arrested Amandeep Singh and seized 1 kg of heroin and a Volkswagen Vento car at a checkpoint at Ranjit Avenue Bypass in Amritsar district.
27-Jun-2024
Representatives of the Sikh community from Haryana on June 27 requested the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to ensure justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the 1987 Hisar riots, and demanded action against handles on X spreading hatred against Sikhs, as well as the promotion of the Punjabi language in Haryana. NCM Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura highlighted ongoing efforts to provide compensation to riot victims and mentioned he had asked the Chief Secretary to report on a hate crime in Kaithal involving a Sikh man being called Khalistani.
27-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) expressed concern over fashion designer Archana Makwana's recent social media activities, claiming they have repeatedly hurt Sikh sentiments. Despite her apology for violating the Maryada at Sri Harmandar Sahib, she continued to post objectionable content. The SGPC has demanded her arrest to investigate her alleged anti-Sikh agenda. Meanwhile, the SGPC suspended three employees for negligence, and a formal complaint has been lodged with the police.
27-Jun-2024
Mohali police on June 27 arrested three youths identified as Harvinder Singh, Ajvinder Singh alias Nag, and Santokh Singh, and seized 67 grams of heroin from their possession near Kumbhara village in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS) district.
27-Jun-2024
A joint operation of the Counter Intelligence (CI) and the Bathinda police on June 27 arrested three shooters and close associates of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, identified as Karandeep Singh alias Kannu, Raghuveer Singh, and Kulwinder Singh alias Bittu and seized three pistols along with six live cartridges, six magazines, and a Hyundai Verna car from their possession in Bathinda district.
27-Jun-2024
Police on June 27 arrested a member of a gang engaged in extorting money from affluent families, identified as Jagtar Singh, at a checkpoint on Fatehgarh Sahib-Chandigarh Road near Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district. His accomplice, Gurwinder Singh, fled and remains at large. The gang, active in Fatehgarh Sahib, used threatening letters and surveillance on their targets.
27-Jun-2024
Fazilka police on June 27 arrested two persons identified as Sukhyad Singh alias Yaad and Jugraj Singh, and seized 66 kg of opium from their possession at a checkpoint near Dalmeer Khera village in Fazilka district. The police stated that they were smuggling the opium from Jharkhand, and their accomplice, Tarsem Singh, has been identified. The accused have been booked under Sections 18, 27(A), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
26-Jun-2024
According to sources, Bhagwant Singh alias Pradhan Mantri Bhagwant Bajeke, an aide of Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh, is set to contest the Gudherbaha assembly by-elections in Punjab. This announcement follows Amritpal Singh's recent victory in the Lok Sabha elections from the Khadoor Sahib seat. Bhagwant Singh is also currently detained in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, alongside Amritpal.
26-Jun-2024
On June 26, Punjab Police, along with the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), launched a massive search operation after a villager reported seeing two suspicious armed men near Kot Bhattian village in Pathankot district. The search, focused on the Bamial area in Gurdaspur district, also involved heightened security checks at bus stands and railway stations in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts.
26-Jun-2024
On June 26, to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Punjab Police destroyed over 83 kg of heroin, 100 quintals of poppy husk, 100 kg of ganja, and 4.52 lakh pills and capsules across 10 locations in the state.
26-Jun-2024
Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, on June 26, ordered strict compliance with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's directives to curb the drug menace while chairing a state-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting in Chandigarh. He emphasised targeting major drug traffickers and publicising Section 31 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for habitual offenders.
26-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on June 26, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 580 grams along with a drone near Kalia village in Tarn Taran district.
26-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on June 26, recovered a packet containing 540 grams of heroin wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, along with a metal loop and an illuminating strip attached, near Noorwala village in Tarn Taran district.
26-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops conducted a search operation on June 26 and recovered a drone along with 510 grams of heroin in a packet tied to it, from fields near Barreke village in Ferozepur district.
26-Jun-2024
Amidst the ongoing crisis in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, while addressing the anniversary of the Akal Takht's foundation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on June 26, urged Sikh political leaders to unite under the Akal Takht's guidance. He emphasised the significance of 'Miri' (temporal authority) and 'Piri' (spiritual authority) and criticised current leaders for looking towards Delhi instead of the Akal Takht.
25-Jun-2024
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of Beant Singh, who assassinated former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, took the oath as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi on June 25.
25-Jun-2024
Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP)-elect and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, was unable to take his oath as an MP on June 25, when the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected MPs from Punjab was held, due to being detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
25-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 25 announced a reward of INR 10 lakh each for information leading to the arrest of Harjit Singh and Kulbeer Singh, accused in the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab. The case, registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Arms Act, pertains to ongoing investigations where both individuals remain absconding.
25-Jun-2024
On June 25, during a monthly meeting overseen by District Commissioner (DC) Pallavi and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Simrat Kaur, it was disclosed that assets worth INR 9.85 crore were frozen and INR 1.16 crore in drug money was recovered from 113 peddlers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Malerkotla district, Punjab. Additionally, 20 kg of opium was seized from 13 individuals in the district. The meeting, part of the Narco Coordination Centre Mechanism, emphasized the need for community engagement in combating drug abuse and discussed upcoming seminars and rehabilitation initiatives for the affected youth.
24-Jun-2024
Tarsem Singh, father of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, who is currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, expressed uncertainty about his son taking the oath on June 25 as Member of Parliament (MP)-elect from Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab. Despite his detention, Amritpal has a window of 60 days to take the oath, according to his lawyer, Rajdev Singh Khalsa.
24-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 24 intercepted a drone and later recovered the drone along with 510 grams of heroin, from fields near PS Wala Hithar village in Fazilka district.
24-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 24 carried out a search operation, based on information provided by villagers, and recovered a packet containing 560 grams of heroin and a drone near Raja Rai village in Ferozepur district.