KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
24-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 24 recovered a broken drone from fields near Thekalan village in Tarn Taran district.
24-Jun-2024
The police on June 24 arrested two drug smugglers identified as Jagannath Singh and Raj Kumar and seized INR 27.10 lakh along with a car from their possession in Amritsar, Amritsar district. The duo was reportedly in contact with Pakistan-based handlers since February and involved in exporting furnishings and agricultural produce. This arrest is part of a broader operation that began on June 20, leading to the capture of 10 individuals, the seizure of 4 kg of heroin, INR 29.17 lakh in drug and hawala money, two pistols, 45 bullets, and eight vehicles.
24-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 24 intercepted and shot down a drone ferrying 400 grams of heroin near Chaklabaksh village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
24-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 24 recovered a packet containing 530 grams of heroin along with a drone, near Lakha Singh Wala village in Ferozepur district.
24-Jun-2024
In response to local residents and traders in Ambala calling for an end to the 133-day protest by farmers at the Shambhu border, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarvan Singh Pandher, on June 24, insisted they were not protesting frivolously. They claimed the government had set up barricades preventing them from marching to Delhi and had not initiated talks or fulfilled promises regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
23-Jun-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, via a statement on social media site X on June 23, described the 1985 Kanishka bombing of Air India Flight 182 as one of the worst acts of terrorism in history and paid homage to the 329 victims while emphasizing that terrorism should never be tolerated.
23-Jun-2024
Former diplomat and current Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on June 23 paid tribute to the victims of the 1985 'Kanishka' flight bombing, denouncing it as one of the most reprehensible acts of terror against India, via a statement on social media site X. He stated that such extremist actions have no place in a sane and civilized world and lamented that the systems and mindsets supporting such terrorism still find sympathizers, undermining international efforts to combat violent extremism.
23-Jun-2024
Three associates of United States (US)-based smuggler Sarvan Singh alias Bhola Havelian, identified as Karanjit Singh, Akash Seth alias Raghu, and Sukhdeep Singh, who were arrested on June 22, were sent to two-day police custody in Amritsar. The suspects were found in possession of six pistols, six live cartridges, ten magazines, 200 grams of heroin, and an electronic weighing machine, and were involved in significant narcotic and weapon smuggling activities across the international border. Preliminary investigations revealed Akash Seth's involvement in smuggling approximately 15 kg of heroin and conducting INR 1.5 crore of 'hawala' transactions in the past month.
23-Jun-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on June 23 discussed river water disputes and the ongoing depletion of underground water in Punjab. Attended by a large number of SKM members, the seminar concluded with a unanimous resolution asserting that water is a 'state subject' and that the central government should not have the authority to issue executive orders or make decisions concerning river water management.
23-Jun-2024
According to reports, Punjab continues to face severe challenges with drug addiction among its youth, with 14 recent deaths highlighting the ongoing crisis despite various initiatives over the years. Efforts like the "Tu Mera Buddy" program launched in 2018 and the more recent "The Hope Initiative" by Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann in 2023 aim to combat this issue through community involvement and awareness campaigns. However, the persistent high toll of drug-related fatalities underscores the need for more effective and sustained measures to address the drug menace, particularly against the backdrop of smuggling from across the Pakistan border.
22-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 22 busted a narcotics and organized crime nexus backed by United States-based smuggler Sarwan Singh alias Bhola Havelian, and arrested three operatives: Karanjit Singh, Akash Seth, alias Raghu, and Sukhdeep Singh and seized six pistols, six live cartridges, ten magazines, 200 grams of heroin, and an electronic weighing machine from their possession in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The arrested individuals were found to be directly in touch with Bhola Havelian, supplying weapons and heroin as part of the criminal operation.
22-Jun-2024
Acting on a complaint from District Drug Inspector Shishan Mittal, the police on June 22 recovered 590 intoxicating pills and INR 11.38 lakh in drug money from the bike of an alleged supplier, Vikas Kumar, in Abohar in Fazilka district, Punjab. Although Vikas Kumar remains at large, the authorities have registered a case against him.
22-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on June 22, recovered a drone from fields near Noorwala village in Tarn Taran district.
22-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 22 recovered a drone along with a packet containing a pistol and an empty magazine from a field near Lakha Singh Wala village in Ferozepur district.
22-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on June 22, recovered a packet containing 520 grams of heroin and a drone from fields near the international border (IB) near Gahlewala village in Fazilka district.
21-Jun-2024
The police on June 21 arrested five unidentified individuals and seized 50 grams of heroin, 155 habit-forming tablets, and 3.5 kg of poppy husk from their possession in Malerkotla, Malerkotla district. As part of their intensified crackdown on drug peddling, 178 police officers conducted door-to-door searches and vehicle checks on major roads.
21-Jun-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, on June 21 in New Delhi, expressed strong disapproval of the Canadian parliament's observance of a minute's silence for Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He reiterated India's opposition to political support for extremism. Relations between India and Canada have been strained since Trudeau's allegations of potential Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing, which New Delhi has dismissed as absurd.
21-Jun-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, on June 21, criticized the one-year extension of the National Security Act (NSA) on newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, along with other Sikhs detained in Assam. Dhami argued that this action by the state and central governments overlooks human rights and the sentiments of Punjab's populace, demanding the revocation of the NSA and the release of those detained.
21-Jun-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on June 21 stated that they had not received a formal request for consular access to Nikhil Gupta, extradited to the United States (US) on charges related to a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
21-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 21 launched a large-scale cordon and search operation (CASO) named Eagle-IV across all 28 police districts, resulting in 254 arrests. The operation, aimed at drug hotspots, involved senior officers from Punjab Police Headquarters and led to the registration of 221 First Information Reports (FIRs) and the checking of 4,575 suspicious persons.
21-Jun-2024
A group of Nihangs clashed with police, resulting in the arrest of five individuals near the Chhoti Baradari locality in Jalandhar district on June 21. The Nihangs, demanding the closure of a local liquor vend, resisted eviction by the police, with one Nihang, Amanjot Singh, brandishing a sword.
21-Jun-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in an interview with The Tribune, defended the transfer of nearly 10,000 lower-rank police officials, citing administrative reasons and denying any drug-related taint on the transferred personnel. Yadav highlighted the involvement of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in narco-terrorism, noting that 906 drones have been sent from across the border since 2019, with 101 of 247 drones shot down this year alone. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards connivance with drug smugglers, mentioning the dismissal and arrest of corrupt police officials and the significant increase in drug seizures — from 170 kg in 2017, to 1,350 kg in 2023, and about 500 kg so far in 2024.
21-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on June 21 filed a police complaint against fashion designer and influencer Archana Makwana for performing yoga at the Golden Temple on International Yoga Day and sharing the photos on social media, which they deemed hurtful to Sikh religious sentiments. Makwana has since apologized, stating her actions were not intended to offend and promising greater mindfulness in the future. The SGPC also suspended three employees for failing to uphold the temple's conduct standards during the incident.
20-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 20 busted a trans-border illegal arms and narco-terrorism hawala racket, arresting eight individuals identified as Ranjit Singh alias Kaka, Rajinder alias Raja, Abhishek alias Abhi, Vishal alias Shalu, Lovepreet alias Kalu, Gurbhej alias Bheja, Gurjant, and Jaspal and seized 4.1 kg of heroin, two pistols (one made in Pakistan), 45 live cartridges, and INR 2.07 lakh in cash from their possession in Amritsar, Amritsar district. The operation revealed connections with Pakistan-based entities and is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal activities in the region.
20-Jun-2024
The Punjab Police on June 20 conducted a widespread raid targeting 246 major drug smugglers who had been caught with 2 kg or more of drugs and were currently out on bail. Special Director General of Police (DGP) Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, stated that these individuals had been active over the past five years. The operation involved 113 police teams and 1,200 officers across all 28 police districts from 7 am to 12 pm. During the raids, incriminating materials, including mobile phones, were seized, with further examinations planned for the collected evidence.
20-Jun-2024
On June 20, two farmer groups, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM - Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), announced plans to besiege the Superintendent of Police (SP) office in Ambala, Haryana, on July 17. These groups, protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border points, criticized the Punjab Government for not fulfilling its promise of an 8-hour power supply to farmers and opposed delaying paddy transplantation, arguing it would increase moisture in the crop, making it unsuitable for procurement. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal highlighted that free power was a form of compensation for not receiving fair prices for their produce.
20-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 20 arrested Jaspreet Singh, a key operative linked with Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, and seized a .32 bore revolver, 69 cartridges of various bores, 100 grams of heroin, 100 grams of opium, INR 2,20,500 in cash, and various digital devices from his possession in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
20-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 20 recovered a Chinese-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district.
20-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 20 recovered a drone from Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a Chinese-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
20-Jun-2024
India on June 20 formally protested to the Canadian High Commission regarding Khalistani extremists holding a 'citizens court' outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver, expressing serious objections to the demonstration and the effigy burning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident has escalated tensions, particularly after Canada's moment of silence in Parliament for slain Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
20-Jun-2024
The Delhi Police on June 20 arrested Sumit, a sharpshooter of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, after a brief shootout in Rohini, North West Delhi district. Sumit, wanted for multiple crimes, including two murder cases, was apprehended following a tip-off about his presence in the area. During the arrest, he engaged in gunfire with the police, resulting in him being shot in the leg and subsequently hospitalized.
20-Jun-2024
President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Singh Badal, on June 20, criticized the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) against Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP)-elect from Khadoor Sahib, Amritpal Singh, as a violation of constitutional and human rights. This criticism comes amid internal party dissent and demands for reform following the SAD's poor performance in recent elections, winning only one of the thirteen Lok Sabha seats it contested in Punjab.
19-Jun-2024
According to reports, India's strategic autonomy is encountering resistance from the Anglosphere, particularly Canada, the United States (US), and Australia, due to its actions against Khalistani separatists. Canada recently commemorated Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reflecting its continued support. The US has accused India of plotting against another Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, while Australia's media have reported concerns about Indian espionage activities. Despite this coordinated opposition, India maintains strong economic ties with the US and Australia and remains steadfast in its national security stance, indicating it will not yield to Western pressure.
19-Jun-2024
Indian national Nikhil Gupta was recently extradited to the United States (US) from the Czech Republic over his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta’s testimony will be closely watched not just by the US but by other countries as well. This development comes amid strained relations between India and countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany over accusations of espionage and interference. Notably, Canada and the US have expressed concerns about India's actions against Khalistani separatists, further complicating diplomatic ties. Additionally, in the past, Pakistan and Germany have accused India of extrajudicial killings and spying activities, respectively.
19-Jun-2024
The Dal Khalsa, on June 19, praised the Canadian House of Commons for honoring Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, asserting that India's designated terrorist was a respected Sikh figure with international recognition. They also organized a Panthic Samagam where a resolution was adopted to recognize Khalistani terrorist Nijjar as a national martyr in Amritsar, Punjab. They urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to similarly honor Nijjar.
19-Jun-2024
On June 19, it was revealed that the Punjab Government had extended the detention of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his nine aides under the National Security Act (NSA) by three months just before the Lok Sabha election results were declared on June 4. Amritpal won from Khadoor Sahib in Tarn Taran district in Punjab by a record margin. Despite his election victory, Amritpal and his associates will remain in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, with the extension based on an advisory board's recommendation. Amritpal’s family and lawyers have not yet received the extension orders.
19-Jun-2024
The police on June 19 froze assets worth INR 41,67,000 of an individual identified as Mahal Singh, who had been sentenced under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, in Ghuriana village in Fazilka district. The properties frozen included 23 marlas and 7 kanals of land (worth INR 5,77,000) and a Maruti Suzuki Brezza car (worth INR 7 lakh) in his name. Additionally, 10 kanals and 15 marlas of land (valued at INR 7,76,000) were in the name of his wife Sarabjit Kaur, 12 kanals and 4.1 marlas of land (valued at INR 8,80,000) were in the name of his mother Kulwant Kaur, and 17 kanals and 1.6 marlas of land (valued at INR 12,34,000) were in the name of his son Updesh Singh. This action follows the recovery of 3.5 kg of opium from Singh in April 2022.
18-Jun-2024
On June 18, a 23-year-old woman, struggling with severe drug addiction and routinely using chitta (heroin), was rescued and admitted to Civil Hospital by Muktsar police in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, Punjab. Previously restrained by her mother to prevent drug use, the woman displayed severe physical deterioration, including multiple injection marks. Hospital sources expressed concern about her health, suspecting her to be HIV positive due to her condition and lifestyle. Her addiction exemplifies the broader drug crisis affecting many in her community.
18-Jun-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on June 18 produced notorious gangsters Sampat Nehra and Deepak alias Tinu, operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, under high security in a court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. They were brought on a production warrant in connection with an Arms Act case and placed on one-day police remand.
18-Jun-2024
A local court on June 18 granted bail to Javed Jhinjha and Ravinder Singh, members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in an extortion case registered on May 18 in Chandigarh. Despite police opposition, citing ongoing investigations and recent incidents involving the gang, the court granted bail after the defence argued that their clients were falsely implicated and co-accused had already been granted bail.
18-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on June 18 urged the Union government to order a high-level probe into notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's activities from jail, including a video call with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia highlighted Bishnoi's continued influence and threat to national security, citing his involvement in the assassination of singer Sidhu Moose Wala and recent criminal activities. Majithia called for concrete steps from the Centre and a thorough investigation into 43,000 calls made by gangsters from Punjab jails in recent years.
18-Jun-2024
In Rajasthan, Border Security Force (BSF) troops recently recovered six kilograms of heroin dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Sriganganagar sector, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug smuggling via drones. This border area has become more sensitive due to the nexus between Pakistani smugglers and Punjab's drug mafia. Rajasthan's Director General of Police (DGP) Utkal Ranjan Sahu and other experts advocate for anti-drone technology to curb these infiltrations. Recent incidents include multiple heroin drops and subsequent recoveries by the BSF and local police.
18-Jun-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced on June 18 the transfer of at least 10,000 police personnel from constable rank onward in an unprecedented move to combat the drug menace in Punjab. The decision came after discovering a nexus between drug peddlers and police officers, highlighted by ignored complaints and early releases of accused individuals. Mann, along with Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, emphasized a crackdown on drug hotspots, increased police recruitment, and strict action against corrupt officers and gangsters, including property confiscations and de-addiction efforts for addicts.
17-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 17 recovered 570 grams of heroin and a 9×19 mm calibre bullet near Kahangarh village in Amritsar district.
17-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, in a joint operation on June 17, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 550 grams along with a China-made drone near Roranwala village in Amritsar district.
17-Jun-2024
On June 17, Iqbal Singh Lalpura, the chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, visited Sukhwinder Singh, a recent assault victim, and discussed the incident with local officials and community members in Kaithal, Haryana. He also chaired a meeting at the PWD Rest House, emphasizing the importance of holding peace meetings to maintain harmony, condemned the attack, directed an investigation, and discussed preventive measures with district officials.
17-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 17 conducted raids on multiple hideouts of gangster and terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, resulting in the arrest of five unidentified individuals and seized a bullet motorcycle and a car from their possession in Bathinda district. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to eradicate organized crime in Punjab.
17-Jun-2024
On June 17, railway stations in Punjab, including Beas and Bathinda, received bomb threats allegedly from the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The threats were purportedly made in retaliation for the killing of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Security at the mentioned railway stations has been significantly enhanced, and an investigation is underway to trace the source of the threat letter.
17-Jun-2024
Moga police on June 17 arrested two individuals, identified as Beant Singh and Sukhdeep Singh and seized 1 kg of heroin from their possession in Ajitwal, Moga district. Police revealed that Beant has been involved in drug peddling for seven years with five cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act against him, while Sukhdeep has been trafficking drugs for ten years with six cases registered.
17-Jun-2024
Punjab Police, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Village Defence Committees (VDCs), is set to conduct a week-long anti-drug campaign named 'Mission Nishchay' in Fazilka district. The campaign will target 42 villages along the India-Pakistan border from June 15 to 21, 2024. The initiative aims to engage community participation and gather intelligence on drug demand and supply, with a specific focus on youth and women. This action follows recent arrests in Fazilka, where police seized 5.5 kg of heroin and arrested seven individuals, highlighting the district's vulnerability to drug smuggling activities.