KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
16-Jun-2024
Punjab Police on June 16 arrested family members of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa and his associate Yadwinder Singh Yadu, who were involved in the RPG attack on a police station in Tarn Taran, identified as Ranjodh Singh, brother-in-law of Lakhbir Singh Landa; his sister Jaspal Kaur; his mother Parminder Kaur; Jaikaar Singh, father of Yadwinder Singh; his mother Baljeet Kaur; and his sister Husanpreet Kaur in Jalandhar district.
16-Jun-2024
On June 16, Punjab Police conducted a large-scale cordon and search operation (CASO) across the state to tackle drug trafficking and recovered 2.7 kilograms of heroin, INR 1.50 lakh in cash, 12.2 kilograms of poppy husk, 5,820 intoxicant tablets, and a substantial quantity of illicit liquor. This crackdown involved over 450 teams and 3,000 personnel, targeting 280 drug hotspots, resulting in 140 First Information Reports (FIRs) and the arrest of 166 individuals. The operation is part of a broader strategy that includes enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention efforts, which have significantly increased heroin recoveries and improved conviction rates under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since 2017.
16-Jun-2024
The Jalandhar Range police on June 16 conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) across Jalandhar Rural, Kapurthala, and Hoshiarpur districts to combat drug smuggling, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harmandir Singh Gill. DIG Gill personally visited several locations, including Ganna village near Phillaur, to support police efforts. The operation focused on disrupting drug supply networks, resulting in the detention of multiple suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics. The police also encouraged public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to aid in creating a drug-free community.
16-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 16 carried out a search operation after receiving a tip-off and recovered a packet containing the body of a pistol and five rounds of 7.62 mm calibre from fields near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district.
16-Jun-2024
The police on June 16 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Kulwinder Singh and seized 28 grams of heroin from his possession on Hindumalkot Road near Abohar in Fazilka district. His two accomplices, including a woman, managed to flee.
16-Jun-2024
According to reports, the Special Director General of Police (DGP) for Law and Order has instructed the Police Commissioner of Amritsar to take necessary action after Jatinder Kalra, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state secretary, reported allegations of drug sales in Amritsar (North) to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. The allegations, initially made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, highlight ongoing drug issues in a region where the ruling party had pledged to eliminate the drug menace. Kalra also noted that 14 individuals recently died from drug overdoses in the state, suggesting possible police-smuggler collusion.
15-Jun-2024
According to reports, in the first two weeks of June 2024, at least 14 alleged drug overdose deaths have been reported across Punjab, with nine occurring in just the last week, highlighting the ongoing struggle against drug abuse in the region. The police have initiated actions against alleged drug suppliers in connection with several deaths, reflecting the severity of the drug menace often linked to smuggling from Pakistan. The situation echoes a similar crisis in June 2018, underscoring the persistent challenge of drug-related fatalities in the state.
15-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 15 intercepted a drone and recovered it along with a packet containing 550 grams of heroin on the outskirts of Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district.
15-Jun-2024
Khanna Police on June 15 conducted searches at the houses of three associates of Canada-based gangster and Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, identified as Ricky, Vishnu Soni, and Ravi Rajgarh, in Ludhiana district. The operation aimed to monitor and verify the activities of these individuals. Landa is linked to Khalistani terrorism and is involved in numerous criminal and terrorist activities, including weapons smuggling.
14-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint search operation on June 14, recovered one drone along with a packet of heroin weighing 557 grams from a farming field adjacent to Kahangarh village in Amritsar district. The drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
14-Jun-2024
According to the Border Security Force (BSF), drone intrusions along the International Border in Punjab have surged, with the BSF and Punjab Police seizing 100 drones in the last six months. This marks a significant increase compared to the 107 drones seized in 2023 and 53 from 2020 to 2022. The majority of these drone activities, primarily used for contraband smuggling, were concentrated in the Amritsar and Tarn Taran sectors. In response, the BSF has enhanced its detection and interception capabilities, including training personnel and dogs. Additionally, they have seized 130 kg of heroin and apprehended 89 individuals involved in drug trafficking and illegal crossings.
13-Jun-2024
A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district on June 13 dismissed the bail plea of Jagwinder Singh alias Jagga, a member of the banned Khalistani organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Singh was accused of aiding the hoisting of a Khalistan flag on the Moga Deputy Commissioner's office in 2020, as well as providing shelter and logistical support to the perpetrators. The court, citing the seriousness and gravity of the allegations, denied bail.
13-Jun-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India is conducting an in-depth investigation into the recruitment operations of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) in Punjab, following revelations that imprisoned KTF member Kamaljeet Sharma has been actively recruiting youths. Supported by information from the Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Radicalisation (CTCR) division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), the investigation also focuses on the international collaboration between KTF and the Bambiha criminal gang for carrying out terrorist activities, including smuggling arms and narcotics, and executing extortion and targeted killings in Punjab and surrounding regions. The investigation uncovered that KTF operatives based abroad are consistently enlisting new members with assistance from Kamaljeet Sharma, currently incarcerated in Patiala's central jail. According to the document, Sharma is recruiting fellow inmates to join KTF.
13-Jun-2024
Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Bittu, in an interview with Hindustan Times, expressed a willingness to support any central government initiative to pardon or release Sikh prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation and progress in Punjab.
13-Jun-2024
On June 13, Harjeet Singh Dhami, representing the families of the 1984 Anti-Sikh riot victims from Ramgarh Barkunda, handed over a list of 12 victims to Satnam Singh Gambhir, the East India President of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. This action follows a directive from the Jharkhand High Court, which requested a district-wise breakdown of uncompensated victims. Gambhir reaffirmed his commitment to securing justice and compensation for all victims, emphasizing the ongoing struggle despite a 40-year delay.
13-Jun-2024
In response to recent terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been placed on high alert in Punjab. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has directed increased vigilance and strengthened coordination with the BSF and Army to secure the 533 km international border with Pakistan. This includes deploying additional forces and specialized units such as Punjab Police commandos and Punjab Armed Police, alongside paramilitary forces, to prevent any cross-border incidents.
13-Jun-2024
Police intensified their crackdown on drug trafficking on June 13 by freezing assets worth INR 17 lakh belonging to convicted trafficker Gurdial Singh alias Dallu, in Fatehgarh Panjtoor village, Moga district. This action follows the forfeiture of properties valued at INR 2.14 crore from four drug smugglers in May 2024 under Section 68 (F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
13-Jun-2024
Police on June 13 arrested one individual, identified as Kuldeep Kumar Chandu and seized 10 kg of poppy husk from his possession at Rampura village in Fazilka district.
13-Jun-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force on June 13 arrested an operative of jailed gangster Deepak Tinu, who is an associate of Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, identified as Vijay and seized one .30 calibre pistol along with five live rounds from his possession near Gagan Chowk on the Rajpura-Chandigarh Highway in Rajpura in Patiala district. Vijay, who helped gangster Deepak Tinu escape in 2017, has a history of serious crimes in Punjab and Haryana. Investigations revealed that he was ordered by jailed/foreign handlers to assassinate members of the rival Bambiha Gang and had previously orchestrated a murder in Malaysia.
13-Jun-2024
Police on June 13 arrested an individual, identified as Hari Darshan alias Harry and seized a .315 bore weapon and five cartridges from his possession near Dharam Nagari in Fazilka district.
12-Jun-2024
According to intelligence received by security agencies, the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has escalated its anti-India propaganda by inciting the Muslim community to demand a separate state named 'Urduistan.' Exploiting social media platforms, SFJ is provoking Muslims with false narratives about Narendra Modi's leadership and alleged threats to Sharia Law. Security agencies are closely monitoring SFJ's activities, recognizing them as divisive maneuvers that threaten national unity and communal harmony. Intercepted communications suggest SFJ's attempts to garner international support, alleging backing from China, Canada, and Pakistan in their agenda for Khalistan and Urduistan.
12-Jun-2024
Following the attack on Sukhwinder Singh on June 10 in Kaithal, Haryana, farmers rallied in solidarity with the Sikh community, reminiscent of their unity during the 2020-21 protests. Demanding justice, they recently protested in Jind district, urging the arrest of Kangana Ranaut and condemning divisive actions. Raju, who had intervened during the attack on Sukhwinder, was hailed as a hero, emphasizing Haryana's commitment to unity. Farmer groups also planned an interfaith congregation to support Sikhs, affirming unity and denouncing hate crimes.
12-Jun-2024
Punjab Police's initiative to establish dedicated financial investigation units has yielded significant results, leading to the attachment and freezing of properties worth INR 188 crore acquired through illegal drug activities since 2022. With the addition of 60 financial domain experts recruited to assist in tracking drug money and other financial crimes, the force aims to strengthen its capabilities further. These units, comprising trained officials and civilian support staff, play a crucial role in identifying and seizing assets linked to drug dealers and other criminal activities, thereby contributing to the state's efforts to combat drug trafficking and financial fraud.
12-Jun-2024
Police on June 12 arrested a woman, identified as Mohan Kaur for attempting to smuggle 10 grams of drug powder to her grandson, Jaswant Singh, during a meeting at Central Jail in Faridkot district.
11-Jun-2024
Police on June 11 busted a trans-border narcotic smuggling network and arrested three drug smugglers, identified as Gursahib Singh, Sajan Singh, and Satnam Singhand seized 8 kg of heroin, one .30 bore pistol, 26 live cartridges of .30 bore, a Splendor motorcycle, and a Maruti Swift car from their possession at a checkpoint near Adda Khusro Tahli in Amritsar district. The smugglers were linked to a Pakistan-based network using drones to deliver heroin across the Indo-Pak border in Punjab. The case is registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act.
11-Jun-2024
On June 11, a Sikh man identified as Sukhwindar Singh was attacked and called a “Khalistani” by two youths while heading home on his scooter in Kaithal district in Haryana. Preliminary investigation revealed the man had consumed alcohol, and a case of assault was registered by the police against two unknown individuals. Despite no evidence of the slur being used, the incident drew condemnation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, who demanded swift action against the culprits.
11-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar on June 11 condemned the assault on a Sikh man, Sukhwinder Singh, in Kaithal, Haryana, and demanded immediate legal action against the culprits. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed shock and emphasized that the incident reflects growing hate against the Sikh community. He called on the Haryana and central governments to urgently address these illegal activities.
11-Jun-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on June 11 arrested two more operatives of a terror module being run by foreign-based mastermind Iqbalpreet Singh alias Buchi, identified as Simarjot Singh and Arshpreet Singh alias Arsh, along with two pistols — one .30 calibre and one .32 calibre — and 11 cartridges in Ludhiana district. The arrests follow the earlier capture of four module members, including key operative Gurwinder Singh alias Shera, on May 14, 2024. The accused have criminal backgrounds and have cases registered in Punjab and Rajasthan.
10-Jun-2024
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar recently criticized Canada for allowing space for separatists and extremists who advocate violence, stating that it harms bilateral relations and is detrimental to Canada.
10-Jun-2024
Canada’s High Commissioner in India, Cameron MacKay, condemned the display in Brampton celebrating the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi. He stated that there is no place in Canada for hate or the glorification of violence.
10-Jun-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on June 10, responded to the incident involving a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable slapping actress and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut. He stated that the constable's anger was likely fuelled by Kangana's remarks on the farmers' protest. He also criticized Kangana for labelling Punjab as a 'terrorist' state and highlighted Punjab's historical contributions and agricultural importance.
10-Jun-2024
Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, on June 10, arrested three criminals associated with the Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa’s gang: Gurpreet Singh alias Gopy, Bhupinder Singh alias Bunty, and Jagroop Singh alias Joopa, in Jalandhar district. The arrests followed an attempted murder case reported by a security officer on June 3, leading to the suspects' confession of involvement in serious crimes, including robbery, extortion, and illegal arms dealing. The police also revealed that the accused were engaged in cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs, with further investigations ongoing under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
10-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops, On June 10, in a joint operation with Punjab Police, recovered 536 grams of heroin near Rajatal village in Amritsar district.
10-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 10 recovered a broken drone from the fields adjacent to Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
10-Jun-2024
Commandants stationed at Frontier Headquarters in Jalandhar on June 10 convened to deliberate and strategize essential operational, administrative, and logistical matters. In addition to enhancing operational readiness, they assessed the current security landscape, ensuring comprehensive preparedness to address potential threats effectively.
09-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 9 intercepted a drone and subsequently recovered a packet of heroin weighing 530 grams along with the drone near Rattankhurd village in in Amritsar district.
09-Jun-2024
On June 9, Ravneet Singh Bittu, a three-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Punjab and a vocal critic of pro-Khalistan hardliners, was inducted into Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's council of ministers in New Delhi. Bittu, the grandson of assassinated former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, is known for his tough stance against the Khalistan movement and high parliamentary engagement.
09-Jun-2024
According to sources, Canadian intelligence chief David Vigneault made two unannounced visits to India in February and March 2024 to discuss the killing of Khalistan terrorist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Vigneault provided Indian officials with intercepted communications and other information related to the case. This occurred before Canada arrested four Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar's murder.
09-Jun-2024
A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the alleged incident where Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut was slapped by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) woman constable Kulwinder Kaur.
09-Jun-2024
On June 9, several farmer organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), participated in a protest march demanding a fair investigation in the case involving Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) woman constable Kulwinder Kaur, who was booked for slapping Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament-elect Kangana Ranaut in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab.
09-Jun-2024
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on June 9 directed all senior police officers, from Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGP) to Station House Officers (SHOs), to be present in their offices from 11 am to 1 pm on working days to address public grievances. At the Punjab Police Headquarters (PPHQ) in Chandigarh, senior officers have designated days to meet with citizens: Special DGP (Welfare) Ishwar Singh on Monday, ADGP Security SS Srivastava on Tuesday, ADGP Traffic AS Rai on Wednesday, ADGP Provisioning G Nageswara Rao on Thursday, and Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Friday.
08-Jun-2024
According to sources, tensions in Punjab have escalated as Khalistani sympathizers scored election victories, with pro-Khalistan slogans heard at the Golden Temple in Amritsar during the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star. Security measures around the temple have been heightened. Notably, Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh clinched the Khadoor Sahib seat and is linked to violent activities. The Punjab Police are cracking down on his emerging militia, Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF), confiscating firearms and apprehending associates. This renewed pro-Khalistan agitation underscores the enduring impact of Operation Blue Star and ongoing separatist sentiments.
08-Jun-2024
Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP) from Khadoor Sahib, Amritpal Singh, was visited on June 8 by his parents, Tarsem Singh and Balwinder Kaur, at Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, where he has been detained since April 2023 under the National Security Act (NSA). His mother brought sweets and new clothes for his upcoming oath-taking ceremony. They also appealed to the central government to drop all charges against him to enable him to fulfil his duties in the Lok Sabha.
08-Jun-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, on June 8 recovered a packet containing 500 grams of heroin, near the Attari joint check post, near Attari village in Amritsar district.
08-Jun-2024
On June 8, hundreds of activists from the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Doaba) staged a protest against the suspension of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable Kulwinder Kaur, who had slapped Bollywood actor and newly-elected Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh Airport. The protest took place at Bus Stand Chowk in Goraya, Jalandhar district, Punjab, where slogans were raised against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and an effigy of Kangana was burnt. BKU (Doaba) leaders warned of escalating their agitation against the BJP and Kangana unless the First Information Report (FIR) against Kaur was withdrawn, asserting that the protest would continue until their demand was met.
07-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 7 filed charges against seven more accused in the high-profile case involving a narcotics haul of over 100 kilograms in Attari, at the Patiala House Court in New Delhi. These individuals were identified as key operatives in an international drug syndicate. Earlier, the NIA had charged four others and established connections to Afghanistan-based Nazir Ahmed Qani and Dubai-based Shahid Ahmed in the smuggling operation. The investigation unveiled the intricate smuggling and distribution network, resulting in multiple arrests.
07-Jun-2024
According to a senior official, India formally raised the issue with Canada on June 7, concerning a float depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi during a pro-Khalistan protest outside its consulate in Vancouver. A formal diplomatic complaint was conveyed to Global Affairs Canada, highlighting concerns over the promotion of violence and anti-India sentiment.
07-Jun-2024
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Constable Kulwinder Kaur was arrested and suspended on June 7 for slapping actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport. Kaur was allegedly upset over Ranaut’s remarks about the farmers’ protests and has connections to the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC).
07-Jun-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun praised Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Constable Kulwinder Kaur on June 7 for slapping Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport. He also offered a USD 10,000 reward.
07-Jun-2024
On June 7, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami defended Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Constable Kulwinder Kaur's assault on actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport. Dhami blamed Ranaut's critical remarks about Punjab and Punjabis in a statement, claiming her comments on terrorism in Punjab were inflammatory.