KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
07-Jun-2024
The police on June 7 filed a chargesheet against seven members of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gang for planning to kill gangster Bhupi Rana, identified as Sunny alias Maddy Manchanda, Umang, Kailash Chauhan alias Tiger, Anmolpreet Singh, Maya alias Kashish alias Pooja Sharma, Baljeet Singh and Parwinder Singh alias Pindu, in Chandigarh. They were charged under various sections of the Arms Act, Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
07-Jun-2024
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Airports (North Sector) Vinay Kajla, in an interview with The Tribune on June 7, attributed CISF Constable Kulwinder Kaur’s assault on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut at Chandigarh airport to a "rush of blood," influenced by Ranaut's past statements regarding women in the farmers' protest. He acknowledged the security breach and initiated preventive measures, terming it a "random act" rather than an internal intelligence failure.
07-Jun-2024
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, on June 7 sentenced former Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dilbagh Singh to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and ex-Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gurbachan Singh to life imprisonment for a fake encounter case dating back to 1993. The court imposed a fine of INR 50,000 on Dilbagh Singh and INR 2 lakh on Gurbachan Singh. The case originated from a complaint filed by the victim's father, Chaman Lal, who alleged that his son Gulshan Kumar, a vegetable vendor, was unlawfully killed in a staged encounter orchestrated by the accused police officers.
06-Jun-2024
On June 6, slogans favouring Khalistan were raised at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, during the 40th anniversary of 'Operation Bluestar,' with supporters of radical Sikh outfits such as Dal Khalsa and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) (SAD-A) led by Simranjit Singh Mann participating. Many wore outfits featuring images of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
06-Jun-2024
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, who won the Faridkot constituency in Punjab as an Independent, on June 6 stated that he received offers from both the NDA and UPA blocs but could not decide without consulting his constituents. He emphasized he would never join the Congress and preferred to remain Independent. Upon taking his oath as MP, he stated his plans to address three issues in the Lok Sabha: officially acknowledging Guru Granth Sahib as the ‘living Guru,’ releasing ‘Bandi Singhs,’ and securing guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.
06-Jun-2024
On June 6, on the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh criticized the government's treatment of Sikhs and called for a humility-based Sikh political approach, in Amritsar in Punjab.
06-Jun-2024
On June 6, Amritsar city remained shut in response to a strike call from the radical organization Dal Khalsa, with nearly all commercial outlets, shops, showrooms, and shopping malls closed. Major markets and commercial hubs were deserted as police maintained vigilance to prevent any incidents.
06-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), in a statement on June 6, censured actor-turned-Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut for her remarks about rising terrorism in Punjab, calling them objectionable. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that Ranaut's comments, following an argument with a Punjabi Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security personnel at Chandigarh airport, reflected an anti-Punjab mentality. Dhami demanded an unbiased CISF investigation into the incident to ensure justice.
06-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on June 6 at nine locations in the districts of Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab linked to associates of designated terrorist Goldy Brar in connection with an extortion and firing case. During the raids, incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized. The NIA also appealed to the public for information through the numbers 0172-2682901 or mobile number 7743002947 for Telegram/WhatsApp, emphasizing that informers' identities would be kept confidential.
06-Jun-2024
Actress and Member of Parliament (MP) elect Kangana Ranaut issued a video statement on June 6 on social media site X, reassuring her safety after reports emerged of a confrontation at Chandigarh airport, where a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guard allegedly slapped the actress. Kangana recounted being hit and verbally abused by the guard, who cited support for the farmers' protest as her motive. A source suggested that Kangana was slapped for pushing security personnel during a disagreement over her phone during security check.
06-Jun-2024
According to reports, Khalistani preacher and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail, can only be released if both the state government and the Centre recommend his release. The Punjab Government and the Centre previously recommended extension based on fresh evidence, but details on whether the detention will end or be extended remain unclear. Despite winning the Lok Sabha election from Khadoor Sahib, questions arise on how Amritpal will take oath as an MP while in jail, with the possibility of re-arrest due to multiple FIRs against him in the state.
06-Jun-2024
In the aftermath of the parliamentary elections, the issue of jailed candidates winning seats has come to the forefront after two such candidates, including Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh, emerged victorious. The constitutional and legal framework allows jailed candidates to take the oath as Members of Parliament but mandates seeking permission from the relevant court. While the Constitution doesn't explicitly disqualify imprisoned individuals from taking the oath, judicial discretion plays a crucial role in determining their participation in parliamentary proceedings.
06-Jun-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-political) and Kisan Majdoor Morcha (KMM) on June 6 expressed concern over potential punitive measures against CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur, hailing from Mahiwal village in Kapurthala district, Punjab, and warned against adverse actions. The unions demanded a dope test on Kangana Ranaut and cautioned of protests if Kaur's family faced harassment or if she faced punitive actions. Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee's general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed support for Kaur's family and threatened protests if they faced any trouble.
05-Jun-2024
The electoral victories of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib, and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, highlight voters’ disenchantment with mainstream parties. Traditional parties in Punjab faced discredit due to issues such as mounting debt, corruption, farmers’ distress, drug abuse, and overseas migration. Both Singh and Khalsa, who contested as independents, won against major party candidates. Their sudden prominence raises concerns, especially given Punjab's insurgency-prone history and its border with Pakistan.
05-Jun-2024
On June 5 in Dibrugarh, Assam, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, the lawyer of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) and winner of the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, Amritpal Singh, outlined a legal strategy emphasizing the pursuit of bail for Amritpal, expressing confidence that public support would compel both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments to grant relief.
05-Jun-2024
Activists from Dal Khalsa participated in a protest remembrance march on June 5, on the eve of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, in Amritsar, Punjab.
05-Jun-2024
Sarabjit Singh Khalsa won the Faridkot parliamentary seat as an independent candidate amid a resurgence of Panthic politics in Punjab, alongside jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. Sarabjit’s campaign, bolstered by Sikh community support, focused on repaying the 'debt' for his father Beant Singh's assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, aiming to prioritize issues like the death penalty for sacrilege in Parliament. His victory coincided with the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star.
05-Jun-2024
Forty years after Operation Blue Star, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) INR 1,000-crore damages suit against the Union government remains unresolved. Despite efforts for an out-of-court settlement, including a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2023, no progress has been made. The SGPC continues its legal battle, with court proceedings ongoing and dialogue options open.
05-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on June 5 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Balwinder Singh and Baldev Singh and seized INR 1,97,14,650, one laptop, three smartphones, and two keypad phones from their possession in Kakkar village, Amritsar district. Further investigation is underway, with more details awaited.
05-Jun-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on June 5 criticized Punjab for failing to ensure the presence of police officials as prosecution witnesses in drug cases, despite assurances from the state's police chief. Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul emphasized that apologies and future compliance assurances are no longer acceptable, urging concrete steps and accountability. The criticism arose as Justice Kaul granted bail to an accused in a 2022 drug case.
05-Jun-2024
The police on June 5 busted a racket involved in smuggling drugs and mobile phones inside Amritsar Central Jail, arresting eight persons and seizing 149 grams of opium, INR 8,400 in drug money, a forged ID card with fake signatures of the jail superintendent, along with two mobile phones, in Amritsar district.
05-Jun-2024
The victory of independent candidate Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, in Faridkot, Punjab, has prompted mainstream political parties to recognize their oversight of the sacrilege incidents of 2015 during this election. Khalsa vowed to raise the issue vigorously in Parliament, emphasizing the lack of justice delivery despite its political exploitation. The neglect of the sacrilege incidents by mainstream parties stirred public discontent, leading to Khalsa's unexpected success and highlighting unresolved grievances within the community.
05-Jun-2024
In the 2024 parliamentary elections in Punjab, the Congress emerged victorious, securing seven out of 13 seats, including Amritsar (GS Aujla), Jalandhar (Charanjit Singh Channi), and Patiala (Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi). Two notable radicals who won include Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, both advocating for justice regarding sacrilege incidents. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured only three seats, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) managed to win Bathinda (Harsimrat Kaur Badal). Despite being lodged in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Amritpal Singh's victory raises concerns due to his pro-Khalistan stance. The elections also saw voters electing the Congress alongside radical leaders, reflecting a complex political landscape in Punjab.
05-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet on June 5 before the NIA Special Court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, against Canada-based gangster Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar and 11 others for their alleged involvement in the killing of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in 2023. Accused Rohit Godara was identified as the mastermind behind the murder conspiracy, along with Goldy Brar and others. Two assailants, Rohit Rathore and Nitin, were provided with pistols along with several rounds and magazines to carry out the attack as part of the conspiracy. Brar, a deputy of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is wanted for organizing various criminal activities, including targeted killings and smuggling weapons and drugs. The probe uncovered a terrorist gangster syndicate behind Gogamedi's killing, with two others also killed on the same day and Gogamedi's gunman injured. Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the conspiracy, while four others, including gangsters Mahendra Kumar, Ravataram Swami alias Rohit Godara, and Virendra Charan, remain absconding.
05-Jun-2024
On June 5, 2024, the Sikh Sangat and the Gurdwara Management Committee of Gurdwara Attari Sahib Sultanwind held a Panthic Diwan in Amritsar, Punjab, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Teeja Ghallughara. Sikhs gathered to honor the martyrs and reflect on the future of the Panth.
04-Jun-2024
Jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, won the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab by a margin of 197,120 votes. Singh, who contested as an Independent candidate from jail, received 404,430 votes, defeating Congress leader Kulbir Singh Zira, who garnered 207,310 votes. Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, expressed gratitude for the support and hopes for his son's release, emphasizing that the victory brings blessings and a potential return home.
04-Jun-2024
According to reports, the victory of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency has brought relief to him and his 41 jailed aides. Despite his previous Khalistani activism, his election campaign focused on drug addiction and the release of Sikh prisoners, avoiding separatist rhetoric. His parents led the campaign, garnering support, especially among the youth, without invoking Khalistan. Singh remains jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) with 12 pending cases.
04-Jun-2024
The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab resulted in two surprising wins: jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, and the elder son of Beant Singh, one of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot. Both won as independent candidates, with Amritpal defeating Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira by 1,97,120 votes and Khalsa beating Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) Karamjit Singh Anmol by 70,053 votes. Their campaigns focused on local grievances and justice issues, resonating strongly with voters.
04-Jun-2024
The likely wins of Independents—jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa—in Punjab's Lok Sabha elections reflect deep-rooted issues such as unresolved grievances, economic distress, and discontent with traditional parties. Both candidates' campaigns focused on pressing local issues like drug addiction and historical injustices, resonating with voters seeking change and justice.
04-Jun-2024
Though Punjab voted against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), farmer groups are worried about societal polarization due to the victory of independents Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa. Farmers believe that decisive action on issues like drug abuse and price rise by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could have led to victories for Congress and AAP. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Pavel Kussa suggested that the fundamentalists’ wins benefit the BJP's Hindutva agenda, while dissatisfaction with AAP's inaction drove votes toward fundamentalists.
03-Jun-2024
The Bareilly police on June 3 booked five members of two gurdwara management committees—identified as Malik Singh Kalra, Gurdeep Singh Bagga, Harnam Singh, Rajendra Singh Jani, and Hardeep Singh Nimma—after posters of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, along with Amrik Singh and General Subeg Singh, were put up at the Sikh shrines at Model Town and Janakpuri gurdwaras in Bareilly, in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, during the ongoing Balidan Diwas (Martyr’s Day) of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots being observed from June 1-6. The posters were removed following police intervention, and the investigation is ongoing.
03-Jun-2024
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, a military operation carried out in June 1984 to flush out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The operation led to significant civilian and soldier casualties, extensive damage to the Golden Temple, and triggered a series of political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots, deeply affecting India's political landscape and relations with the Sikh community.
03-Jun-2024
Meta recently exposed a China-operated network promoting Khalistan sentiments among Sikh communities across several countries, revealing the use of fake accounts and manipulated content to amplify their message. The operation, linked to misinformation activities in 2023, highlights the ongoing China-Pakistan collaboration to destabilize India. This underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and vigilant monitoring of social media platforms to counteract such foreign interference and misinformation campaigns.
03-Jun-2024
In a recent viral audio clip allegedly featuring gangster and Khalistani terrorist Goldy Brar, he accuses the late singer Sidhu Moose Wala and his family of being anti-Sikh and supporters of the Congress party. Brar claims they killed Moose Wala to prevent his June 5, 2022, show in Delhi, as it coincided with the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a period of mourning for Sikhs. Brar also mentions his troubled past, attributing his turn to criminal behavior to personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother in 2020.
03-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 3 intercepted and recovered a drone from near the International Border (IB) fence near Attari village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was identified as a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
03-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 3 recovered a packet containing 440 grams of heroin in a partially burnt condition, from the outskirts of Daoke village in Amritsar district.
03-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 3 recovered a packet containing 537 grams of heroin and a drone near the zero line on the outskirts of Mastgarh village in Tarn Taran district. The operation was carried out after the BSF were alerted by a local villager about a drone.
03-Jun-2024
The Navi Mumbai Police recently uncovered a plot to kill actor Salman Khan involving the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs, who allegedly considered using minors for the task. During the investigation, police discovered a video call between gang member Ajay Kashyap and a Pakistan-based individual named Dogar, where Dogar showed Kashyap four to five weapons, including AK-47s. Sharpshooters Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godara were stationed at various locations under Goldy Brar's orders, with John allegedly providing the vehicle for the operation. Based on specific information, a case was registered against 17 accused, including Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol, gang member Sampat Nehra, Goldy Brar, Ajay Kashyap, Sukha Shooter, Sandeep Bishnoi, Wasim China, and Dogar, among others, revealing detailed reconnaissance and weapon procurement discussions.
03-Jun-2024
In anticipation of the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the Punjab Police have heightened security measures, particularly in Amritsar. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and Amritsar (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Satinder Singh have overseen security arrangements due to concerns over potential unrest from calls for an Amritsar Bandh by Dal Khalsa on June 6 and a march on June 5. With recent developments, including actions by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and political campaigning, intelligence officials remain vigilant to maintain peace during the commemoration. Bhullar assured that elaborate security measures, including the deployment of 4,000 police officers and paramilitary forces, are in place to prevent any disturbances in the holy city.
02-Jun-2024
The 77th birth anniversary of Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, former head of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal, was commemorated on a large scale in Rode village in Bagha Purana Tehsil, Moga district, on June 2. Leaders from various Sikh organizations attended the event to pay tribute.
02-Jun-2024
In a joint operation on June 2, the Bhiwani police and the Navi Mumbai police arrested one member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who was allegedly involved in the plot to kill Bollywood star Salman Khan, identified as Deepak alias Johnny from Bhiwani in Bhiwani district in Haryana. Deepak, who had been living in Mumbai for about two decades, was arrested in Bhiwani, Haryana, where he had returned apparently to evade police scrutiny. He was reportedly assigned the task of providing a vehicle to execute the plot. The Navi Mumbai police will further interrogate him in connection with the case.
02-Jun-2024
Following the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections, on June 2, Punjab farmers resumed their "Kisan Andolan 2.0" by marching back towards the Shambhu interstate border between Punjab and Haryana on their tractor-trailers, near Shambhu village in Patiala district, Punjab.
01-Jun-2024
The Navi Mumbai police on June 1 arrested four members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang for allegedly plotting an attack on actor Salman Khan at his Panvel farmhouse, identified as Dhananjay Tapesingh alias Ajay Kashyap, Gaurav Bhatia alias Nahvi, Vaspi Khan alias Waseem Chikna, and Rizwan Khan alias Javed Khan, in Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra. The police revealed the four were in touch with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi.
01-Jun-2024
Punjab witnessed largely peaceful polling for its 13 Lok Sabha seats on June 1, recording a 61.32% turnout compared to 70.63% in 2014 and 65.94% in 2019. The election saw no alliances between major parties, resulting in four-cornered contests, with the presence of radical leaders making some contests five-cornered.
31-May-2024
The Meta quarterly report of May 2024 revealed China's interference in Indian and Sikh affairs, leading to the removal of 37 Facebook accounts, 13 pages, five groups, and nine Instagram accounts linked to coordinated inauthentic behaviour targeting the global Sikh community, including in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria. This network also targeted platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) with fake accounts posting manipulated content about Sikh issues and criticism of the Indian government. Indian security agencies suggest this may involve a joint China-Pakistan operation.
31-May-2024
Simranjit Singh Mann, a hard-line member of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) (SAD-A) and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) for Sangrur in Punjab, has been campaigning for the 2024 elections with a focus on Sikh identity, Khalistan, and the release of Bandi Sikhs. His platform includes addressing the drug menace, opening trade routes with Pakistan, and tackling gangster culture, while invoking the legacy of figures like Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Sidhu Moosewala. Mann, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, resigned in protest of Operation Blue Star and has been an advocate for Sikh separatism and identity.
31-May-2024
Punjab's Lok Sabha elections coincide with the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, underscoring the state's search for a strong Sikh leader following the tenures of Amarinder Singh and Parkash Singh Badal. Candidates with pro-separatist views, such as Simranjit Singh Mann from Sangrur and jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, are gaining traction amid rising anti-establishment sentiments, especially after the farmers' protests. The inability of mainstream parties to address the drug menace has also fuelled support for these radical figures.
31-May-2024
Gurnam Singh, brother of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassin Satwant Singh, rejects any political ambitions for his family, focusing instead on community service through their memorial at his home in Agwan village in Gurdaspur district. Despite the rising popularity of radical candidates like Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Amritpal Singh, Gurnam emphasizes their family's respect among the masses, adhering to advice from the sangat to avoid politics. The village, politically diverse, shows no unified support for any party, though local sentiment seems to favor Congress candidate Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa for the Gurdaspur seat.
31-May-2024
According to reports, several citizens in Punjab received a recorded message from Khalistani terrorist and Sikh For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, threatening explosions at locations in Punjab where Prime Minister Narendra Modi held rallies. The threatened locations include Gurdaspur, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Arpit Shukla confirmed the messages but assured that security measures are being intensified to neutralize any threats ahead of the June 1 polls.
31-May-2024
According to reports, during the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections, the Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered or brought down about 60 drones along the India-Pakistan border, primarily in Punjab. Punjab, with 13 Lok Sabha seats, will vote on June 1.