KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
21-Feb-2024
The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), in a press release, criticized a recent Supreme Court judgment dated February 7 that denied bail to Gurwinder Singh, a member of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), using the Watali jurisprudence. The PUCL argues that the court's reliance on Watali undermines constitutional principles and prioritizes the UAPA over constitutional rights. They highlight previous judgments, such as the bail grant to Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, which assessed evidence contrary to Watali.
20-Feb-2024
The incident involving Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, who allegedly called an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Jaspreet Singh, a Khalistani during an altercation in Sandeshkhali, sparked protests on February 20 across West Bengal. Members of the Sikh community protested outside the BJP headquarters in Kolkata. The Bengal Police is considering legal action against Adhikari under IPC section 295A for religious insult, while Adhikari denied making personal remarks and accused Singh of rudeness.
20-Feb-2024
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on February 20, threatened to disrupt the fourth cricket test match between India and England, scheduled to take place from February 23 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. In a shared video, Pannun urged Maoists to cause disturbance, cancel the match, and called for raising Maoist and Khalistan flags during the event. The Jharkhand Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against him on the same day.
20-Feb-2024
A Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in West Bengal, Jaspreet Singh, on February 20, accused Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders of calling him a 'Khalistani' when he prevented them from going to Sandeshkhali in West Bengal, where allegations of sexual abuse by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader emerged. The confrontation between Singh and BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, was captured in a viral video. BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Agnimitra Paul denied the accusation, stating that Singh was neglecting his duties. The incident sparked condemnation from various quarters. West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP for insulting the Sikh community, while Congress leaders and Sikhs expressed solidarity with Singh and called for action against hate speech.
20-Feb-2024
United States (US) Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma on February 20 stated that India is treating allegations of Indian officials' involvement in a plot to kill a Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seriously, while speaking at an event in New Delhi. In November 2023, US prosecutors charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, with attempting to hire a hitman to kill Pannun, alleging recruitment by an Indian government official. India initiated a high-level inquiry into the matter, and the US expressed gratitude for India's seriousness in addressing the issue. Additionally, US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee chair Ben Cardin approved military drone sales to India contingent on a thorough investigation and credible accountability.
20-Feb-2024
In a circulating audio clip on social media on February 20, Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh is heard saying that CCTV cameras were installed in his cell, despite the authorities banning all mobile and electronic devices in the prison. Amritpal Singh is currently being held at Dibrugarh Jail in Dibrugarh in Assam.
20-Feb-2024
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh arrived in Dibrugarh Jail on February 20, after several electronic devices were discovered in the National Security Act (NSA) cell of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates on February 17 in Dibrugarh Jail in Dibrugarh in Assam. DGP GP Singh confirmed the recovery of unauthorised items, including smartphones and spy devices, from the cell, while steps are being taken to prevent recurrence, in accordance with the NSA provisions. Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh’s Lawyer Rajdev Singh Khalsa accused authorities of conspiring to harm Singh and ten others, alleging unstable health conditions and a plot to kill them.
20-Feb-2024
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ghansham Thori on February 20, commended the effectiveness of Village Defence Committees (VDC) in border villages, formed on Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit's instructions to monitor drug activities and liaise with police, at a meeting with Village Defence Committees of Ghonewal, Saidogaji, Misoke, Singoke and Panj Garani villages in Amritsar district. Thori lauded the Committees' performance and rewarded those excelling in their duties. He urged them to report any cross-border drug trafficking, particularly through drones, emphasising youth engagement to combat drug addiction.
20-Feb-2024
The Amritsar rural police on February 20 busted a hawala (illegal money transfer) racket being operated from Dubai by arresting three persons identified as Rajiv Jain, Gurpreet Singh and Anokh Singh and seized INR 55.90 lakh from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district, following information revealed by drug smuggler Vishal Singh during his interrogation. So far, the Police have arrested eight members of the drug and hawala network, with 4.4 kg of heroin along with three cars, an SUV and a tractor confiscated, leading to further investigations into a United States (US) based hawala operator named Vicky and connections to a Dubai-based drug cartel led by an individual known as Bantu.
20-Feb-2024
The Indian government on February 20 temporarily blocked 177 social media accounts and web links related to the farmers' protest, citing maintenance of law and order under Section 69A of the IT Act. Orders issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at the request of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) cover platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Accounts are set to be restored after the conclusion of the farmers' agitation.
20-Feb-2024
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on February 20 urged the Centre to address their demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's "C2 plus 50 percent" formula, and farm loan waivers in Chandigarh. This comes after farmers rejected the government's proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years. Pandher emphasized the need for a parliamentary law on MSP and urged Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to announce a farm loan waiver, citing farmers' total debt of INR 18.5 lakh crore.
20-Feb-2024
On February 20, an appeal was made by the Farmers Union in villages in Punjab, urging supporters to converge at the Shambhu border in Patiala district and join farmers in marching to Delhi on February 21. Heavy police presence in and around Rajpura was implemented to regulate traffic, while talks with farmer unions persisted, albeit with little indication of reconsideration as they remained committed to proceeding to Delhi on February 21.
19-Feb-2024
Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament) member, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, expressed concern on February 19 via a statement over social media accounts propagating hate speech against the Sikh community. He urged the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, to take immediate action by blocking such accounts under the IT Rules 2021 and filing First Information Reports (FIR) against the perpetrators.
19-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on February 19 recovered one packet of suspected heroin weighing 700 gm, during an extensive search operation near Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district.
19-Feb-2024
The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate on February 19 busted a drug smuggling racket by arresting one person identified as Rohit Kumar and seized 200 grams of heroin from his possession, near Joginder Nagar T-point in Rama Mandi in Jalandhar district.
18-Feb-2024
Police on February 18 arrested two additional members of a gang responsible for armed robberies at petrol pumps, including an incident involving firing at a police party, identified as Mohan Kumar alias Mandeep and Akash Kumar and seized two pistols and six cartridges from their possession near Taragarh village in Hoshiarpur district. the gang had committed multiple crimes, including looting INR 50,000 from a petrol pump in Poonge village and INR 15,000 from another pump in Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab.
18-Feb-2024
Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representing Amritsar South, retained the presidency of the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) in the recent elections held on February 18, securing 247 votes against former IRS officer Surinderjit Singh Pal. However, the opposition claimed a significant victory by securing one key post of honorary secretary, with Ramneek Singh Freedom defeating Ajit Singh Basra. The CKD, a 120-year-old Sikh organization, operates numerous educational and welfare institutions. Dr. Nijjar emphasizes a commitment to furthering its mission, inspired by the ideals of Bhai Vir Singh.
18-Feb-2024
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has extended internet suspension to 20 police stations across seven districts in Punjab, up from 11 stations in three districts previously. The suspension will remain in effect until midnight on February 24. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann criticized the central government's decision, expressing his intent to revoke the suspension. This move follows UMHA's earlier telecom service suspension in Shutrana, Khanauri, and Fatehgarh Sahib due to Bharat Bandh (shutdown) calls by farmer unions on February 15.
18-Feb-2024
In a video shared on social media, the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on February 18 called upon protesting farmers to arm themselves with weapons and 'use a bullet for a bullet.' He claimed that weapons were readily available at Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan and across the international border with Rajasthan, igniting concerns amid ongoing farmer’s demonstrations in India. Pannun's call for violence was swiftly dismissed by Pakistani authorities as baseless.
18-Feb-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police shot dead gangster Gurmeet Singh Mann alias Kala Dhanaula, during an encounter in Barnala in Barnala district in Punjab, on February 18. Dhanaula was wanted in over 40 cases and was the head of his own gang. Three of his accomplices were arrested at the scene, while two policemen sustained injuries during the operation.
17-Feb-2024
Jobanjit Singh Sandhu, a key accused in the Mundra port drugs haul case, escaped police custody on February 17 in Punjab while being transported from Amritsar to Bhuj jail in Kutch, Gujarat. Sandhu was initially arrested in connection with the massive seizure of 2,988 kilograms of heroin valued at INR 21,000 crore at Gujarat's Mundra port in 2021.
17-Feb-2024
The police on February 17 arrested one individual identified as Namdev, along with an unidentified accomplice, and seized 1 kg of heroin, INR 60,000 in drug money, and a scooter from his possession in Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar district. Based on information provided by him, the police, on February 18, recovered 2 kg of heroin near the defense drain in Hardo Rattan village. Namdev disclosed that he received location coordinates from Pakistan-based smugglers, implicating Tanvir, also known as Rana, in drug peddling.
17-Feb-2024
A viral video, shared by a user on February 17, depicts a Sikh man allegedly threatening the life of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, garnering over 6 lakh views and 15,000 likes. In the video, the man claims that in the coming years, PM Modi might be killed. The authenticity of the video and the speaker's identity remain unverified. The threat evokes historical tensions, reminiscent of the assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards after Operation Blue Star.
17-Feb-2024
The police on February 17 recovered several electronic gadgets from the cells of National Security Act detainees, including members of the pro-Khalistani group Waris Punjab De (WPD) and its leader Amritpal Singh, in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. Confiscated items included smartphones, pen drives, and Bluetooth devices. Additional security measures, such as installing extra CCTV cameras, were implemented.
17-Feb-2024
On February 17, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pargat Singh raised concerns about hate propaganda targeting Sikhs amid ongoing farmers' protests, through posts on the social media site X. Sahney urged Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah to ban social media accounts promoting hate speech. He highlighted screenshots of handles calling for a repeat of the 1984 Sikh genocide. MLA Pargat Singh criticized the Punjab government and police for not taking action against such accounts, while pro-farm social media accounts faced suspension by the central government.
17-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on February 17 recovered 440 gm of heroin from farming fields near Bharopal Village in Amritsar district.
17-Feb-2024
The police on February 17 arrested two men, Sukhdeep Singh and Mahinder Singh, for making extortion calls to a local businessman, posing as aides of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and demanding INR 30 lakh from him, in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in Punjab.
16-Feb-2024
Police on February 23 arrested three sharpshooters of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Rohit alias Laddu, Mohit, and Siddharth and seized three pistols, two live cartridges, two empty cartridges, a mobile phone, and a car from their possession after a brief exchange of fire in Alipur, North Delhi district in Delhi.
16-Feb-2024
Amritsar rural police, on February 16, busted a major drug syndicate being operated from Dubai by arresting five peddlers identified as Sarwan Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Vishal Singh, Harmeet Singh, and Hari Singh along with 4.4 kg of heroin, a .32 bore pistol along with 5 bullets, two cars, a tractor, and INR 3.8 lakh in drug money from their possession in Gharinda, Amritsar district. The investigation also uncovered a significant hawala racket, revealing several financial transactions across different locations. The syndicate's operations were linked to Bantu of Mehta, who operated from Dubai. The arrests were made following the interrogation of two initial drug smugglers, Sarwan Singh and Sukhdev Singh, with the police seizing 2 kg of heroin from their possession. This was followed by the arrest of Vishal Singh, with the police seizing 900 gm of heroin and INR 3.8 lakh in drug money from his possession. Subsequently, Harmeet Singh and Hari Singh were arrested, with the police seizing 1.5 kg of heroin, a .32 bore pistol along with 5 bullets, and a tractor from their possession.
16-Feb-2024
According to sources, it was revealed that gangster Rajan Bhatti’s association with Punjab-based drug smugglers began during his incarceration in New Delhi's Tihar Jail, where he came in contact with them. Upon his release in April 2023, Bhatti engaged in heroin smuggling facilitated by his contacts in Uganda, with shipments originating from Afghanistan and processed in East African countries like Kenya and Uganda. The heroin, sold at lower prices in Punjab, was distributed locally, with proceeds laundered through hawala channels. Bhatti's network also extended to illegal arms procurement, as evidenced by a recent weapons consignment arranged by associates from Madhya Pradesh (MP).
16-Feb-2024
The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government objected to the Centre's invocation of special powers under the British-era Telegraph Act of 1886 to ban mobile internet in Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab from February 12 to 16, citing a public emergency and law-and-order concerns based on Intelligence Bureau (IB) reports. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on February 15, protested during a meeting with Union ministers, asserting that the Centre had bypassed the state government's authority. While the Centre claimed no obligation to inform the state, Punjab officials highlighted the rare instance of the Union government issuing internet suspension orders outside Delhi. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) issued orders on February 12, invoking the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services rules, affecting specific areas in the mentioned districts, with a brief ban in Bathinda, Mansa, and Barnala.
16-Feb-2024
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on February 16 raided the house of international drug smuggler Akshay Chhabra and seized five of his vehicles, worth around RUB 44.50 million, near Dugri in Ludhiana district. These vehicles were allegedly purchased with drug money. Earlier, on November 15, 2022, the NCB Chandigarh team had recovered a staggering 20,326 kg of heroin from Chhabra. This latest raid underscores the authorities' ongoing efforts to crack down on drug trafficking networks operating within the region.
15-Feb-2024
After two days of confrontation, the situation at the Shambhu border between protesting farmers and Haryana Police remained relatively calm on February 15, near Shambhu village in Patiala district of Punjab. No attempts were made by farmers to enter Haryana, leading to a decrease in tension. Farmers continued to camp at the border, delaying their march towards Delhi as they awaited the outcome of meetings between their leaders and Union ministers.
15-Feb-2024
Police on February 15 arrested three persons identified as Lovpreet Singh, Sher Singh Shera and Jajbir Singh and seized 310 gm of heroin from their possession, in Van Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran district.
15-Feb-2024
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on February 15 urged the Prime Minister to intervene and address farmers' demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP), in Chandigarh. The ministers—Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai—are set to meet with farmers to discuss their grievances.
15-Feb-2024
Lakha Sidhana, a former gangster turned pro-Khalistan activist, was spotted at Delhi's farmer protest sites, urging defiance against police barricades. With a history of criminal activity and political involvement, Sidhana's presence has heightened security concerns, given his pending cases and prior association with militant groups. In his statements, he accused the government of exploiting farmers and called for regime change, raising fears of violence amidst the already tense protests against new agricultural laws.
15-Feb-2024
A video circulating on social media shows an alleged farmer expressing fervent anti-Indian sentiments amidst the ongoing farmer protests in India. In the video, the farmer passionately appeals to the international community for intervention, citing perceived injustices and sacrifices made by Punjabis. He can be seen stating, 'We appeal to the international community to intervene. We don't want to live with these people (Indians).' Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Manohar Khattar has criticized the farmers' methods, particularly their planned march towards Delhi, likening it to an army offensive. Despite resistance, predominantly Punjab farmers remain steadfast at border points, awaiting the Centre's proposals before deciding on their next move, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the protests.
15-Feb-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announced on February 15 that its offices and educational institutions would remain closed on February 16 in solidarity with the Bharat Bandh (shutdown) called by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and farmers' unions of India. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami emphasized the significance of farmers in the country's economy, urging the government to promptly address their demands to preserve farming culture and ensure farmers' well-being.
15-Feb-2024
On February 15, Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), strongly condemned the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee's (HSGMC) violation of etiquette at historic Gurdwaras. He highlighted police accommodation in Guru Ghars during the farmers' protests, alleging alcohol and drug consumption by officers, which hurt Sikh sentiments. Dhami warned against government influence on Gurdwara Committees and called for the protection of sacred places from arbitrary actions. He appealed to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to address these incidents promptly.
15-Feb-2024
Police on February 15 arrested two unidentified opium smugglers and seized 1 kg of opium from their possession in Kanal in Bathinda in Bathinda district. The court ordered the accused to be remanded into police custody for 2 days.
15-Feb-2024
An internet ban has been imposed in three Punjab districts - Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib - until February 16, amidst intermittent shelling and tear gas at the Shambhu border near Shambhu village in Patiala district in Punjab. The agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), seeks Minimum Support Price (MSP) laws and other farmer-centric reforms, while security measures, including the use of Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), are heightened at protest sites.
14-Feb-2024
Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, denounced the portrayal of farmers with false narratives during a press conference in New Delhi on February 14. He rebutted allegations of affiliations with Khalistan, left-wing, or political parties, asserting that farmers agitate irrespective of political ties. Pandher urged the Prime Minister to enact legislation guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) and criticized accusations of expanding demands, emphasizing consistency in their objectives and willingness for dialogue.
14-Feb-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Punjab Police on February 14 arrested two drug peddlers identified as Vikash and Honey and seized over 1 kg of heroin from their possession in Chheharta in Amritsar district. Further investigation revealed their involvement in drug trafficking in the Chheharta area, prompting ongoing raids to arrest their suppliers.
14-Feb-2024
According to sources, on February 14, the second day of the 'Dilli Chalo' protest, approximately 50 farmers were injured by rubber bullets and tear gas fired by Haryana Police at Shambhu border near Shambhu village in Patiala district. Additionally, 12 farmers were injured at Khanauri in Sangrur district. The Punjab Government activated medical teams and ambulances, pledging to cover the treatment costs for the injured. Union leaders emphasized the need for dialogue with the government while highlighting the tense atmosphere hindering discussions.
14-Feb-2024
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Special Task Force (STF) on February 14 arrested a key figure involved in procuring illegal firearms from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on behalf of the notorious Vicky Tyagi gang, identified as Vinay Tyagi, from near Mawana Bus Stand in Meerut district in UP. Vinay disclosed that Rakshit Tyagi, Vicky's son, was his associate and managed to escape arrest. Vinay admitted to supplying weapons to Rakshit, underscoring Rakshit's pivotal role.
13-Feb-2024
According to sources, at least 13 individuals, including journalists, suffered severe injuries as the Haryana Police fired tear gas shells to prevent protesting farmers from forcibly entering Haryana via the Shambhu border near Shambhu village in the Patiala district of Punjab. Additionally, over 10 security personnel were injured due to stone-throwing by the farmers.
13-Feb-2024
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur on February 13 stated that the government has done more for the farm sector than the UPA government and remains open to further discussions despite the breakdown of talks with farmers in Chandigarh. He also emphasized the need for broader discussions on new farmer issues and reiterated the government's commitment to farmer welfare. Thakur pointed out a significant increase in the agriculture budget under the Modi government, from INR 27,662 crore in 2013-14 to over INR 1.25 lakh crore presently. He highlighted initiatives such as the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and crop insurance benefits. Thakur also emphasized the government's investment in irrigation schemes and stressed the importance of comprehensive dialogue to address farmer concerns.
13-Feb-2024
On February 13, a viral video surfaced, depicting a supposed protester from the farmers' protest advocating for Khalistan and expressing a willingness to join Pakistan. This has led to accusations of radical separatist infiltration in the ongoing farmers' protest in India.
13-Feb-2024
Haryana Police used tear gas and drones to disperse farmers advancing towards Delhi. Despite a meeting with Union ministers yielding no results, farmers remain determined to continue their 'Delhi Chalo' march, intensifying pressure on the government. The presence of diverse motivations within the protest movement and potential radical elements advocating for separatist causes has prompted widespread discussion.
13-Feb-2024
Police on February 13 arrested an individual named Adil Manzoor Langoo for killing two migrant workers from Punjab in Srinagar on February 7, from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigations revealed that Langoo, who was in contact with a handler in Pakistan, conspired to commit the crime. The victims, Amritpal Singh and Rohit Masih, were targeted in a terrorist attack claimed by ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Langoo was provided with the weapon by his handler, further motivating the attack.