KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Jan-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police, in a joint operation with central agencies, on January 12 arrested a key operative of Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and United States (US)-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, identified as Kailash Khichan and seized one .30 calibre Chinese pistol along with eight cartridges from his possession, from Lohawat village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Khichan had been wanted in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) since September 2023. He has a criminal history that includes extortion, violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and Arms Act violations in Punjab and Rajasthan. The arrest followed investigations that revealed Khichan's role in supplying weapons to associates of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalistan International (BKI) under the direction of terrorist Rinda.
11-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 11 recovered 470 grams of heroin and a drone from a farming field adjacent to Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a quadcopter, model DJI Mavic 3 Classic, made in China.
11-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on January 11 issued a legal notice to social media platform X for not shutting down a fake account that was spreading hate propaganda against Sikhs. Amanbir Singh Siali, the SGPC's legal advisor, emphasized that such activities violate Indian laws, including the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act. Despite prior communications, the social media platform allegedly refused to take action, prompting the SGPC to escalate the matter legally.
11-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 11 conducted a widespread operation targeting the banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Lawrence Bishnoi crime syndicate, and other terrorist organizations at 32 locations across five states - Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, and Delhi - as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The operation resulted in the seizure of two pistols, two magazines and ammunition, cash amounting to INR 4.6 lakh, documents, and digital devices. NIA stated that the seized items were used for activities such as bomb explosions, targeted killings, extortions, and terror funding.
11-Jan-2024
Members of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM), comprising radical Sikhs, farmer union leaders, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) workers, on January 11 organized a massive protest march from Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib in Patiala and proceeded to Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. The demonstrators, led by 'Panj Piaras,' demanded the immediate release of Sikhs held in jails despite completing their sentences, accusing the Union Government of discriminatory treatment.
11-Jan-2024
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, in a recent interview, highlighted a contrast between India's relations with the United States (US) and Canada. He stated that the US does not tolerate extremist activities in the name of freedom of speech, unlike Canada. Jaishankar pointed out that the US takes a firmer position on the misuse of freedoms, while Canada has, at times, openly interfered in Indian politics. These comments come amid strained ties with Canada, following accusations by Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau linking India to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim dismissed as "absurd" by India. The minister emphasized the impact of Khalistani forces in Canadian politics on bilateral relations.
11-Jan-2024
Canada's High Commissioner to India, Cameron Mackay, during a seminar in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, stated on January 11 that despite recent tensions, the strategic interests of India and Canada are "absolutely aligned." Mackay emphasized the continuation of bilateral trade and investment relationships, highlighting that over 100 Indian companies are investing in Canada, and there are 600 Canadian companies present in India. He urged a focus on business-to-business ties, emphasizing that business relations remain unaffected by the diplomatic row between the two countries.
11-Jan-2024
Police on January 11 arrested two individuals identified as Akashdeep Singh and William Masih and seized 1.5 kg of heroin along with a bike from their possession near Jhanjhoti village in Ajnala tehsil, Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the heroin was likely smuggled using a drone from Pakistan, orchestrated by a Netherlands-based drug peddler named Lovely, who has connections to Pakistan-based smugglers. Lovely's involvement in the illegal drug trade is being reported for the first time, and further investigations are underway to arrest their accomplice Najar Masih alias Naja.
10-Jan-2024
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on January 10 destroyed 19 kg of seized heroin in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab. Eleven cases, including ten heroin and one charas case, were disposed of, with the Border Security Force (BSF) playing a crucial role in the seizures and joint investigations.
10-Jan-2024
According to sources, India has decided not to resume Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Canada due to unresolved issues related to Khalistani activities.
10-Jan-2024
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Czech Republic PM Petr Fiala held a bilateral meeting on January 10 during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The leaders discussed various sectors, including automobiles, climate change, and defence, committing to elevating India-Czechia relations in innovative sectors to a Strategic Partnership on Innovation, as stated in a joint statement. Notably, the joint statement did not address the case of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, currently detained in the Czech Republic and accused by United States (US) authorities of involvement in a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
10-Jan-2024
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on January 10 extended an invitation to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh for the inauguration of the Ram Temple, scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The invitation was delivered by representatives of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an affiliate of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to the Takht secretariat.
10-Jan-2024
The Mansa chief judicial magistrate expedited the judicial process related to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala by committing a third supplementary charge sheet to the sessions court within two weeks. The charge sheet was filed by the special investigation team (SIT), which names gangster Sachin Thapan as a key conspirator.
10-Jan-2024
Police on January 10 arrested a woman identified as Usha Rani alias Manjit Kaur, and seized 44.50 grams of heroin from her possession in Ferozepur district. The heroin was recovered from her private parts during a frisking procedure at the jail when she visited her husband, Balwinder Singh.
10-Jan-2024
Police on January 10 arrested four highway robbers identified as Satnam Singh, Shiva, Rahul, and Satinder Singh and seized a .32 pistol, over a dozen live cartridges, and two Maruti Brezza cars from their possession in Adampur, Jalandhar district. The gang, hailing from Amritsar district, targeted victims on national highways, committing multiple robberies at gunpoint. Two other members are still on the run.
10-Jan-2024
Comrade Joseph alias Darshan Pal, a senior leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) involved in the 2020-21 farmers' protest, has been expelled by the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) for alleged anti-party and factional activities. The statement from the Maoist outfit also implicates Comrade Sanjeet alias Arjun Prasad Singh, and highlights their connection to the expelled central committee member, Comrade Balraj. The revelation of Darshan Pal's long-standing membership in the banned outfit raises concerns about Naxalism in Punjab.
10-Jan-2024
Protesters, including family members of alleged drug smuggler Sandeep Singh, who was killed in an encounter on January 9, blocked the old Talwandi Bhai-Zira Road, accusing the Special Task Force (STF) team of a 'fake' encounter, near Zira in Ferozepur district.
10-Jan-2024
In a joint operation, Delhi Police's Crime Branch and Special Cell on January 10 arrested a wanted criminal identified as Pratham Anand alias Tushar, from Zikapur in the Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district of Punjab. Anand had been evading arrest for four years and was a proclaimed offender in 10 cases, with involvement in 30 criminal cases. The arrest was carried out based on intelligence that Anand, associated with the Sanju Meharban gang, was hiding in Zirakpur near Chandigarh.
09-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 9 intercepted a drone, and in the early hours of January 10, they recovered two bags containing small packets of heroin, each weighing around 3 kg (totaling 6 kg of heroin), from near Majar Jamsher Pattan Dhani village in Fazilka district.
09-Jan-2024
According to reports, trade talks between Canada and India remain stalled, prompting the Indo-Canadian chambers of commerce to launch missions aimed at improving economic ties. The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) plans a delegation visit from January 29 to February 9, to bridge the gap and enhance trade relationships.
09-Jan-2024
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on January 9 asserted that Congress leader Jagdish Tytler instigated a mob during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, as part of its final arguments on the framing of charges against the Congress leader in the case in New Delhi. The CBI agency presented statements from four eyewitnesses before Special Judge Rakesh Sayal, indicating Tytler's involvement at the scene where three individuals were killed. Tytler is charged with rioting and murder, among other offenses. The CBI claimed that Tytler incited the mob at Gurdwara Pul Bangash, leading to the burning of the religious site and the death of three individuals. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on January 22.
09-Jan-2024
The Punjab Police's efforts to crack down on repeat drug traffickers through the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act have faced hindrances due to delays in granting sanctions by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice in Punjab. Approximately 60 proposals for the preventive detention of drug offenders, sent by the police, remain uncleared. Concerns about potential misuse and legal repercussions are cited as reasons for the delay. This delay raises questions about the effectiveness of the crackdown on drug trafficking in Punjab.
09-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 9 arrested one person, identified as Harpreet Singh and seized 1.50 kg of heroin and INR 3 lakh cash from his possession in the Mochi Bazar area of Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations revealed the involvement of Mandeep Singh, residing in the United States (US), who directed Harpreet to receive heroin from an unidentified person.
09-Jan-2024
Two wanted drug smugglers, identified as Sandeep Singh alias Soni and Sukhbir Singh alias Gora, were killed, and their accomplice Anmol Preet Singh alias Mola was injured in an encounter between the Special Task Force (STF) team at Talwandi Bhai road near Zira in the Ferozepur district on January 9. The police seized a consignment of heroin and arms from their possession. The incident unfolded when the STF attempted to intercept their car as the smugglers were en route to a drug deal in Zira, and they opened fire at the police. One STF head constable was also injured during the exchange of fire.
09-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on January 9 introduced a dress code for 'granthis' and 'raagis' serving in the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras. The dress code, in line with Sikh rehat maryada, emphasizes simplicity and traditional attire. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the directive aims to address complaints about individuals modifying traditional clothing during 'Gurbani kirtan' performances in gurdwaras, ensuring adherence to Sikh traditions during religious duties.
09-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 9 recovered a packet containing 515 grams of heroin along with a drone, near Dal village in Tarn Taran. The recovered drone was a quadcopter -Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic, made in China.
08-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Harjinder Singh Dhami, Dhami on January 8 released the report of the inquiry committee of the SGPC, which states that Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann, who oversees the home department, is considered the main culprit responsible for the November 2023 police firing and the violation of Sikh religious conduct at Gurdwara Akal Bunga in Sultanpur Lodhi, Amritsar. The report alleges unnecessary police firing without warning disrupted an Akhand Path, and government officials, under pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) state government, did not cooperate with the inquiry.
08-Jan-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, through a video message on January 8 called for the shutdown of airports from Amritsar in Punjab to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh (UP) ahead of the January 22 Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), also urged Muslims to oppose the ceremony and carve out 'Urduistan' from India. Threatening global consequences, he called for Muslims to protest the event, which will be attended by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
08-Jan-2024
Nihang leader Baba Harjit Singh Rasulpur, on January 8, announced his plans to offer 'langar seva' to devotees worldwide who will be arriving for the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP) on January 22. Two trucks loaded with ration and essentials were dispatched from Chandigarh on January 8. Singh emphasized his forefathers' devotion to Lord Ram and expressed his view that the temple's construction is a victory for both Sanatan and Sikhism. He aims to celebrate the occasion by providing langar for everyone. Additionally, he will oversee the stay of dignitaries attending the Satsang in Ayodhya, with langar services commencing on January 14. This initiative aligns with Sikh traditions, promoting equality and unity.
08-Jan-2024
Police on January 8 arrested one person, identified as Fateh and seized 260 grams of intoxicant powder from his possession in Model Town in Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur district.
08-Jan-2024
Police on January 8 arrested one person, identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, and seized 80 grams of intoxicant powder from his possession in Model Town in Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur district.
08-Jan-2024
Police arrested one person, identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Chhanga and seized 110 grams of narcotics from his possession, in Model Town in Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur district on January 8.
08-Jan-2024
Police on January 8 arrested Ajay Kumar alias Ajju, and seized 65 grams of intoxicant powder from his possession, and Jaspal Bassan and seized 45 grams of intoxicant powder from his possession, in Katcha Tobha in Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur district.
08-Jan-2024
The Garhshankar police on January 8 arrested Gaurav Kumar and seized 160 grams of narcotic substance from his possession, in Garhshankar in Hoshiarpur district.
08-Jan-2024
Tanda police on January 8 arrested Maano, and seized 65 grams of narcotic substance from his possession, from Chandigarh Colony in Tanda in Hoshiarpur district.
08-Jan-2024
Tanda police on January 8 arrested a fugitive identified as Niramal Sing alias Raju, and seized 65 grams of narcotic substance from his possession, in Khakhan village in Tanda tehsil in Hoshiarpur district. He was previously wanted in three cases that had been registered at the Tanda police station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
08-Jan-2024
On the orders of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the Punjab Police on January 8 conducted a widespread cordon and search operation in all 28 police districts of Punjab, resulting in 202 First Information Reports (FIR) and the arrest of 48 individuals. Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla reported the recovery of 1.9 kg of heroin, INR 6.8 lakh in drug money, 1.1 kg of opium, 87.5kg of poppy husk, 10,125 intoxicating tablets, 18 injections, 885 litres of illicit liquor and 12,350 litres lahan. The operation, executed from 8 am to 2 pm, involved over 600 police teams, with more than 9,000 personnel cordoning off 268 drug hotspots and frisking 5,505 suspicious persons.
08-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 8 arrested three more members of the Mannu Muhawa drug cartel, identified as Balraj Singh alias Kaka, Anmol Singh alias Laalu, and Sarabjit Singh, and seized 3.5 kg of heroin along with 10 cartridges and an SUV from their possession, from Sultanwind area in Amritsar district. The cartel's operations involve smuggling contraband and arms from Pakistan through drones. The Police emphasized ongoing efforts to establish the network of drug suppliers, dealers, and buyers connected to the cartel.
08-Jan-2024
On January 8, drug peddlers fired around 200 bullets in broad daylight during a disrupted narcotics sale, leading to a shootout at a wedding in Jeera village, Ferozepur district. The incident, fueled by longstanding rivalry among the parties involved, resulted in a girl sustaining gunshot wounds. Police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident.
08-Jan-2024
During the Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on January 8, the police arrested 16 individuals and seized 1.1kg of opium, 1,450 habit-forming tablets, 1.5 kg of cannabis, 10 g of heroin, 30 g of intoxicants, 120 bottles of liquor, two motorcycles and INR 1.25 lakh in drug money in Patiala district of Punjab.
07-Jan-2024
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) recently designated four individuals associated with Khalistani terror groups as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Three individuals linked to the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) are Lakhbir Singh alias Landa; Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar; and Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, is associated with another Khalistani terror outfit, the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) played a crucial role leading to the declaration of these terrorists since 2020. The move aims to expedite justice in India and garner global attention, despite facing diplomatic challenges, particularly from Canada.
07-Jan-2024
According to sources, in 2023, the Border Security Force (BSF) along India's western border with Pakistan shot down and recovered a total of 119 drones, marking a substantial increase from the 22 drones seized in 2022. Of these, 108 drone retrievals occurred in Punjab, and 11 in Rajasthan. On the eastern frontier, there was the seizure of 22,000 kg of narcotics, 2.5 lakh units of Phensedyl, and over 10 lakh Yaba tablets. In contrast, the western border reported a total of 841 kg of seized drugs, with Rajasthan witnessing a four-fold rise compared to 2022. Despite the deployment of anti-drone systems, traffickers have adapted tactics, leading to an increase in drone sightings and altered smuggling methods.
07-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 7 recovered a broken drone from Hazara Singh Wala village in Ferozepur tehsil in Ferozepur district of Punjab. The recovered drone was a Chinese Quadcopter, model number-- DJI Matrice 300 RTK.
07-Jan-2024
Activists commemorating the anniversary of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha's (QIM) establishment on January 7 will gather on the road between Sectors 51 and 52 near YPS Chowk, demanding the release of 'Bandi Singhs' in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab. The event, led by Morcha leaders, is expected to draw over 500 participants. On January 11, a march is scheduled from Fatehgarh Sahib to the morcha site as part of the event.
06-Jan-2024
In the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) crackdown on January 6 on Lawrence Bishnoi’s organized terror-crime syndicate, the house owned by Dalip Kumar Bishnoi in Bishanpura village, Abohar tehsil, Fazilka district of Punjab, was among the properties attached. Bishanpura and Dottaranwali, Lawrence's native village, are part of Asia's large wildlife sanctuary. Dalip, a former village sarpanch, was arrested for suspicious activities, and his property allegedly harbored criminals and concealed weapons. While Lawrence and Dalip share a community, they have no family relations.
06-Jan-2024
Radical Sikh outfits Dal Khalsa and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), in Amritsar on January 6, announced a protest against Indian intelligence and security agencies, citing concerns over transnational repression and the misuse of laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and National Security Act (NSA) to curtail Sikh activism. The protest is set to take place on January 26, Republic Day, in Moga, Punjab.
06-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached four properties belonging to members of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's organized terror-crime syndicate on January 6 in a coordinated operation across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh (UP). The attachments, carried out under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), include a property in Lucknow owned by Vikas Singh, two properties in Fazilka owned by accused Dalip Kumar alias Dalip Bishnoi, and a seized Fortuner vehicle belonging to Joginder Singh. The NIA identified Vikas Singh as a terror gang harborer, linking him to the RPG attack on the Punjab Police Headquarters in Mohali, Punjab, in 2022. The gang, with international connections, was involved in crimes such as the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and extortion activities.
06-Jan-2024
Delhi Police's Special Cell on January 6 arrested a sharpshooter connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi-Kala Rana gang, identified as Pradeep Singh, and seized two semi-automatic pistols of .32 bore with nine live cartridges from his possession, in Rohini in North West Delhi district in Delhi. Singh was allegedly recruited by gangster Virender Partap alias Kala Rana through Instagram and Signal App, and tasked with criminal activities in Delhi.
06-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 6 recovered three packages suspected to be containing 3.210 kg of heroin wrapped with adhesive tape and one Android mobile phone from a farming field, near Daoke village in Amritsar II tehsil in Amritsar district.
06-Jan-2024
Police on January 6 registered a First Information Report (FIR) against gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, the main accused in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case, for allegedly breaking an LED TV at Kapurthala Central Jail after a verbal spat with a fellow inmate on December 29 in Kapurthala district.