KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
15-Dec-2023
The pro-Khalistan campaign, originating from Canada, has reportedly extended its reach to Madhya Pradesh (MP), where residents in Bhopal have reported receiving phone calls from London. A recorded message from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleges that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of MP are responsible for atrocities against Sikhs, urging support for the Khalistan movement.
15-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 15 arrested a close aide of Khalistan sympathizer and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, identified as Kulwant Singh in Moga district. He was subsequently produced in court and received a 4-day remand.
15-Dec-2023
United States (US) President Joe Biden will not attend India's Republic Day celebrations and the QUAD Summit has been postponed until 2024 due to the proximity to the State of the Union and political constraints on foreign travel during this time.
14-Dec-2023
According to reports, in the last three years, Punjab witnessed the highest number of women drug smugglers arrested in India, with 3,164 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In 2022 alone, Punjab accounted for 1,448 arrests, constituting nearly 35% of the total 4,146 arrests of women drug smugglers in the country that year. The government is addressing the issue through initiatives such as the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.
14-Dec-2023
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) wing of Tarn Taran police, on December 14, arrested two persons identified as Samsher Singh alias Shera, and Yadwinder Singh alias Yad and seized 5 kg of heroin from their possession at a barricade near Bhuse village in Tarn Taran district. 2.8 kg of heroin was recovered from Shera, and 2.220 kg from Yad.
14-Dec-2023
The Muktsar district police on December 14 arrested a police constable, identified as Navjot Singh and seized 70 grams of heroin from his possession in Bariwala in Muktsar district.
14-Dec-2023
Police on December 14 arrested one person identified as Sumit Kumar and seized 340 grams of heroin from his possession in Muktsar town in Muktsar district.
14-Dec-2023
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja, was constituted on December 14 to probe the backward and forward linkages of notorious criminal Sukhdev Singh alias Vicky, who was killed in an encounter on December 13.
14-Dec-2023
On December 13, a security breach occurred in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi, where intruders from the visitors' gallery set off coloured smoke canisters during the Winter Session proceedings. Social media users are connecting the attack to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Claims include suspicions of a Khalistani connection due to the use of 'yellow colour gas bombs,' pointing out the similarity between the smoke colour and the Khalistani flag. Some attribute the breach to Pannun based on prior warnings about attacking the Parliament on or before December 13.
14-Dec-2023
Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohd on December 14 criticized the Delhi Police for the Lok Sabha security breach, alleging failure to prevent it despite a threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun had issued a video threat in early December, vowing to attack the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, following an alleged foiled plot against him. Shama Mohd argued that, given such a threat, Delhi Police, responsible for Parliament security, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had failed, pointing to Home Minister Amit Shah's oversight of Delhi Police.
14-Dec-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, in Amritsar on December 14, apologized to the Sikh community for the party's failure to apprehend those responsible for sacrilege incidents in 2015 when the party was in power in Punjab. Badal expressed deep regret and pledged to ensure the punishment of the actual culprits while exposing those who politicized the issue. The incidents included the theft of the Guru Granth Sahib, sacrilegious posters, and desecration, leading to widespread protests and police firing that resulted in two deaths. Badal described these events as the most painful of his life and appealed for unity within the Khalsa Panth to confront challenges facing the Sikh community in Punjab.
14-Dec-2023
The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on December 14 arrested another sharpshooter affiliated with the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, identified as Sombir alias Totala in connection with a firing incident at the residence of former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Deep Malhotra, from Punjabi Bagh area of Delhi. The gang targeted the former MLA for extortion, with previous arrests including Aakash alias Kassa, and Nitesh alias Sinti. Led by Goldy Brar, the gang aimed to spread terror and extort money from the MLA's liquor business in Punjab.
14-Dec-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) on December 14 recovered 500 grams of heroin along with a drone near Neshta village in Amritsar district. The drone was identified as a Made in China quadcopter Model DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
14-Dec-2023
Mansa Police on December 14 arrested three individuals, identified as Paramjit Singh, Mangaljit Manga, and Bhagwan Bhana, recovering an illegal pistol in Mansa district. During the operation, Paramjit Singh fired at the police with the weapon. In response, the police retaliated, resulting in Paramjit sustaining an injury to his foot.
14-Dec-2023
Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah, in New Delhi on December 14, reaffirmed India's position on Canadian allegations regarding the murder of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Shah questioned why individuals wanted in India for terrorism are in Canada. This follows Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's acknowledgment that he made public allegations against India to deter its actions.
14-Dec-2023
Khanna Police, on December 14, dismantled an inter-state illegal arms smuggling racket with the arrest of 9 individuals of two gangs and seized 22 illegal weapons, all .32 bore pistols, from their possession in Khanna in Ludhiana district. The police efforts uncovered connections between the gangs and identified a weapons manufacturer from Madhya Pradesh with a history of supplying arms to Punjab. The crackdown highlights ongoing challenges related to the illicit arms trade in the area.
14-Dec-2023
A team of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on December 14 arrested a drug peddler identified as Gurpreet Singh and seized 53.04 grams of heroin from his possession in Sector 48 area in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
13-Dec-2023
Anti-Narcotics-cum-Special Operation Cell on December 13 arrested two men, identified as Paramjit Singh Guri and Gursewak Singh alias Nikka and seized 50 grams of heroin from their possession near Balongi underbridge in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
13-Dec-2023
Amritsar Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Gurjeet Singh Aujla took quick action on December 13 during the chaos in Parliament, believing gas canisters were bombs, amidst a major security breach in the Indian Parliament in New Delhi. He ran towards an individual, snatched what he thought was a bomb, and handed it to security. Recounting the incident, Aujla expressed gratitude that the canisters were harmless. He called for a thorough investigation into the attackers and raised concerns about potential motives behind the incident, emphasizing the need for a proper inquiry by the government.
13-Dec-2023
The Punjab Police have 'bound down' 103 suspected drug traffickers, with 75 flagged by the Border Security Force (BSF) for actively smuggling narcotics from Pakistan in Punjab. The police have submitted 11 proposals for preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1988, to Home Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. The suspects are required to mark their attendance at local police stations, and their movements are monitored. This action is in response to concerns raised by the BSF about drug smuggling, and the Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu action on the matter.
13-Dec-2023
Ludhiana police, on December 13, busted a drug smuggling network with the arrest of three peddlers identified as Avtar Singh alias Tari, Harjinder Singh alias Rindi, and Kamalpreet and seized 5,400 kg of poppy husk, two country-made pistols of .32 bore, six cartridges, INR 1.25 crore in drug money, a currency note counting machine, along with 14 fake number plates and police uniforms from their possession in Sidhwan Bet in Ludhiana district. The police acted on a tip-off, intercepting a truck during a checkpoint operation.
13-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 13 recovered a packet containing 570 grams of heroin near the International Border (IB) fence near Dhaone Khurd village in Amritsar district.
13-Dec-2023
Mohan Jaiswal, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was arrested on December 13 in connection with an alleged extortion plan in Delhi. This arrest follows an earlier incident on December 8, where two gang members were apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell while they were on their way to carry out a shooting at a prominent five-star hotel in South Delhi, following instructions from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
13-Dec-2023
Sukhdev Singh alias Vicky, a wanted gangster facing 28 criminal cases, was killed in a police encounter on December 13 on Kohara-Machhiwara road in Ludhiana district. Acting on a tip-off, the police team chased Vicky, leading to crossfire and resulting in his death. The gangster had opened fire on the police team, but the police inspector miraculously escaped due to a bulletproof jacket and vehicle.
13-Dec-2023
A major security breach occurred in the Indian Parliament on December 13, as two men entered the lower house, Lok Sabha, and hurled smoke canisters, causing commotion until Members of Parliament (MPs) and security guards apprehended them. The incident followed a threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had warned of an attack on or before December 13 in a video posted on social media. Pannun, who is also the chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has a history of making inflammatory statements against India. Although no direct links to Pannun have been established, the security breach coincided with his recent threat.
13-Dec-2023
Punjab Police's anti-gangster task force (AGTF) on December 13 shot gangster Karanjit Singh alias Jassa Happowal, in both legs during an attempted escape in Zikapur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Karanjit, associated with Pakistan-based gangster-turned-Khalistan terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu, was involved in six murder cases. The AGTF had brought him on a production warrant to investigate an attempted murder case. During the operation to recover a hidden weapon, Karanjit attempted to flee, prompting the AGTF to shoot him. He is now hospitalized in critical condition.
13-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on December 13 announced INR 10 lakh in legal aid for 'rebels' involved in the major security breach that occurred in the Indian Parliament in New Delhi. Pannun stated that the incident marked the beginning of voter registration for the Khalistan Referendum, suggesting a continued disruption to parliamentary proceedings.
13-Dec-2023
Australian envoy Philip Green, while speaking at an event organised by the Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi, on December 13 expressed concerns about "alleged activities" involving an Indian link to plots targeting Khalistani leaders, referencing recent accusations by the United States (US) and Canada. He emphasized that Australia and India can manage such sensitive issues while acknowledging their differences. Green highlighted Australia's engagement with India as a friend rather than a Five Eyes partner, and stressed that the country takes acts of vandalism against Hindu temples seriously, ensuring that frictions among migrant communities do not escalate into violence.
12-Dec-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share information on pro-Khalistan supporters in the United States (US), following accusations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a murder attempt on another leader in the US. FBI Director Christopher Wray's recent visit to India included discussions on Sikh separatists operating from US soil.
12-Dec-2023
Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Chaturvedi on December 12 called on the Modi government to send a robust message to Canada through Parliament and expressed concern over the increasing boldness of pro-Khalistani terrorists on foreign soil while speaking at the Parliament in New Delhi. Chaturvedi emphasized the urgency for India to take proactive measures in addressing the current threats.
12-Dec-2023
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray on December 12 visited the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters in New Delhi to discuss counterterrorism efforts, focusing on the investigation into attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US), by Khalistan supporters. The meeting between Wray and NIA Director General Dinkar Gupta emphasized aggressive investigation into the Khalistani attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in March 2023. It also underscored strengthening cooperation against global terrorism and cyber threats. Discussions included the active nexus between terrorist groups and organized crime, particularly in cyberspace, highlighting the need for an elevated partnership between the FBI and NIA to address evolving challenges in counterterrorism.
12-Dec-2023
Angad Singh, a pilot employed by IndiGo, approached the Bombay High Court, Maharashtra seeking permission from the Union government to carry a kirpan, a symbolic religious article worn by Sikhs while flying. The pilot argued that carrying the kirpan is a right protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of religion.
12-Dec-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 12 rejected the bail plea of Rahul Sharma, who faced hate speech charges for uploading a video targeting the Sikh community after the killing of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri, in Chandigarh. The court deemed Sharma's remarks heinous and reminiscent of the dark moments in India's history, particularly the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Sharma was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for intentionally inciting violence against the Sikh community. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the potential impact on public order.
12-Dec-2023
According to reports, United States (US), President Joe Biden is likely to skip India's Republic Day celebrations, where he was expected to be the chief guest, following accusations by the US Justice Department of an Indian official plotting to assassinate a Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US had raised concerns with India over its potential knowledge of the plot, adding strain to bilateral relations. The Quad Leaders’ Summit in India may proceed later in 2024, with revised dates being considered.
12-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police on December 12 seized 1 kg of heroin along with a mini torch, a nylon rope, and a steel ring on the outskirts of Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district.
12-Dec-2023
According to reports, investigations into the murders of Sidhu Moose Wala in Punjab and Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in Rajasthan reveal a growing nexus between drug peddlers and gangsters in Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. Drug addicts, often involved in narcotics peddling, become targets for gangsters, leading to their involvement in high-profile killings. Authorities are launching a crackdown on drug networks in the region, compiling profiles of around 2,700 drug peddlers in Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts.
12-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 12 busted a drug smuggling racket with the arrest of four persons identified as Vikramjeet Singh, Rashpal Singh, Gourav and Sahil Kumar, and seized 3 kg of heroin and INR 9 lakh and Innova car from their possession from Gol Bagh area of Amritsar district. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the entire network of drug suppliers, dealers, and buyers.
12-Dec-2023
Jalandhar police on December 12 busted an inter-state arms supplying gang with the arrest of its two operatives identified as Ajitpal Singh alias Shalu and Dilpreet Singh, and seized 10 country-made pistols of .32 bore and 10 magazines from their possession in Paragpur chowk in Jalandhar in district. The preliminary investigation suggests a connection between Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Punjab in the illicit arms trade, with the arrested individuals confessing to purchasing pistols and planning to sell them at higher prices. Authorities plan to take the suspects into remand for further information on the network's extent and connections.
12-Dec-2023
The Delhi Police's most-wanted list features criminals operating from abroad, including Arsh Dalla in Canada and Kapil Sangwan in the United Kingdom (UK). Arsh Dala orchestrated a beheading in Delhi, while Sangwan was linked to the killing of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) functionary Surender Matiala. These criminals adopt a Mumbai underworld-like modus operandi, orchestrating crimes through local henchmen while located in foreign countries. The list also includes individuals like Himanshu Bhau, Rohit Godara, Goldy Brar, Gaurav alias Lucky Patial, Lakhbir Singh aka Landa Harike, Rashid Cablewala, Deepak Pakasma, and Danish, involved in various criminal activities and operating from different locations. Their presence abroad poses a challenge for law enforcement efforts in curbing their criminal enterprises.
12-Dec-2023
Gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria on December 12 filed applications for discharge from the case of the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder, denying their involvement, in a Mansa court in the Mansa district of Punjab.
12-Dec-2023
Amritsar Commissionerate Police on December 12 busted an inter-state arm smuggling racket with the arrest of one of its key members identified as Amritpal Singh alias Kallu, and seized 13 pistols from his possession, in Bhaini village in Amritsar district. Amritpal Singh allegedly purchased each pistol from Madhya Pradesh for INR 35,000 and sold them in Punjab for INR 50,000.
12-Dec-2023
Businessmen in Jodhpur, including jeweller Om Prakash Soni, are receiving extortion calls in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Rajasthan. Soni received an extortion call on December 12, where a henchman claiming to be from Bishnoi's gang demanded INR 5 lakh, threatening him to be the next target after Jaipur. Soni reported the incident to the police, who are investigating the matter and working to ascertain the source of the calls and messages. The caller warned Soni against approaching the police and instructed him to await further instructions for the money exchange.
12-Dec-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 12 arrested Amritpal Singh, a key conduit involved in circulating drug money, in connection with the April 2022 seizure of 102 kg of heroin, valued at INR 700 crore, at Amritsar International Airport while attempting to flee to Dubai. Amritpal Singh is the third person arrested in the case, and investigations reveal that he played a significant role in laundering drug proceeds through banking and hawala channels as part of a global drug cartel.
11-Dec-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), in Amritsar, on December 11 announced that a protest is set to take place in New Delhi on December 20, organized by them, expressing concern over the release of 'Bandi Singhs'. Representatives from local gurdwara committees in Punjab are set to participate in the demonstration, which will commence from Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The protest aims to emphasize the release of Sikh political prisoners and the implementation of a 2019 notification commuting Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment.
11-Dec-2023
Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on December 11 expressed disappointment that the bodies of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) chief Avtar Singh Khanda and Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) head Paramjit Singh Panjwar were not allowed to enter India, calling it a violation of rights and a disgrace. He also condemned targeted killings, citing the murder of Rajput leader Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, emphasizing that no law permits such acts in India or abroad.
11-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 11 released United Kingdom (UK) national Paramjit Singh Dhadi alias Punjab Singh, from a terror case days after arresting him, acknowledging he was not the individual they were seeking. Dhadi, traveling with a legal passport, was arrested on December 5 at Amritsar airport, initially linked to terror funding and subversive activities. He expressed surprise at the arrest's handling and intends to continue visiting India.
11-Dec-2023
United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Chris Wray commenced his two-day visit to India on December 11 in New Delhi. The primary focus is on the alleged assassination attempt of Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Wray met with Praveen Sood, the director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India, focusing on enhancing information exchange for better coordination against transnational crimes.
11-Dec-2023
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Ravneet Singh, in New Delhi on December 11, urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to present a robust case against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to United States (US) authorities. Singh expressed frustration that despite 26 letters from the Indian government, no action has been taken by the US against Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
11-Dec-2023
Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Special Director General (SDG) of Western Command, Border Security Force (BSF), revealed on December 11, at a press conference held in Chandigarh, that the Border Security Force (BSF) has provided Punjab Police with a list of suspected drug traders in border areas, recommending their detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The BSF is also working on technology to detect drones in the air, as they have been used for smuggling drugs and weapons into Punjab from Pakistan. Plans are underway to install CCTV cameras 5-6 km inside the Indo-Pak border to monitor key roads and crossroads, addressing illegal activities in the region.
11-Dec-2023
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, revealed that in the past week, Punjab Police have arrested 302 drug smugglers and suppliers, registering 221 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, including 34 for the possession of a commercial quantity of drugs. The arrests led to the recovery of 24.08 kg of heroin, 10 kg of opium, 1.57 quintals of poppy husk, and 1.05 lakh tablets/capsules/injections/vials of pharma opioids, along with INR 20.72 lakh in drug money. Additionally, the police have taken strict action against extortion calls, registering 130 FIRs and arresting 117 individuals involved in extortion, resulting in a decrease in such calls in the state. Awareness events against drugs have also been organized, with 175 events held to sensitize people about the ill effects of drugs.