KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
05-Dec-2023
An associate of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode, identified as Paramjit Singh Dhadi, was arrested on December 5 at Amritsar airport in Punjab. Dhadi, based in the United Kingdom (UK), is accused of involvement in terror funding and other subversive activities in Punjab. The arrest follows the recent death of Rode in Pakistan, who was the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).
05-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in an online video, threatened to attack the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, coinciding with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. The video features a poster of the 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru with the caption 'Delhi Banega Khalistan' (Delhi will turn into Khalistan). Pannun, the chief of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), claimed a foiled plot against him and vowed retaliation. Security agencies are on high alert, suspecting Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) involvement.
05-Dec-2023
The White House on December 5 confirmed that Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer had discussions about the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun during his meeting with Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on December 4, as stated in a released readout. The White House noted that Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee to investigate the alleged plot in the United States and emphasized the importance of holding anyone responsible accountable. The meetings also addressed bilateral issues and regional developments, including those in the Middle East.
05-Dec-2023
The Immigration Department in India has issued look-out circulars (LOCs) against four people from Punjab after a vehicle with a fake embassy number plate was spotted at IGI airport in New Delhi, according to reports. The Singapore High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, had previously warned about the fake embassy car. Investigations revealed that someone in the car had gone to the airport to meet individuals on two separate occasions, leading to the issuance of LOCs against the four individuals, two of whom are women, from Punjab.
05-Dec-2023
Punjab recorded the highest number of drug overdose deaths in India in 2022, with 144 fatalities, according to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report. Additionally, the state registered the third-highest number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with 12,442 cases. Punjab also reported the third-highest number of deaths in the country, with 90 fatalities attributed to the consumption of illicit or spurious liquor.
04-Dec-2023
The Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States (US), Jonathan Finer, met with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on December 4 in New Delhi. This marked the first meeting between Indian and US officials since US federal prosecutors accused an Indian official of plotting to kill a Khalistan separatist in the US. The visit included consultations with Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, focusing on a mid-term review of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). The Deputy NSAs expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaborations in areas such as semiconductors, quantum, AI, and defence innovation. They affirmed their commitment to expanding iCET to include biotechnology, critical minerals, digital connectivity, and advanced materials. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of easing regulations to facilitate high-tech collaborations and technology transfer.
04-Dec-2023
The Counter Intelligence (CI) unit of Bathinda Police on December 4 arrested two unidentified operatives of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans in various places in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, in Bathinda in Punjab. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests and mentioned that further investigation is underway.
04-Dec-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 4 intercepted and recovered a drone, along with a hold and release mechanism, from fields near Chan Kalan village in the Amritsar district.
04-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on December 4, in a joint search operation, recovered 300 grams of heroin in a plastic bottle with a ring and luminous stick attached to it on the outskirts of Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district.
03-Dec-2023
On December 3, an 'ardas' (prayer) for the release of Bandi Singhs and Waris Punjab De (WPD) head, Amritpal Singh, was held at Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo in the Bathinda district of Punjab. Amritpal Singh's mother expressed concerns about the unjust treatment of those who have completed their jail terms, calling for the release of individuals in Dibrugarh and other jails.
03-Dec-2023
Three people identified as Phool Chand, Arjinder Singh, and Harry were arrested on December 3 for writing pro-Khalistan slogans near Mata Chintpurni Temple in Himachal Pradesh's Una district, from Dhesiya and Surja villages in Jalandhar district of Punjab. The individuals received financial incentives, with INR 25,000 deposited from a foreign source, and further investigation is ongoing.
03-Dec-2023
According to reports, India is confronted with the challenge of skilfully managing its relations with the United States (US) following an incident where its Ambassador to the US was heckled by Khalistani supporters, and an Indian government employee, Nikhil Gupta, was implicated in an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has deemed the allegations concerning and contrary to government policy, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough examination of the matter. Diplomats and experts are recommending a careful and measured response to these incidents to ensure the maintenance of strong ties with the US.
03-Dec-2023
According to reports, an opium supplier based in Rajasthan is utilizing social media platforms to promise doorstep delivery of contraband. The supplier shares videos of opium preparation, which have been viewed by thousands. Undeterred by the law, the supplier quotes prices and provides delivery details through Facebook Messenger, demanding upfront payment for home delivery. Additionally, several Facebook pages have emerged, showcasing country-made weapons for sale. Taking note of this trend, the Ludhiana police emphasize the role of social media in facilitating illegal activities. The cyber wing is actively monitoring such profiles for verification and potential crackdowns.
03-Dec-2023
Jagtar Singh Tara, serving a life sentence for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, on December 3, was granted two hours of parole to attend his niece's wedding at the gurdwara in Dekwala village in Rupnagar district of Punjab. The Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed the 'in-custody parole.'
03-Dec-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on December 3 stated that the SGPC has decided not to withdraw the mercy petition for Balwant Singh Rajoana, seeking the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment. The SGPC executive appealed to Rajoana to abandon his hunger strike in Patiala jail.
02-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 2 recovered two Glock pistols made in Austria on the outskirts of Khalra village in Tarn Taran district.
02-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police’s special task force (STF) on December 2 arrested four unidentified drug smugglers and seized a small quantity of heroin and a Quadcopter DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from a house in Pakho Ke Talli village in Gurdaspur district.
02-Dec-2023
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on December 2 objected to the Pakistan Government's plan to allocate 60% of the historic Gurdwara Nankana Sahib's land to another trust. The land was originally donated by Rai Bular Bhatti, a contemporary of Guru Nanak Dev, for the Gurdwara. Dhami expressed deep concern, stating that Bhatti's descendants had informed them of the decision and urged Pakistan to preserve gurdwara properties.
02-Dec-2023
According to reports, juvenile crime rates are on the rise in India, with a notable increase in gang involvement among young individuals. Law enforcement attributes this trend to gangs exploiting vulnerable youth through peer pressure and socio-economic challenges. Recent police efforts have uncovered international crime syndicates, led by figures like Goldy Brar, recruiting juveniles for extortion and organized criminal activities. The syndicates target wealthy individuals, using juveniles for surveillance and intimidation. Meanwhile, there is a concerning surge in juvenile crimes reported nationally, with a focus on murder cases, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address the issue.
01-Dec-2023
The Union government defended its decision on December 1 to extend the Border Security Force (BSF) jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 to 50 km along the Indo-Pak border. The government cited concurrent jurisdiction and clarified that local police powers were not deprived. The Punjab Government, alleging a parallel jurisdiction impinging on state powers, argued that the exercise of authority was unreasonable. The Supreme Court, acknowledging Punjab's concerns, scheduled further hearings for January 2024, urging the parties to collaborate on the issues involved.
01-Dec-2023
The border district of Punjab is witnessing a concerning transformation in the narcotics landscape as drones from Pakistan deliver black tar heroin into agricultural fields near the international border. The rise of heroin, facilitated by drones, has replaced traditional narcotics like opium and poppy husk, leading to a surge in addiction among the region's youth. Official reports suggest that for every kilogram seized, a substantial amount goes unnoticed, posing a significant challenge to authorities in curbing the influx and distribution of heroin.
01-Dec-2023
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Amritsar Commissionerate police on December 1, arrested two operatives of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang along with their key associate, identified as Sarthak, Anmol Sharma, and Alatmis, and seized a car from their possession. Sarthak and Anmol were arrested from Zirakpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, and Alatmis was arrested from Samana in the Patiala district of Punjab.
01-Dec-2023
Jagtar Singh Hawara, serving a life sentence for the assassination of former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, was acquitted on December 1 in a case registered 18 years ago for charges of waging war against the nation by a local court in Chandigarh. The prosecution failed to prove the allegations, which included planning to wage war, conspiracy, and collecting arms for the formation of Khalistan.
01-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), on December 1, during a search operation, recovered a Chinese-made drone on the outskirts of Khalra village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic, a Made in China model.
01-Dec-2023
Sikh organizations worldwide have denounced the heckling of the Indian Ambassador to the United States (US), Taranjit Singh Sandhu, by a group of Khalistan sympathizers at a gurudwara in New York, US. Sikhs of America emphasized that gurudwaras are places of worship and should be free from personal political views, urging strict action against the miscreants. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DGMC) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the incident, stating that it tarnished the Sikh community's image. Ambassador Sandhu, a representative of the Sikh community on foreign soil, received support, with calls for gurdwaras to remain free from political disputes.
01-Dec-2023
The proposed site for the Sikh Museum and Heritage Centre in Kurukshetra, Haryana, has been changed due to opposition from local residents.
01-Dec-2023
According to reports, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director William Burns visited New Delhi in early August to discuss the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US uncovered a conspiracy involving an Indian national hiring a hitman to assassinate Pannun, with the alleged involvement of an Indian government official.
30-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Harjinder Singh Dhami, on November 30 urged the Indian government to decide on the mercy petitions and release of Sikh prisoners, including death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana, in Amritsar, Punjab. Rajoana had written to the SGPC seeking the withdrawal of a mercy petition filed in 2012, threatening a hunger strike if not done by December 5.
30-Nov-2023
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on November 30, while addressing the media in New Delhi, expressed concern over the United States (US) federal prosecutors' accusations against an Indian intelligence official allegedly involved in a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Bagchi stated that the matter goes against the Indian government's policy, emphasizing the seriousness of the nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremism at an international level.
30-Nov-2023
Allegations of a conspiracy to murder Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have strained India-United States (US) relations, following the arrest of Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta. Critics suggest that America's stance may reflect a double standard on terrorism, raising concerns about parallels with Canada's approach to the Khalistan issue.
30-Nov-2023
According to sources, two senior Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officers were asked to leave their stations in major Western cities amid allegations of the spy agency's involvement in an assassination campaign targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. RAW's stations in San Francisco and Washington DC in the US were shut down, signaling discontent over perceived violations of operational conventions. US prosecutors claimed that RAW conspired to assassinate Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leading to strained relations and concerns about intelligence cooperation.
30-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered 90 drones on the Punjab Frontier this year, with 60-65% of heroin seizures attributed to these drones. BSF officials suspect the drone system could be an organized, state-sponsored mechanism deployed by Pakistan for drug delivery across the border. Most recovered drones were identified as China-made DJ Matrix models, leading to suspicions that they originate from near Pakistani Rangers' establishments. The issue has been raised with Pakistan through various channels, including diplomatic meetings and protest notes.
30-Nov-2023
Punjab Police on November 30 arrested notorious gangster Karanjit Singh alias Jassa Happowal, and recovered two pistols, one .30 bore and one .32 bore, along with two magazines and 10 live cartridges, and a motorcycle from his possession, from outskirts of Jalandhar city in Jalandhar district. Jassa was wanted in at least six murder cases, including the recent double-murder of a mother and daughter in Bhojowal village in Jaladnahr district. Jassa was an operative of foreign-based gangster Rajesh Kumar alias Sonu Khatri, and Jaspreet Singh alias Jassa Mohanwalia’ gang.
30-Nov-2023
Punjab Police Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla on November 30 stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja, has been constituted to probe the backward and forward linkages of two gangsters identified as Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanju Bahman and Subham alias Gopi, who were killed in a Ludhiana encounter on November 29 in Ludhiana, Punjab.
29-Nov-2023
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on November 29 urged Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to use his influence in persuading Pakistan to restore Sikh shrines, increase pilgrim quotas, and eliminate the USD 20 and USD 5 service fees for using the Kartarpur Corridor.
29-Nov-2023
Nanded Police on November 29 arrested the father and brother of Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda, identified as Charan Singh Sandhu and Sarabjot Singh Sandhu, for their involvement in an extortion case in Nanded in Maharashtra. Rinda, associated with the Khalistani terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was declared a terrorist by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), and his last known location was reported to be Lahore, Pakistan.
29-Nov-2023
Pro-Khalistan slogans were found scrawled on walls near Mata Chintpurni Temple in Chintpurni in Una district of Himachal Pradesh on November 29. A video featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) surfaced, in which he showcased the graffiti and asserted that Congress leaders involved in the 1984 Sikh riots would not be spared. The police in Una have initiated an investigation, and Pannun, previously named in a similar case last year, is now a co-accused and the main conspirator, booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
29-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on November 29 during a joint search operation recovered two packets containing 1 kg of heroin from fields near Ranian village in Amritsar district.
29-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on November 29 during a joint search operation recovered a packet wrapped in white tape containing 1 kg of heroin from fields near Mehdipur village in Tarn Taran district.
29-Nov-2023
According to reports, the practice of consuming traditional narcotics like opium, poppy husk, and cough syrups in a border district of Gurdaspur in Punjab has substantially decreased due to the easy availability of heroin delivered by drones from Pakistan. Drones drop yellow nylon bags containing heroin in agricultural fields near the international border, altering the dynamics of drug use. Statistics indicate that 80% of addicts seeking treatment at de-addiction centres are now addicted to heroin, a significant shift attributed to the influx of heroin through drones in the past two years. Authorities acknowledge the challenge of identifying and intercepting large-scale smugglers involved in this drug trade.
29-Nov-2023
Two gangsters belonging to the Sanju Bahman gang, identified as Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanju Bahman and Shubham Gopi, were killed in an exchange of fire with the Ludhiana police at Tibba bridge on Ludhiana-Doraha Road, near Ludhiana in Ludhiana district on November 29.
29-Nov-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on November 29 allowed two-hour ‘in-custody parole’ to Jagtar Singh Tara, a convict in the assassination case of Punjab's then Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh to attend his niece’s wedding on December 3. Tara is serving a life sentence.
29-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Ministry (EAM) on November 29 announced the establishment of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate United States (US) warnings about a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US reportedly provided information on the matter, expressing concerns about India's involvement. India acknowledged the US inputs, confirmed the committee's formation, and stated that necessary actions would be taken based on its findings. This development contrasts with a previous diplomatic conflict between India and Canada over similar allegations.
28-Nov-2023
Bollywood actor Salman Khan on November 28 received a life threat through a Facebook post from Lawrence Bishnoi's gang, linking it to the recent attack on Punjabi actor-singer Gippy Grewal in Canada. The threatening post claimed Grewal's house was targeted due to his alleged closeness to Salman Khan. Salman Khan's security was reviewed, and the threatening post warned that his association with Dawood Ibrahim wouldn't protect him. Lawrence Bishnoi's gang has previously issued threats against Salman Khan in connection with the 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
28-Nov-2023
According to reports, the Khalistan movement has significantly influenced the Punjabi music industry, with numerous songs expressing solidarity, narrating historical events, and addressing social issues associated with the movement. Some artists supporting Khalistan have faced boycotts due to their vocal stance on the cause.
28-Nov-2023
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claimed responsibility for pro-Khalistan graffiti, including slogans boycotting Indian airports, along the road to Amritsar airport in Punjab via a video message. Pannun also urged his followers to boycott Indian airports.
28-Nov-2023
The Supreme Court (SC) on November 28 dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of former additional inspector general (AIG) Raj Jit Singh Hundal, accused of shielding a subordinate with alleged drug-related links. The court also noted the significant narcotics problem in Punjab and expressed concern about police officers' complicity in drug offenses.
28-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 28 recovered a drone along with a packet containing 2 kg of heroin on the outskirts of Rana Panj Grain village in Ferozepur district.
28-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint search operation with Punjab Police on November 28 recovered 500 grams of heroin on the outskirts of Machhral village in Gurdaspur district.
28-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is set to convene an emergency meeting on November 30 to discuss the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the Beant Singh assassination case. After a meeting with SGPC officials, Rajoana urged the withdrawal of his mercy petition seeking to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment. He threatened a hunger strike in jail if the petition is not withdrawn by December 5, expressing disappointment with the delay in resolving the issue despite being in jail for 28 years.