KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
28-Nov-2023
On November 28, the annual 'mohalla' event, featuring horse-riding displays and daredevilry by Nihang jathas, proceeded peacefully despite heightened security following a clash between police and Nihangs in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district.
28-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 28 observed the death anniversary of Bhai Mardana at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in Punjab.
28-Nov-2023
Pro-Khalistani slogans were discovered inscribed on pillars and walls along Airport Road in the Amritsar district on the morning of November 28. Beneath these slogans, the phrase 'Sikh For Justice (SFJ)' was also written, indicating a possible connection to SFJ operatives. Subsequently, a video featuring SFJ Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun taking responsibility went viral on social media.
27-Nov-2023
The Uttarakhand Police’s Special Task Force (STF) and Delhi Police’s Special Cell on November 27 arrested a close associate of Canada-based terrorist Arsh Dalla, identified as Sushil Kumar, in Manglaur in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. Kumar was allegedly involved in supplying weapons to shooters associated with Dalla and was booked for making an extortion call to a local trader on Dalla's behalf.
27-Nov-2023
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath on November 27 emphasized the role of the Khalsa Panth in the decline of the Mughal Sultanate during an event commemorating Guru Nanak's birth anniversary at Gurudwara Ashiana in Lucknow, UP.
27-Nov-2023
The 554th Prakash Purb, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, is marked by Sikhs worldwide.
27-Nov-2023
Delhi Police on November 27 arrested five members of the Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla’s gang, identified as Rajpreet Singh, Virender Singh, Sachin Bhati, Arpit Dhankar, and Susheel Pradhan and seized two revolvers, 13 live cartridges, a hand grenade, and a stolen motorcycle from them in Mayur Vihar in Delhi. The accused were allegedly planning to kill Punjabi singer Elly Mangat and were apprehended after an exchange of fire, with Virender sustaining a gunshot injury.
27-Nov-2023
According to top government sources, the circulated video allegedly showing pro-Khalistani activists heckling India's Ambassador to the United States (US), Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during a Guruparab visit to a New York gurudwara is dismissed as 'wrong and fabricated news.' The video is deemed part of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice's (SFJ) false propaganda. Khalistani groups, linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been targeting Hindu temples in Canada, with recent protests in Surrey and Mississauga.
27-Nov-2023
Police on November 27 busted an inter-state drug smuggling racket with the arrest of three peddlers, identified as Javed alias Jaidi, Anwar Khan and his juvenile son, and seized 2.56 kg of opium and INR 16,000 drug money from their possession in Malerkotla in Malerkotla district. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network.
27-Nov-2023
Intelligence agencies express concern as the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted over two dozen Chinese-made Pakistani drones entering Indian territory in the last fortnight, reportedly for cross-border smuggling of narcotics and arms. The surge in drone activity is noted during the foggy winter season, reducing visibility. To address the situation, the BSF is set to deploy additional troops, conduct patrols, and employ dogs for heightened surveillance along the International Border. Meanwhile, authorities are discussing the need for more anti-drone systems to cover larger areas.
26-Nov-2023
Sikh pilgrims expressed disappointment as visas for several were canceled by the Pakistani government at the last moment, causing distress and hurting religious sentiments. A bus carrying Sikh pilgrims was flagged off from Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi for a visit to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's 554th anniversary. They urged the Pakistani government to prioritize religious visa applications and provide clear communication to avoid such issues in the future.
26-Nov-2023
The recent case involving Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who issued a threat against Air India flights, has raised concerns about his open activities despite India's criminal proceedings and ban against his outfit Sikhs for Justice. The lack of action by the United States (US), despite being a close strategic partner of India, has led to suspicions about Pannun's connections. A British media report suggesting that the US warned India of a plot against Pannun has further fueled speculation. The contrasting responses between Canada's allegations and the US's actions raise questions about the evidence and potential connections to other cases.
26-Nov-2023
Punjab Police on November 26 busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket being operated by United States (US) based smuggler Jasmit Singh alias Lucky with the arrest of two persons identified as Mohinderpal Singh and Sourav Sharma and seized 6 Kg of heroin and a car from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The arrested individuals were allegedly in direct contact with Jasmit Lucky, smuggling heroin from Pakistan and distributing it across the state.
26-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police during a joint operation on November 26 intercepted and recovered a drone from the fields near Agwan village in Gurdaspur district. The drone was a China-made DJI Matric-300 RTK.
26-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 26 evening recovered a drone from the fields near CB Chand village in Tarn Taran district.
26-Nov-2023
Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri recently condemned threats to India's sovereignty made on foreign soil and urged Canada to take action against those conspiring against India. The ministers criticized Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau for baseless allegations against India and his failure to address anti-Indian elements and Khalistani terrorism.
25-Nov-2023
Khalsa College educational institutions on November 25 organized a nagar kirtan, a religious procession to celebrate the 554th Parkash Purab of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev, in Amritsar in Punjab.
25-Nov-2023
On November 25, approximately 3,000 Indian Sikhs crossed the Wagah Border into Pakistan's Punjab province to participate in the celebrations marking the 554th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) welcomed the pilgrims and assured them of security and accommodations.
25-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), on the intervening night of November 25-26, intercepted a drone and recovered five smaller packets of heroin weighing 5.240 kg, along with a pistol, two magazines, and 20 bullets from the outskirts of Chak Allah Baksh village in Amritsar district.
25-Nov-2023
According to sources, the Kangra police are set to investigate individuals arrested in Gurugram, Haryana, by the Delhi Police for creating "Khalistan Zindabad" graffiti on government office walls in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The graffiti in Dharamshala, credited to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, occurred three days before an ICC World Cup match. Earlier in 2022, miscreants, including Harbir Singh and Paramjit Singh, displayed 'Khalistan' banners at the Vidhan Sabha complex, leading to arrests and charges under various acts, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
24-Nov-2023
Ludhiana police on November 24 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Vir Karan Singh and seized 135 grams of heroin, two country-made 0.32 bore pistols, three live cartridges and INR 10,000 drug money from his possession in Tibba in Ludhiana district. Singh, with a criminal history, including a murder case, had recently been released on bail and resumed drug peddling, prompting the police action.
24-Nov-2023
Police on November 24 arrested five individuals from Punjab identified as Gurmail Singh, Jagseer Singh Atwal, Prince Singh Arfawala, Vipin Kumar, and Ajay Khokhar and seized 12 country-made firearms and five bullets from their possession in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh (MP). The accused, residents of Firozpur, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar districts in Punjab, revealed that they purchased the weapons for INR 50,000 each from the Nimar region in MP. The arrests were made while they were en route to Punjab.
24-Nov-2023
The United States (US) reportedly foiled an assassination attempt on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on its soil, prompting India to take the information seriously and initiate an investigation. This stands in contrast to India's strong reaction to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada, leading to diplomatic expulsions and strained relations. The differing responses highlight the complexity of India's diplomatic engagements, particularly with key partners like the US and Canada, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and shared interests.
24-Nov-2023
The United Sikh Mission (USM), a United States (US)-based charitable organization, is set to establish the Khalsa Health Centre, aiming to provide accessible and affordable health services in Jalandhar district. The center, dedicated to the memory of Mata Pal Kaur and Mata Swaran Kaur, is scheduled to be completed by October 2024.
24-Nov-2023
A Sikh Jatha from India departed for Pakistan on November 24 to celebrate the 554th birthday of Baba Guru Nanak Dev. Around 3,000 visas have been issued by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for Sikh pilgrims participating in the event, which will take place from November 25 to December 4.
23-Nov-2023
The Anti Narcotic Cell-2 of Ludhiana Police Commissionerate, on November 23, arrested a man identified as Gurtej Singh and seized four illegal pistols of .32 caliber, each with one magazine, along with eight live cartridges and four empty magazines from his possession near Civil Hospital in Ludhiana district. Gurtej, who admitted to working as a courier for a Meerut-based weapon smuggler, sells each weapon for INR 60,000, with a commission of INR 20,000 for the supplier. He has a history of supplying weapons in Sirhind and Uttarakhand, with multiple First Information Reports (FIR) filed against him.
23-Nov-2023
According to reports, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is under investigation by Indian agencies in 35 cases, with efforts underway to extradite him from the United States (US). Declared an 'individual terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention (UAPA) Act, Pannun faces charges related to a larger Khalistani conspiracy. SFJ, banned as a terror organization in 2019, is accused of engaging in anti-national activities, supporting violence, and attempting to carve out a sovereign Khalistan. Pannun's involvement in inciting violence against Indians abroad and attacking Indian missions is also under scrutiny.
23-Nov-2023
A Punjab Home Guards constable identified as Jaspal Singh was killed, and fourteen policemen were injured on November 23 in a clash with Nihang Sikhs at Gurudwara Akal Bunga in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district of Punjab. Mann Singh's Jatha Nihang group had forcibly taken possession of the gurudwara on November 21, leading to a police attempt to evict them. The Nihang members fired indiscriminately, resulting in casualties. The heavily armed Nihangs have barricaded the Gurdwara, and police are in talks to resolve the situation before Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary on November 27. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced INR 1 crore as ex gratia relief and additional insurance money for the deceased home guard's family.
23-Nov-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has decided to record statements from individuals arrested for creating 'pro-Khalistan' graffiti and slogans, as well as those accused of removing locks from a railway track in Bathinda, Punjab. Many of the arrested individuals were reportedly in direct contact with Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who was recently booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The move aims to strengthen the case against Pannun, who is accused of promoting terror acts in India by creating a false narrative around Sikh issues in Punjab.
23-Nov-2023
On November 23, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar expressed dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Embassy for cancelling visas for 788 devotees recommended by the SGPC for a pilgrimage to historic gurudwaras in Pakistan during Gurpurb.
22-Nov-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on November 22 indirectly addressed the reported threat to the life of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-Canadian dual citizen, during the virtual G20 summit hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi. Trudeau highlighted the importance of upholding the 'rule of law' and mentioned working closely with allies, including the US.
22-Nov-2023
The Lucknow Gurdwara Management Committee in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP), has appealed to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for intervention following the circulation of a video depicting a dance party near Pakistan's Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara on social media. The committee seeks PM Modi's denouncement of the incident and assurance that Sikh religious sites receive due respect in Pakistan.
22-Nov-2023
The Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) recently called for a picket of Air India's outbound flights from Toronto and Vancouver airports in Canada on December 1, following charges filed against its general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA). The situation has prompted high alerts and investigations by security forces in Canada and India, with the Indian High Commission formally raising the threat with the Canadian government.
22-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 22 conducted raids at several locations linked to individuals associated with the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in Punjab.
22-Nov-2023
According to reports, the Khalistani movement has a history of exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, by offering promises of wealth and recognition in return for acts of violence. Once radicalized, these individuals become pawns for the cause, only to be abandoned and left to face the consequences alone once their utility diminishes. The cycle of empty promises and exploitation underscores the opportunistic nature of the Khalistani movement, leaving behind a trail of broken lives and shattered aspirations.
22-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 22 carried out raids at 14 locations in Punjab and Haryana in connection with its probe into attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco in the United States (US) in March 2023. The raids aimed to uncover the complete conspiracy behind the incidents, involving criminal trespass, vandalism, and attempts to set the consulate on fire. The NIA seized digital data and documents during the crackdown, part of its ongoing investigation to identify and prosecute the attackers.
22-Nov-2023
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on November 22 raided the house of Harpreet Kaur, a widow of a granthi (Sikh priest), questioned her for more than two hours, and seized a mobile phone and some documents in Jhande Wala village in Moga district. The NIA suspects her connection with Chacha Baghel Singh, a United States (US)-based associate of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. Harpreet has been asked to appear before the NIA in Chandigarh for further questioning regarding a social media post she uploaded.
22-Nov-2023
The Additional District and Sessions Court of Chandigarh on November 22 acquitted Jagtar Singh Hawara, one of the assassins of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, in a 2005 case, which included the charges of waging war against the Government of India and violations of the Arms and Explosives Acts. The court is yet to release the detailed order. Beant Singh was assassinated in a bomb blast in 1995, resulting in death sentences for Hawara and Balwant Singh Rajoana. However, Hawara's sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment till death.
22-Nov-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on November 22 rejected the plea of Sarabjit alias Daljit Singh Kalsi, a financier and close aide of radical Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, to appear before the Ajnala court in Amritsar district for a case related to an attack on a police station. Currently held in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Kalsi sought permission to expedite the trial, but the Punjab government opposed the plea, citing serious charges against him. The court dismissed Kalsi's request, and a detailed judgment is expected within 15 days.
22-Nov-2023
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) on November 22 organized a 'Khalsa march' from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh, advocating for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' in jails, in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The marchers, accompanied by supporters, performed 'ardas' at the gurdwara and voiced grievances against the Central and state governments, emphasizing that the prisoners had served their sentences but remained incarcerated.
22-Nov-2023
The Counter-Intelligence (CI) team of Punjab Police on November 22 arrested three men connected to a Pakistan-based terror module, identified as Rajbhupinder Singh, Raman Kumar, and Jagjit Singh and seized five .50-bore pistols and three .30-bore pistols, along with nine magazines, 30 cartridges, and a stolen car from their possession in Bathinda in Bathinda district. According to the police, the accused were tasked with carrying out targeted killings in Punjab and had brought weapons from Madhya Pradesh (MP). Further investigations are underway.
22-Nov-2023
Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) on November 22 recovered a black bag containing 5.2 kg of heroin dropped by a drone that sneaked into Indian airspace from Pakistan, from fields near Attari village in Amritsar district.
22-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 22 intercepted a drone and recovered the broken drone along with 534 grams of heroin from fields near Mianwala village in Tarn Taran district.
22-Nov-2023
During a joint search operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab police on November 22 recovered a drone and 524 grams of heroin from fields near Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district.
21-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on November 21 informed Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong about India's perspective on the strained relationship with Canada, during the India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue, in New Delhi. Jaishankar emphasized concerns about the space given to extremism and radicalism in Canada, responding to Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations in September. The discussion aimed to provide Australia with India's viewpoint on the issue.
21-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) along with Punjab Police on November 21 intercepted a drone near the International Border and recovered 565 grams of heroin near Mode village in Amritsar district. The drone dropped the contraband before returning to Pakistan.
20-Nov-2023
Police busted a hawala racket involved in making payments for drugs, by arresting nine individuals and seizing INR 14.55 lakh in drug money along with 110 grams of heroin, a pistol, five mobile phones, a dongle, and five vehicles from their possessions during a 10-day operation across Punjab. The arrested individuals are identified as Baldev Singh, Gurjant Singh, Tanvir Singh, Sandeep Singh, Jaswant Singh, Kuldeep, Bhagwan Singh, Yogesh, and Ajay. Further arrests are anticipated as the probe continues.
20-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 20 registered a case against Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for threatening passengers flying with Air India on November 19 in New Delhi. The NIA charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity, criminal intimidation, and various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, highlighting Pannun's history of promoting terrorism.
20-Nov-2023
India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are likely to meet with their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, in a 2+2 ministerial dialogue. The talks are expected to focus on deepening defence collaboration, including discussions on defence technologies and joint exercises. Sensitive topics may include Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations against India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
20-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 20 decided to convene a special meeting of Sikh scholars and senior lawyers to discuss its future actions concerning the release of Sikh prisoners.