KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
02-Oct-2023
According to intelligence reports, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, a designated “individual terrorist" under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) (UAPA) Act, has expanded his criminal network to potentially carry out terror attacks in Gurdaspur in Punjab, India. He has formed an association with United States (US) based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Arsh Dala, based in Canada, has been involved in various criminal activities in India, including extortion and murder, and has been linked to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
02-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on October 2 intercepted a drone and recovered 2.7 kilograms of heroin and the drone, in a paddy field near Kalsian Khurd village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a Chinese-made Quadcopter (Model – DJI Matrice 300 RTK).
02-Oct-2023
Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on October 2 criticized Khalistan supporters in Canada, alleging support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He emphasized that the Sikh community in India stands united for the country and disavows any connection with those promoting anti-Indian activities.
02-Oct-2023
Police on October 2 arrested four members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and seized pistols from their possession in Sisana village in Kharkhoda tehsil of Sonipat district of Haryana.
01-Oct-2023
The Anti-Narcotic cell of Police Commissionerate, in a joint operation with Counter Intelligence (CI) on October 1 arrested one person, identified as Kartar Singh and recovered 1.5 kg of opium from his possession in Kot Gangu Rai village in Ludhiana district.
01-Oct-2023
According to intelligence sources, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, a Canada-based gangster-turned-terrorist who is collaborating with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and operating from additional bases in Portugal, has been stepping up his terror activities in Punjab, India. Portugal has emerged as a key operational base for Landa, with several associates controlling criminal activities and smuggling weapons from Pakistan. Parminder Singh alias Pattu, one of Landa's foreign-based associates in Portugal, facilitated the procurement of firearms for the criminal syndicate in Punjab. Additionally, Lawrence Bishnoi, another gangster with connections to Landa, is diversifying criminal activities and establishing communication with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), indicating a shift in focus towards arms smuggling and posing security risks.
01-Oct-2023
A gangster from Punjab, identified as Deepak Mann alias Mann Jaito, was shot dead in Sonepat, Haryana, on October 1. In a social media post, gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the murder.
30-Sep-2023
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Sirsa on September 30 strongly condemned the incident in which Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was prevented from entering a gurdwara in Scotland. He emphasized that Sikh gurdwaras in New Delhi welcome people from all religions and communities, highlighting that Sikhs are known for their commitment to humanity and that India is a safe place for Sikhs.
30-Sep-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on September 30 condemned the incident in which Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was prevented from entering a gurdwara in Scotland. The SGPC's general secretary, Gurcharan Singh Grewal, asserted that gurdwaras are open to people of all religions.
30-Sep-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered connections between the Kaushal Chaudhary gang in Gurugram, Haryana, and Khalistani supporter and terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, who is associated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). This revelation sheds light on a complex web of connections allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and Khalistani supporters, operating beyond national borders. The NIA charge sheet also revealed that members of Kaushal Chaudhary's gang were tasked with eliminating several individuals. Both Kaushal Chaudhary and Amit Dagar were involved in extortion, threats, and acts of terror and violence. Funds raised from extortions supported terror activities.
30-Sep-2023
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson RP Singh, on September 30, urged Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, to take action against Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stating that he is defaming the Sikh community and calling for religious punishment (tankha) against him. This threat comes after a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against Pannun for threatening to disrupt the Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
30-Sep-2023
According to a top source in the Delhi Police, the Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) used in the attack on the Punjab Police's Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali, India, in 2022 was originally intended for singer Sidhu Moose Wala but was later redirected due to concerns of higher casualties if used during a public rally. The RPG, supplied by Khalistani terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, was smuggled into India through the Pakistan border. Rinda had connections with the gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Canada-based fugitive terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa.
29-Sep-2023
On September 29, the second day of the rail roko protest by 19 farmer unions in Punjab, a total of 498 trains were affected, including 381 passenger trains and 17 goods trains, in Punjab.
29-Sep-2023
Pro-Khalistani group Dal Khalsa, along with hundreds of Khalistani sympathizers, on September 29 conducted prayers at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, in Amritsar, for the well-being of Sikh activists, the release of political prisoners, and justice for those killed "extra-judicially," including Khalistani terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Paramjit Singh Panjwar. They also urged international agencies, including the Five Eyes, to monitor India's actions against Khalistani activists on foreign soil.
29-Sep-2023
The Sikh Forum, a non-political organization based in India, on September 29 expressed concern over the deteriorating India-Canada relations regarding the Khalistan issue. Their statement emphasized that Khalistan has limited support among Sikhs in India and abroad, and they reject the media's portrayal of Sikhs and Khalistan as synonymous. The forum, established in 1984, comprises senior academics, retired officials, professionals, military personnel, and diplomats.
29-Sep-2023
Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of Amritpal Singh, the chief of the pro-Khalistan group Waris Punjab De (WPD), on September 29 revealed that Pro-Khalistani detainees, including Amritpal Singh, are not allowing jail authorities to lock their barracks in protest in response to the denial of permission for their advocate, Rajdev Singh, to meet with them in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam. Kaur also sent a letter to the superintendent of Dibrugarh Jail regarding this issue.
29-Sep-2023
On September 29, Mehran Mareen, Balochistan's representative at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Union (EU), along with Bilal Baloch, a human rights activist, suggested a political motive behind Canada's position and its support for Pakistan while speaking to Times Now. Bilal Baloch highlighted the contrast between Karima Baloch, a human rights activist, and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar, recognized as a terrorist by India and listed on the US no-fly zone. They emphasized the lack of action by Prime Minister Trudeau regarding the kidnapping and alleged murder of the exiled Baloch human rights activist Karima Baloch, while noting his active support for Nijjar.
29-Sep-2023
Hundreds of Sikh activists staged a demonstration outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar on September 29, demanding justice for the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The protesters called for an end to extrajudicial operations against separatists and urged New Delhi to engage with Sikh leadership.
29-Sep-2023
The Panth Sewak Collective on September 29 issued a statement urging Sikhs to unite and advocate for Khalistan. They also emphasized that the Sikh community is facing significant challenges and opportunities, shaped by geopolitical factors and the actions of the Indian government.
29-Sep-2023
Gujarat Police on September 29 filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for issuing threats related to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), allegedly sent threats via pre-recorded voice messages, claiming that October will not mark the World Cricket Cup but rather the inception of what he terms the 'World Terror Cup.'
29-Sep-2023
According to sources, a senior member of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Harbhajan Singh, has been engaged in covert dealings with the Indian government and has handed over details of only 8,740 individuals who cast their votes in the Khalistan referendum. The report also revealed that only 8,740 individuals voted in the referendum, as opposed to the 100,000 claimed by Khalistani terrorist and the chief of SFJ, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
29-Sep-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 29 intercepted a drone and recovered 545 grams of heroin and the drone, near Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone is China-made Quadcopter DJI Mavic-3 Classic.
29-Sep-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on September 29 declared that individuals involved in drug-related cases will not be spared and he emphasized a crackdown on those who managed to clear their names in drug cases through collusion with previous governments while addressing a gathering at Ghanauri Kalan village in Sangrur district of Punjab.
28-Sep-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann a on September 28 announced changes in the school curriculum to educate youngsters about the lives, teachings, and philosophies of Sikh gurus, seers, saints, prophets, and martyrs.
28-Sep-2023
According to sources, China and Pakistan may have been covertly aiding Khalistani terrorists in Canada. While China does not officially endorse the Khalistanis, it is reportedly providing covert support alongside Pakistan.
28-Sep-2023
Several people in India have reportedly received threat calls from an unknown United Kingdom (UK)-based number, featuring a pre-recorded voice of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. In the audio, Pannun claims that October will not mark the World Cricket Cup but instead the inception of what he terms the 'World Terror Cup.' In response to threats from the Khalistani terror outfit SFJ and the appearance of pro-Khalistan graffiti in New Delhi, a high alert has been issued in Delhi ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, a World Cup venue, is now under heightened security, with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) deploying multiple forces to assist the police.
28-Sep-2023
Former National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General YC Modi, in an interview with India Today, revealed a concerning nexus between Pakistan and Canada in supporting Khalistani terrorists and shed light on India's efforts to share concrete evidence with Canada, which have often been met with silence. Modi expressed India's frustration over Canada's lack of cooperation in extraditing known terrorists and criminals residing within its borders, turning the country into a "safe haven" for such individuals. He also highlighted Pakistan's role in aiding Khalistani activities and funding terrorism while categorically dismissing Canadian allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as baseless.
28-Sep-2023
Punjab Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sukhpal Singh Khaira was arrested on September 28 in connection with a 2015 case related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Chandigarh. The Congress party termed the arrest as politically motivated by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), causing tensions between the two parties.
28-Sep-2023
Farmers from 19 unions across six North Indian states, led by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), on September 28, initiated a three-day rail blockade at 12 locations in Punjab. Satnam Singh Pannu, the president of KMSC, stated that they are obstructing train services at multiple locations, including Moga, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Jalandhar Cantonment, Tarn Taran, Sunam, Nabha, Basti Tankwali, Mallanwala, Rampura, and Devidaspura.
27-Sep-2023
Radical group Dal Khalsa on September 27 announced their plans to hold prayers at Akal Takht for the well-being of Sikh activists in exile, the release of political prisoners, the success of the Sikh freedom struggle, and justice for extrajudicial killings of individuals like Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Amritsar, Punjab. The event commemorates the 42nd year of Dal Khalsa founder Gajinder Singh's exile, who resides in Pakistan after serving a life sentence for a 1981 hijacking case, with Akal Takht recognizing his dedication in September 2020. India had included Gajinder Singh's name in the list of 20 "most wanted" terrorists in 2002.
27-Sep-2023
Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Punjab Police on September 27 arrested three individuals identified as Gurcharan Singh alias Channa, Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha and Sunil Singh alias Lovely and recovered 1.872 kg of heroin from their possession near Saide ke village in Ferozepur district.
27-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 27 arrested an individual identified as Jang Singh and seized 1,010 intoxicating tablets and drug money of INR 2.31 lakh from his possession in Guruharsahai in Ferozepur district.
27-Sep-2023
Delhi Police on September 27 registered a case after pro-Khalistani graffiti was discovered on the walls under the Kashmiri Gate flyover in New Delhi. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), recently released a video claiming responsibility for defacing the walls with slogans that read 'Delhi Banega Khalistan'.
27-Sep-2023
The MIDC police on September 27 registered a case against an unidentified man who called a digital news channel's office and threatened the managing editor with dire consequences if they continued broadcasting news against Khalistan in Mumbai, Maharashtra. During the call, the man, identified himself as Gurinder from Chandigarh said, “Do you remember what happened in the 1984 Sikh riots, which resulted in the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguard? Stop all editorials pertaining to Khalistan immediately. Take this as a warning.” The authorities are seeking details from the service provider to identify the individual.
27-Sep-2023
Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, expressed scepticism about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations against India without concrete evidence in an interview. He highlighted the negative impact of the India-Canada diplomatic dispute, particularly the suspension of visa services, on the Sikh and Punjabi diaspora. Businessman Gunbir Singh noted that the visa suspension affected many Punjabis with Canadian citizenship, most of whom have no connection to Khalistan. Sikh scholar Gurpreet Singh emphasized the unfairness of associating all Sikhs with the Khalistan issue and highlighted lingering grievances from the 1980s among Sikhs abroad.
27-Sep-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), released a video claiming responsibility for defacing walls in Delhi’s ISBT area with anti-India and pro-Khalistani slogans. Pannun also made threats against Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, accusing him of being responsible for the murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and vowed to target the ICC World Cup 2023 match to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on October 6. Pannun also issued threats to Indian diplomats in Canada, including Sanjay Verma, High Commissioner of India to Canada, and advised India to shut down its mission in Ottawa, Canada, and recall the ambassador. These threats come in the wake of accusations against India following the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
27-Sep-2023
Gur Bakshish Singh Sidhu, popularly known as GBS Sidhu, the former secretary of R&AW, revealed in an interview that India's Khalistan problem was manipulated by a small group of politicians for electoral gains, rather than being created by Pakistan. However, he pointed out that Pakistan exploited it. He emphasized the need for truth and reconciliation to address Sikh grievances, suggesting the establishment of a truth commission to tackle the issue and strengthen Sikh moderates in countering extremism.
27-Sep-2023
Republic TV recently uncovered a threatening conversation between Lakhbir Singh Landa, an operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and Punjab businessman Gurmukh Singh. In the recording, Landa is heard accusing Gurmukh of involvement in a homicide and issuing menacing threats, vowing not to spare him during their impending encounter. This exchange took place in October 2022. Landa asked Gurmukh why he didn't have others with him during the cremation of Shashi, whom he alleged Gurmukh had killed. Gurmukh denied any involvement in the killing, attributing it to Versa and others. Landa mentioned that he had been called for the cremation by Fauji, indicating a dispute between Landa and Fauji. He warned Gurmukh to be prepared to face the consequences when they meet in the future, emphasizing that he wouldn't spare him.
27-Sep-2023
According to reports, escalating tensions between India and Canada are increasingly worrying Punjabi families whose students are pursuing education in Canada. Indian students constitute a significant segment of Canada's international student community, and recent political developments have cast doubts on their safety and well-being. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unfounded allegations against India concerning the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have further exacerbated the situation. Urgent calls are being made to both the Indian government and leaders in Punjab to address these concerns, ensuring the safety and future prospects of Indian students studying in Canada.
27-Sep-2023
According to sources, Indian investigating agencies, particularly the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are uncovering connections between gangsters and Khalistani organizations, leading to a criminal-terror nexus that bears resemblances to the Mumbai underworld. Initially, these gangs formed crime syndicates to pool resources and conduct inter-state operations. As these syndicates expanded, they sought more sophisticated weapons, prompting collaboration with banned terrorist groups supporting Khalistan. In exchange for these weapons, the criminal syndicates carried out extortions and targeted killings to further the Khalistan cause, paralleling the early activities of Mumbai's underworld, which eventually engaged in terrorist attacks. This criminal-terror nexus poses a significant security concern in Punjab.
27-Sep-2023
According to reports, amid the India-Canada diplomatic dispute and potential gang conflicts in Canada, the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are relocating Khalistani militants and gangsters wanted in India to safer hideouts. Several militants and gangsters, including individuals like Ranjeet Singh, alias Neta, from the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF); Lakhbir Singh Rode, associated with the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF); Harvinder Singh Rinda of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI); Ganga Singh Dhillon; and Jagjit Singh, have reportedly been relocated to secure facilities. This operation is being conducted covertly and overseen by a Major General-level officer within the ISI. Pakistan's concern stems from the recent crackdown on Khalistani networks in India, which could potentially expose its ties to these elements.
27-Sep-2023
According to reports, recent gang-related violence involving criminal groups in Punjab has strained Indo-Canada relations. Notably, gangster Sukhdool Singh alias Sukha Duneke, was killed in Winnipeg, Canada, allegedly due to inter-gang rivalry, with both Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria claiming responsibility. Duneke's name appeared on a list of wanted gangsters released by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a day before his murder. He was associated with the Khalistan movement in Canada. This incident parallels the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Additionally, the Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, and the Bambiha Group, headed by Davinder Bambiha, are key players in this criminal landscape. Other figures involved include Jasdeep Singh of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and Canada-based Goly Brar, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and a fugitive wanted for murder by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
27-Sep-2023
According to the minutes of a meeting of intelligence personnel accessed by The Free Press Journal, Khalistani terrorists led by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) had reportedly planned to carry out bombings at Delhi airport and several metro railway stations during the recent G20 summit in Delhi to draw global attention to their secessionist demand. Intercepted audio conversations revealed that SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed China's support for Khalistan. The voice messages intercepted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on September 1 indicated plans for bombings, hoisting Khalistani flags, and targeting the G20 summit venue and delegate hotels. The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) interrogation of gangster Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, deported from Manila, Philippines, revealed their nexus with Pannun, who had offered a reward for replacing the Indian flag with the Khalistani flag.
27-Sep-2023
According to sources, the Indian intelligence dossier on pro-Khalistani terror activities in Canada has highlighted significant Pakistani connections. Individuals such as Arsh Dala, Parry Dulai, Gurjinder Singh Pannun, and Gurjeet Singh Cheema have close ties to Lakhbir Singh Rode, a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist who leads the banned outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Bhagat Singh Brar alias Bhaggu Brar, is a prominent figure in the Canadian Khalistani-terrorist network and actively supports terrorist activities in Punjab. He frequently travels to Pakistan to provide funds to his father, Rode, and has been involved in anti-India activities. Harpreet Singh, who has been residing in Canada for 18 years, has been linked to weapon smuggling activities from Pakistan and has close contacts with Ranjit Singh alias Neeta.
27-Sep-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 27 conducted a widespread crackdown across multiple states, involving 53 locations in six states: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as Chandigarh. The operation targeted the terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus, resulting in the detention of several suspects and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, digital devices, and incriminating materials. The objective of the operation was to dismantle the network connected with listed terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, and notorious gangsters such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukhdeep Singh, Harry Maur, Narender alias Lali, Kala Jatheri, Deepak Tinu, among others.
27-Sep-2023
Police arrested a man, identified as Lakhan Khosla and seized 70 grams of an intoxicating powder, most likely heroin, from his possession in Model Town in Hoshiarpur district on September 27.
27-Sep-2023
Police on September 27 arrested two unidentified individuals and recovered 100 grams of heroin and a stolen car from their possession in Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district.
27-Sep-2023
Chabbewal Police on September 27 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Vikramjeet and Sahil Bains and seized 260 grams of intoxicating powder from their possession in Chabbewal in Hoshiarpur district.
26-Sep-2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on September 26, announced plans to deploy anti-drone systems along India's international border to enhance security measures in Amritsar, Punjab. He highlighted the government's commitment to border security and its success in combating narcotics and terrorism. The meeting addressed various developmental and security-related issues in Northern India.
26-Sep-2023
Nabha Police, on September 26, arrested two individuals, identified as panchayat secretary Deepak Garg and Navpreet Pal and seized around 3.5 kg of opium from their possession in Nabha in Patiala district. Garg is alleged to have smuggled around 60 kg of opium over the last two years, primarily sourced from Rajasthan.