KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
09-Sep-2023
As India prepares to host the G-20 summit, concerns arise about orchestrated online campaigns led by Pakistan and the Khalistani network to spread anti-India sentiments and disrupt summit preparations. These efforts involve the use of bot accounts and misleading content. Some foreign entities such as the Indian American Muslim Council and the New Democratic Party of Canada also expressed their opposition.
09-Sep-2023
During the G20 summit, on September 9, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held discussions in New Delhi, emphasizing the need to strengthen the modern partnership between the two nations in areas such as defense technology, trade, and innovation. The leaders expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation in various sectors under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on international and regional issues. Additionally, India raised concerns about the growing Sikh radicalism in the UK, a matter that Sunak had addressed before his visit to India.
09-Sep-2023
In preparation for the ongoing G-20 Summit in New Delhi, the Punjab Police have heightened security measures across the state, as directed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. This includes flag marches in sensitive areas of all 28 police districts, covering 228 sensitive locations. Additionally, cordon and search operations were conducted at railway stations and bus stands. Over 1,500 police personnel were involved in checking over 3,660 individuals at 159 bus stands and 131 railway stations, with some suspicious persons apprehended for questioning to ensure a peaceful environment during the summit.
09-Sep-2023
The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, released on September 9 in New Delhi, condemned terrorism 'in all its forms and manifestations,' including xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance. It recognized the commitment of all religions to peace and emphasized the need for international cooperation to deny terrorist groups safe haven and financial, material, or political support. The declaration also expressed concern about the illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons, addressing India-specific concerns regarding the flow of small arms into Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Additionally, it highlighted the risks associated with virtual assets and reiterated support for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF's) standards and initiatives in this regard.
09-Sep-2023
According to the Punjab Police, gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt, has emerged as a significant player in drug trafficking operations originating from Pakistan. Jatt, who has successfully evaded capture since his escape from police custody in January 2020, is facing multiple criminal charges, including murder and attempted murder. It is believed that he is orchestrating a major drug smuggling operation in collaboration with Pakistani smugglers. Recently, the Amritsar-rural police arrested an individual named Harpreet Singh on September 6, in possession of 15 kg of heroin, which was part of Jatt's drug consignment. Police are actively pursuing Jatt, who is considered the primary kingpin of the drug trade in the region.
09-Sep-2023
Police on September 9 arrested five criminals and recovered a large quantity of drugs from their possession, near Navi Nagar village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. The criminals were arrested after a two-hour-long encounter. The police had been pursuing these individuals, who had multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against them, for several weeks. Acting on a tip-off about their presence at a bhog ceremony, the police followed them, leading to the encounter.
08-Sep-2023
Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on September 8 arrested an individual identified as Pritam Singh and recovered 15 kilograms of heroin and a tractor-trolley from his possession near Dhani Kharas Wali village in Fazilka district. The heroin was recovered hidden under wheat straws in the tractor-trolley, in which Pritam was travelling, along with his wife Kushalia Bai and son-in-law Gurmit Singh. While Pritam was arrested during an inspection at a checkpoint, Kushalia and Gurmit escaped.
08-Sep-2023
Various Sikh organizations in Jammu and Kashmir held an emergency meeting on September 8 to express concerns about what they perceive as neglect and 'step-motherly treatment' of the Sikh community by the Central Government, in Jammu and Kashmir. They particularly highlighted their exclusion from participating in the G20 summit held in New Delhi, where they were unable to present their grievances. The Sikh groups called for fair representation and recognition of their community's interests on both national and international platforms.
08-Sep-2023
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak, while addressing the Khalistan issue hours after his arrival in New Delhi for the G20 Summit on September 8, emphasized that the UK does not condone any type of extremism or violence. He underscored the UK's close collaboration with the Indian government, specifically to address Pro-Khalistan Extremism (PKE). He highlighted recent discussions between security ministers, joint working groups, and intelligence sharing to eradicate such violent extremism, emphasizing the UK's zero-tolerance policy.
08-Sep-2023
Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGFT) of Punjab Police on September 8 arrested three aides of Khalistani gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, identified as Sukhmanjot Singh alias Sukhman Brar, Jaskaran Singh alias Jassi Lodhipur and Jograj Singh alias Joga, and recovered three foreign-made sophisticated pistols of .32 bore from their possession. Sukhman was arrested from Indo-Nepal border, while he was attempting to escape to Nepal, and the other two were arrested in Gurugram, Haryana. According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the trio were planning to escape to Nepal using fake passports.
08-Sep-2023
Security was significantly heightened in New Delhi on September 8, in anticipation of the G20 summit due to concerns about potential disruptions by groups such as Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a banned Khalistani terror organization. While no specific terror threats have been reported, intelligence suggests the possibility of flash protests or cyberattacks. The police have been prepared to handle various scenarios, including identifying protesters with slogans on their clothing, and 50,000 security personnel, K9 units, and mounted police have been deployed. Security measures have been extended to cover the conference venue, hotels, borders, and even the Yamuna River, where boat patrols are conducted.
08-Sep-2023
According to reports, drug traffickers from Pakistan are changing their tactics by sending larger consignments of narcotics, ranging from 15 kg to 70 kg, into the Indian state of Punjab via the riverine areas of the Ravi and Sutlej. Fazilka has become a hotspot for these attempts, with a recent surge in drug seizures. Smugglers are using the expanded span of the Sutlej River due to the monsoon season to push bigger quantities of drugs hidden in tractor tubes. Drones are also being employed for smaller payloads, but the risks and penalties for those caught remain high.
08-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 8 conducted raids at suspected hideouts of associates and active supporters of gangsters across the state between 7 am to 11 am under the supervision of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. The raids were done at 822 places across 28 districts, by over 350 police teams comprising about 2,000 personnel. These raids targeted suspected hideouts of associates and active supporters of gangsters. The operation followed the questioning of individuals arrested during previous operations, resulting in several detentions and the seizure of incriminating material.
08-Sep-2023
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on September 8 convicted three former Punjab Police officials identified as Dharam Singh, Gurdev Singh and Surinder Singh, for conspiracy, murder, and fabrication of records in a 1992 police encounter case involving the killing of three youths, Harjit Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, and Jaspinder Singh, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) district in Punjab. The quantum of the sentence is to be pronounced on September 14.
07-Sep-2023
According to reports, a deliberate disinformation campaign is underway on social media amidst India’s hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. This campaign is orchestrated by individuals associated with Pakistan and Khalistani groups, with the aim of undermining India's presidency of the G20 Summit. The disinformation includes false claims, fake news, and support for Khalistan, posing a challenge to India's efforts to lead an inclusive, action-oriented G20 summit. Also, this anti-India campaign involves foreign organizations such as the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the New Democratic Party (NDP).
07-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 7 arrested an alleged drug trafficker, identified as Malkait Singh alias Kali and recovered 9 kilograms of heroin from his possession from near Boparai Canal Bridge near Goraya Jalandhar district. According to Jalandhar Rural's Senior Superintendent of Police, Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar, Malkait Singh reportedly had connections with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler Haider Ali, and had allegedly sent three swimmers to Pakistan to retrieve a 50 kg heroin consignment through a riverine route. The Police had previously seized 22.5 kg of heroin, bringing the total amount recovered to 31.5 kg. Police teams are actively searching for the remaining drug smugglers.
07-Sep-2023
According to reports, cross-border drug smuggling poses a serious challenge along Punjab's borders, involving land, water, and air routes. The use of drones, river routes, and land-based trafficking has increased, placing strain on security forces like the Border Security Force (BSF). The drug problem in Punjab has spilled over into Himachal Pradesh (HP). Drug trafficking is particularly common in the Malwa, Majha, and Doaba regions, leading to issues of drug addiction among the youth. While law enforcement agencies are making efforts to combat smuggling, the problem of demand and supply persists. Punjab has also witnessed a significant number of drug overdose deaths, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
07-Sep-2023
On September 7, a confidential letter authored by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Ferozepur in Punjab, surfaced, accusing certain police colleagues, including a Station House Officer (SHO) and Sub-Inspector (SI), of shielding drug smugglers. The DSP alleges that these officers have ties to drug peddlers and gangsters, hindering the government's anti-drug efforts. The letter also claims that police officials have tipped off traffickers about impending raids, enabling them to evade capture. An investigation is underway to assess the allegations, and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty, according to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Hillori.
06-Sep-2023
A Delhi court has scheduled a hearing for September 11 regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, which involves Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler as one of the accused. The case pertains to the Pul Bangash killings that occurred in the aftermath of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.
06-Sep-2023
Punjab police, on September 6, busted a major trans-border narcotics smuggling ring by arresting a drug smuggler identified as Harpreet Singh and recovering 15 kilograms of heroin and a Hyundai Grand i-10 car from his possession in New Ranjitpura in Amritsar district. Following his arrest, four associates of Harpreet, identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Guggu alias Haddi, Rahul Singh, and Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt, were nominated by the police, according to the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. Harpreet was arrested following a tip-off provided by a village defense committee (VDC) constituted by the Punjab Police in border villages to apprehend drug smugglers.
06-Sep-2023
The Bharti Kisan Union (BKU-Ekta-Ugraahan) led a protest march of farmers and other residents to the Mini Secretariat in Ludhiana, Ludhiana district, on September 6. They submitted a memorandum urging strong measures to combat drug issues and redirect the youth toward productive activities. BKU's general secretary Sudagar Sinh Ghudani emphasized the need for a comprehensive awareness campaign against drug addiction and the creation of employment opportunities for rural youth.
06-Sep-2023
A hearing regarding the case of the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was held on September 6 in the Sessions Court in Mansa district of Punjab. Twenty-one defendants appeared in court via video conference, while four could not be produced. The next court hearing for the case is scheduled for September 20.
06-Sep-2023
The Punjab & Haryana High Court (HC) on September 6 granted bail to Chandeep Singh alias Gabbar Singh, an alleged Khalistani terrorist, in a case involving charges under various sections, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), and the Explosive Substance Act, 1908. The court noted that the prosecution failed to establish a connection between the appellant and the UAPA charge, which carries a potential life sentence. Therefore, the appellant was entitled to bail after nearly four years of detention. The court also emphasized the need for a fresh consideration of bail and criticized the slow progress of the trial.
05-Sep-2023
On September 5, the Government of India’s media wing, the Press Information Bureau's (PIB) fact-check unit, debunked the claim made by the banned Khalistani terror organization, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), that it had put up pro-Khalistan posters and graffiti at five places to be visited by the G20 delegates in Delhi. Earlier, in a video uploaded on September 5, SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had claimed that SFJ had put up graffiti and posters in five locations in New Delhi: Tilak Bridge, Bhairon Marg Bridge, Africa Avenue, Ring Road Bridge, and Sardar Patel Bridge.
05-Sep-2023
In a video uploaded on September 5, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror organization, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, urged G20 nations to support the Khalistan movement and called upon Khalistan supporters to organize demonstrations at five key locations in the national capital, New Delhi: Tilak Marg Bridge, Sardar Patel Bridge, Bhairon Marg Bridge, Africa Avenue Road, and Ring Road Bridge.
05-Sep-2023
The convener of Quami Insaaf Morcha (OIM) Pal Singh France on September 5 declared their intention to persist with their protest until their demand for the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences in terror-related cases is fulfilled, in Mohali, Punjab. The road had been closed since January 7 when the QIM began their protest.
05-Sep-2023
Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Singh, who heads the Special Task Force (STF) against drugs on September 5 stated that Punjab has witnessed record-breaking heroin seizures, with a total of 868.46 kg confiscated, potentially surpassing 1,000 kilograms by year-end, in Chandigarh. He attributed part of this surge to the swollen Ravi and Sutlej rivers, which have facilitated drug smuggling.
05-Sep-2023
Police on September 5 carried out a massive cordon and search operation (CASO) between 7am and 10 am at 206 locations associated with individuals with criminal backgrounds across all districts of Punjab. The CASO was directed by Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Special Director General of Police (SDGP-Law and Order) Arpit Shukla explained that these raids were executed simultaneously, with personal oversight by the Commissioner of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police (CPs/SSPs), following inquiries into individuals linked to anti-social elements, some of whom reside abroad.
05-Sep-2023
Punjab Police Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on September 5 convened a meeting with 44 Village Level Defence Committees (VLDCs) to devise a comprehensive strategy for dismantling the drug supply network and combating drug smuggling, in the Pathankot district of Punjab. The VLDCs were praised for their role in providing real-time information to disrupt drug networks.
05-Sep-2023
Punjab Police Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on September 5 announced the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to address the challenges posed by drones and drug-related issues in border areas, in Gurdaspur in Gurdaspur district.
04-Sep-2023
Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) (headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill on September 4, addressing the media in Chandigarh stated that to combat the high rate of drug overdose deaths in Punjab, drug suppliers will now be charged with culpable homicide if their clients die of an overdose, extending accountability beyond drug peddling to include fatalities caused by drugs.
04-Sep-2023
Police on September 4 arrested one person, identified as Vishal Kumar and seized 10 grams of heroin and a pistol of .315 bore from his possession, near Lalheri village in Ludhiana district. Another .315 bore pistol was also recovered, following his interrogation.
04-Sep-2023
According to reports, Pro-Khalistani outfits, backed by Pakistan's Inter Service-Intelligence (ISI), have been notorious for spreading false narratives and demands that lack resonance in Punjab. Recent incidents, such as graffiti with pro-Khalistan slogans in Delhi ahead of the G20 summit, reveal their efforts to gain attention. Two individuals arrested in connection with the graffiti were allegedly paid by SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is operating from the US with support from his aide in Canada. These activities have raised concerns about the influence of Pakistan's ISI and Khalistani groups operating in foreign countries, particularly Canada, and have strained diplomatic relations, especially in light of the Trudeau administration's perceived leniency toward such groups on Canadian soil.
04-Sep-2023
According to reports, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, a Canada-based operative of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), recently expressed concerns on social media about the actions of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against him and his associates. He warned against the possibility of a fake social media account potentially created by the NIA to identify his contacts. The NIA has been actively pursuing Dala and his associates for their involvement in organized crime and terrorist activities, which include recruitment, fundraising through extortion, and smuggling arms and explosives across borders. The KTF, along with other proscribed terrorist groups, has been implicated in promoting terrorism in India, including bombings and targeted killings.
04-Sep-2023
In preparation for the G20 Summit, Delhi's security establishment has upgraded its facial recognition system, now boasting a potential 90% accuracy rate. The system integrates databases from intelligence agencies, Delhi Police's criminal and terrorist suspect records, as well as CCTV camera feeds, triggering alerts upon identifying individuals in the database. Authorities are focusing on monitoring pro-Khalistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) based jihadi elements. Additional security measures include the deployment of 1,000 facial recognition cameras and comprehensive policing and surveillance efforts in sensitive areas.
04-Sep-2023
Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) (headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill on September 4 stated that Punjab Police plans to implement Section 64 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which grants immunity from prosecution to addicts who willingly seek de-addiction treatment from government-recognized hospitals or institutions. This approach will treat individuals caught with small quantities of heroin or narcotics for personal use as victims eligible for treatment rather than criminal prosecution.
04-Sep-2023
Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) (headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill on September 4, addressing the media in Chandigarh announced that in the past 14 months, Punjab Police have arrested 19,093 drug smugglers, including 2,778 major culprits. They have registered a total of 14,179 First Information Reports (FIRs), with 1,717 related to commercial drug quantities. Through cordon and search operations, the police recovered 1,400 kilograms of heroin in drug-affected areas in the state, and an additional 147.5 kilograms was seized from seaports in Gujarat and Maharashtra, making the total heroin recovery 1,548.27 kilograms during this period. Police have also recovered INR 13.96 crore of drug money from the possession of drug smugglers arrested in the span of the last 14 months. He also disclosed that the Police seized around 240 kilograms of heroin in August.
04-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 4 held police-public meetings in the rural as well as city areas of Punjab at various locations as part of a month-long campaign against drug abuse.
04-Sep-2023
Police on September 4 arrested two youths, identified as Pawan of Bir Talab and Gurwinder Singh and recovered 400 gm of heroin from their possession in Bir Talab village in Bathinda district. After arresting Pawan and seizing 400 grams of heroin from his possession, the police arrested Gurwinder Singh, a college student, based on Pawan’s disclosure.
04-Sep-2023
The Tarn Taran police on September 4 busted a drug and hawala racket by arresting six individuals identified as Lovejit Singh alias Lovepreet Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Sukhmanjit Singh, Shashank Wadhwan, and his two brothers, Abhishek Wadhwan and Neeraj Wadhwan. Police also recovered a .315 bore pistol, 1.2 kilograms of heroin, and INR 1.14 crore in drug money from their possession. Lovejit, Sukhwinder, and Sukhmanjit were arrested in Amritsar, Punjab, while Shashank, Abhishek, and Neeraj were arrested in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
03-Sep-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in a video released on September 3, has called for challenging India's sovereignty during the G20 Summit, urging Sikhs to support the Khalistan referendum and email G20 nations' representatives to repudiate India's territorial integrity. He also released an audio message urging Kashmiri Muslims to migrate to Delhi and disrupt the G-20 Summit. Earlier he had threatened to hoist the Khalistan flag at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport and has previously claimed responsibility for anti-India graffiti at metro stations in Delhi.
03-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 3 conducted a special cordon and search operation involving 150 police teams and approximately 1,200 personnel at suspected hideouts of persons linked with Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, in 28 police districts in Punjab. Multiple individuals have been detained for additional scrutiny, and potentially incriminating evidence confiscated from their possession is currently under further examination. The operation included raids, detentions, and the seizure of incriminating materials. Additionally, police checked arms licenses, inquired about ammunition sources, gathered information on foreign-based family members, examined bank transactions from abroad, and assessed property details for further investigation.
03-Sep-2023
According to sources, Punjab Police are implementing a multipronged strategy to combat drug abuse, especially in border areas, with the goal of making Punjab a drug-free state in a year. They are increasing coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and forming village defence committees (VDC) to combat cross-border drug smuggling using drones. Additionally, efforts to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and provide rehabilitation for drug abuse victims are underway, with plans for public cooperation, meetings, rallies, and seminars. The police are also investigating the supply chain of drug peddlers to disrupt the entire network.
02-Sep-2023
Four smugglers, Rajdeep Singh, Ram Singh, Jaspal Singh and Rajwinder Singh who were arrested on September 2 in connection with a cross-border drug smuggling operation involving drones, were sent to three-day police custody by the Duty Magistrate in Batala Gurdaspur district.
02-Sep-2023
The Punjab Police, on September 2, busted a drug cartel that was being operated from inside Faridkot jail in Punjab, by arresting seven persons and recovering 15 kilograms of heroin and INR 7 lakh in drug money from them. On September 1, the police arrested the delivery persons, identified as Gurpinder Singh alias Bhinda, Narinder Singh, Ranjodh Singh alias Jodha, and recovered 15 kilograms heroin from their possession, from near Haruwal village in Dera Baba Nanak Tehsil in Gurdaspur district. On the basis of information provided by Bhinda, the police arrested the four receivers on September 2, identified as Rajdeep Singh, Ram Singh, Jaspal Singh and Rajwinder Kaur and recovered INR 7 lakh drug money and two cars from their possession, near Town Hall in Amritsar city in Amritsar district. The mastermind, Jaspreet Singh alias Kali, currently in Faridkot Jail, was discovered to be coordinating a drug cartel with Pakistan-based smugglers via WhatsApp.
02-Sep-2023
Police on September 2 arrested two persons, including a woman, identified as Lovepreet Singh and Baljit Kaur under the charges of culpable homicide and drug smuggling after a 32-year-old man identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi died of an alleged drug overdose, in Gagomahal village in Amritsar district.
02-Sep-2023
The Punjab police uncovered the active involvement of the drug smuggler Amrik Singh with the Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Amrik Singh, who is serving a sentence for a drug-related offense, was found to have shared sensitive information about an Indian Army camp in Himachal Pradesh (HP) with ISI officials. This information included details about personnel, vehicles, and convoy movements. Amrik Singh had escaped from custody in October 2022 but was rearrested in November 2022. He now faces charges under the Official Secrets Act, and his relative working in the Army is also under investigation.
02-Sep-2023
According to reports, the Patiala police in Punjab are actively pursuing the seizure of properties belonging to drug smugglers involved in commercial drug activities, following directives from the Punjab Police leadership. They have already proposed seizing properties worth INR 5.67 crore, with seven properties valued at INR 2.1 crore already frozen in the district. The police are employing a multi-pronged strategy to apprehend drug smugglers and confiscate their ill-gotten assets under Section 68 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
02-Sep-2023
According to reports, Sangrur police in Punjab have frozen properties worth INR 1 crore belonging to three drug smugglers who were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for possessing drugs in commercial quantities. Over 100 panchayats in the district have passed resolutions against drug sales in their villages and are actively supporting the Punjab Government's anti-drug campaign.
01-Sep-2023
A video depicting a young girl involved in a drug-related transaction went viral on September 1, leading to the arrest of Gurjant Singh, the girl's brother, in Badshahpur village of Kapurthala district. The police recovered 10 grams of heroin from his possession, while the girl and her mother remain at large.