KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
18-Aug-2023
Harsimrat Kaur, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Bathinda, on August 18, wrote a letter addressed to the Union Home Minister (UHM), Amit Shah, urging him to commute Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment and to expedite his release on humanitarian grounds. She referred to Rajoana as a 'dharmi' (faith defender) prisoner. Balwant Singh Rajoana was convicted for his involvement in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh.
18-Aug-2023
On August 18, in accordance with the directions of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) issued a circular urging gurdwara managements to discourage the practice of offering toys as offerings by devotees.
18-Aug-2023
A Tarn Taran court on August 18 sent three members of an alleged terror module identified as Ashmpreet Singh, Pardeep Singh and Sukhmanpreet, to judicial custody after the expiry of their police remand in Tarn Taran, in Tarn Taran district. They were part of a terror module run by Gurdev Singh alias Jaisel operating from the Czech Republic. Investigations revealed their involvement in delivering weapons and funds, with Jaisel being connected to gangster-turned-terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Satbir Singh Satta.
17-Aug-2023
A Mohali court on August 17 declared sacked Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Raj Jit Singh a proclaimed offender (PO) after he failed to appear in court regarding a drug smuggling case and other charges, including extortion and forgery, for which he was dismissed by the state government. The court rejected Singh's request to postpone the proclamation proceedings, stating it was an attempt to cause delay.
17-Aug-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on August 17 issued a 'last opportunity' to the Mohali administration and the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) to resolve the issue of the encampment near the Chandigarh-Mohali border in Punjab. The court emphasized the importance of keeping roads open. The QIM had maintained the encampment since January 7, 2022, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, despite a decline in the number of protesters.
17-Aug-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 17 was granted a six-day extension of remand for two key terror operatives, identified as Manpreet Singh alias Peeta and Mandeep Singh, linked to Canada-based ‘listed terrorist’ Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, by a special court in Delhi. Both were arrested upon their arrival from Manila, Philippines and were wanted for their involvement in terror acts, including funding and supporting banned terrorist organizations like Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) in India.
17-Aug-2023
The Khanna Police on August 17 announced that they had busted an interstate weapons supply gang and arrested five of its members. On August 4, the police arrested Bikram Singh, Daljeet Singh, Jashandeep Singh, and Jashanpreet Singh, recovering a .32 bore pistol from them at the Punjab PUNSUP Godown in Doraha, Ludhiana district, Punjab. Based on information revealed during questioning, the police arrested Vapinder Singh and recovered three .32 bore pistols from him in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on August 13.
17-Aug-2023
Punjab Police on August 17 produced gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Chandigarh District Court related to the murder case of property dealer Rajveer alias Sonu Shah who was killed at his office in 2019. Bishnoi, the main accused, was presented with heightened security measures due to security concerns. Earlier, Bishnoi had claimed responsibility for the murder on social media. He is also accused in other high-profile cases, including the murder of singer-politician Sidhu Moosewala.
17-Aug-2023
Police on August 17 nominated gangster Vikramjeet Singh alias Vikram Brar, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, as the mastermind behind the hoisting of a Khalistan flag at the Faridkot court complex and the painting of pro-Khalistan graffiti on a judge's residence in the Faridkot district in November 2022. Brar was produced before the Faridkot judicial magistrate on August 17 and was remanded in one-day police custody. The crime was carried out based on directions from Brar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned Khalistani organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), as revealed by the perpetrator.
17-Aug-2023
According to officials, narcotic smugglers based in Pakistan have adopted a new tactic of using small drones to drop drug payloads into Indian territory, specifically in Punjab. These small drones are difficult to detect due to their quiet flight and long-range capabilities. About 70% of the drones intercepted in the first seven months of the year were small-sized, often manufactured by the Chinese company DJI. These drones are equipped with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and high-definition cameras, and they are used to drop small quantities of drugs, posing a challenge for security agencies along the border.
17-Aug-2023
Jalandhar Rural Police on August 17 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Joga Singh and seized 8 kilograms of heroin from his possession in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. Singh is believed to have retrieved the heroin consignment from Pakistan through trans-border networks, according to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.
16-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint operation on August 16 recovered a bottle filled with 200 gm of heroin on the outskirts of Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
16-Aug-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on August 16 organized an ardas (Sikh prayer) at Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab, for the second consecutive year, commemorating Punjabis who died in communal violence during the Partition of India. The ardas followed the conclusion of an Akhand Path and Gurbani kirtan.
16-Aug-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, during a joint search operation on August 16, recovered 2.8 kilograms of heroin on the outskirts of Machiwara village in Ferozepur district.
16-Aug-2023
The Punjab Police on August 16 arrested five individuals linked to the Bambiha gang for their involvement in a series of looting incidents and recovered weapons from them, including an SLR rifle in Bathinda District. The suspects had also snatched a police officer's SLR during a previous encounter with law enforcement.
16-Aug-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court was on August 16 informed by a sentence review board that a decision regarding Davinderpal Singh Bhullar’s release will be made within four weeks. Bhullar, a convict in the 1993 Delhi blast case, is seeking premature release, claiming a violation of constitutional rights. Having completed over 27 years of his sentence, which exceeds the required term, his case has faced repeated deferrals.
15-Aug-2023
The 77th Independence Day celebrations took place on August 15 at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post on the Indo-Pak border near Amritsar in Amritsar district of Punjab.
15-Aug-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on August 15 pledged to make the state drug-free by the next Independence Day, emphasizing a comprehensive strategy to combat drug addiction. He attributed unemployment as the root cause of drug issues and highlighted upcoming investments to provide employment opportunities for the youth.
15-Aug-2023
During the Independence Day celebrations at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium on August 15, Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri highlighted Punjab's significant role in India's Independence movement in Jalandhar district. He noted the origins of freedom movements like Kuka, Pagri Sambhal, Gadar, and Babbar Akali in Punjab.
15-Aug-2023
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) on August 15 agreed to conduct the procession in Mohali after they were denied permission by Chandigarh Police to hold a protest march in Chandigarh. The decision came shortly before their scheduled protest, and the new route includes various locations in Mohali while avoiding Chandigarh. The group staged a protest in Mohali seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana - a convict in former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh's assassination and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar - 1993 Delhi bomb blast convict. The group has been protesting since January 7, 2023.
15-Aug-2023
A minor skirmish occurred between the demonstrators and the police on August 15 at the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) organised protest rally at the Chandigarh-Mohali border in Punjab. The rally featured masked carrying black, yellow and saffron flags along with carrying swords, spears and traditional weapons, cars, SUVs, tractors, and participants from various religious and farmer groups.
15-Aug-2023
A Khalistani supporter disrupted a children's Tiranga (tricolour) rally in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, on India's Independence Day, August 15. The Khalistani supporter claimed that 'Punjab is a separate nation.' The video of the incident was captured on camera and is circulating on social media.
14-Aug-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on August 14 recalled the significant sacrifices Punjabis on both sides of the border made for freedom. He mentioned that around 10 lakh people were killed during that time. He emphasized the commonalities shared by people on both sides, including language and culture, and highlighted the enduring nature of Punjabi unity, as demonstrated by their interactions and meetings at places like Kartarpur Sahib. Mann also recalled historical events, such as the objection by Sher Nawab Khan of Malerkotla to the bricking alive of Chote Sahibzadas during Sikh history.
14-Aug-2023
A Punjab Police official stated on August 14 that Punjab Police has confiscated 99 kg of heroin and arrested 316 drug suppliers through 231 FIRs, including 30 for carrying commercial quantities, during the previous week. Additionally, they seized 9 kg of opium, 11 kg of Ganja (Marijuana), and 3 quintals of poppy husk, along with other drugs and drug money. Over the past 13 months, the police have arrested a total of 18,079 drug smugglers, including significant players, and registered 13,458 FIRs, 1,630 of which relate to commercial drug quantities. According to Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill, over the past 13 months, police teams have recovered a total of 1,407 kg of heroin.
14-Aug-2023
Security has been heightened since August 14 due to plans by a pro-Khalistan group, the Quami Insaaf Morcha (QIM), to march from Mohali, Punjab, towards Chandigarh on August 15, Independence Day. The purpose of the march is to demand the release of Sikh prisoners. The police have bolstered security measures, focusing particularly on the Chandigarh-Mohali border where previous clashes between protesters and law enforcement have occurred. The group is advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners, among them Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, a convict in the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case. The group has been engaged in protests for several months.
14-Aug-2023
United States (US) Congressman Rohit Khanna on August 14, in New Delhi, unequivocally opposed the Khalistani movement, asserting that Punjab's status as part of India is settled and there is no room for separatist endeavours. He strongly condemned the Khalistani attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco in July 2023, deeming it unconscionable. Khanna also emphasised the importance of equal treatment for all religious groups while underscoring Punjab's undeniable integration within India.
14-Aug-2023
The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of Amritsar, in coordination with Central agencies on August 14, arrested five operatives of a terror module, identified as Gurinder Singh, Gurpinder Singh alias Lahoria, Lovepreet Singh, Narinder Singh and Sukhmanpreet Singh alias Jeevan and recovered two foreign-made 9mm pistols along with ammunition from their possession in Amritsar district. The terror module is run by gangster Harpreet alias Happy, a United States (US) based gangster. One more operative was identified by the police as Kamaljot Singh alias Kamal, who is absconding. According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the module aimed to target political and socio-religious leaders in Punjab and is alleged to have received weapons through a drone-delivered consignment arranged by Happy in coordination with Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder alias Rinda.
14-Aug-2023
On August 14, at the 28th India-Pakistan Friendship Festival held in Amritsar, Punjab, a gathering of intellectuals, journalists, artists, and activists engaged in discussions about the present state of India-Pakistan relations. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait advocated for the reopening of the Attari-Wagah border to facilitate trade, underscoring its potential to alleviate the challenges faced by the farming community during the crisis. Participants emphasized a profound yearning for peace and increased people-to-people interaction, all while addressing the importance of governmental acknowledgment and endorsement of such sentiments.
14-Aug-2023
Police in Punjab and Haryana on August 14 intensified security checks at inter-state borders and key venues. Tight security measures have been put in place at the locations where the governors, chief ministers, and ministers from both states will raise the national flag on August 15, Independence Day.
14-Aug-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Nitin Agrawal on August 14 commenced his two-day visit to the Punjab frontier to assess the security situation along the India-Pakistan International Border. He received operational briefings from Punjab Frontier Inspector General Atul Fulzele and is set to participate in Independence Day events as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
14-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on August 14 shot dead a Pakistani intruder in Pathankot sector in Pathankot district.
14-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on August 14 recovered a packet containing 1.1 kilograms of heroin from an abandoned tractor in Tarn Taran sector in Tarn Taran district.
14-Aug-2023
In an interview, Punjab's Additional Director General (AIG) of Police, S P S Parmar, addressed concerns regarding police conduct during cordon and search operations (CASO), which have faced criticism from Human Rights activists for infringing on privacy. Parmar defended police operations and proposed a collaborative approach to combat drug smuggling. He highlighted that both the government and the police should not bear sole responsibility for the issue. Parmar also expressed appreciation for the Nasha Roko committees but emphasized the need to focus on addressing the underlying demand for drugs.
14-Aug-2023
Pro-Khalistani elements, along with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) (Amritsar) and Dal Khalsa activists, staged a demonstration in Ludhiana on the eve of India's Independence Day, August 14. The protesters brandished black flags and criticized India for alleged atrocities, injustices, and denial of rights to Punjab and Sikhs over the past decades. They called for Punjab to observe August 15 as a "Black Day" and condemned India's policies toward various groups, including Sikhs, Kashmiris, and Nagas, while chanting the slogan ‘Sikhs want Azaadi from India’.
13-Aug-2023
The Special Cell of Delhi Police has discovered that the Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and his associates utilised the ‘Botim app’ for communication with their Indian counterparts, including gangsters like Neeraj Bawana and Lawrence Bishnoi. Dalla had hacked a Punjab-based girl's Facebook account to establish contact with Indian gangsters and coordinate operations. Despite being based in Canada, Dalla used IP addresses from the Philippines and Pakistan. One of his associates, Jagjit Singh alias Jagga, was tasked with carrying out significant operations, while gang members like Sunny Dagar and Jagjit alias Jassa, were involved in fundraising and targeted killings for the militant outfit Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
13-Aug-2023
Police on August 13 arrested three associates of Gurdev Singh alias Jaisel, identified as Ashmpreet Singh, Pardeep Singh and Sukhmanpreet and recovered three pistols and INR 37,500 from their possession near Majha area in Tarn Taran district. The arrested individuals confessed to transporting weapons and money for terror funding under Jaisel's orders. Jaisel was identified as a key operative of Canada-based Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Satbir Singh Satta, known for their involvement in the RPG grenade attack on Sarhali police station, which took place on December 9 in 2022, and other plots for targeted killings, according to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav
13-Aug-2023
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on August 13 took out a symbolic march from YPS Chowk in Mohali, Punjab, towards the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann’s house in Chandigarh, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their terror-related jail terms. The march was halted at the Sector 52-53 intersection, where a religious gathering took place.
13-Aug-2023
On August 13, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, during a joint operation, recovered three packets of heroin weighing around 3 kilograms near Machiwara village in Ferozepur district.
13-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), on August 13, during a search operation, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 530 grams on the outskirts of Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
13-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, on August 13, during a joint operation, recovered a broken quadcopter near Lakhna village in Tarn Taran district.
12-Aug-2023
On August 12, the president of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Singh Badal, made a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), in which he praised Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's remarks concerning the 1984 Operation Blue Star, which PM Modi referred to as a "shocking assault" on the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Badal further expressed that this statement should be accompanied by an unconditional apology from the Government of India.
12-Aug-2023
According to reports, the absence of a Full Body Truck Scanner (FBTS) at the Attari international border located at Amritsar district in Punjab, poses a risk of contraband influx from Afghanistan via commercial trucks passing through Pakistan. Legal disputes have hindered the FBTS installation, resulting in conventional inspection methods. The need for FBTS arose from a 2009 incident where heroin was found in pomegranate boxes. Despite attempts to install FBTS, heroin seizures in 2019 and 2022 underscore the urgency of implementation. Importantly, goods like dry fruits and herbs from Afghanistan through Pakistan provide opportunities for smuggling illicit items.
12-Aug-2023
An alleged drug smuggler, identified as Jora Singh Waseer was killed in a police encounter near Kairon village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab on August 12. His accomplice, Kuldeep Singh, was arrested. The police, acting on a tip-off about heroin smuggling from Pakistan, intercepted a vehicle at a checkpoint between Patti and Kairon villages in Tarn Taran district, leading to a shootout in which Jora Singh died.
12-Aug-2023
Police on August 12 arrested one person, identified as Rajan Kumar and recovered 2 kg heroin from his possession in Ferozepur Cantonment in Ferozepur district.
12-Aug-2023
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) branch of Punjab Police on August 12 arrested two persons, identified as Swaranjit Singh alias Sabbu and Shubham and seized 1.5 kg heroin, a motorcycle and a mobile phone from their possession in Ferozepur city in Ferozepur district.
12-Aug-2023
The Police on August 12 arrested two persons, identified as Chhinder Kaur and Simarjit and seized 13.4 kg poppy husk from their possession near Fazilka in Fazilka district.
12-Aug-2023
Police on August 12 arrested two persons, Deepika and Lakhwinder and seized 35 gm heroin from their possession in Malout in Muktsar district.
12-Aug-2023
Police on August 12 arrested a man, identified as Khema Sahu and recovered 71 kg poppy husk from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
12-Aug-2023
The Police on August 12 arrested two persons, identified as Kali and Maluk Ram and recovered 10 kg poppy husk from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
12-Aug-2023
A mutilated body of an unidentified Pakistan national aged 40-45 was discovered by the Border Security Force (BSF) on August 12 near Guddar Bhaini village in Fazilka district of Punjab. The body is assumed to have entered the Indian territory through the Sutlej River.