KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Jul-2023
Khanna police on July 17 arrested two persons, Abhishek Saxena and Aman and recovered three illegal country-made pistols of .315 bore from their backpacks in Khanna, Ludhiana district. On July 20, a country-made .315 bore pistol was also recovered based on the information provided by them. According to Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Kondal, during questioning, the accused revealed that they were friends and had connected with an unidentified person through Instagram. This person provided them with illegal weapons and instructed them to supply the weapons to Ludhiana.
17-Jul-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials revealed on July 17 that a Pakistani arms supplier based in Dubai, UAE, identified as Hamid had provided the weapons used in the murder of Punjabi singer and politician Sidhu Moosewala. Hamid claimed to have close ties with gangster Goldy Brar alias Satinderjit Singh, a close associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Moosewala was shot dead by six assailants in the Mansa district of Punjab on May 29, 2022. NIA documents reveal that Shahbaz Ansari, an arms supplier for the Bishnoi gang, met Hamid in Dubai prior to Moosewala's murder to discuss arms smuggling and the supply of weapons to Lawrence Bishnoi. The investigation is also examining the connection between Khalistani terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Moosewala's murder.
17-Jul-2023
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Minister S. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal on July 17 criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and urged him to refrain from dictating to the Khalsa Panth on how it should manage its religious affairs or disseminate the teachings of the great Guru Sahiban to the Sikh Sangat through the sacred Gurbani and its telecast mode.
17-Jul-2023
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill, on July 17, revealed that Punjab Police's year-long battle against drugs has resulted in the arrest of 16,360 drug smugglers, including 2,351 major players. They have registered 12,218 FIRs, with 1,458 related to commercial quantity. During this period, the police seized 1220.94 kg of heroin, 797.14-kg opium, 902.13-kg ganja, 375.47 quintals of poppy husk, and 65.49 lakhs tablets/capsules/injections/vials of pharma opioids from across the state. The police also seized INR 12.33 crore in drug money and forfeited properties worth INR 26.72 crore from 66 major smugglers. Additionally, law and order have improved, with the police dismantling 18 terror modules and 208 gangster/criminal modules, arresting 143 terrorists/radicals after recovering 31 rifles, 209 revolvers/pistols, 5 tiffin improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 6.78 kg RDX and other explosives, 10 hand grenades, one sleeve of disposed rocket launcher, 51 drones, and one loaded rocket-propelled grenade.
17-Jul-2023
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has opened two offices in Amritsar, Punjab, which were virtually inaugurated by Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah on July 17. The objective of this move is to strengthen the fight against drug peddlers in the border state.
16-Jul-2023
According to the police, the killing of a 65-year-old man in Moga, Punjab on July 16, who was shot dead by four unidentified assailants, was part of a gang war between the Bishnoi and Bambiha gangs. On July 17, the police revealed that the killing was in retaliation for an attack on gangster Goru Baccha in jail. Baccha, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, has been accused and taken into custody. The victim, Santokh Singh, was the father of gangster Sukhdev Singh, who is a member of the Bambiha gang. The police are investigating the incident and attempting to identify the assailants involved in the murder. Goru Baccha is already facing trial for various crimes and is associated with other notorious gangsters.
16-Jul-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on July 16 arrested two persons and recovered 508 grams of opium from them along the international border in Ferozepur Sector in Ferozepur district.
16-Jul-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered 1.2 kg of opium near Gandhu Kilche village, in Ferozepur district of Punjab.
15-Jul-2023
Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Bathinda Police arrested four members of the Goldy Brar-Lawrence Bishnoi gang and recovered one Chinese pistol and five live cartridges, along with 270 gm of heroin and one car from their possession in Bathinda in Bathinda District on July 15. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav informed there are a number of cases related to extortion, kidnapping, and the arms and NDPS Act registered against the accused.
15-Jul-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on July 15 changed the name of its YouTube channel, which will be used for live broadcasts of Gurbani from Golden Temple, to 'Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Amritsar'. Earlier, the name of the YouTube channel was announced as “Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Amritsar”.
15-Jul-2023
A gangster belonging to the Davinder Bambiha gang, Surinderpal Singh alias Billa escaped from Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot district on July 15. Billa who was arrested on July 10 after an encounter was undergoing treatment at the Hospital. He is alleged to have been involved in running an extortion racket.
14-Jul-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on July 14 officially conveyed its opposition to a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and emphasized that implementing a UCC would not be in the nation's best interest.
14-Jul-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on July 14 announced that it would be broadcasting Gurbani recitals from Golden Temple on its YouTube channel starting from July 24, taking back the rights from the PTC channel.
14-Jul-2023
The Anti-gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Bathinda Police on July 14 arrested Baljinder Singh alias Bindri, an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and his three accomplices and recovered a Chinese pistol, five cartridges and 270 grams of heroin from them in Bathinda. According to the Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the investigation revealed that the gang members used drones to smuggle arms and narcotics across the Indo-Pak border, and the suspects have a criminal history with numerous cases related to extortion, kidnapping, and arms and narcotics offenses against them.
14-Jul-2023
The Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), a central organization comprising various Singh Sabhas across Punjab, on July 14, expressed strong opposition to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposed by the Central government in India. In a joint statement, CKD President Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Vice-President Jagjit Singh, and other members emphasized that in a vast and diverse country like India, implementing a single civil code for different religions is likely to encounter numerous challenges.
13-Jul-2023
Waris Punjab De’s (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh's wife, Kirandeep Kaur, and Daljit Singh Kalsi's wife, Neeru Kalsi, along with their son Simarjeet Sunny Singh Kalsi on July 13 visited Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam to meet their imprisoned family members. The visit follows allegations that Amritpal Singh gave a letter to his wife during her previous visit, in which he urged the Sikh community to reject drugs and adhere to religious principles while seeking martyr status for two recently deceased Pro-Khalistan terrorists.
13-Jul-2023
The British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, on July 13 emphasized the United Kingdom (UK) government's strong stance against any form of extremism, including pro-Khalistan and anti-India protests in the UK. He mentioned that security advisors from both countries recently discussed the matter, highlighting the UK's commitment to dealing firmly with extremism through legal measures and regulations.
13-Jul-2023
Dal Khalsa, a pro-Khalistani outfit, has raised the issues Sikhs are facing in India with the United States (US) government. Through a communique, originally intended for United States (US) diplomats in India, it highlighted concerns regarding the misuse of oppressive laws against Sikh dissidents, detentions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA), social media censorship, and state interference in Sikh religious affairs.
13-Jul-2023
Four prisoners identified as Simranjit Singh, Surinder Singh, Amanpreet Singh, and Varinder Singh, were injured in a gang war that took place early in the morning of July 13 in Kapurthala Modern Jail in Kapurthala.
13-Jul-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on July 13 dismissed Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh's plea to quash an order by the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner (DC) that allegedly denied him and three others the right to be defended by a lawyer of their choice.
12-Jul-2023
On July 12, Pro-Khalistani graffiti and slogans were spotted outside the office and residence of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Forest Department Building in Barnala in Barnala district. Later, in a video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), claimed responsibility for the graffiti.
12-Jul-2023
In a video circulated on social media on July 12, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Khalistani leader and the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), threatened to avenge the death of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and disrupt the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup. In the video, which depicted graphics of a grenade attack on the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Pannun called for halting the Cricket tournament until Sikh self-determination is achieved.
12-Jul-2023
A video went viral on social media on July 12 in which an individual dressed in Nihang robes is seen offering namaz, sparking outrage within the Sikh community. Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala, the chief of a breakaway faction of Damdami Taksal, strongly condemned the act, considering it a violation of Sikh identity and disrespectful to religious sentiments. The person in the video, identified as Boota Singh Inderjit, defended his actions, claiming unity among religions and citing a shabad from Gurbani. The video was reportedly recorded months ago but recently gained attention online.
12-Jul-2023
Police on July 12 arrested two individuals, identified as Gurvinder Singh Bhinda and Analaveet Singh and seized 200 kg of poppy husk from their truck in Khuiyan Sarwar village in Ferozepur district. The onion carrying truck was travelling from Rajasthan to Punjab.
12-Jul-2023
Several Border Security Force (BSF) border outposts were inundated and were subsequently evacuated due to floodwaters on July 12, in Ferozepur district of Punjab.
11-Jul-2023
Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on July 11 arrested a key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Randhir Singh alias Commando alias Fauji and recovered a pistol and ten live cartridges from him in an unspecified location in Punjab. According to Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, Singh had been assigned by his handlers to target specific individuals and assist in the escape of a jailed associate during court appearances. With this arrest, potential sensational crimes in Punjab and Haryana have been averted.
11-Jul-2023
Delhi Police’s Special Cell on July 11 arrested a gangster, identified as Rohit Sharma alias Anna, and recovered a 32-bore pistol and 4 live cartridges from him
11-Jul-2023
The United States (US) Ambassador Eric Garcetti, on July 11 met with Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and national security. The meeting aimed to build upon the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US. The discussion gains significance in light of recent attacks by pro-Khalistan activists on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, US.
11-Jul-2023
Two members of the Bambiha gang, identified as Surinder Lal alias Rahul and Surinder Pal, were arrested by the Faridkot police after an encounter near Bir Sikhan Wala village Kot Kapura Tehsil in Faridkot district of Punjab on July 11. During the encounter, one of the criminals sustained a gunshot injury in the leg. According to Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harjeet Singh, the arrested individuals were involved in an extortion racket and linked to a recent firing incident in Jaitu town in Faridkot district of Punjab. They were acting on the instructions of gangster Deepak Maan, another member of the Bambiha gang known for making extortion threats in the area.
11-Jul-2023
The Amritsar Police on July 11 arrested three gangsters, identified as Paramdilip Singh alias Pamma alias Sukhchain Singh, Abhishek Mahajan, and Sonu Goswam and recovered Two 9-mm and .32 bore pistols, a motorcycle, a jammer and a mobile phone from Kosi Kalan area in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh (UP). According to police, the accused were getting financial and other aid from two Australia-based entities, who were identified as Ankush Kumar, alias Bahman, and Rittik Rally.
10-Jul-2023
According to sources, Indian security officials suspect that Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the slain Khalistani terrorist, was involved in the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, an ex-Khalistani who was accused of masterminding the 1985 Air India bombing. Nijjar had an alliance with Punjab gangster Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, who fled to Canada and worked as a muscleman for Nijjar. Both Nijjar and Malik were targeted in gangland-style killings, highlighting the involvement of Canadian gangsters, many of whom are from the Punjabi diaspora. The presence of gangsters and the turning of a blind eye to Khalistani activities in Canada by local authorities due to vote bank politics pose a danger of Khalistan gaining traction there. The narco-terror nexus involving Punjab gangsters and Khalistani elements in Canada exacerbates the situation, the report added.
10-Jul-2023
Amritpal Singh, a Pro-Khalistan activist and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), along with Harjit Singh, Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, and Varinder Singh Fauji, on July 10 approached Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) to challenge the order by the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner (DC) that denied them the right to consult and be defended by a lawyer of their choice.
10-Jul-2023
Giani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht on July 10, in Amritsar, expressed significant worry about the flood-like conditions in the state of Punjab. He has called upon the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and all Sikh organizations to provide assistance to the individuals affected by the heavy rains.
09-Jul-2023
In a joint operation, the Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) on July 9 recovered a Pakistani drone from Kakkar village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district. The recovered drone is an assembled Quadcopter.
09-Jul-2023
Former Indian Ambassador Anil Trigunayat on July 9 highlighted that the low turnout at the anti-India rallies is a setback for Khalistani extremists and separatists who have been making threats against Indian diplomats and engaging in anti-India activities. He urged foreign countries to prohibit seditious activities if they intend to uphold a strategic partnership and maintain a special relationship with India.
09-Jul-2023
Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), on July 9 issued a statement alleging the misuse of her photographs to create fake profiles on social media platforms. She expressed concern that these fraudulent accounts are disseminating false information and promoting hatred and conflict.
08-Jul-2023
On July 8, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh kick-started a campaign against drugs from Roungla village in Patiala tehsil of Patiala district.
08-Jul-2023
Three gangsters, identified as Manraj Singh, Navjot Singh and Ravinder Singh were arrested by the police following an encounter in Bhilowal village near Chabbewal town in Hoshiarpur district on July 8. The police recovered three 7.65 mm pistols from the arrested suspects, who were allegedly working for Balwinder Singh alias Binder, residing in the United States (US).
08-Jul-2023
The executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on July 8, rejected the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) put forth by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Central Government. The SGPC has formed a sub-committee consisting of Sikh intellectuals, historians, scholars, and lawyers to examine the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and after an initial review, the sub-committee has disapproved of the proposed code.
08-Jul-2023
India requested enhanced security measures for 11 missions and consulates located in Australia, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Europe due to potential threats arising from planned Pro-Khalistani rallies on July 8. Although no incidents were reported during the scheduled protests, India continues to prioritize strong security measures to address future threats. Indian missions in various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, the US, and the UK, have been placed on high alert. Specific missions in London (UK), Frankfurt (Germany), New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Washington DC in the US, as well as Vancouver and Ottawa in Canada, have also been notified.
07-Jul-2023
The Border Security Forces (BSF) on July 7 successfully intercepted a Pakistani drone that violated Indian airspace near Pallopati village in Tarn Taran sector, in Tarn Taran district. The BSF successfully recovered the drone - a Quadcopter of model - DJI Matrice 350 RTK series – which was suspected to be carrying narcotics.
07-Jul-2023
According to reports, growing concerns arise as pro-Khalistan separatists plan rallies targeting Indian diplomatic missions and diplomats in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia. Indian officials have engaged in discussions with counterparts in these countries to enhance security measures. The alarming nature of the threats, including attacks, arson attempts, and vandalism, highlights an escalation in separatist activity overseas. It is crucial for the concerned countries to prioritize the protection of Indian diplomatic interests, investigate, and prevent potential acts of violence. Cooperation, information sharing, and discussions on solutions are essential to address the rising violence by these groups.
07-Jul-2023
At a meeting held in Hyderabad on June 7, the Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval urged his United Kingdom (UK) counterpart, Sir Tim Barrow, to take strong public action, such as deportation or legal prosecution, against pro-Khalistan extremist elements who have threatened Indian officials. The concerns arose after posters for the rallies singled out Indian diplomats in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States (US) as targets, which were uploaded on Twitter. Both countries have agreed to collaborate closely on counterterrorism, terror financing, and counter-radicalization.
07-Jul-2023
Intelligence sources expressed growing concern over the increasing collaboration between Khalistani groups and gangsters in the United Kingdom (UK). According to these sources, there is a noticeable trend where gangsters are becoming part of the terrorist ecosystem and are being utilized by terror groups to target vulnerable locations. Sources reveal that gangsters are operating on behalf of terrorist groups in Dubai, Pakistan, and Khalistani groups in the UK. According to investigations conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and federal agencies, Khalistani groups like the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) have established connections with gangsters such as Arsh Dalla, Goldy Brar, and Lawrence Bishnoi. These groups have been involved in targeted killings, including the killing of Pradeep Kumar, a follower of Dera Sacha Sauda. Gangsters have fled to countries like Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, and Australia, where they plan and finance criminal activities using methods like Hawala and extortion. Federal agencies have conducted raids, filed cases against Hawala operators, and targeted various individuals and entities involved in financing, weapons supply, logistics, and social media management. It has been revealed that funds collected for gurdwaras and langars are being diverted towards criminal activities. Young individuals born after 1984 are being utilized for these operations, with handlers based in the UK or Pakistan.
07-Jul-2023
National Sikh conclave which was held on July 7 in Delhi, formed an 11-member committee to engage with the government regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to protect Sikh rights and practices. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President Harmit Singh Kalka and DSGMC general secretary Jagdip Singh Kahlon emphasized the need to review the UCC draft before deciding to support or oppose it.
07-Jul-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 7 acknowledged the severity of the drug problem in Punjab and Haryana, emphasizing the need for strong action against it as youth are increasingly becoming victims.
07-Jul-2023
Police arrested a woman, identified as Gurdeep Kaur along with 73 grams of intoxicants during a routine checking operation near Kalewal Lallian village in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab on July 7.
07-Jul-2023
The Model Town police arrested two smugglers, identified as Pawan Kumar Handa and Avinash Kumar alias Abhi, and seized 650 intoxicating pills from them near Model Town in Hoshiarpur district on July 7.
07-Jul-2023
Bullowal police arrested a person, identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Kaka, and recovered 27 grams of intoxicant powder from him near Bulhowal village in Hoshiarpur district on July 7.
07-Jul-2023
The police arrested Raja alias Rahul, a proclaimed offender (PO) wanted in a case of drug peddling registered in 2019, who was absconding for the past six days near Mohalla Bhag Wala village in Jalandhar district.