KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
25-Jun-2023
The radical Sikh group Dal Khalsa on June 25 announced their plans to hold a memorial event for Hardeep Singh Nijjar at the Darbar Sahib complex on July 1 in Amritsar, Punjab. Nijjar was a Khalistani terrorist who was recently killed in Canada, was wanted by India, and had been sought for extradition since 2018.
25-Jun-2023
According to reports, speculation surrounds the recent deaths of three prominent pro-Khalistan leaders in different countries. The deaths have triggered debates about the possible causes. Some suggest that internal conflicts within the overseas leadership of the Khalistan movement may be responsible, while others speculate about a potential purge by Pakistan, which has been linked to supporting Khalistan. These individuals were wanted by India for various criminal cases, leading to social media discussions about the involvement of Indian intelligence agencies. However, there are also arguments that the deaths could be a result of internal disputes among pro-Khalistan leaders overseas. Another speculation revolves around Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) purging Khalistani leaders to replace them with younger figures.
25-Jun-2023
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of Punjab police busted an extortion racket operating in the name of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and arrested one of its operatives, identified as Vishal Kumar along with a pistol along with two live cartridges in Mohali.
25-Jun-2023
In an operation directed by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on June 25, the police conducted simultaneous raids across several districts in Punjab, targeting suspected hideouts of gangsters-turned-terrorists Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Harwinder Singh alias Rinda. Special Director General of Police (DGP) Arpit Shukla had instructed the police commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to deploy strong police teams for a successful operation targeting the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers in India and abroad. Several people were detained for further verification, and incriminating materials were seized.
25-Jun-2023
The Tarn Taran police on June 25 arrested two associates of gangster turned terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, identified as Arshdeep Singh and his brother Wattandeep Singh, in Tarn Taran district. The police confiscated two pistols along with 285 cartridges of various sizes, 100 grams of opium, and 250 kilograms of 'lahan' (a raw material for liquor production) from their possession.
25-Jun-2023
Police on June 25 intercepted a truck containing 215 kilograms of poppy husk and arrested the driver Bhupinder and the cleaner Puna Ram Bishnoi, in Abohar in Fazilka district.
25-Jun-2023
Congress leader and the president of the International Anti-Khalistani Terrorist Front Gursimran Singh, Mand on June 25 received a death threat via email. The threatening message, allegedly sent by an unidentified individual with the email id ‘[email protected], claimed to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi group, warned of shooting Mand in the head. Mand had recently spoken out against extremist Balwant Singh Rajowana and his sister Kamaldeep Kaur.
25-Jun-2023
In a statement issued on June 25, Dal Khalsa spokesperson Paramjit Singh Mand expressed concern over the increasing interference of the Indian government in Sikh religious affairs and the mysterious killings of Khalistani activists abroad. Dal Khalsa also announced a demonstration in front of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) office in Amritsar on July 1, holding India's external intelligence responsible for operations on foreign soil. They believe the state is targeting pro-active Sikhs and seeking unity and a revived spirit of sacrifice among Sikhs to counter these actions. They expressed concerns about future targeted killings, pointing to Indian intelligence agencies as potential culprits. The organization has written a letter to the Prime Minister (PM) of Canada seeking a fair investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and plans to hold a memorial event for him.
24-Jun-2023
GBS Sidhu, the retired Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer, while speaking to ANI Editor Smita Prakash disclosed that Congress leaders, including Kamal Nath, orchestrated the rise of Khalistani extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the late 1970s. He claims that a political conspiracy was hatched at 1 Akbar Road to create a Sikh extremist leader who would sow division between the Hindu and Sikh communities. Sidhu further reveals that a new wing was created in RAW to investigate Sikh extremism, while Congress leaders aimed to make Khalistani separatism a national issue. Sidhu's book, titled 'Khalistan Conspiracy,' delves into these allegations and their impact on the events leading to Operation Bluestar and Indira Gandhi's assassination.
24-Jun-2023
Cheema police on June 24 arrested an individual, identified as Raghuvir Singh, and confiscated a total of 360 habit-forming tablets from his possession in Sangur district. Assistant of Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rajinder Singh stated that they are currently engaged in additional inquiries regarding the matter.
24-Jun-2023
Punjab Police on June 24 arrested two individuals, Daljit Singh and Pritpal Singh, in connection with a case related to pro-Khalistan slogans being painted on a wall at Moga bus stand in Punjab on June 1, from Nanded, Maharashtra. The accused have alleged links to the banned separatist organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and were backed by SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, according to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) J Elanchezhian said that the accused were paid INR 80,000 by foreign Khalistani elements to put up pro-Khalistan flags and slogans in Moga and disrupt peace in Punjab. Further inquiries will be made into Pannu's role.
23-Jun-2023
Police on June 23 arrested a person, identified as Sachin Maurya and recovered 60 grams of heroin from him near Kishanpura terminal on the Hanumangarh mega highway near Abohar in Fazilka district.
23-Jun-2023
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued a new video message calling for retaliation following the assassination of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and made threats against Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor (NSA). In the video, Pannun stated, “Remember Rajiv Gandhi and the 1991 elections. Pro-Khalistan Sikhs will come for you in 2024. We are moving freely, if you have guts in your government, get out. Today, we stand outside Washington DC. Listen, Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Security Advisor Ajit Doval, we will achieve a separate Punjab through a referendum.”
23-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 23 successfully shot down a Pakistani drone that had crossed into Indian territory near T J Singh village in the Tarn Taran district. Following the incident, during a search operation, they recovered the drone on June 24. The drone was identified as a DJI Matrice 300 RTK series quadcopter and was found in a damaged state.
23-Jun-2023
According to government officials, Canada's response to extradition and deportation requests from India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding alleged terrorist operatives and pro-Khalistan elements has been slow. The NIA has sought the extradition of individuals such as Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, a member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, associated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Despite the accused's alleged involvement in killings and terror activities in Punjab and other parts of India, the Canadian authorities have not taken significant steps in this regard. The Indian government has raised concerns about Canada providing a safe haven for extremists and separatists.
23-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed on June 23 that Amarjot Singh, the brother-in-law of Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), has been identified as the primary accused in the attack on the Indian High Commission in Canada on March 23. The NIA has taken over the case and is investigating a larger conspiracy and potential links to Pakistan. According to the NIA's First Information Report (FIR), Singh, led by Baba Sarvan Singh, was part of a pro-Khalistan mob that attacked the Indian High Commission in Canada. The mob raised anti-India slogans, placed Khalistani flags on the boundary wall, and threw two grenades inside the commission building. The NIA has also named eight Khalistan supporters, including Baba Sarvan Singh, for the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. The agency has been gathering evidence and preparing a list of suspects in similar attacks in London and plans to visit the United States (US) and Canada soon.
22-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 22 announced a cash reward for the arrest of eight absconding individuals, including Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, a designated terrorist of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) based in Canada. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) declared Dalla a designated terrorist on January 9, due to his involvement in serious crimes such as murder, extortion, targeted killings, and terror activities. The NIA has placed a cash reward of INR 5 lakh on Dalla and Gaurav Patyal, and INR 1 lakh each on Sandeep alias Bandar, Sukhdool Singh, Gurpinder Singh alias Baba Dalla, Dinesh Sharma, Neeraj Pandit, and Dalesh Singh Kotia. These individuals are wanted by the NIA in various cases related to terrorism, and the agency has sought a Proclamation under section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) against them as they are operating from abroad and remain absconding.
22-Jun-2023
Newly appointed Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh on June 22, criticised the Punjab government for not waiting for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) decision on the telecast of Gurbani before passing the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, ensuring free broadcast from the Golden Temple.
22-Jun-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on June 22 urged the Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to nullify the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which allows free-to-air telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple. The SGPC alleges unconstitutional interference by the Punjab government and claims that the issue of the Gurbani broadcast is an administrative matter being used for political interests.
22-Jun-2023
Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence (CI) wing on June 22 foiled a cross-border smuggling attempt and seized four .30 bore caliber pistols along with magazines in the Kakkar village of Lopoke subdivision of Amritsar district, Punjab. Additional Inspector General (AIG- CI) Sukhinder Singh Mann, revealed that acting on a tip-off, the CI intercepted the weapons being smuggled by from Pakistan via drones. The seizure followed the recent arrest of two cross-border smugglers, one of whom was already in custody at Amritsar Central Jail.
22-Jun-2023
A Pakistani drone carrying 2 kg of narcotics was seized by the Border Security Force (BSF) from Jodhawala village near the International Border in the Fazilka sector in Fazilka district on June 22. During the search, BSF recovered a drone and a bag with two packets of narcotics in the fields adjacent to the village.
22-Jun-2023
Giani Raghbir Singh officially took over as the new Jathedar of Akal Takht on June 22, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs.
22-Jun-2023
Former acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh, on June 22 stated that he resigned voluntarily despite facing pressure, without specifying its nature.
21-Jun-2023
Honey Singh approached Delhi Police headquarters on June 21, after allegedly receiving a threatening call from a man claiming to be Goldy Brar, the prime accused in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case. A complaint was filed stating that a threatening call was received on Honey Singh's manager's phone number on June 19, from someone claiming to be Goldy Brar, demanding INR 50 lakh in extortion. The Delhi Police spokesperson confirmed the incident and stated that subsequent random calls and voice messages were received for extortion from the same number.
21-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 21, arrested Vikas Singh, a key associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, for providing shelter to members of the Lawrence Bishnoi terror syndicate involved in criminal activities, including the RPG attack on Punjab Police's Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali on May 9, 2022. Vikas Singh, who hails from Lucknow, provided shelter to Deepak Surakhpur and Divyanshu of Faizabad, who were the perpetrators of the attack. He is facing multiple criminal cases, including murder.
21-Jun-2023
Punjab Police on June 21, arrested two individuals, Gurpreet Singh alias Gora alias Armaan Chauhan and Rohit Singh, for their involvement in a cross-border smuggling module and seized two .30 bore pistols along with 10 cartridges from their possession in Mohali. According to State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Mohali Ashwani Kapur, this module was backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
21-Jun-2023
According to reports, several Khalistani terrorists in countries such as the United States (US), Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and Pakistan have gone into hiding following the murders of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, and the suspicious death of Avatar Singh Khanda. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who leads the Khalistan Referendum campaign from the US, has been in hiding since Nijjar's murder. The two individuals were closely linked and had jointly initiated the campaign across different nations. Pannun's lack of communication regarding recent events has left pro-Khalistani organizations uncertain, while speculations regarding the potential role of Indian agencies in these deaths have sparked fear among wanted Khalistani terrorists and Punjab gangsters residing living abroad.
21-Jun-2023
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh said on June 21 that Punjab is considering decriminalizing the possession and use of small quantities of illicit drugs to shift the focus towards treatment and rehabilitation instead of mandatory incarceration. The proposed policy aims to treat drug addicts as patients rather than criminals by sending them to de-addiction centers for treatment and rehabilitation instead of imprisoning them.
20-Jun-2023
A controversial row has arisen in Punjab since June 20, regarding the broadcast of gurbani, the sacred hymns recited in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab and televised to millions of homes. The issue stems from the Punjab Assembly passing a bill allowing free broadcast of gurbani on all platforms, which is seen as an attempt to break the monopoly held by the private channel PTC, in which Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has a stake.
20-Jun-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in a video released on June 20 accused Indian intelligence agencies, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RA&W), of orchestrating the execution of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Pannun alleged that Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing was orchestrated on the orders of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, holding his associates, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, responsible for the crime. Pannun argued that while SFJ pursues liberation through peaceful means, India has resorted to violence, and he further warned that Modi, Shah, and Doval may face international justice for ordering the killing of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.
20-Jun-2023
Punjab government has proposed the establishment of a National Security Guard (NSG) hub in the state to counter cross-border terror, drug trafficking, and drone attacks. The government has sought 103 acres of land in Pathankot district for the proposed hub, citing concerns over frequent border trespass by drones from Pakistan, cross-border shipment of drugs and weapons, and attempts to fuel Khalistani terrorism in the region. The NSG, an anti-terrorism unit under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), is known for its expertise in handling emergency situations. The proposed NSG hub in Pathankot aims to strengthen border security and provide rapid response capabilities.
20-Jun-2023
According to reports, recent deaths and mysterious circumstances surrounding Khalistani terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, and Avtar Singh Khanda have dealt a blow to Khalistani propaganda. However, the threat of Khalistani terrorism remains as young individuals, lured by support from the ISI and other outfits, continue to join their ranks. The new guard includes operatives like Harvinder Singh Rinda, Arshdeep Dalla, and Goldy Brar, while the old guard comprises individuals like Lakhbir Singh Rode and Gurmeet Singh Bagga. Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia remain key locations for Khalistani operatives.
20-Jun-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on June 20 rejected the Sikh Gurdwara (Amendment) Bill,2023, which aimed to ensure free telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Dhami stated that the bill would not be allowed to be implemented at any cost and described it as an unconstitutional interference in Gurudwara management.
20-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has shifted its focus to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief, following the deaths of Avtar Singh Khanda and Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Pannun, who is believed to be hiding in the United States (US), has been missing for two days. The NIA is intensifying efforts to locate him.
20-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on June 20 arrested four persons and seized 2 kg of heroin valued at Rs 10 crore in Abohar in Fazilka district. The incident occurred when a BSF team detected the sound of a drone and pursued it. The drone crashed due to a technical issue and was subsequently seized.
20-Jun-2023
A controversy erupted when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on June 20, made gestures mimicking the opening and tying of a beard, seemingly referring to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal's beard in the State Assembly. The comment has sparked demands for an apology from Mann, as it is perceived as an insult to the sacred symbol of the Sikh faith.
19-Jun-2023
Police arrested a close associate of slain gangster Mandeep Singh alias Toofan, identified as Harjinder Singh alias Ladi from his home in Khakh village in Tarn Taran district on June 19. Police also seized a .32 bore pistol from his possession. Harjinder Singh, also known as Ladi, was previously out on bail in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
19-Jun-2023
A day after Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in Canada, on June 19, Twitter was abuzz with claims that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is missing for over 48 hours following the recent killings of Khalistani terrorists. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a top leader of the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF), was shot dead in Canada on June 18, while Paramjit Singh Panjwar of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) was killed in Pakistan on May 6. Avtar Singh Khanda, a pro-Khalistani leader involved in plotting an assault on the Indian Embassy, passed away in the United Kingdom (UK) on June 15. The decline in the size and influence of Khalistani terror organizations has been attributed to these recent eliminations. India has been actively seeking action against these groups in the UK, Canada, and the United States (US).
19-Jun-2023
According to reports, the recent killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18, has delivered a significant blow to pro-Khalistan individuals, following the recent deaths of Avtar Singh Khanda, leader of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), and Paramjit Singh Panjwar, leader of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). Additionally, in March, Amritpal Singh was arrested. With the demise of the top three prominent Khalistani leaders and the arrest of Amritpal, attention has now turned towards Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is being closely watched, reports said.
19-Jun-2023
In a recent development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Punjab Police have detected several cases where opium is being transported from Punjab to the USA and Canada using courier services. The smugglers employ innovative methods such as concealing the drugs in clothing items like jeans, coats, traditional wear, and lengas by stitching them or using carbon paper. Additionally, opium is hidden inside eatables like ladoos and chyawanprash, which are then sent to these countries. According to sources, unemployed individuals involved in various businesses in Punjab are procuring opium at low prices from Jharkhand. They then sell it in Ludhiana, Punjab, at around Rs 3 lakh per kilogram. The NCB has reported six cases, which led to the Punjab Police being alerted about four similar incidents.
18-Jun-2023
India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on June 18, on a podcast The Ranveer Show expressed his frustration when India is not given the respect it deserves. Jaishankar accused the UK government of failing to meet security obligations and emphasized the importance of providing security to diplomats.
18-Jun-2023
The Punjab government, on June 18 declared its plans to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 to allow free transmission rights of Gurbani from the Golden Temple. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced the decision in a tweet, stating that it aligns with the demand of devotees and aims to disseminate Gurbani globally.
18-Jun-2023
The new Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, will assume office on June 22 in a ceremony organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The event, called Sewa Sambhal Samagam, aims to ensure a smooth transition of power and will adhere to Sikh rehat maryada.
18-Jun-2023
The Ludhiana Police on June 18 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Deepak Kumar alias Bunty, and Ravi Kumar and recovered 120-gram heroin from them in Ludhiana district.
18-Jun-2023
The police arrested five persons, identified as Naresh Kalia, Sonu, Jaswinder Singh Jassi, Sukhdev Singh, Sonu and recovered a total of 29 gm heroin from their possession in Abohar, Fazilka district on June 18.
17-Jun-2023
Police arrested Dilbag Singh, a warder employed at the district jail in Muktsar on June 17 when he was allegedly caught carrying 52-gm of heroin, 460 sedative pills and 95-gm intoxicant powder from the jail complex. Following the discovery, the jail authorities promptly notified the police, who subsequently registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
17-Jun-2023
The National Investigating Agency (NIA), on June 17, took over the investigation into the attacks carried out by Khalistan supporters on Indian Missions in the United States (US) and Canada in March. Previously, a related investigation concerning the violent protests at the Indian High Commission in London was also handed over to the NIA. Delhi Police had registered First Information Reports (FIR) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for the March attacks. Pro-Khalistan protesters had earlier vandalized the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and attempted to damage the Indian High Commission in London, leading to strong protests from India. The NIA released CCTV footage seeking public assistance in identifying the culprits involved in the London attack.
17-Jun-2023
A committee of Sikh intellectuals, on June 17 submitted a report formulating the rules and regulations for appointment and removal of Jathedars of all Takhts to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), following the recent appointment of Giani Raghbir Singh as the Jathedar of Akal Takht.
17-Jun-2023
Bilga police on June 17 arrested two proclaimed offenders (POs), one of whom is a woman who had been evading capture for several months, identified as Kamaljit Kaur alias Rekha and Ranjit Singh, in Jalandhar district.
17-Jun-2023
the Nurmahal police arrested Avtar Singh, who was wanted in connection with a case involving drug peddling, in Nurmahal in Jalandhar district on June 17.