KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
07-Jun-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on June 7 condemned the installation of Guru Gobind Singh statue in a wax museum inside a mall located in Lodipur, Patna, Bihar. Calling it Against Sikh Principles, he stated that idol worship has no place in the Sikh religion and the act has hurt Sikh sentiments.
07-Jun-2023
According to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema, preparations are underway for Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections, but it's unlikely to happen before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The registration process for voters from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh will be time-consuming and may take over a year to complete.
06-Jun-2023
Akal Takht's officiating jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh on June 6 expressed concern over the gradual erosion of Sikh religious, political, social, and economic power, in Amritsar. He called for panthic unity and urged the community to initiate revival efforts in rural Punjab. The jathedar emphasized the need for influential Sikhs to guide and inspire Sikh youth affected by drug addiction and negative influences of social media.
06-Jun-2023
Pro-Khalistan slogans were raised by some people on the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star (June 1984) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on June 6. Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) activists, led by Member of Parliament (MP) Simranjit Singh Mann and former MP Dhian Singh Mand, raised "Khalistan Zindabad" slogans at the Akal Takht. Activists from the radical Sikh group, Dal Khalsa were seen holding placards featuring portraits of the slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale while raising pro-Khalistan slogans.
06-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 6 conducted raids at nine locations in Ferozepur and Muktsar districts of Punjab and also conducted searches at the house of a suspect in Kaithal district of Haryana. Officials, privy to the matter, said one person was also arrested by the NIA from Ferozepur. The Crackdown was conducted at locations associated with terrorist Arshdeep Singh Dalla and his absconding associate Manpreet Singh alias Peeta of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). A total of six persons have been so far arrested in the case. Incriminating materials and digital devices were seized during the operation.
06-Jun-2023
Two accused, Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amrik Singh, allegedly associated with Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) operative Arshdeep Dhalla, were sent to judicial custody till July 4 by Patiala House Court in Delhi on June 6 after their NIA custody ended. They were involved in an extortion racket to raise funds for the banned outfit.
06-Jun-2023
Police on June 6 busted an interstate gang involved in drug trade with the arrest of four persons and recovery of INR 7 lakh in drug money, 2.34 lakh intoxicating tablets and 330 vials and a car from them in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The arrested individuals were identified as Naveen Kumar, Tajinder Pal alias Bawa, Rajinder Pal, and Karnail Singh alias Kelly. Another member of the gang who is at large, was identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Sukhdarshan Singh.
06-Jun-2023
The 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, called as Ghallughara Divas, was relatively subdued compared to previous years. Police deployment helped maintain peace, while the Akal Takht officiating Jathedar called for unity among Sikh sects and emphasized the importance of strengthening Sikh institutions.
06-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 6, detained two Pakistani nationals near Tarn Taran sector in Tarn Taran district who crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable except personal belongings and Pakistani currency amounting to Rs 1,000 was recovered from them. Later, on June 6, around 1 am, they were handed over to the Pakistan side on humanitarian grounds.
06-Jun-2023
In response to the plea made by various Sikh organizations to express their discontent regarding the lack of justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, known as Ghallughara Divas, a complete shutdown was observed in Amritsar on June 6.
06-Jun-2023
The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on June 6 expressed concern over Sikh conversions to Christianity in rural Punjab. He gave a call to all Sikh organisation to join hands to work towards strengthening the religion, especially in rural belts.
06-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 6 arrested Gagandeep Singh alias Miti, a close aide of two foreign-based operatives of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Canada-based Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala and Philippines-based Manpreet Singh alias Peeta from an undisclosed place during raids in Haryana and Punjab. Gagandeep Singh was involved in supporting their smuggling of weapons from across the border and participating in an extortion racket to raise funds for the KTF.
05-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel successfully intercepted and shot down a Pakistani drone that was carrying narcotics across the Attari-Wagah border and recovered 3.2 kg of heroin in the early hours of June 5 in Amritsar district. The drone violated Indian airspace and was promptly taken down by alert BSF personnel.
05-Jun-2023
A 26-year-old man identified as Shubham Sidhu alias Ganju of Ambedkar Colony, arrested for drug possession died in Ludhiana Central Jail under mysterious circumstances after being in custody for nine days on June 5.
05-Jun-2023
Dal Khalsa, a radical Sikh outfit, organized a "remembrance parade" on the eve of the Operation Blue Star anniversary (June 1984) in Amritsar on June 5. The march started from Burj Akali Phoola Singh and culminated at Darbar Sahib. The march included Khalistani flags and images depicting the damaged Akal Takht and Sikh fighters. The group also called for a shutdown in Amritsar on June 6, which they declared as Khalistan Day.
05-Jun-2023
Elder brother of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Harjit Singh Rode, revealed in an interview conducted some time ago, to The Statesman, that Bhindranwale never advocated for Khalistan, contrary to popular belief. Rode explains that Bhindranwale's primary goal was the implementation of the Anandpur Sahib resolution, which called for greater autonomy for Punjab. He clarifies that Bhindranwale wanted Punjab to have control over various subjects while remaining part of India.
05-Jun-2023
Investigations by security agencies have uncovered the use of foreign-based associates by Khalistani terrorists and gangsters in Punjab to evade direct communication and connect with each other. Pro-Khalistani activists are utilizing virtual numbers, temporary mails, and IPs based in Pakistan and the US to spread propaganda through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Twitter has emerged as a preferred tool for Khalistan propaganda, with tweets originating from India, Pakistan, and elsewhere following incidents like the Ludhiana court blast. Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp are also being used, along with the use of virtual numbers and VPNs to hide digital footprints.
04-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a Pakistani drone and seized 3.2 kg of heroin attached to it from near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district on June 4. The smugglers were using a black coloured quadcopter, DJI Matrice 300-RTK.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a tragic event in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is being used by certain political entities to further their own agendas, disregarding the solemnity of the occasion. Instead of reflecting on the loss and pain caused by the operation, some radical Sikh bodies and political parties like Simranjit Singh Mann-led Shiromani Akali Dal (A) and Dal Khalsa are promoting separatist ideologies, instilling fear and hindering the healing process. Their actions undermine the true spirit of remembrance and reconciliation that this anniversary should embody.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, night domination operations conducted by the Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Indo-Pak border have proven effective in thwarting cross-border drug trafficking and smuggling of contraband. In a recent joint operation, 5.2 kg of heroin was seized in the intervening night between June 3 and 4. The operations cover a stretch of approximately 100km, involving five police stations and patrols led by officers. Patrolling teams led by a gazetted officer and two SHOs monitor the area 2-5 km inside the border fence. Village defence committees and vigilant community members also play a crucial role in alerting the police about suspicious activities, including drone movements and subsequent arrests of persons who come to collect the drone consignments.
03-Jun-2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 3 held a meeting with senior members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to discuss various issues related to the Sikh body. The SGPC delegation raised concerns about the functioning of gurdwaras and requested the inclusion of gurdwaras under the management of the SGPC board. They argued that such inclusion would help streamline the management of gurdwaras.
03-Jun-2023
Former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Bibi Jagir Kaur on June 3 announced the formation of the Shiromani Akali Panth Board to free panthik institutions from the dominance of a single family, without explicitly naming Sukhbir Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The Panth Board aims to contest SGPC elections, make it an autonomous body, and ensure the appointment of the Akal Takht jathedar. Kaur criticized the SAD's control over the SGPC, expressed concerns about its decline, and highlighted the need to protect Sikh heritage and release Sikh prisoners.
03-Jun-2023
Ludhiana police, along with Border Security Force (BSF) and railway police, on June 3 conducted intensive checking at the city railway station during the 'Ghallughara Week' (Operation Bluestar anniversary) for heightened vigilance. Led by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police (ADCP) Rupinder Kaur Sran, police teams checked passengers' belongings, verified ID proofs, and frisked suspicious individuals.
03-Jun-2023
Khanna police conducted surprise checks at various locations to curb the movement of anti-social elements in Ludhiana district. Instructions were issued to prevent the display of anti-national graffiti, flags, or posters on government buildings or public places.
03-Jun-2023
Following the incident of a Khalistan flag being hoisted at the Moga bus stand, increased security measures were implemented in Ahmedgarh in Sangrur district. Ahmedgarh Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Davinder Sandhu said beat officers have been advised to remain more vigilant.
03-Jun-2023
Ahead of Ghalughara day on June 6, the Dal Khalsa's Facebook and Twitter accounts were disabled on June 3. Senior activist Kanwarpal Singh criticized the timing of the move. Earlier, the Dal Khalsa announced plans for a march in remembrance of Ghalughara on June 5 and called for a shutdown in Amritsar on June 6.
03-Jun-2023
A hoax bomb call near the Golden Temple in Amritsar in the early hours of June 3, ahead of the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, prompted heightened alertness from the Punjab Police. After receiving a call at 1:05 am claiming that four bombs were planted near the Golden Temple, a large-scale search operation was conducted. Later, the caller, identified as Gagandeep Singh (19) from the Majith Mandi area, was arrested despite no suspicious items being found.
03-Jun-2023
In a joint operation between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, a packet of 5.5 kg heroin was seized after being dropped by a drone in the fields near Rai village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on June 3.
03-Jun-2023
Security Forces arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Hoshiar Singh and Gurpreet Singh and recovered over 9 kilograms of heroin from them, in two separate operations in Amritsar and Fasilka districts on June 3.
02-Jun-2023
Ludhiana police increase surveillance during ‘Ghallughara Week’ the anniversary of June 1984 Operation Bluestar. Police are monitoring individuals/vehicles and social media to prevent incitement. Special instructions aim to ensure security and prevent religious animosity. Special Director-General of Police (DGP) Ishwar Singh has held a meeting to discuss security measures.
02-Jun-2023
Police in Punjab's border districts have increased security measures ahead of the anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Concerns over potential disruptions and threats from Khalistani elements and cross-border intrusions have prompted the deployment of additional forces. Police are intensifying intelligence gathering, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and conducting flag marches to counter any potential harm or chaos. Sikh For Justice (SFJ) and Dal Khalsa have called for gatherings and shop closures, adding to the security concerns.
02-Jun-2023
In response to three low-intensity blasts near the Golden Temple (on May 6, May 8, and May 10), the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has tightened security measures. Fifty high-resolution CCTVs are being installed, along with scanners at entrances and dedicated women personnel for checking.
01-Jun-2023
In a collaborative effort, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Polices’ Counter Intelligence (CI) unit arrested two individuals and seized 2.5 kg of heroin near the International Border (IB) in Chak Khiwa village of Jalalabad in Fazilka district on June 1. One of the accused was identified as Jaswinder Singh alias Gindu. Police alleged the accused has connections with Pakistani smugglers and drugs were dropped on the Indian side of the border by drones operated from Pakistan.
01-Jun-2023
Unidentified individuals painted "Khalistan Zindabad" slogans on a wall at Moga city's bus stand in Moga district on the intervening night of June 1 and 2. CCTV footage revealed two people exiting the bus stand around 1:30 am on June 2. Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) J Elanchezhian stated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against unknown individuals under sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Moga City police station.
01-Jun-2023
Police on June 1 conducted raid in Bhiwandi in Thane district of Maharashtra and recovered four SIM boxes related to an investigation into threatening messages sent on behalf of a pro-Khalistan group. Two individuals, Mashid Khan and Mohammad Shahid Alam, both residents of Bhiwandi, have been identified as the accused in the case. They are expected to be brought to Ahmedabad, and further raids are ongoing in Bhiwandi. This is the third seizure in connection to the case, with the previous two made in March in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the arrest of two individuals who released bulk calls and audio-video messages warning against attending the India-Australia Test cricket match at Narendra Modi stadium on March 8.
01-Jun-2023
In preparation for the 39th anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’, Khalistani separatists have announced a complete shutdown, prompting the deployment of two companies of paramilitary forces and 5,000 Punjab Police personnel in Amritsar. Rapid Action Force (RAF) units and Punjab Police’s anti-riot forces will be present, with additional personnel from neighbouring districts.
01-Jun-2023
on June 1, the death anniversary of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) militant, Mehanga Singh Babbar, who was first to be gunned down by the security forces during the operation on June 1, was observed by the Hawara Committee in collaboration with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and other outfits at Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib situation in complex of the Central Sikh shrine.
01-Jun-2023
Surendranagar police arrested three individuals associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's network, identified as Akshay Bishnoi, Ankit Kankkad alias Bishnoi and Vikram Jadeja along with 176 grams of mephedrone with a street value of Rs 17.81 lakh in Gujarat. The suspects, including a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol Bishnoi, were arrested during a police operation.
01-Jun-2023
Haryana Police on June 1 arrested 10 alleged shooters linked to notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar in Gurugram. Four pistols, 28 live cartridges, two vehicles, and seven police uniforms were seized from their possession. The accused had planned a major dacoity and kidnapping, intending to pose as police officers during the crime. The gang members confessed to carrying out crimes under the instructions of Bishnoi and Brar, who are believed to be residing abroad. Multiple cases have been registered against the arrested individuals in various districts of Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
31-May-2023
Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on May 31 arrested Gurveer Singh alias Guri, one of the accused involved in the murder of Jarnail Singh in Amritsar's Sathiala village on May 24. Police also recovered one .32 caliber pistol along with seven live cartridges from him. The arrest follows the identification of the Bambiha gang's role in the crime, with the police releasing pictures of 10 gang members involved.
31-May-2023
Khalistani separatist outfit, Dal Khalsa, on May 31 called for a shutdown in Amritsar on June 6 to mark the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. They have also announced a remembrance march on June 5 in the city. The shutdown is limited to business, commercial, and educational institutions, with no disruption to transportation, medical services, or traffic. According to the leaders, the call aims to protest against the killings of innocent pilgrims and the demolition of the Akal Takht during the 1984 Army operation. The outfit urged non-Sikh residents to express solidarity by closing their businesses.
31-May-2023
According to reports, during the state-wide crackdown against drug traffickers called "Operation Clean”, the Punjab Police failed to find any drugs in the rural areas of Jalandhar. Despite being touted as the "biggest crackdown," the operation yielded no substantial results. The police targeted 76 identified commercial drug smugglers and conducted raids on their establishments, but most of them were either absconding, in jail, or out on bail.
31-May-2023
The Sehajdhari Sikh Party (SSP) has raised concerns over whether Sikh women who avail beauty services, such as haircuts and facial hair removal, will be eligible to vote in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections. The issue arose after the Gurdwara Election Commission's chief commissioner sent a letter to the Punjab government outlining the eligibility criteria for Sikh voters. The SSP president questioned whether Sikh women who remove their hair, including facial hair, can be registered as voters. The matter highlights the need for clarity regarding the eligibility criteria for Sikh women in SGPC elections.
31-May-2023
The Dal Khalsa, a Khalistani separatist organization, on May 31 announced a 'Holocaust (Ghallughara) Remembrance Parade' in Amritsar on June 5 to commemorate the 1984 army assault on Darbar Sahib and Akal Takhat. They urged local gurudwara committees in Punjab to hold prayer gatherings and pass resolutions against "Operation Blue Star." The organization emphasized the need for grassroots engagement in expressing Sikh pain and not leaving the responsibility solely to representative groups. They criticized Sikh leaders who joined BJP and AAP for attempting to erase this period from public memory. The Dal Khalsa also condemned the Delhi police's violence against women wrestlers during a protest.
31-May-2023
Jaswinder Singh Multani, a member of the banned pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), was declared a proclaimed offender by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Chandigarh on May 31. The declaration comes in relation to a case involving the alleged planting of a bomb near a jail in April 2022. The court has instructed the NIA to provide a list of the accused's properties, with the case adjourned until July 31. Multani, a pro-Khalistan terrorist, is named in multiple FIRs in Punjab.
31-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 31 filed a supplementary charge sheet in the 2021 Ludhiana court bomb blast case, naming Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode as the mastermind. Rode, who is based in Pakistan, is the leader of banned terror groups Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Another terrorist, Harpreet Singh alias Happy Malaysia, has also been named as an accused in the case. The bomb blast in Ludhiana's district court resulted in one death and six injuries.
31-May-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court, while dismissing a regular bail plea, on May 31 acknowledged the serious impact of drug abuse on society. The case involved the recovery of a large quantity of intoxicant tablets from the accused. The court noted that the recovery exceeded the commercial quantity limit and expressed concern over the rising number of deaths caused by drug consumption.
31-May-2023
Punjab Police on May 31 conducted a large-scale crackdown on alleged drug smugglers across the state, involving 650 police teams and over 5,500 personnel. During the operation, raids were conducted at 2,247 locations and searches were carried out at 2,125 houses. The police recovered significant quantities of drugs including 1.8 kg heroin, 82 kg poppy husk, 1 kg opium, INR 5.35 lakh cash and four weapons, besides recovering illicit liquor, lahan (raw material used to make liquor) and some vehicles. Additionally, 78 mobile mobile phones were seized.
31-May-2023
Punjab Police on May 31 arrested three individuals, identified as Rohit Bharadwaj alias Rimmi, Mohit Bharadwaj and Arjun Thakur, involved in an extortion racket allegedly backed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The accused were operating through an online gambling platform, luring victims with promises of high profits before trapping them in debt and charging exorbitant interest rates. The police seized cash worth INR 14.78 lakh and incriminating evidence from the arrested individuals.
31-May-2023
According to reports, Pathankot Police takes significant steps towards strengthening border security and combating illegal activities by implementing a drone emergency response system. The initiative, supported by the Border Village Level Defence Committee (VLDC) and Border Security Force (BSF), aims to enhance response time and safeguard border regions.