KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
14-May-2023
A woman, identified as Parminder Kaur, allegedly consuming liquor inside Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib was shot dead by man outside the manager’s room on May 14. The man was arrested later. The incident occurred when the woman was being taken to the manager's room, and the shooter, a property dealer, fired multiple shots.
13-May-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on May 13 installed portraits of Amarjit Singh Khemkaran and Jathedar Dalip Singh Talwandi at the Golden Temple's Central Sikh Museum in Amritsar. Amarjit was a constable-turned-separatist who was killed in the 1984 Operation Bluestar, while Jathedar Dalip Singh Talwandi had participated in several morchas and Punjabi Suba Lehar. The family members of both were felicitated on the occasion with siropas. The SGPC general secretary said that the installation of their portraits was an attempt to showcase that the Sikh community never forgets those who contribute to the cause of Panth.
13-May-2023
A letter seized from an arrested individual in connection with the Amritsar blasts reveals a plot to enforce "Taliban-style punishments" for those violating the Sikh code of conduct. The letter calls for the release of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and references an incident where a girl with the national flag colours was denied entry into the Golden Temple. It warns of strict penalties for violations, including possessing tobacco, not covering heads, and emphasizes adherence to the Sikh religious code. Punjab police suspect links between the arrested individuals and Pakistan-based agencies or pro-Khalistan elements. Investigation sources suggest that these connections may have provided financial resources for their anti-India activities. Azadbir Singh, one of the accused, is believed to be the mastermind behind the blasts, with hopes of uncovering more information about the terror module.
13-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly shot down 11 Pakistani drones along the Punjab border as of April 30 this year. However, there were a total of 87 instances of drone intrusion into Indian territory during the same period. In 2022, BSF shot down 17 drones in the Punjab sector, while one drone was downed in the Rajasthan sector. The frequency of Pakistani drone movements into Indian territory has decreased, posing challenges for BSF in intercepting them. Punjab had the highest number of drone sightings, followed by Gujarat, Jammu, and Rajasthan. Drones have become a significant tool for gunrunning and drug supply by Pakistani state actors and their terror affiliates. Indian agencies are actively seeking solutions to address the drone menace supported by Pakistani terror syndicates and intelligence agencies.
12-May-2023
The Antim Ardas, a Sikh funeral prayer, was held for Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) Chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar at Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbax Singh Ji Akali near Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on May 12. Panjwar was killed by armed assailants while in hiding in Lahore, Pakistan on May 6. The Bhog of Shri Akhand Path Sahib of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee was held in his memory. Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh bestowed Siropas upon family members of Panjwar. Panth Sewak Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu called Panjwar's death a testament to his dedication to fighting for the liberation of Khalistan.
12-May-2023
According to sources, two terrorists arrested by Delhi Police's Special Cell were promised at least INR 1 crore from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for targeted killings and were to seek shelter at Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh's heavily guarded house. They were also tasked to eliminate several political figures and were found to have received hawala money to kill a Bajrang Dal functionary. The killings were to be funded by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla and ISI-backed Khalistani factions. Special Cell tracked the terrorists after intercepting some of their communications with foreign handlers.
12-May-2023
The Amritsar City Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five accused involved in three explosions near Golden Temple, revealing their links with foreign-based handlers and multi-source funding for terror activities. The accused procured explosive material with the help of their masters, who are based in India and abroad, and received money from different channels. Officials suspect that the accused were radicalised with the help of social media posts of pro-Khalistani leaders, and the role of some pro-Khalistani organisations has also emerged in the case.
12-May-2023
Three Indian nationals were arrested by the Counter Intelligence Unit of the Delhi Police for being a part of a drug nexus from Pakistan. The accused were allegedly supplying drugs trafficked from Pakistan via drones, in exchange for money transferred through a hawala network from drug mafias to Pakistan. The accused have links in the US and the Philippines and were supplying drugs in Punjab and other parts of the country from 2010-2011. The Punjab Police have taken their custody and started an investigation.
12-May-2023
According to the FIR registered by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, the prime suspects in the Amritsar serial blasts, Azadbir Singh and Amrik Singh, were allegedly acting on the instructions of foreign-based handlers who aimed to disturb the peace and incite religious sentiments. They received funding from their handlers through various channels.
12-May-2023
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested two persons and seized 5.48 kg of heroin worth INR 38 crore at Attari in Amritsar district on May 12. The heroin was found hidden in a shipment of 4,000 brooms in around 40 bags, and was stashed in hollow bamboo sticks within three of the bags. The consignment was imported by an Afghan national using fake Indian identification documents, in connivance with his Indian national wife, who were both arrested.
11-May-2023
According to police, two terrorists arrested by Delhi Police in January were allegedly tasked by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)'s Kashmir-Khalistan (K2) desk to enter Red Fort in New Delhi and open fire at security personnel in a rerun of an attack in 2000. They were also in the final stage of carrying out five targeted killings, including two sadhus in Haridwar, to fan communal riots. The chargesheet filed against the two men, Jagjit Singh Jassa and Naushad, includes murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence. They had already committed one murder, beheading a man named Raj Kumar, and were planning to carry out four more. The video of the beheading was sent to their foreign-based handlers, including an ISI operative, through the chat application Signal.
11-May-2023
Police on May 11 arrested five suspects believed to be members of a terror module in connection with the series of low-intensity blasts near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The police recovered 1kg of explosives and inflammatory literature from the accused, who had admitted to carrying out the blasts. The five accused were identified as Amrik Singh, Ajad Veer Singh, Sahib Singh, Dharmender and Harjit.
11-May-2023
Police on May 11 conducted a coordinated drive against suspected drug peddlers and their sympathisers in Ludhiana, Malerkotla and Khanna police districts of Punjab.
11-May-2023
Police arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Jaipal Singh and Gurbaj Singh and seized 2 kg of heroin from them in Ferozepur district on May 11.
10-May-2023
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has issued a "blue notice" and Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against several individuals based in the United States, Greece, and the Philippines in connection with an alleged nexus of gangsters and Khalistani outfits operating from foreign soil. The "blue notice" was issued against Harjot Singh, while LOCs were issued against Satnam Singh, Amrik Singh, and Mandeep Singh. The case relates to an alleged nexus between Khalistani outfits and north India-based gangsters in terror attacks, smuggling of arms and drugs, targeted hits, and extortions. The NIA has declared a reward of INR 10 lakh on Kashmir Singh Galwaddi and INR 15 lakh on Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa. Overall, close to 300 gangsters and mid-level criminals have been arrested by NIA and Delhi Police as part of a larger crackdown since August 2022.
10-May-2023
The president of National Akali Dal, Paramjit Singh Pamma on May 10 accused Pakistan of providing shelter to senior Khalistani militants on their soil while pretending to be friends with India. Pamma attributed the recent killing of Khalistani Commando Force (KCF) chief to Pakistan's efforts to get rid of liabilities and clean its terrorist land. He also alleged that Pakistan is involving youth, including Harvinder Singh Rinda, in sending drugs to India with the help of drones.
10-May-2023
Harjot Singh, a gangster accused of the Nabha jail-break, on May 10 was transferred to Muktsar district jail after a medical examination at the Civil Hospital in Muktsar under tight security.
10-May-2023
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on May 10 arrested two individuals and booked six others for their involvement in preparing fake documentation for passports and visas to help criminals and gang members flee abroad from Gurdaspur district. The group was also involved in cross-border smuggling activities related to drugs and militant hardware.
10-May-2023
A third blast occurred near Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab on May 10. According to sources, the recent explosions are suspected to be the work of two individuals, including a former government employee, who wanted to send a message against alleged anti-Sikh activities in India. The accused is not affiliated with the pro-Khalistani movement but has extreme radical views. The intention behind the blasts was to protest against the use of tobacco near Golden Temple and the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) on Amritpal Singh. Three individuals who sold potash to the accused have been apprehended, but they were unaware of the intended purpose of the purchase.
10-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guards (NSG) have joined the investigation into two low-intensity explosions that occurred in a span of 30 hours near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the terror angle cannot be ruled out. The Punjab Police are investigating the blasts and are seeking the help of NSG for a second opinion as they have advanced bomb detection expertise. The devices appeared to be crude bombs.
10-May-2023
The two-day special operation 'Ops Vigil' launched in Punjab against drug smugglers and anti-social elements has resulted in the registration of 177 FIRs across the state. Over 17,500 police personnel conducted checks at various locations, including railways stations, bus stands, hotels, and marketplaces, leading to the recovery of narcotics and illicit liquor. The operation also involved the reviewing of security at several places of worship and the setting up of hi-tech nakas to search for suspected vehicles and individuals.
10-May-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad in connection with a heroin seizure case worth INR 194.97 crore off the Jakhau Coast (Gujrat) in September, has been sent to Sabarmati Central jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in judicial custody after his police remand got over.
10-May-2023
British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, on May 10 condemned the damage caused to the Indian High Commission in London by pro-Khalistan groups in March 2023. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Ellis stated that the vandalism was "not okay" and that he would have been equally angry if a similar incident had occurred at a United Kingdom (UK) mission. He further stated that India and the UK were capable of dealing with disagreements, but in the case of Khalistani extremism, "there was no disagreement". Ellis emphasised that extremism is a risk in any country, including the UK.
09-May-2023
Gursimran Singh Mand, the National joint coordinator of the All-India Congress Committee, was provided with Y-category security on May 9 due to threats received from Canada-based terrorist Goldy Brar and pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla. Mand had earlier requested young police personnel for his security cover.
09-May-2023
According to reports, the killing of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan has made India's most wanted criminals living in Pakistan feel less secure. Panjwar was designated a terrorist by the Union Home Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) and was responsible for drug smuggling, dealing with fake Indian currency, and many other crimes, including killing 18 students of Thappar Engineering College in Patiala. Other terrorists, such as Bashir Ahmad Peer, Syed Khalid Raza, Aijaz Ahmad Ahanger, Harmeet Singh, and Harwinder Singh Rinda, have also been killed outside India in recent years. Pakistan has been known as a safe haven for these criminals, but this trend of killings shows that it is no longer safe. Pakistan is currently on a "use and throw" policy, and criminals who are no longer impactful or relevant to the ISI's (Inter-Services Intelligence) motives are being shunned.
09-May-2023
Australia reiterated its commitment to take action against those responsible for the vandalism of Hindu temples in the country. The High Commissioner to India, Barry O'Farrell, stated that Australian security forces will track down and prosecute those responsible for the incidents, which have included pro-Khalistan slogans and anti-India graffiti. O'Farrell also emphasized that Australia respects India's sovereignty and rejected any kind of referendum against it.
09-May-2023
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on May 9 stated that the terror angle cannot be ruled out in connection with the recent blasts in Amritsar's heritage street. He also mentioned that a two-day operation vigil has been started in the state to check on anti-social elements and build confidence among the masses. The Punjab police is investigating the incidents in coordination with agencies like NIA, NSG and forensic experts.
09-May-2023
The Punjab Police on May 9 launched a two-day state-wide operation named 'OPS Vigil' aimed at cracking down on drug trafficking, anti-social elements, and criminals. Under the operation, ADGP/IGP (Additional Director General of Police/ Inspector General of Police) rank officers from Punjab Police headquarters were deputed in each police district to personally supervise the operation, which will conclude at 7 pm on May 10.
09-May-2023
A team from the National Security Guard (NSG) on May 9 visited the site of two low-intensity blasts in the Heritage Street of Amritsar. Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have also inspected the area and collected samples, with results from FSL awaited.
09-May-2023
Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, a life convict in the Beant Singh assassination case, was granted bail by a local court in Chandigarh on May 9. Lakha's sister Sukhwinder Kaur had filed a plea for the acceptance of bail bonds on behalf of the accused through an advocate.
09-May-2023
Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist serving a life sentence for the assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995, was granted bail by a local court in Punjab on May 9. The decision was made in accordance with a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to release all prisoners who have completed their life sentence, pending a decision on their permanent release. Lakha was released on bail from Model Jail, Burail, Chandigarh.
08-May-2023
Another blast occurred on Heritage Street on the way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar in Amritsar district on May 8. One person was reportedly injured in the blast which happened near the site of a previous blast of May 6. Police and forensic teams are investigating and waiting for the forensic examination report of the first blast. The Director General of Police (DGP) visited the site and denied any terrorist angle.
08-May-2023
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on May 8 arrived in Amritsar to investigate the twin low-intensity blasts that occurred near Saragarhi multi-storey parking on Heritage Street near Golden Temple. The team held a meeting with police officials and forensic examination teams.
08-May-2023
Dreaded gangster Sukhpreet Singh alias Sukha Barewalia, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district on May 8. The gangster was ambushed by three assailants who were already waiting for him in Joginder Nagar of Haibowal. The shooters opened fire on him and fled the scene.
08-May-2023
Police on May 8 arrested five persons and recovered over 1 lakh intoxicating tablets in Jalalabad in Fazilka district.
08-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 1.59 kg of heroin that was allegedly dropped in a village in Amritsar in Amritsar district on May 8.
08-May-2023
The Special Director General of Police (DGP), Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, on May 8 stated that security has been strengthened in Jalandhar to ensure a peaceful and fair election on May 10. The Border districts' SSPs (Senior Superintendent of Police) have been instructed to seal borders, increase patrolling and carry out flag marches in vulnerable areas.
07-May-2023
The family of slain Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar appealed to the Indian government to bring back his body for the last rites in their native village of Panjwar in Tarn Taran District. Panjwar had been living in Pakistan for 33 years until he was shot dead in Lahore early on May 6. Indian security agencies suspect that Paramjit had become a liability to the Pakistan government after failing to produce "desirable results" for a long, and had been living in an ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) safehouse in Lahore under the alias Malik Sardar Singh.
07-May-2023
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on May 7 spoke about India's foreign policy and response to global geopolitics at an interactive session on 'Foreign Policy of Modi Government' in Mysuru in Karnataka. He mentioned that with nice people, India is nice, and with difficult people, India pushes back. He also discussed former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan playing his speeches lauding India for its independent foreign policy and how India has stood up to European hypocrisy. Jaishankar responded to his becoming the face of South Asian pride, and whether South Asian nations should assert themselves in global geopolitics. He also talked about the technocrat vs politician debate and how his political colleagues do not take him seriously if he is only referred to as a technocrat.
07-May-2023
A group of activists in Jalandhar, India, have announced the launch of a social media campaign called "Tracking hate against Sikhs" to counter and expose false and hate propaganda against the Sikh community and Punjab. The activists, from different backgrounds, cited deliberate and organised campaigns against the community and state during and after the farm movement. The campaign will be active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
07-May-2023
According to experts, the killing of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief, Paramjit Singh Panjwar is the third suspicious killing of a Khalistani in the country and it is a pattern of "use and throw" by the Pakistani state. Panjwar was allegedly involved in drug smuggling and was complicit in promoting fake Indian currency through drug smugglers. After his death, three other Khalistani leaders remain in Pakistan. Panjwar's family is seeking his body for the last rites as per Sikh tradition. The former DGP of Punjab, Chander Shekhar, suggests that the men were no longer of use to Pakistan and were therefore killed.
07-May-2023
The district police on May 7 arrested three members of a gang involved in inter-state smuggling of illegal arms and seized five .32 bore pistols, one .30 bore pistol, eight magazines, four live cartridges, and a car in Fatehgarh Sahib district. They were identified as Gurtej Singh alias Sandhu, Dilawar Singh alias Dagar and Sher Singh, alias Shera. The gang used to bring illegal arms from Madhya Pradesh and supply them to criminals in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The kingpin of the gang, Gurtej Singh, is already facing four criminal cases of robbery in Uttarakhand and for theft of a motorcycle in Haryana and Mohali.
07-May-2023
Punjab Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan on May 7 alleged that the removal of religious history from school curriculum as a part of a hidden agenda to detach students from their culture. He made the remarks during a gathering in Mohali commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Sikh empire's founder Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and emphasized the importance of keeping children connected with Sikh history.
06-May-2023
A blast occurred on Heritage Street leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar in Amritsar district on May 6, leaving five to six persons injured, including some girls from Haryana who sustained minor injuries. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and forensic experts from Chandigarh are investigating the matter. The police have urged people to maintain peace and harmony and verify information before sharing anything on social media.
06-May-2023
The Punjab Police on May 6 conducted a massive raid involving 1200 personnel across 813 premises of 775 individuals involved in Excise Act violations, recovering 1470 kg Lahan, 403 bottles of illicit liquor, and 70 grams of heroin. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also carried out search operations at 21 locations in Delhi and Gurugram, seizing INR 1.01 crore in cash and incriminating evidence in connection with Amira Pure Foods Pvt. Ltd. and Karan A Chanana under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
06-May-2023
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) arrested Harwinder Singh alias Jugnu Walia, a close aide of Mukhtar Ansari, a gangster-turned-politician, along with a pistol and six cartridges in Punjab on May 6. Jugnu Walia was a wanted criminal with a bounty of INR 1 lakh announced by the Uttar Pradesh (UP) police and has more than 12 cases registered against him.
06-May-2023
The family of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, who was shot dead in Lahore, Pakistan, urged the Indian government to bring back his mortal remains. Panjwar's elder brother, Sarabjit Singh stated that they learned about his death through the media, and they had not been in contact with him since he moved to Pakistan decades ago. The family has also alleged that they faced mental and physical torture from the Punjab Police after Panjwar joined the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF).
05-May-2023
The Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, on May 5 praised Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgaria as a great hero of the Sikh panth, whose life serves as an inspiration to the community. He also emphasized the need for unity within the Sikh community, stating that differences and interests should be abandoned for the sake of Sikh existence, integrity, principles, morality, and progress.
05-May-2023
Brij Mohan Suri, brother of slain Hindu leader Sudhir Suri, on May 5 alleged that unidentified persons fired outside his house and he retaliated by firing gunshots in Amritsar. Police investigations are underway, but they suspect the matter to be suspicious as there was no sign of firing from anyone except Suri. Brij Mohan also claimed his family received threats from virtual phone numbers and that he got a call from unknown callers who said they had reached outside his house. He accused the police of inaction and held a dharna outside the police chowki.
05-May-2023
Punjab Police on May 5 arrested one operative of the terrorist module linked to abroad-based wanted terrorists Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Satbir alias Satta, identified as Gurbhej Singh along with 10 pistols in Tarn Taran district. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said he was arrested based on reliable inputs that he would go to a location pinpointed by Landa and Satta to retrieve weapons.