KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
24-Apr-2023
Patiala House Court in Delhi on April 24 granted the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) transit custody of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with the cross-border smuggling case.
24-Apr-2023
A Sikh youth, identified as Jasbir Singh (36) was arrested for attempting to desecrate a gurudwara in Morinda in Rupnagar District on April 24. As per reports, Jasbir wore shoes and jumped over the railing of the sanctum sanctorum, then proceeded to attack the priests who were present there.
24-Apr-2023
Former Director General of Police (DGP) Shashi Kant has stated that due to harassment and threats he received, he was unable to make public a report about police officers and politicians having connections with drug smugglers. He claimed that the report went missing from government records, and he did not have the authority to release it on his own.
24-Apr-2023
Police arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Sikander and Mani along with 70-gram heroin in Doraha in Ludhiana district on April 24. An Assistant Sub-Inspector was seriously injured when he tried to stop them at a naka in Doraha.
24-Apr-2023
Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt. Amarinder Singh on April 24 said that Amritpal Singh should have been arrested on the initial day of the crackdown. According to Amarinder, Amritpal should have been taken into custody 30 days earlier, and individuals who have connections with Pakistan or those who attack police stations should have been detained earlier.
23-Apr-2023
A Pakistan drone shot down by the Border Security Force (BSF) earlier was recovered near the international border in Dera Baba Nanak village in Gurdaspur district on April 23.
23-Apr-2023
Soon after Amritpal's arrest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP (Member of Parliament) Sanjay Singh praised the Bhagwant Mann administration for their handling of the case, citing Amritpal Singh's arrest as a testament to the Punjab government's maturity. He emphasized that the residents of Punjab will not tolerate any form of abuse of Guru Granth Sahib, referencing the Ajnala incident.
23-Apr-2023
Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa, the nephew of slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and former Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, met with Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh before his arrest from Gurdwara Sant Khalsa at Rode village in Moga district on April 23. Jasbir Singh Khalsa stated that he arrived at the gurdwara at around 4am on April 23, and engaged in discussions with Amritpal Singh, where he addressed the gathering of people who had congregated at the gurdwara. Khalsa also noted that Amritpal had explained why he had been in hiding for 35 days and why he was now surrendering, as many youths were being apprehended.
23-Apr-2023
Following the arrest of the radical preacher Amritpal Singh, three video clips of him were posted on social media in which he presented his arguments. In two of these videos, he explicitly stated that he had decided to surrender himself after 36 days since the Punjab Police began their operation to capture him. The first video shows Amritpal speaking to a congregation at Gurdwara Sant Khalsa in Rode, Moga, which was built to commemorate slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. In the second video, he can be seen walking around the village, entering a basement, paying his respects to a photo of Bhindranwale, and reciting Chaupai (a Sikh prayer for protection). In the third video, which was shot few hours prior to his arrest, Amritpal declares that he will go to Gurdwara Sant Khalsa, the same gurdwara where he had initiated his journey with the dastarbandi (a turban-tying ceremony to signify taking on a responsibility) to take over Waris Punjab De (WPD). He indicates that he will surrender himself there.
23-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) seized two packets of narcotics weighing about 2 kg from Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on April 23.
23-Apr-2023
The fugitive pro-Khalistan propagator Amritpal Singh was arrested in Rode village located in Moga district on the morning of April 23. The police effectively surrounded him, preventing any chance of escape. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill said that he has been transported to Dibrugarh, Assam. Gill also said, “NSA warrants were issued against Amritpal Singh and these have been executed on Sunday morning. Now, law will take its own course.”
23-Apr-2023
The Khalistani radical preacher and the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, on April 23, was arrested at Sant Khalsa Gurudwara in Rode village in Moga district. The police transported him under heavy protection to the Air Force Station in Bhatinda, from where he was flown to Assam. According to police, he will be lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Later, Punjab Police confirmed via Twitter that they had arrested fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, who was on the run, in Moga. They also appealed to the public to ensure peace and harmony.
23-Apr-2023
Tarsem Singh, the father of arrested radical preacher Amritpal Singh claimed that his son was involved in combating the drug problem in the State. Meanwhile, Amritpal's mother, Balwinder Kaur, expressed her admiration for her son's decision to surrender and likened it to the bravery of a warrior. She added that they plan to engage in a legal battle and visit him as soon as possible.
23-Apr-2023
According to State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the recent arrest of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, is a significant triumph for the state police. The minister praised the police's 35–36-day operation, which resulted in Amritpal's arrest without any violent altercations or sacrilege incidents. He also stated that anyone who tries to disturb the state's peace will face appropriate consequences. Cheema dismissed claims that Amritpal had surrendered and clarified that he was caught hiding in a local gurdwara by the police. Additionally, he refuted any allegations that negotiations occurred before Amritpal's arrest.
22-Apr-2023
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a media conclave in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on April 22 stated that there is no Khalistan movement in Punjab and that the central government is monitoring the situation closely. He commended the Punjab Government for their diligent efforts and expressed the central government's support towards their work. Shah emphasized that while some individuals may try to stir up trouble, both the state and central governments have effectively tackled the issue.
22-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 22 seized 5 kg of narcotics that appears to be dropped by a drone near the International Border in Daoke village in Amritsar district.
22-Apr-2023
Police arrested gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria's two associates, identified as Sandeep Kumar alias Ravi Balachoria and Rohit along with six pistols and 25 live cartridges in Ropar in Rupnagar district on April 22.
22-Apr-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops apprehended a 75-year-old Pakistani national, identified as Hakim Ali, after he crossed over into the Indian territory in the Ferozepur sector on April 22 evening. He was later handed over to the Pakistani authorities.
22-Apr-2023
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 22 stated that there was no Khalistan movement happening in Punjab, and that the government is closely monitoring the circumstances in the state. The Home Minister pointed out that Punjab government had done good work and that the Centre had cooperated.
21-Apr-2023
The Dal Khalsa made the decision to conduct an ardas at the Akal Takht on April 29. The group asserted that the current government, led by Narendra Modi, was attempting to portray Sikhs as ‘villains of peace’. “While observing the day, we would reiterate that the Sikhs are neither against peace nor any religion and that they love to take Hindus of Punjab along with them in their struggle for Punjab’s sovereignty,” it said.
21-Apr-2023
The Akal Takht on April 21 strongly criticised the interception of Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar on April 20. Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that they consider this act by the authorities unjustified and urged the government to refrain from causing unnecessary panic and to take action against those spreading false information about the Sikh community on social media. Additionally, the Akal Takht has called on the government to take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
21-Apr-2023
The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Punjab Police on April 21 recovered 4 kg of heroin while two smugglers managed to flee from the spot after entering into a scuffle with the police in Harike in Tarn Taran district.
21-Apr-2023
During his visit to India, Australian Member of Parliament Michael Sukkar denounced the recent acts of vandalism and violence against the Hindu community by Khalistan sympathizers in his country. In his statement, Sukkar, who is a migrant himself with a Lebanese background, emphasized the importance of not bringing domestic issues and conflicts to Australia. He firmly stated that violence and vandalism should not be tolerated under any circumstances and that his stance is very clear on the matter.
20-Apr-2023
Police on April 20 arrested three persons, identified as Gurpal Singh, Harjot Singh and Jagga Singh, and seized 1,200 kg poppy husk from their possession in Dhanaula in Barnala district. The accused were allegedly taking the drug in a truck.
20-Apr-2023
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab chief spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang on April 20 said that due to the political protection of criminals, people’s tax money was misused and it also gave rise to gangsterism. Kang reiterated that those who made prisons ‘safe houses’ for gangsters have now been uncovered and the nexus of some uniformed persons involved in crime and drug trafficking has also been broken by the government. He added that anyone involved in any activity that is harmful to Punjab would face consequences.
20-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel intercepted a Pakistani drone near Bhariyal village in Gurdaspur district on April 20. BSF in a statement said, “The drone kept flying inside the Indian border for 5 minutes, during which 3 rounds of firing were done by BSF and an Ilu bomb was also fired, after which the drone flew back to Pakistan.”
20-Apr-2023
The wife of pro-Khalistani fugitive Amritpal Singh, Kirandeep Kaur was prevented from boarding a London-bound flight at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar on April 20. Immigration authorities, police, and intelligence officials interrogated her for almost four hours before instructing her to return home with some of her family members who had accompanied her to the airport. Kirandeep, who is a British citizen, married Amritpal in his native village of Jallupur Khera in February 2023. Police had previously interrogated her regarding alleged foreign funding for the Waris Punjab De (WPD) organization, which is led by Amritpal.
20-Apr-2023
Daljit Singh Kalsi's wife on April 20 met him in jail and has clarified that her husband is in good health and is being looked after by jail authorities in Assam. “I along with my son met him for one hour. He is being looked after and getting to eat whatever he wishes. He is getting very good treatment,” said Kalsi's wife while interacting with the media in Dibrugarh.
20-Apr-2023
The nine supporters of Pro Khalistan leader Amrit Pal Singh, who were lodged at the Dibrugarh central jail in Assam were questioned by a five-member team of Advisory board under National Security Act (NSA). The members arrived at Dibrugarh and had a discussion with detainees on April 19.
19-Apr-2023
Police on April 19 arrested a supporter of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Gurbhej Singh in Amritsar district, in relation to the Ajnala clash that occurred on February 23. During the incident, Amritpal Singh and his armed supporters attacked the Ajnala police station, causing injuries to six police officials. Police have arrested over 20 persons since the crackdown was launched against Amritpal and his supporters on March 18.
19-Apr-2023
Punjab Police have begun the extradition process for Pavitar Singh and Husandeep, two fugitive gangsters from Gurdaspur and Batala respectively, who were among the 17 Sikhs arrested by US Police. These arrests were made as part of a multi-agency operation related to 11 instances of shootings, including one that occurred at a gurdwara in Sacramento. Pavitar Singh, who was heading the Pavitar-Chaura gang, has been wanted by the Punjab Police in eight criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and smuggling of weapons under the Arms Act. The Pavitar-Chaura gang is a rival of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang.
19-Apr-2023
Police recovered four weapons from a Bambiha group Category-A gangster, identified as Daljeet Singh Jeeta who was earlier arrested along with 60 gm of heroin in Faridkot. According to police, he is facing 23 criminal cases in different parts of the state.
19-Apr-2023
The J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) has attached property of a terror-financier, identified as Amarbhir Singh alias Gopi Mahal at Ram Tirath Mahal in Amritsar in Punjab. A spokesperson stated that the SIA, along with the assistance of the Punjab Police, carried out the proceedings in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and other reputable individuals from the area.
18-Apr-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 18 requested custody of the mobile phones and laptops belonging to two Punjab Police officials from the Chandigarh District Court in order to investigate their alleged involvement with entities engaged in smuggling arms and narcotics from Pakistan.
18-Apr-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on April 18 directed Gaurav Yadav, the head of Punjab Police, to investigate all officers, regardless of their seniority, who may have aided drug trafficking, including those who supported the dismissed inspector, Inderjit Singh. This action is related to the police-drug mafia nexus case.
18-Apr-2023
Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the general secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on April 18 responded to the controversy surrounding a video showing a Golden Temple sewadar refusing entry to a woman with the Indian tricolour painted on her face. In a video message, Grewal acknowledged that every place of worship has its own rules that must be followed by sewadars. He also apologized on behalf of the SGPC if any yatri had been mistreated. Grewal expressed his surprise at the negative responses the incident received on Twitter, stating that the Sikh community has always respected the tricolour and that he did not appreciate the incident being linked to Khalistan.
18-Apr-2023
Bhagwant Singh Sialka, an attorney and member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on April 18 stated that the Amritsar district magistrate had granted permission for a meeting to take place between the nine prisoners currently detained in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA) and their respective family members.
18-Apr-2023
Police on April 18 arrested two persons, identified as Buddu and Emil Bodra along with 18 kg of opium from Khamachon village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
18-Apr-2023
According to sources, the state is taking steps to tackle the problem of drones being used in narco-terrorism from across the border by training qualified instructors in drone technology. The Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training has initiated a pilot project to train a group of instructors at the National Skill Training Institute in Kanpur. Initially, these instructors will be deployed to provide training to students at the ITIs situated in Mohali, Lalru, Patiala and Pathankot.
18-Apr-2023
Patiala House Court in Delhi on April 18 granted seven days of custody of Lawrence Bishnoi to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror funding to pro-Khalistani outfits-related case.
18-Apr-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video on April 18 in which he offered a reward of INR 500,000 to Sarabjit Singh, a Sewadar at the Golden Temple, for stating that Punjab is not a part of India and that the national flag cannot be brought into the temple.
17-Apr-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 17 took over the investigation into the violent protest by pro-Khalistan protesters outside the Indian high commission in London on March 19. According to sources, the NIA plans to send a team to the area very soon to investigate a wider conspiracy by pro-Khalistan elements. The Delhi Police, which registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), are currently investigation the case.
17-Apr-2023
A row broke out over a video that went viral showing a woman being stopped from entering the Golden Temple because she has the colours of the national flag painted on her face on April 17. According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the sewadar requested that the woman observe the decorum (maryada) of the religious place. The SGPC further declared that it was starting an investigation into the situation and condemned some individuals for purposefully giving the incident a false interpretation.
17-Apr-2023
Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann on April 17 dismissed Rajjit Singh from the Punjab Police Service (PPS) and instructed a vigilance investigation into his disproportionate assets. The decision was made following reports of a supposed connection between police officers and drug traffickers in the state.
17-Apr-2023
The fugitive pro-Khalistani leader and the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, in a message to the media, categorically stated that he wants Khalistan and Khalistan is his ideology, as it will end the suffering of the Sikh people. He stated, “I want Khalistan. Khalistan is my ideology. It is our birthright to think independently. My critics have a right to their opinion and I have mine.” He further mentioned that everyone around him possesses licensed weapons.
17-Apr-2023
A day after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to seek the repeal of laws like National Security Act (NSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the radical group Dal Khalsa asked Sukhbir to apologise to all people charged with the same laws when SAD was in power. According to Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh, the SAD-BJP government abused these severe laws against dissenters and opponents from 2007 to 2017, resulting in the arrest of over 200 activists. However, all cases were fabricated and all defendants were ultimately acquitted by the courts.
17-Apr-2023
Punjab police arrested two suspects, identified as Gurjant Singh and Nisha Rani allegedly having ties with fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from a house in Sector 89 in Mohali in SAS Nagar district on April 17. Later, the two suspects were taken to an undisclosed location.
16-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 16 recovered two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg dropped by a Pakistani drone on the outskirts of Chakwazida village near the International Border (IB) in Fazilka district.
16-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), during a search operation on April 16, recovered a broken propeller of a DJI series quadcopter, and a 5,935 Mah “Made in China” drone battery from near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
16-Apr-2023
A court in Hoshiarpur on April 16 sent a close aide of radical preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, Joga Singh to three-day police remand. He was arrested by police for reportedly providing shelter and other forms of support to Amritpal Singh in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).