KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
25-Mar-2023
According to reports, Papalpreet Singh, media advisor of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, was facing three charges of sedition and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) before the Ajnala incident. Papalpreet is said to have shared controversial interviews on a social media channel that he managed to further his cause. He was also one of 20 people arrested by the Amritsar (Rural) police on charges of sedition in connection with the organization of the "Sarbat Khalsa" in Chatiwind during the SAD-BJP government tenure in 2015. Papalpreet had established the Sikh Youth Front and was linked to the Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale) and the extremist group Dal Khalsa. Although he joined SAD (A) in 2017, he resigned from the party within months. The Waris Punjab De (WPD) provided him with a platform to pursue his activities for the "Khalistan" cause, where he was considered Amritpal's right-hand man and mentor.
25-Mar-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered seven packets of heroin weighing 7 kg, lying in a field near Wan village in Tarn Taran district on March 25.
25-Mar-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered a container containing 810 grams of heroin lying in a field in Bharopal village near the border fence in Amritsar district on March 25.
25-Mar-2023
A man received an audio threat message from Khalistani supporters on his phone after he arrived at the Delhi airport from Mumbai. The pre-recorded audio message allegedly contained threats of seizing control of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi and replacing the Indian Tricolour with the Khalistani flag. Furthermore, the message contained profanity directed towards Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Based on the man's complaint, the Delhi Police filed a case on March 25.
25-Mar-2023
Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, on March 25, urged Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), to surrender himself and cooperate with the police in the investigation in to the cases against him. Amritpal Singh, the head of the WPD, is charged with nine separate first information reports (FIRs) in various offenses.
25-Mar-2023
A new CCTV footage purportedly showing Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), surfaced online on March 25. In the video, Amritpal Singh is apparently seen wearing jacket and trousers while speaking on a mobile phone. The footage was reportedly filmed in Patiala in Punjab. However, police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the unverified video clip, which is garnering attention on social media.
25-Mar-2023
The Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar has criticized the UK government for failing to fulfill its security responsibilities, following an incident in which a group of pro-Khalistani protesters damaged the Indian High Commission in London and removed the Tricolour flag from the premises. The minister asserted that it is the duty of the host country to safeguard diplomats and ensure that embassy or high commission properties are treated with respect and that these obligations were not fulfilled in this case. He further revealed that discussions have taken place between the Indian and British governments regarding this matter.
24-Mar-2023
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) requested the Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, to hasten the process of issuing guidelines for carrying the "saroop" (physical copy) of Guru Granth Sahib in public areas, especially in disputed public places and protest sites. After the Ajnala incident, the Akal Takht formed a subcommittee with 16 members to examine this issue. A meeting was held on March 6 at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib to discuss the matter.
24-Mar-2023
According to police source, the arrested gunman of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, Tajinder Singh Gill alias Baba Gorkha, confessed during interrogation that he had met Amritpal Singh through Bikram Singh Khalsa, whom he had encountered during the farmers' protest on the outskirts of Delhi. Baba Gorkha also disclosed that they had established a firing range in Amritpal's native village Jullupur Kheda in Amritsar district and had arranged bulletproof jackets for the newly-formed group Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF). He joined as Amritpal's gunman five months ago and had been posting images and videos of guns on social media without a license to carry a weapon. Furthermore, his mobile phone had images of an ‘AKF’ hologram and Khalistan currency, including a "10 dollar" note, as well as a picture of a Pakistani national's driving license. During the investigation, Baba Gorkha revealed that each AKF member had been assigned a belt number such as AKF 3, AKF 56, and AKF 47, possibly based on their seniority or proximity to Amritpal Singh. The examination of his phone showed that two WhatsApp groups, "AKF" and "Amritpal Tiger Force," were created, and the members of AKF were being paid salaries.
24-Mar-2023
According to sources, the Delhi police, under the direction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on March 24 in relation to the destruction carried out by Khalistani demonstrators at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19. The police have reportedly invoked the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and other applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the case.
24-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 24 released 44 individuals who had been taken into preventive custody during the crackdown on pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh. These individuals were handed over to their families following a promise of good conduct in future. Arpit Shukla, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), stated that the decision to release these individuals was made in the interest of the public and to prevent young people from suffering. The individuals who were released were found to have had a minimal role or were following Amritpal Singh for religious reasons only. Earlier on March 23, Sukhchain Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police (Headquarters), stated that a total of 207 people were detained during the crackdown on Amritpal Singh for allegedly disturbing the peace in the state. Out of these individuals, 30 were implicated in serious crimes, and the others were held under preventive custody. Punjab Police may release 177 individuals from preventive custody.
24-Mar-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 24 filed a new charge sheet against jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, the alleged architects of the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, and 12 others in connection with its probe into a nexus of north India-based gangsters, Pakistan-backed Khalistani terror groups, and drugs and arms smugglers. The NIA claimed that these gangsters had links with the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and other pro-Khalistan terrorist organizations. NIA further added, "All the 14 accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy to unleash a wave of terror and carry out targeted killings of well-known social and religious leaders, movie stars, singers and businessmen. Besides having links with conspirators in Pakistan, the accused were also in contact with pro-Khalistan elements based in Canada, Nepal and other countries." This is the second charge sheet submitted by the NIA in their investigation into the terrorist-gangster network; the first charge sheet was filed on March 21 against Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, and 11 other gangsters.
24-Mar-2023
Based on intelligence inputs which indicated that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), had been spotted at the ISBT bus terminal in New Delhi, police teams from Delhi and Punjab conducted a search operation at Delhi and its borders. There is information that suggests that he may be disguised as a sadhu.
24-Mar-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 24 stated that some people were trying to divide the state on sectarian lines but his government was duty-bound to make Punjab a progressive, peaceful and prosperous state by foiling the nefarious designs of the anti-Punjab forces. "We have to make Punjab, Punjab again, not Afghanistan," he remarked.
24-Mar-2023
On March 24, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered five Glock 9 mm pistols and 91 rounds of ammunition that had been dropped on the Indian side by a drone from the Indo-Pak border in Punjab.
24-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully prevented the smuggling of advanced small arms into Punjab through the use of a drone along the Indo-Pakistan border in the Metla area of Gurdaspur Sector in Gurdaspur district on March 24. After detecting a drone infiltrating into Indian Territory from Pakistan side, the troops fired upon the rogue drone to bring it down. Subsequently, BSF personnel recovered one parcel which was dropped through a drone containing arms and ammunition, which include, five Austria-made semi-automatic Glock Pistols, 10 Pistol magazines and ammunition of two different calibres viz. 9mm (71 rounds) and 20 ammunition with .311 written on it.
24-Mar-2023
Surinderpal Singh Aujla, the brother of a social media handler for pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, on March 24 filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) requesting that NRI Gurinder Pal alias Gur Aujla, be granted permission to communicate with his relatives.
23-Mar-2023
The Chhattisgarh police on March 23 arrested four persons for organising a rally in favor of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, in the Raipurm area of Raipur District in Chhattisgarh.
23-Mar-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) has lodged grievances with both the Punjab Police and the Centre via social media, alleging instances of hate speech directed towards the Sikh community following the crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) on March 18. According to the SGPC, no action has been taken by the police thus far.
23-Mar-2023
Ludhiana commissioner of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu stated that they reviewed all CCTV footage from the national highway and discovered that Amritpal Singh and his accomplice Papalpreet Singh switched two auto-rickshaws to reach Sherpur Chowk in Ludhiana, where they caught a bus. He further added that they are attempting to locate the bus in which they escaped.
23-Mar-2023
According to police sources, pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh started a drug de-addiction center at Jallupur Kehra village in Amritsar district in Punjab. The purpose of the center was to attract drug addicts and disgraced ex-servicemen, in order to create a group that could easily be converted into a terrorist organization. Moreover, they were searching for ex-servicemen who had been discharged from the Army due to disciplinary issues, to train them in handling weapons.
23-Mar-2023
According to security agencies, Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh was promoting gun culture in Punjab and supporting criminal gangs while disguising himself as a religious preacher. They further claimed that he was backed by foreign entities that were hostile to the interests of India.
23-Mar-2023
The Uttarakhand police increased their surveillance efforts to arrest pro-Khalistani separatists Amritpal Singh and his associates as they have posted and circulated flyers in villages along the Nepal border as it is suspected that they may try to flee the country.
23-Mar-2023
The Punjab government on March 23 extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts till March 24 noon while lifting the curbs in Moga, Sangrur, Ajnala sub-division in Amritsar and a few areas in Mohali.
23-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 23 claimed that they had found video evidence of members of Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF), a private militia formed by Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal, undergoing weapons training. The training was apparently taking place in a riverine area, possibly near Amritpal's hometown of Jallupur Khera in Baba Bakala tehsil of Amritsar. The police spokesperson, Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill, revealed that the footage was discovered on the phone of Amritpal's associate, Tejinder Singh alias Gorkha Baba, who was arrested by the police. The recovered footage included the firing of weapons, the AKF logo, and other sensitive videos that cannot be shared at present. The police believe that the weapons training indicates that Amritpal was preparing for a significant operation. They are currently working with security agencies from various states to track down Amritpal, who was reportedly last seen in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Out of the 207 people arrested in connection with Amritpal, only 30 are believed to be serious offenders, the IG added.
23-Mar-2023
According to reports, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly made threats toward the owner of Khun Khun Ji Jewellery in Uttar Pradesh. The owner of the Lucknow-based jewellery store filed a complaint with the local police, stating that an anonymous caller, who used the names of Lawrence Bishnoi and another Punjabi criminal named Goldy Brar (based in Canada), demanded a ransom of INR 30 lakh. The caller warned of dire consequences if the ransom was not paid.
22-Mar-2023
Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh on March 22 accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of promoting pro-Khalistan activities in the country. He also mentioned that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), and his associates receive support from the Pakistani intelligence agency. During an interview, the minister stated, “ISI has been at it for decades. Have seen from my time as a bureaucrat how Pakistan always gave them patronage. Had asked my Pakistani counterparts to hand over Khalistanis hiding in Pakistan but they never did.”
22-Mar-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on March 22 offered legal assistance to individuals arrested during the crackdown on Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh and denounced the extensive search conducted by Punjab Police for Amritpal Singh as a "conspiracy" and an "extra-constitutional" measure.
22-Mar-2023
Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib called for a special meeting of Sikh organizations on March 27 in Amritsar, to discuss the present situation in Punjab. The Jathedar expressed concern over the ongoing arrests of Sikh youth and the implications this has for the people's future. The meeting was called to discuss these issues and to bring together various Sikh organizations.
22-Mar-2023
Dr. Balbir Singh, the Health Minister of Punjab on March 22, informed the State Assembly that the state has approximately 10 lakh drug addicts, which accounts for almost 3% of the total population of 3.17 crore. He stated, “approximately 2.62 lakh addicts are receiving treatment in government de-addiction facilities, and at least 6.12 lakh addicts reside in private rehab facilities, The true number is significantly higher. Many, including intravenous drug users, do not come forward due to social stigma.”
22-Mar-2023
In a joint search operation, conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Border Security Force (BSF), the officials recovered 3.040 kg of heroin which was dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Ajnala sector of Amritsar on March 22.
22-Mar-2023
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harkrishan Singh on March 22 visited Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar district to question Amritpal Singh's United Kingdom (UK)-based NRI (Non-Resident Indian) wife. It has been claimed that her name was involved in obtaining funds from overseas for Amritpal’s activities and the organization called Waris Punjab De (WPD).
22-Mar-2023
According to a report, police and intelligence officials in Punjab have been informed that nine organizations operating in six countries, including Pakistan, are responsible for the increased terrorism and violence in the state. Among these organizations, three of them are linked to Pakistan, including the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) led by Ranjeet Singh Neeta, the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) led by Wadhawa Singh Babbar, and the Khalistan Commando Force of Paramjit Singh Panjwar (KCF). The other groups mentioned in the report include Hardeep Singer Nijjar of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) based in Surrey, South East London, Gurjeet Singh Cheema of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) based in Canada, and Gurmeet Singh alias Bagga and Bhupinder Singh Bhind of KZF based in Germany. Additionally, Gursharanvir Singh is based in the UK, Gurjinder Singh in Italy, and Purshottam Singh is stationed in France. Meanwhile, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a notorious organization, is from the United States (US) and poses as a political activist. The report also highlights the significant role played by the Indo-Canadian narcotics syndicate known as the 'Brothers Keepers' gang, which is made up of the Grewal and Dhaliwal clans.
21-Mar-2023
The banned pro-Khalistan outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on March 21 called for a power plant in Delhi to be shut down as part of a "civil disobedience movement." In a video message to the media, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun stated, "Delhi has started a war with Punjab, and the people of Punjab must counter-attack by targeting Pragati III power plant to shut down Delhi. Amritpal Singh had launched Khalsa Vaheer to propagate Sikhism and motivate the youth to shun drugs. He has done his duty, and now it’s the duty of every Sikh to come out and be the Waris (inheritor) of Punjab.”
21-Mar-2023
The Sikh Forum, a New Delhi-based Sikh group expressed concern over the recent developments in Punjab and denounced the activities of a few Khalistan supporters. They asserted that these individuals do not speak for the Sikh community residing in Punjab, other regions of India, or abroad.
21-Mar-2023
The Bathinda District Peace Committee, headed by DC Showkat Ahmad Parray, unanimously supported the government’s action against pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh and urged the public to stay vigilant against false information and rumors.
21-Mar-2023
The Delhi Police along with the Punjab Police arrested a close associate of Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, identified as Amit Singh from Tilak Vihar in West Delhi, New Delhi on March 21.
21-Mar-2023
Several Sikh leaders have expressed their opinions regarding the act of vandalism and denounced the violence carried out by supporters of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
21-Mar-2023
The Punjab government on March 21 informed the High Court (HC) that they have imposed the National Security Act (NSA) on the fugitive Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. The government disclosed this information in response to the High Court's criticism of their intelligence failure that allowed Amritpal to escape from the police. The HC was hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, seeking the release of Amritpal Singh from alleged police custody.
21-Mar-2023
A group of Sikhs from Haryana held a meeting at the Gurudwara Kar Sewa in Karnal on March 21, where they expressed their disapproval of the Punjab police's actions against Waris Punjab De (WDP) leader Amritpal Singh. The group also urged the Punjab government to drop the charges against Amritpal Singh and release those associated with him.
21-Mar-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on March 21 criticized the Punjab government for not yet apprehending Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WDP), and questioned how they could have missed him as they had a sizable police force of 80,000 officers at its disposal. Additionally, the court requested a status report on the operation that commenced on March 18.
21-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 21 announced that four persons were arrested for helping radical preacher Amritpal Singh in fleeing. The accused were identified as Manpreet Singh alias Manna, Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, and Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja. Many swords, walkie-talkie sets, and a.315 bore rifle were recovered from their possession. According to the preliminary inquiry, they travelled to the Gurudwara Sahib in the Nangal Ambian village in Jalandhar district, where Amritpal Singh changed into a new outfit before they fled on two motorcycles. Police also released four pictures of Amritpal Singh in different attire and urged the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him.
21-Mar-2023
According to Sukhchain Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police in Punjab, Amritpal Singh was already charged under the National Security Act (NSA), and the authorities are currently working to apprehend him. Gill also mentioned that Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann is overseeing the situation and keeping in touch with law enforcement officials for regular updates.
21-Mar-2023
As per reports, it has been confirmed that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), has connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). However, intelligence agencies are currently working to determine and confirm the specific terrorist organization based in Pakistan that is providing direct support and funding to him. This process is crucial for creating a dossier on Amritpal, according to an insider source.
21-Mar-2023
A Punjab Police team reached the Dibrugarh Central Prison in Assam, where four associates of Amritpal are currently detained, for the purpose of questioning them. Among Amritpal's aides, Harjit Singh (his uncle) and Harpreet Singh (his driver) surrendered themselves to the police on March 19. Police have made at least 114 arrests so far in connection with this case.
21-Mar-2023
Punjab police indicated that internet services are expected to be partially restored in Punjab today (March 21).
21-Mar-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 21 filed its initial charge sheet against twelve individuals in one of three terror-gangster nexus cases that the agency is investigating. The charge sheet accuses the twelve individuals of having ties with pro-Khalistan organizations and conspirators based in Pakistan. The NIA is investigating 10 more people for their alleged role in the terror conspiracy, including plans to eliminate certain leaders, singers, and businessmen to terrorize people, extort money from them and create a sensation. The NIA spokesperson stated that the investigation has uncovered links between the charge-sheeted accused and the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and its operative, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, a listed Individual Terrorist.
20-Mar-2023
The Punjab government again extended the suspension on all mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in Punjab as the police continued its manhunt to arrest Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his accomplices. According to an official announcement from the Punjab government, mobile internet services will remain suspended in the region until 12 pm on March 21.
20-Mar-2023
Several Twitter accounts that support the Khalistan movement, including those belonging to Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, poet Rupi Kaur associated with United Sikhs, and activist Gurdeep Singh Sahota based in Canada, were suspended in India. The suspension of Jagmeet Singh's account is particularly noteworthy given his reputation for making pro-Khalistan and anti-India statements. This action was taken by the Indian government during a time when there has been an increase in Khalistani-related attacks in western countries.
20-Mar-2023
A group of individuals from the Sikh community assembled on March 20 outside the British High Commission in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to voice their opposition to pro-Khalistan separatists who had removed the Indian national flag from the Indian High Commission building in London, United Kingdom (UK). During the protest, the demonstrators chanted the slogan "Bharat humara swabhiman hai" (India is our pride), held up placards, and waved the Tricolour.