KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Jun-2025
According to reports, despite being the prime accused in the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, Amritpal Singh Mehron is being openly glorified as a ‘Kaum Da Heera’ and ‘Izzat De Rakhe’ through unauthorised posters displayed across parts of Punjab. While Bathinda Police have issued a lookout notice for Mehron, the local administration - currently preoccupied with the Ludhiana West Assembly byelection - has yet to act against the illegal flex boards or the organisations promoting him.
17-Jun-2025
Speaking to ANI on June 17, author Kushal Mehra addressed what he termed Canada’s 'Khalistan obsession,' stating that it has become irritating even to local Canadians. He criticised leaders like Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh for continuing to indulge separatist elements despite growing public frustration. Mehra warned against underestimating the political clout of these extremists and emphasized that stable Indo-Canadian relations are essential for shared trade interests and democratic values.
17-Jun-2025
On June 17, Punjab Police, on day 108 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 81 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 128 drug smugglers and seized 10.8 kg of heroin, 2 kg of opium and INR 2.40 lakh drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
17-Jun-2025
Ferozepur police on June 17 arrested one individual, identified as Harmesh Singh and seized 9.4 kg of heroin and INR 2.10 lakh drug money from his possession, in Zira in Ferozepur district in Punjab. His accomplice, Ajay, managed to flee under the cover of darkness and is currently absconding.
17-Jun-2025
Ferozepur police on June 17 arrested five individuals, identified as Manpreet Singh, Raman Singh, Kulwant Singh, Mandeep Kumar and Gurvinder Singh and seized 45,000 intoxicating capsules from their possession in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
16-Jun-2025
On June 16, Sikh leaders including Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Rajya Sabha MPs Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Satnam Singh Sandhu strongly condemned a viral video showing young Sikh children kicking posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In their statements, they called the act politically motivated and deeply inappropriate, criticising the exploitation of children to spread hate.
16-Jun-2025
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Secretary Pratap Singh, on June 16 in Amritsar, announced that no Sikh pilgrim jatha will be sent to Pakistan this year to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on June 29. He cited ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, along with directives from the Indian government, as the reasons for the decision. Although pilgrims had already submitted their passports, the SGPC has decided to cancel the pilgrimage in view of the current circumstances.
16-Jun-2025
On June 16, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog on terrorist financing, issued a statement strongly condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, noting that such acts are not possible without financial backing. The FATF emphasized the need for stronger global counter-terror financing measures and announced new guidelines to assess terror funding risks. Indian officials welcomed the rare condemnation, viewing it as an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role in state-sponsored terrorism and pushing for its re-listing on the FATF grey list.
16-Jun-2025
On June 16, Punjab Police, on day 107 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign registered 76 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 102 drug smugglers and seized 688 grams of heroin, 105 kg of poppy husk, 2,164 intoxicant pills, and INR 26,910 in drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
16-Jun-2025
On June 16, a Nihang identified as Karambir Singh alias Lovely Nihang allegedly chopped off both arms of a youth named Jatin Walia, after accusing him of consuming intoxicants, in Mandi Gobindgarh, Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab.
16-Jun-2025
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Pragya Jain on June 16 conducted a surprise three-hour raid at Central Modern Jail in Faridkot, Punjab, along with 150 police personnel, to crack down on rising smuggling activities. According to Dr. Jain, smugglers are increasingly using aerial methods to hurl banned items such as mobile phones and drugs over the 30-foot-high boundary wall, raising concerns about possible collaboration between local residents and inmates. In response, she directed all local police stations and Station House Officers (SHOs) to maintain updated records of residents living near the jail amid suspicions of local involvement.
16-Jun-2025
Professor Sarchand Singh Khyala, spokesperson for Damdami Taksal, on June 16 criticised pro-Khalistan groups in Canada for their anti-India demonstrations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the G7 Summit. He condemned the use of children in the protests, calling it 'brainwashing' and an act of 'spreading hatred.'
16-Jun-2025
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri, on June 16 in New Delhi, dismissed the recent pro-Khalistan protests in Canada as the actions of kiraye ke tattu (hired stooges), urging people not to take them seriously.
16-Jun-2025
Police on June 16 arrested three unidentified persons for allegedly opening fire at a youth identified as Lalit Chhabra, and seized a pistol and a motorcycle from their possession, near Thermal Colony gate number 2 in Bathinda in Bathinda district in Punjab. The accused, reportedly from the Majha region, are suspected to have links with a gangster.
15-Jun-2025
According to police, Amritsar-based social media influencer Deepika Luthra received a death threat via email, allegedly sent in the name of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), in Amritsar district, Punjab. The message also mentioned another influencer, Preet Jatti, and warned Luthra against leaving her home due to her 'objectionable' content. Police have provided security to Luthra and her family while verifying the authenticity of the email.
15-Jun-2025
Punjab Police on June 15 revealed that they foiled a targeted killing plot orchestrated by Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, arresting two key operatives, identified as Kawaljit Singh alias Kaka and Navdeep Singh alias Honey and seizing a Turkish-made Zigana .30-bore pistol and nine live cartridges in Dharamkot, Moga district. Officials stated that the accused had been coordinating directly with Arsh Dala and had received arms, target details, and advance payment for the operation.
15-Jun-2025
Municipal Corporation Ludhiana with the support of Ludhiana Commissionerate Police on June 15 demolished properties belonging to two notorious drug smugglers, identified as Gurpal and Rajinder Kaur alias Rozy, in Amarpura in Ludhiana city and Lohara village in Ludhiana district, respectively. Authorities stated that both properties were illegally constructed using proceeds from drug trafficking.
15-Jun-2025
Amritsar (City) Police on June 15 booked Amritpal Singh Mehron, a key conspirator in the murder of Ludhiana-based influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, for allegedly threatening Amritsar-based content creator Deepika Luthra, in Amritsar. The case, filed by the cybercrime cell, stems from Mehron’s video warning to Luthra and others to stop posting 'double meaning' content online, threatening violent consequences if they failed to comply. Luthra, who has sought police protection, stated that she had already removed the contested videos and was unsure why she continued to be targeted.
15-Jun-2025
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey on June 15 reignited the debate over the Congress party’s foreign policy legacy in a post on social media platform X, stating that successive Congress-led governments failed to act decisively against the rise of Khalistani extremism. Dubey claimed that between 1970 and 1984, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi wrote seven letters to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau regarding Khalistani elements, but received no substantial cooperation. He cited the case of Talwinder Singh Parmar—linked to the 1985 Air India bombing—as evidence of Congress' alleged inaction, and criticised Canada’s continued tolerance of Khalistani figures, calling for stronger counterterrorism collaboration.
14-Jun-2025
Police on June 14 detained a man, identified as Ravindra Singh alias Ravi, after a photograph of him wearing a T-shirt with the slogan 'Khalistan Zindabad' went viral online, in Govindnagar village, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. During the inquiry, it was revealed that the T-shirt had been borrowed in haste from his employer, who had unknowingly received it from a relative in Amritsar. Singh was released after it was determined that he had no involvement in any separatist activity.
14-Jun-2025
Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on June 14 conducted an extensive cordon-and-search operation (CASO) across multiple drug-prone areas in Jalandhar city in Jalandhar district. The operation targeted eight identified hotspots namely, Dhankia Mohalla, Baba Deep Singh Nagar, village Reru, Basti Sheikh, Abadpura, Dhina, Ali Mohalla and Basti Guzan, based on prior intelligence.
14-Jun-2025
On June 14, Punjab Police, on day 105 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign registered 116 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 158 drug smugglers and seized 1.9 kg of heroin, 1 kg of opium, 2.8 kg of ganja and INR 36340 drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
14-Jun-2025
The Mehatpur police on June 14 arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) wanted for several months in connection with drug peddling, identified as Jagdish Singh Disha in Sharme Dian Chhana village in Jalandhar district.
14-Jun-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 14 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 583 grams buried in a farming field adjacent to Wan village in Tarn Taran district.
14-Jun-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on June 14 recovered one pistol without a slide and barrel, and two magazines from a farming field adjacent to Dal village in Tarn Taran district.
14-Jun-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 14 filed a chargesheet against three operatives of the banned terrorist outfit Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), identified as Yugpreet Singh alias Yuvi Nihung, Jaskaran Singh alias Shah, and Harjot Singh alias Jot Hundal, in connection with the December 2024 grenade attack on a police post. The NIA investigation revealed that the trio was recruited and radicalised by foreign-based KZF handlers, including Jagjit Singh Lahiri alias Jagga and Jagga Miapur alias Hari Singh, both currently based in the United Kingdom (UK), acting under the direction of KZF chief and designated terrorist Ranjit Singh alias Neeta.
14-Jun-2025
According to police, Amritpal Singh Mehron, a 30-year-old radical Sikh leader, is the main accused in the murder of influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi. He heads the fringe outfit Qaum De Rakhe and has a history of issuing threats and inciting violence. In 2020, he was booked for vandalising statues of folk dancers near the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In 2024, he threatened a Barnala-based music producer. Mehron has also issued public threats to Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and, more recently, to Amritsar-based influencer Deepika Luthra. Police teams are actively working to trace his whereabouts.
13-Jun-2025
A senior official from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 13 revealed to ETV Bharat that the Pakistan-backed banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) has launched a major recruitment drive targeting drug smugglers and underworld criminals in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh (UP). The NIA found that BKI operatives are offering funds, arms, and training to recruit individuals for terror activities on Indian soil, with coordination from associates abroad, including in Pakistan. Investigations also uncovered the group’s increasing involvement in drug trafficking as a means to finance its terrorist operations.
13-Jun-2025
Self-styled vigilante Amritpal Singh Mehron on June 13 claimed responsibility for the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, accusing her of defaming Sikh traditions and misusing the 'Kaur' surname in a video message. Mehron also issued threats to other influencers, warning of consequences for sharing 'vulgar' content. He specifically targeted Amritsar-based influencer Deepika Luthra, who has since sought police protection. The video has prompted multiple influencers to post public apologies.
13-Jun-2025
Bathinda Police on June 13 arrested two Nihang men, identified as Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjit Singh, in connection with the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, in Bathinda district. A third accused, radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh Mehron, remains absconding. The police described the murder as a case of 'unauthorised moral policing,' stating that the accused confessed to killing Kanchan over her alleged 'immoral content.
13-Jun-2025
On June 13, Punjab Police, on day 104 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 80 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 116 drug smugglers and seized 9.9 kg of heroin, 1.5 kg of opium and INR 11.23 lakh drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
13-Jun-2025
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (Amritsar Range) on June 13 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja and Abhijeet Singh alias Happy, and seized 4.5 kg of heroin, INR 11 lakh in drug money, and a scooter from their possession in Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. Authorities revealed that Gurbhej had direct links with Pakistan-based smuggler Rana and was using drones to transport drug consignments from across the border.
13-Jun-2025
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on June 13 arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Baldev Singh, posted at the Sultanpur Lodhi police station, for demanding and accepting a bribe of INR 2,000 in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district. The arrest was made following a complaint submitted through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. Singh had initially demanded INR 10,000 but settled for INR 2,000. A case has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
13-Jun-2025
According to top intelligence sources, anti-India and anti-Prime Minister Narendra Modi protests in Canada are being orchestrated by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed banned Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and other extremist groups, funded through narcotics and illegal weapons trafficking. These sources also highlight growing internal divisions within Canadian gurdwaras, as the majority of Sikhs reportedly reject ISI-driven conflict within the diaspora. Former ministers, such as Sukh Dhaliwal, have reportedly been sidelined due to their past links to Khalistan-related activities.
13-Jun-2025
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on June 13 issued a statement urging Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami to approach the upcoming Sikh centenary celebrations in a non-political spirit. Responding to Dhami’s criticism of the state government's involvement, Sandhwan emphasised that events such as the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the 450th foundation day of Amritsar are intended to honour Sikh values. He reminded Dhami that, as the head of the SGPC—a religious body entrusted with safeguarding Sikh heritage—his responsibility is to uphold unity, not to fuel partisan divisions.
13-Jun-2025
On June 13, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Union Minister and West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sukanta Majumdar, alleging that he threw a slipper that struck a Sikh man's turban during a protest on June 12 at Kalighat Police Station in Kolkata, West Bengal. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) shared a copy of the FIR on its official X handle, claiming the act was deliberate and insulting to religious sentiments. The BJP dismissed the allegation, stating that only a piece of paper was used during the protest and accused the TMC of fabricating the incident.
13-Jun-2025
A court on June 13 granted Bathinda Police a two-day remand of Jaspreet Singh and Nimratjeet Singh, who are accused in the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, in Bathinda district.
12-Jun-2025
In a BBC World Service documentary, gangster Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar claimed that slain singer Sidhu Moose Wala had been in contact with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, allegedly exchanging daily greetings. Brar further alleged that Moose Wala supported those responsible for the killing of Vicky Middukhera, which he cited as a key reason for targeting the singer.
12-Jun-2025
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on June 12 revealed that, over 103 days of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, they arrested 577 drug smugglers and seized 50.150 kg of poppy husk, 24.935 kg of heroin, 1.161 kg of charas, 3.720 kg of ganja, 9,668 capsules/pills, drug money amounting to INR 3,30,700, six pistols, and 14 cartridges across Jalandhar district.
12-Jun-2025
Amritsar Rural Police on June 12 busted an illegal arms smuggling module linked to Italy-based trafficker Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, and arrested four operatives, identified as Arshpreet Singh, Gurpal Singh, Gurtej Singh, and Hardeep Singh, and police seized four Glock pistols (26 GEN), two Glock pistols (43 GEN), two .30 bore pistols, a country-made .30 bore pistol, INR 50,000 in drug money, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones from their possession from Hoshiarnagar village in Amritsar district. The. The module was reportedly operating in close coordination with handlers based in Pakistan.
12-Jun-2025
On June 12, Punjab Police, on day 103 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 93 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 119 drug smugglers and seized 1.7 kg of heroin, 14.6 kg of opium and INR 57480 drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
12-Jun-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 12 conducted searches at fifteen locations linked to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror organisation across Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Kapurthala, and Rupnagar districts in Punjab, as well as Sirsa district in Haryana. The NIA seized incriminating materials, including mobile phones and documents, in connection with the January 2025 grenade attack on the Gumtala police post in Amritsar.
12-Jun-2025
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on June 12 urged the central government to release Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences in honour of the upcoming 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
11-Jun-2025
On June 11, an individual identified as Gurjit Singh was killed in a firing incident involving two unidentified drug smugglers at Neshta village in Amritsar district. Police reported that they had recovered 5 kg of heroin from the smugglers, who opened fire while fleeing the scene, fatally striking Gurjit, a passerby. A case has been registered, and a manhunt is currently underway.
11-Jun-2025
Jalandhar (Rural) Police on June 11 arrested a suspect involved in the vandalism of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue, identified as Kulwinder Singh alias Binder, from Kehar Singh Wala village in Sangrur district. Another accused, Resham Singh, remains absconding. Police stated that both individuals were influenced by Khalistani extremist ideology and had a history of involvement in anti-national and violent activities.
11-Jun-2025
A protest led by Shiv Sena Punjab state president Rajesh Garg in Sri Muktsar Sahib turned violent on June 11, when a Sikh youth, identified as Gurwinder Singh, was allegedly assaulted near the bus stand in Sri Muktsar Sahib district.
11-Jun-2025
A Punjabi influencer identified as Kanchan Kumari alias Kamal Kaur was found dead in a car near Adesh Medical University in Bathinda district on June 11. In 2024, Kaur had reportedly received threats from Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala for allegedly posting objectionable content. Authorities are currently investigating possible links to Dala.
11-Jun-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 11 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 529 grams from fields near Havelian village in Tarn Taran district.
11-Jun-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 11 recovered a drone from a field near Roranwala Kalan village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
11-Jun-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 11 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 560 grams from fields near Wan in Patti in Tarn Taran district.