KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
10-Jun-2025
Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, chief of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal, on June 10 in Amritsar, stated that the institution would welcome the possible appointment of Balwant Singh Rajoana—convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh—as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht. He described Rajoana as a 'highly respected personality' who had made a significant sacrifice for the Sikh community.
10-Jun-2025
The Commissionerate Police on June 10 dismantled a well-organized narco-hawala cartel operated by convicted smuggler Arshdeep Singh, arresting six operatives identified as Karandeep Singh alias Karan, Jaspreet Singh, Arshdeep Singh alias Ars, Gurmeet Singh alias Geetu, Rajinderpal Singh alias Nikka, and Malkeet Singh and seizing 4.526 kilograms of heroin and INR 8.7 lakh in drug money from their possession in Amritsar district. Arshdeep Singh was found to be running the cartel from inside Goindwal Jail in Tarn Taran. Preliminary investigations revealed the cartel’s cross-border links and its use of hawala channels to route money to Dubai and Pakistan.
10-Jun-2025
On June 10, Punjab Police, on day 101 of its ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, registered 114 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 152 drug smugglers and seized 1.6 kg of heroin along with INR 3.56 lakh drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
10-Jun-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 10 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 541 grams and a packet of opium weighing 30 grams, along with a drone, from fields near Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
10-Jun-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on June 10 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 484.31 grams from a farming field near Mehdipur village in Patti in Tarn Taran district.
10-Jun-2025
On June 10, a video surfaced showing the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue, with a pro-Khalistan banner visible in the background, in Noorpur Jattan village, Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), released a video claiming responsibility for the act. The footage showed an individual using an electric cutter to damage the statue’s hand.
10-Jun-2025
Office-bearers and members of the Chief Khalsa Diwan on June 10 paid tribute to Vir Singh on his death anniversary at the Bhai Vir Singh Study Centre in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
09-Jun-2025
Punjab Police on June 9 revealed that as part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the Police have frozen illegally acquired properties of 157 drug smugglers worth INR 78.52 crore and recovered INR 13.03 crore drug money in the first 100 days of the drive, across Punjab. The police also registered 9,693 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested 16,533 drug smugglers and recovered 627 kg of heroin, 252 kg of opium, 15 tonnes of poppy husk, 9 kg of charas, 264 kg of ganja, 2.7 kg of ICE, 2.6 kg of cocaine and 26.51 lakh intoxicant pills/tablets from their possession.
09-Jun-2025
On June 9, Punjab Police, on day 100 of its ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, registered 99 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 127 drug smugglers and recovered 4.1 kg of heroin, 20 kg of poppy husk and INR 2.20 lakhs of drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
09-Jun-2025
During Ghallughara Week, observed from June 1 to 6, the newly appointed officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, chose not to publicly honour the families of those killed in 1984 or address the sangat during the 41st anniversary event in Amritsar, Punjab. This marked a notable shift in the Akal Takht’s approach, signalling an attempt to adopt a more conciliatory stance amid ongoing divisions within the Sikh community.
09-Jun-2025
Punjab Governor and Union Territory (UT) Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, on June 9, paid tribute to the martyrs of Operation Sindoor and urged every Punjabi to become a soldier in the fight against drugs. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Operation Sindoor Vijay Yatra at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Kapurthala district, Punjab. Emphasising that the fight against drugs must be a collective movement, he vowed strict action against traffickers and called on educational institutions to lead through sports, character-building, and youth engagement.
09-Jun-2025
Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Minister Tarunpreet Sondhi, while addressing the media in Chandigarh on June 9, revealed that under the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign, the police registered 9,580 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 16,348 individuals, demolished 118 properties belonging to drug traffickers, seized 622 kilograms of heroin, and recovered INR 11 crore in drug money across Punjab. They also announced the recruitment of 200 psychologists, the addition of 2,000 de-addiction beds, and the daily engagement of psychiatrists.
08-Jun-2025
Muktsar district police on June 8 revealed that under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the district police registered 311 First Information reports (FIRs), arrested 539 accused and seized 41.11 kg of opium, 12 quintal of poppy husk, 2.33 kg of heroin, 64,879 intoxicant pills and capsules, 64 sedative syrup bottles and INR 6.63 lakh drug money, across the district in the last 100 days. In addition, properties worth INR 1.82 crore belonging to 13 drug traffickers have also been frozen.
08-Jun-2025
On June 8, Punjab Police, on day 99 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 107 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 144 drug smugglers and recovered 6.7 kg of heroin and INR 440 kg of poppy husk from their possession, across Punjab.
08-Jun-2025
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Muktsar police on June 8 arrested three individuals identified as Gaurav Kumar alias Billa, Vikasdeep Singh, and Lovepreet Singh and seized 174 grams of heroin along with two pistols and10 live cartridges from their possession, in Sri Muktsar Sahib district.
08-Jun-2025
According to sources, Faridkot Police have sought data from Tinder linked to an account allegedly belonging to radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, in connection with the murder of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau. The account, operated under the alias 'Amrit Sandhu,' is being investigated for possible links to the October 2023 killing, which police allege was orchestrated by Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala at Amritpal Singh’s behest. Investigators have requested subscriber details, IP logs, chat history, and media uploads from Tinder as part of the probe.
07-Jun-2025
Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson Sarchand Singh on June 7 in Amritsar criticised Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj for not issuing the traditional June 6 sandesh on the anniversary of Operation Bluestar. He also objected to Gargaj receiving a Siropa despite being declared tankhaiya by Takht Patna Sahib, calling it a violation of protocol.
07-Jun-2025
A Mohali court on June 7 extended for two days the police remand of Punjab-based YouTuber Jasbir Singh, arrested on charges of espionage linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Singh, who operates the “JaanMahal Video” YouTube channel, is alleged to be part of a terror-backed espionage network and was reportedly in contact with officials from the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
07-Jun-2025
On June 7, Punjab Police, on day 98 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign registered 97 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 132 drug smugglers and recovered 1.3 kg heroin and INR 1.5 lakhs drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
07-Jun-2025
Punjab Police Counter Intelligence (CI) unit on June 7 arrested three individuals, identified as Amarjeet, Sonu and Gurjinder Singh alias Guri, who were involved in the intra-gang firing incident and the killing of Ashu Monga which took place on June 6, and seized four pistols, including one 9 mm Glock, two pistols (.30 bore), one pistol (.32 bore) and one scooter from their possession, near Ratta Khera village in Ferozepur district.
07-Jun-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (Border Range) on June 7, arrested three individuals identified as Rajan alias Raja, Paramjit Singh alias Pamma, and Dinesh Kumar alias Nishu, and seized two Glock 19X pistols, two.30 bore pistols, one .30 bore Star Mark pistol and one Baretta Gardone VT APX Baretta .30 bore from their possession, near Khalsa college in Amritsar in Amritsar district. Police revealed that the the weapons were smuggled from Pakistan via drones.
07-Jun-2025
Punjab Police on June 7 arrested two drug traffickers, identified as Gurditta alias Kalu and Captain and seized 6 kg of heroin from their possession, near Bhakna village in Amritsar district. Police stated that the heroin consignment was sent by Pakistan-based handlers for distribution in Punjab.
07-Jun-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 7 filed a chargesheet against five individuals, including Canada-based terrorist Goldy Brar, along with Sachin Taliyan, Ankit, Bhawish, and U.S.-based Randeep Singh alias Randeep Malik, in connection with the twin bomb blasts outside two clubs in Gurugram in Haryana in December 2024. According to the NIA, the attack was part of a broader Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) conspiracy aimed at inciting communal tension and destabilizing the region.
06-Jun-2025
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state general secretary Jagmohan Singh Raju on June 6 wrote to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, urging the release of Sikh prisoners on humanitarian grounds. Raju shared the letter publicly, stating that it was time to 'put a final lid on the Dark Era of the 1980s in Punjab.' He acknowledged the deep scars left by the 1984 attack on the Akal Takht and appealed for compassion towards those who, he argued, acted out of anguish and have already served sufficient punishment.
06-Jun-2025
The Special Cell from Uttarakhand on June 6 arrested an individual, identified as Gurdas Singh in connection with a shooting at a property dealer’s office in Delhi’s Mansarovar Park and revealed that Singh was spreading Khalistani ideology through videos featuring Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New Delhi. The police recovered a pistol from the toolbox of Singh’s motorcycle, along with propaganda videos, photos of Bhindranwale on his phone, and an image of Singh brandishing a firearm. Following these developments, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also interrogated Singh and launched a parallel probe into his links with anti-national and extremist elements.
06-Jun-2025
Harjit Singh, uncle of jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda on June 6 after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike in Bathinda jail.
06-Jun-2025
Police on June 6 arrested two individuals—Angrej Singh and his father, Joginder Singh alias Lalu—in connection with the killing of Ashu Monga, in Ferozepur district, Punjab. The First Information Report (FIR) names several accused, including noted gangster Ashish Chopra, Amrik Singh alias Amrika, Gurdit Singh, Angrej Singh, Joginder Singh alias Lalu, Shivam Sehgal alias Sanga, and Yuvraj alias Yuvi, along with four to five unidentified persons. Police stated that the suspects are members of a gang, and the incident stemmed from internal strife. According to initial investigations, Ashu had come to attack Yuvraj, Amrik Singh, and Shivam Sehgal, but during the shootout, he was accidentally hit and died on the spot.
06-Jun-2025
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G7 Summit outreach sessions in Kananaskis, Canada, where he plans to raise India’s concerns over pending extradition requests for 26 individuals accused of terrorism and organised crime, many of whom are linked to Khalistani separatist groups based in Canada.
06-Jun-2025
On June 6, Punjab Police, on day 97 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign registered 96 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 134 drug smugglers and recovered 1.08 kg of heroin and INR 4.97 lakhs drug money from their possession across Punjab.
06-Jun-2025
Police on June 6 arrested two individuals, identified as Angrej Singh and his father Joginder Singh alias Lalu for the fatal shooting of Ashu Monga, in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district. Police revealed that Ashu Monga was allegedly part of a gang-related conflict, with police stating he had gone to attack rivals when he was shot dead during the encounter.
06-Jun-2025
The Counter-Intelligence (CI) unit of Amritsar rural police on June 6 arrested two individuals, identified as Sukhchain Singh and Jugraj Singh, and seized three 9 mm Glock pistols, four PX5 pistols and one .30 bore pistol, along with a motorcycle from their possession, near Khasa village in Amritsar district. Police stated the duo had received the weapons via drone from Pakistan-based smuggler Noor, and were transporting the consignment for supply to gangsters across Punjab.
06-Jun-2025
The Gharinda police on June 6 arrested one individual, identified as Dheeraj Sharma and seized two Glock pistols and three other weapons along with a car from his possession, near Gharinda village in Amritsar district.
06-Jun-2025
On June 6, the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, pro-Khalistan slogans, including 'Khalistan Zindabad,' were raised at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, addressing the gathering, questioned the 1984 army action and stated that pro-Khalistan slogans like 'Khalistan Zindabad' have historically been raised at such events, both in India and abroad.
06-Jun-2025
On June 6, marking the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar—observed as Ghallughara Diwas—Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering the customary address amid mounting pressure from Sikh religious groups, particularly Damdami Taksal, in Amritsar. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami took on the responsibility of honouring the victims of 1984. Although he did not speak, Giani Gargaj performed the ardas, praying for unity, the release of Sikh prisoners, and the protection of Sikh identity.
06-Jun-2025
On June 6, Amritsar observed a complete shutdown following a bandh call by Dal Khalsa and other Sikh organisations to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The bandh remained peaceful, with no incidents reported. All major markets, commercial hubs, and grain mandis were closed, while city roads remained deserted with minimal vehicular movement. Over 6,000 Punjab Police personnel, along with Punjab Armed Police and forces from neighbouring districts, were deployed to maintain law and order.
05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered one packet of heroin weighing 531 grams from fields near Balve Dariya village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered one drone in damaged condition from a farming field near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Damdami Taksal head Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma—until recently an ally of the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)—renewed his warning against Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, insisting that he not be allowed to speak during the Operation Bluestar anniversary events in Amritsar, Punjab. Dhumma’s objection, based on claims that Gargaj’s appointment violated maryada and lacked consensus, has further deepened existing fractures within the Sikh community. With Nihang groups backing the Taksal and the SGPC unable to mediate a resolution, tensions remain high. A confrontation would be tragically ironic—division and disorder on a day meant for collective mourning and reflection.
05-Jun-2025
Dal Khalsa on June 5 organized a march in Amritsar, Punjab, to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, proceeding from Burj Akali Phoola Singh to the Golden Temple. Activists from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) (SAD-A), led by Simranjit Singh Mann, and Bhai Daljit Singh of the Panth Sewak Jatha also participated in the march.
05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Punjab Police, on day 96 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 108 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 154 drug smugglers and recovered 1.6 kg of heroin and INR 10.03 lakhs of drug money from their possession across Punjab.
05-Jun-2025
Punjab Police on June 5 busted two narco-trafficking cartels and arrested six operatives, identified as Vishal Singh, Didar Singh alias Kali, Sevenbir Singh, Harjit Singh alias Jita, Jaj Singh and Jasbir Kaur, and seized 4 kg of heroin along with a Toyota Innova car from their possession, in the Chheharta area near Amritsar in Amristar district.
05-Jun-2025
On June 5, a youth identified as Ashu Monga was killed in a shootout between two rival gang factions in Ferozepur, Punjab. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. at a tattoo shop, where two armed assailants shot Monga dead, reportedly due to gang rivalry. The attackers, who arrived on a motorcycle and an SUV, forcibly removed the shopkeeper before opening fire. The entire incident was captured on CCTV. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack.
05-Jun-2025
Gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy was injured in a clash at the New District Jail in Nabha, Patiala district on June 5. He sustained injuries to his nose and chest after being assaulted with sharpened spoon edges by fellow inmates identified as Arshdeep Singh alias Bittu, Shamsher Singh alias Shera, and Chamkaur Singh alias Beant. The altercation, which occurred in the high-security zone, reportedly broke out over a dispute about changing a TV channel.
05-Jun-2025
Valtoha Police on June 5 busted a three-member cross-border weapons smuggling module, arresting two members identified as Surajpal Singh and Arshdeep Singh and seizing four 9mm Glock 26 pistols, two .30-bore PX5 pistols, live cartridges, and a motorcycle from their possession, near Valtoha village in Tarn Taran district. Investigations revealed that Surajpal was in direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers Rana and Sikander, who used drones to deliver the weapons.
05-Jun-2025
Police teams on June 5 conducted flag marches across various parts of Amritsar city in Amritsar district ahead of the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The security operations included searches at the inter-state bus terminus, while all entry and exit points were sealed with round-the-clock checkpoints (nakas) to maintain law and order and prevent any disturbances during the June 6 anniversary.
05-Jun-2025
A national kabaddi player Sonu Nolta was shot dead outside Cosmo Mall in Panchkula district in Haryana on June 5. Assailants in a Maruti Swift fired over 15 rounds at his vehicle, killing Nolta on the spot and critically injuring his friend. Police suspect the involvement of the Bishnoi gang, with two individuals—Piyush Pinjori and Ankuna—claiming responsibility via social media. A manhunt is currently underway to trace the accused.
04-Jun-2025
Police on June 4 arrested a woman, identified as Pritpal Kaurand seized four live cartridges from her possession, from Bathinda airport in Bathinda in Bathinda district.
04-Jun-2025
On June 4, Punjab Police, on day 95 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign registered 99 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 138 drug smugglers and recovered 4.3 kg of heroin, 6133 intoxicant pills and INR 1.42 lakhs drug money from their possession, across Punjab.
04-Jun-2025
Officials confirmed on June 4 that Punjab Police arrested 10 individuals during a month-long crackdown on an alleged espionage network linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Those arrested include Gagandeep Singh (Tarn Taran), Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal (Rupnagar), Guzala and Yameen Mohammad (Malerkotla), Neeraj Kumar (Pathankot), Rakib (Bathinda), Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh (Gurdaspur), along with two unidentified suspects. Intelligence inputs also aided the arrest of six additional suspects in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Sources revealed that the operation, based on extensive human and technical surveillance, uncovered connections between several accused and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was previously arrested in Haryana. Senior officials emphasized that real-time intelligence sharing between Punjab Police, central intelligence agencies, and other state police forces was crucial in exposing the ISI-backed network threatening national security.
04-Jun-2025
Police on June 4 arrested a Rupnagar-based YouTuber, identified as Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal, in Mahlan village of Rupnagar tehsil, Rupnagar district. Jasbir Singh, who runs the YouTube channel ‘Jaan Mahal’, was arrested for his links with Pakistani intelligence operatives and his involvement in a broader espionage network. Investigations revealed that he had travelled to Pakistan multiple times and had attempted to destroy evidence following the arrest of fellow YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra.