KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
09-Apr-2025
On April 9, Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah reaffirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's resolve to eradicate Naxalism by 31 March 2026 and declared zero tolerance for separatist rhetoric related to the Khalistan movement, while speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 in New Delhi. Shah cited a sharp decline in Naxal-affected districts—from 120 to 12—as evidence of progress, and highlighted ongoing efforts in states like Chhattisgarh, where hundreds of Naxalites have been killed, arrested, or have surrendered. On the Khalistan issue, Shah stressed that any attempt to divide the nation would be dealt with firmly and urged close cooperation between the Punjab state government and the Centre to counter such threats.
09-Apr-2025
According to senior police sources, Punjab has seen a troubling rise in grenade attacks since November 2024, especially in the border districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur. Despite the elimination of key suspects in police encounters, such incidents continue, with intelligence agencies linking them to pro-Khalistan terrorist outfits, criminal gangs, and Pakistan-based handlers. Notable counter-terror operations include the December 2024 killing of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) operatives and the March 2025 neutralisation of Gursidak Singh, a key accused in the Amritsar temple blast. Investigators believe that vulnerable youth from economically weaker sections are being lured with as little as INR 5,000 to execute these attacks, supported by a continuous influx of grenades through drone drops and cross-border smuggling networks.
09-Apr-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 9 announced the arrest of Abhijot Singh in connection with the grenade attack in Chandigarh’s Sector 10. Singh was already lodged in jail for a separate grenade incident. NIA investigations revealed that he was in direct contact with United States-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia. Acting under Passia’s instructions, Abhijot conducted multiple reconnaissance missions at the target location in July and August 2024, and procured a stolen motorcycle with a fake number plate to facilitate the attack. Further probes established that Happy had also supplied weapons to Abhijot and co-accused Rohan Masih, with intentions to carry out a firing at the Sector 10 residence.
09-Apr-2025
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on April 9 issued threats via a video message targeting the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Pannun warned them against celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on April 14, threatening grenade attacks if his warning was disregarded. He also claimed responsibility for defacing the Ambedkar Housing Society in Sector 76, Mohali, displaying provocative graffiti and a Khalistan flag in the video. However, Mohali Police, upon investigation, reported finding no physical evidence of vandalism at the site.
09-Apr-2025
On April 9, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Fauja Singh Sarari, Ranbir Singh Bhullar, Rajnish Kumar Dahiya, and Naresh Kataria strongly condemned Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for his derogatory remarks against Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Addressing a press conference in Ferozepur, Punjab, they urged Sikh organizations to excommunicate Pannun from the panth, stating that he tarnishes the name of both Punjab and Sikhism.
09-Apr-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on April 9, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 569 grams from agricultural fields near Wan village in Patti, Tarn Taran district.
09-Apr-2025
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan sustained serious leg injuries on April 9 after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated while a patrol team was attempting to defuse it near the India–Pakistan border fence in Punjab. The device was detected during a night-time area domination patrol aimed at securing routes commonly used by troops and local farmers. Despite the explosion, BSF personnel secured the area, and a Bomb Disposal Squad later neutralised the remaining devices.
08-Apr-2025
On April 8, Punjab Police, on Day 39 of its ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, arrested 71 drug smugglers and seized 1.8 kg of heroin, 4.9 kg of opium, 13,362 intoxicant capsules/tablets, and INR 9,000 in drug money from their possession across Punjab.
08-Apr-2025
On April 8, Punjab Police, on Day 39 of its ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, arrested 71 drug smugglers and seized 1.8 kg of heroin, 4.9 kg of opium, 13,362 intoxicant capsules/tablets, and INR 9,000 in drug money from their possession across Punjab.
08-Apr-2025
Police on April 8 busted two Pakistan-backed drug cartels and arrested eight key operatives, including an inspector of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Manjit Singh, and his associate Ravi Kumar, and seized 4.04 kg of heroin and a motorcycle in Amritsar district. Police believe the cartels were operating in coordination with Pakistan-based smugglers. Further investigation is underway.
08-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 8 arrested two suspects, Harry and Satish Kumar alias Kaka, in connection with the grenade explosion that occurred at 1 am, targeting the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar district. According to police officials, the suspects were acting on the instructions of a terror module backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), involving Zeeshan Akhtar, an associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. A third suspect remains at large.
08-Apr-2025
The official website of the armed wing of Punjab Police (https://armedpolice.punjab.gov.in/) was hacked on April 8 by the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The defaced site displayed a poster calling to "Liberate Punjab from Indian Occupation" and provided a link to a tweet from SFJ’s handle, which has been withheld in India.
08-Apr-2025
Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh recently condemned Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, for making derogatory remarks against Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He described it as a deliberate attempt to incite unrest in Punjab. Dr. Singh further stated that anti-Punjab forces like Pannun cannot tolerate the state's progress, but emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government remains committed to preserving peace.
08-Apr-2025
According to sources, Punjab Police have obtained significant leads in the grenade attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member Manoranjan Kalia’s residence on April 8. This marks the 16th such incident since September 2024. The grenades used in the attack, mainly Austrian-made Arges models from Pakistan’s old military stock, have previously been seen in high-profile attacks like the 1993 Mumbai blasts. Investigations suggest a connection between Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Khalistani terrorist groups such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), and foreign-based gangsters like Happy Passia and Harvinder Rinda. These groups have increasingly targeted police posts and political figures to destabilize Punjab.
08-Apr-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 8 searched multiple locations linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar and seized several electronic and other incriminating materials across Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP). The searches were part of an investigation into the December 2024 grenade attacks at Warehouse Club and Human Club in Gurugram, Haryana, which were masterminded by Brar and US-based gangster Randeep Malik.
08-Apr-2025
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on April 8 strongly condemned the grenade attack at senior leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar, calling it a glaring failure of the Punjab government’s law and order machinery. BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticised the state administration for prioritising security for "failed politicians" over citizens’ safety. BJP Punjab Spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to direct a central agency probe into the attack. BJP leaders Ravneet Singh Bittu and Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal described the incident as a direct assault on democracy and warned of a larger anti-national conspiracy unfolding in the state.
08-Apr-2025
On April 8, five Sikh high priests—Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, along with Giani Raghbir Singh (Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib), Giani Jagtar Singh (Takht Damdama Sahib), Giani Rajinder Singh (Takht Patna Sahib), and Giani Baldev Singh (Takht Hazur Sahib)—are scheduled to meet at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar, Punjab, amid the ongoing controversy over the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) membership drive.
08-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 8 arrested two operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Rohit Godara gang, identified as Jashandeep Singh alias Jashan Sandhu and Gursewak Singh, and seized one .32 calibre pistol along with seven cartridges cartridges from their possession Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Jashan, a murder accused, had recently re-entered India via Nepal after evading arrest abroad. His arrest revealed links to hawala operators and fugitive gangsters. Gursewak was reportedly operating locally on the gang’s behalf, and police said several major crimes were averted with the duo’s capture.
08-Apr-2025
On April 8, armed assailants opened fire at the residence of an East Delhi businessman, just two weeks after he received an extortion call allegedly from the Jaipal Bhullar group. Investigations revealed that the suspects used a United Kingdom (UK)-based SIM card, possibly virtual, and uncovered links to Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, who is currently based in Canada.
08-Apr-2025
An unidentified miscreant hurled a grenade at the residence of former Punjab minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar district around 1 am on April 8. The grenade landed near the gate, causing damage to a side door; however, Kalia escaped unhurt. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed the attacker arriving and fleeing in an electric rickshaw. A police investigation is currently underway.
08-Apr-2025
On April 8, anti-Ambedkar slogans were found painted on the walls of Major Hardev Singh Secondary School in Nasrali village, Khanna in Ludhiana district, with Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claiming responsibility and issuing threats of explosions if Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated, via a video message.
07-Apr-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Chandigarh on April 7 granted a two-day remand of Abhijot Singh alias Babbi, to the agency in connection with the grenade attack case in Sector 10, Chandigarh. The NIA stated that Singh had facilitated the movement of co-accused Rohan Masih for reconnaissance and played a crucial role in executing the conspiracy. The court remanded him to police custody till April 9 for further interrogation and recovery of key evidence.
07-Apr-2025
Gangster and Khalistani terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, on April 7 claimed via a social media post that his associates had attacked the Kila Lal Singh police station using a rocket launcher, in Batala, Gurdaspur district, Punjab. However, the police refuted the claim, stating that no evidence of any such incident was found.
07-Apr-2025
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 7 attached assets worth INR 1.22 crore belonging to international drug trafficker Jasmeet Hakimzada, who operates from Dubai and is linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). He is wanted by the United States (US) and faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The seized assets include gold, diamonds, and properties.
07-Apr-2025
Organisers of Pride Amritsar on April 7 announced the cancellation of the 2025 Pride Parade, originally scheduled for April 27, following widespread opposition—particularly from the Sikh community—in Amritsar, Punjab, with Ridham Chadha and Ramit Seth stating that the decision was made in the interest of members’ safety and with no intention of hurting religious or political sentiments.
07-Apr-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Ashok Parashar Pappi, Daljit Singh Grewal (Bhola), Jeevan Singh Sangowal, and Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina on April 7 condemned Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s remarks about Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and announced statewide celebrations on April 14, vowing to guard his statues and uphold communal harmony in Punjab, while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh.
07-Apr-2025
The Customs Department at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport seized 7.7 kg of ganja from an Indian passenger, identified as Chanan Singh, on April 7 in Amritsar district.
07-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 7 arrested a smuggler, identified as Tamandeep Singh and seized 2 kg of heroin and 900 grams of ICE drug (Crystal Meth) from his possession, in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
07-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 7, as part of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 225 Bus Stands along with 466 locations, and arrested 38 drug smugglers after the registration of 31 first information reports (FIRs), and seized 2.2 kg of heroin, 1.8 kg of opium and INR 17600 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab.
07-Apr-2025
According to sources, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently detained at least eight major drug traffickers from Punjab and West Bengal under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, transferring them to high-security prisons in Assam and Jharkhand over the past eight months to disrupt their networks, while also planning to shift habitual traffickers to remote prisons in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to further weaken their influence.
07-Apr-2025
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Punjab Police on April 7 arrested two smugglers, identified as Dharmendra Singh and his associate Tejinder Singh, and seized a large quantity of illegal substances, including 35 kg of poppy husk, 77 kg of cannabis, 240 grams of opium, 50 opium plants, INR 13 lakh in drug money, and four luxury vehicles in Mohali, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Dharminder Singh, a history-sheeter with 11 prior cases, is the husband of Sarabjeet Kaur, the sarpanch of Raipur Mandlan village in Patiala tehsil, Patiala district.
07-Apr-2025
Amritsar police on April 7 arrested two unidentified drug peddlers and seized 310 grams of heroin from their possession in Ghumtala area in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The accused were using a Delhi-registered vehicle with a “Punjab Police” sticker to evade checks.
06-Apr-2025
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, on April 6 continued his six-day padyatra against drugs, urging citizens to unite in the fight against drug abuse, in Amritsar in Amritsar district in Punjab. Emphasising that the drug menace is a national issue, he highlighted ongoing government efforts, including anti-drone systems and village defence committees.
06-Apr-2025
Police on April 6 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Arun Setia and seized 2 kg of heroin, a .32 bore pistol, four live cartridges and two empty shells along with a motorcycle from his possession, near Ladhuka village in Jalalabad in Fazilka district. Setia was injured in retaliatory firing after he shot at the Police team while trying to flee, and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
06-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 6, as part of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh" (war against drugs), conducted raids at 337 locations, registered 37 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 54 drug smugglers and seized 411 grams of heroin, 1617 intoxicant tablets/pills and INR 34,400 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers across Punjab.
06-Apr-2025
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently announced the launch of the ‘Youth of Punjab’ campaign to intensify efforts against drug addiction. Set to roll out across all districts, the initiative aims to raise awareness, engage youth, and provide structured rehabilitation support. It will be launched from Amritsar in collaboration with the National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation (NCCDR). Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, member of the National Institute of Social Defence, stated that the second phase will include seminars, sports events, and outreach programs to promote drug-free lifestyles.
06-Apr-2025
On April 6, in a historic first for Nagpur’s Sikh community, Sardarni Kashmir Kaur was unanimously elected as the Pradhan Sewadar of Gurudwara Guru Granth Sahib, Baba Deep Singh Nagar, Nari, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Elected for the 2025–2028 term, her selection marks a significant step toward gender inclusion in religious leadership. The announcement was met with pride and celebration across the city’s Sikh community, with her appointment hailed as a breakthrough for women’s empowerment and a reflection of Sikhism’s core principles of equality.
06-Apr-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on April 6, strongly condemned Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s disgraceful remarks against Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. She asserted that Punjab’s communal harmony remains unshakable and that divisive forces will never succeed. Dr. Kaur criticised Pannun for his ignorance of Sikhism and Ambedkar’s legacy, calling his comments shameful and unacceptable.
05-Apr-2025
Amritsar Rural Police on April 5 arrested a smuggler, identified as Jarman Singh, and seized one Glock 9mm pistol, one .30 calibre pistol, three magazines, and INR 2.15 lakh in Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from his possession in Gharinda village in Amritsar district.
05-Apr-2025
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in an interview with The Indian Express, stated that the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashe De Virudh’ (War Against Drugs), has significantly curtailed street-level drug supply, prompting many smugglers to flee and abandon their homes. He noted that intensified enforcement has driven a 1.5-fold increase in street drug prices, reflecting reduced availability. Simultaneously, de-addiction efforts have expanded, with a 70.47% rise in new registrations at Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics. Yadav further emphasized that the Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, is now targeting high-level traffickers and cross-border smuggling networks.
05-Apr-2025
On April 5, Punjab Police, as part of its “Yudh Nashe De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), conducted raids at 429 locations across the state, registered 48 FIRs, arrested 71 drug smugglers, and seized 1.5 kg of heroin, 500 grams of opium, and INR 6,020 in drug money from their possession.
05-Apr-2025
Lawrence Bishnoi gang member and Kuchaman resident Aditya Jain was produced in court under heavy security in Kuchaman City, Rajasthan, on April 5. Jain, arrested in Dubai and deported to India, is accused of managing the gang’s extortion network and faces seven criminal cases across Rajasthan. Police confirmed his involvement in high-profile extortion, intimidation, and providing support to jailed gangsters.
05-Apr-2025
The Barnala police on April 5 arrested four smugglers, identified as Nirmal Singh, Beant Singh, Inderjit Singh, and Harjinder Singh, and seized 15 quintals of poppy husk packed in 75 bags near Barnala in Barnala district, while a fifth accused, truck driver Jagsir Singh, managed to escape and remains absconding.
05-Apr-2025
Khalistani terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) on April 5 claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the Jeengarh police post in Kaithal district, Haryana, near the Punjab border. The group posted on Facebook, calling it retaliation for alleged atrocities against Sikhs and warning of more attacks. However, local police have found no physical evidence of the incident and suspect it may be a rumour. Investigations are ongoing, and security has been heightened along the Haryana-Punjab border.
05-Apr-2025
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on April 5 expressed concern over the declining number of Punjabi youths joining the Army’s Sikh Regiment, attributing it to rising migration and drug abuse, while speaking at an event in Phillaur, Jalandhar district. He noted that the Army's Western Command had raised the issue and sought the state’s support, assuring that his government would take steps to preserve the proud legacy of the Sikh Regiment.
05-Apr-2025
Several Sikh organisations on April 5 voiced strong opposition to the upcoming ‘Pride Parade 2025’ planned by the LGBTQ community in Rose Garden, Amritsar, on April 27. Citing the religious sanctity of the city, particularly its association with Sri Darbar Sahib, they demanded a ban on the event. Local leader Paramjit Singh Akali termed the parade a “conspiracy” to disturb Punjab’s social fabric and urged Sikh groups to meet the police commissioner to register their formal protest.
05-Apr-2025
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, officiating chief priest of Akal Takht, on April 5 urged the Centre and Punjab governments to enact a special law to deal strictly with cases of desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. After visiting a protest site in Samana, Patiala, he expressed concern over recurring incidents of sacrilege and criticised political parties for their inaction. He demanded the harshest punishment for offenders and recommended similar legal protections for all religious scriptures to maintain communal harmony.
04-Apr-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura on April 4 in Chandigarh strongly condemned Khalistani supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for making derogatory remarks against Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, stating that such hate-filled individuals do not represent Sikh values, which are rooted in peace and universal welfare. He warned Pannun against provoking people from abroad and vowed to uphold Ambedkar’s legacy on April 14 by ensuring the protection of his statues across Punjab.
04-Apr-2025
Punjab is witnessing record-breaking drug-related arrests this year, with enforcement efforts intensifying sharply following the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Delhi Assembly poll debacle. Police have arrested an average of 64 suspects daily—totalling 5,835 by March 31—surpassing the previous record of 47 daily arrests (17,001 total) set in 2014. The ongoing 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) operation alone resulted in 4,706 arrests in March. AAP spokesperson and Member of Parliament Malvinder Jit Singh Kang defended the crackdown, while Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Dr. Daljeet Cheema dismissed the arrests as 'political theatre.'
04-Apr-2025
vSenior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal recently moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging police bias and political interference in the investigation of the December 4, 2024 assassination attempt on him in Amritsar, Punjab. Badal was attacked by former militant and Khalistan supporter Narain Singh Chaura while performing sewa at the Golden Temple. His security personnel foiled the attempt, but Badal claims the investigation was delayed and weakened. He is seeking an independent probe, as the accused was granted bail due to alleged lapses in the investigation. The High Court has directed the Punjab government to respond by April 30.