KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
20-Mar-2025
On March 20, a criminal identified as Amandeep opened fire on the police during a weapon recovery operation near Buhara village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district. He was injured in retaliatory fire. Amandeep had been taken to a canal where he had allegedly hidden a pistol used in a previous crime. During the operation, he retrieved the weapon and fired at the police before being subdued.
20-Mar-2025
At the Raisina Dialogue held recently in New Delhi, United States (US) Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged India’s serious security concerns. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Gabbard to designate the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist organization, citing its alleged links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). SFJ, founded in 2007 by Canadian-American lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, advocates for Khalistan and was banned by India in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). India has pursued legal and diplomatic measures against SFJ, with 104 cases registered against its members, including eight by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). New Delhi hopes that President Donald Trump will take stricter action against SFJ, as the previous Joe Biden administration largely ignored its repeated requests to curb the outfit’s anti-India activities.
20-Mar-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab leader and Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on March 20 highlighted the success of the Punjab Government’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, and stated that so far Punjab Police had filed 1,895 First Information Report(FIR), arrested 3,217 drug smugglers, and seized 114 kg of heroin, over 62 kg of opium, 7.5 lakh intoxicating tablets, 1,213 kg of poppy husk, 28 kg of cannabis, 4.5 kg of charas, 1.25 kg of ICE, nearly 500 bottles of illicit liquor, 7 kg of intoxicating powder, and 301 injection, along with INR 68 lakh in cash, from the possession of the smugglers across Punjab. He revealed that additionally, 22 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones, 4 cars, and 12 pistols linked to drug trafficking have been confiscated. During the action, over 4 kg of gold, including one necklace and two chains, as well as 1.25 kg of silver, were also recovered.
20-Mar-2025
Police on March 20 arrested two associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuri gangs, identified as Surinder Singh alias Gagan and Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakhu ans seized a .32 bore pistol, two live rounds and a car near Jaito in Faridkot district.
20-Mar-2025
On March 20, seven associates of radical Khalistan preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh were produced in an Ajnala court in Amritsar district amid tight security and were remanded in four-day police custody. They were released from Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam after the Punjab Government decided not to re-invoke the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against them. Following their release, they were brought to Amritsar on transit remand and formally arrested by the Punjab Police in connection with the February 2023 Ajnala police station attack.
19-Mar-2025
Punjab Police on March 19 dismantled a drug and hawala racket, arresting five individuals, including Iqbal Singh and four unidentified associates and seized 7 kg of opium, three pistols with six magazines, and INR 23.1 lakh in drug money from their possession in Tarn Taran district. During the operation, the accused fired at the police, injuring two officers, who were provided with medical care. Singh confessed to facilitating hawala transactions worth INR 50 crore for Dubai-based drug cartels over the past three months.
19-Mar-2025
The Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal on March 19 criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh (HP) government, accusing it of disrespecting Sikh religious symbols and failing to understand Sikh sentiments over the Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale flag controversy. They condemned the alleged removal of flags bearing Bhindranwale’s image from motorcycles of Sikh youths by local residents and police officials in HP. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also denounced the incidents, demanding action against those responsible. The tensions led to the suspension of Himachal Pradesh bus services on certain Punjab routes. Political leaders urged the Himachal government to take measures to prevent further communal discord.
19-Mar-2025
Dal Khalsa acting president Paramjit Singh Mand, in Chandigarh on March 19, took responsibility for placing pictures of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale on Himachal Pradesh (HP) buses and warned of more intense actions if cases against Sikh youth were not withdrawn.
19-Mar-2025
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), on March 19, suspended bus services on 10 routes to Punjab after its employees refused to operate due to fears of attacks and vandalism in Himachal Pradesh (HP). This followed incidents where HRTC buses were targeted in retaliation for Sikh pilgrims being stopped in HP for carrying flags with Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s image.
19-Mar-2025
The Punjab Government on March 19 conducted a trial of advanced anti-drone technology near the India-Pakistan border near in Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district. The demonstration aimed to counter cross-border drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, with ministers Aman Arora and Laljit Singh Bhullar in attendance.
19-Mar-2025
As part of Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, Punjab Police on March 19 conducted raids at 567 locations, registered 74 First Information Reports (FIRs), arrested 111 drug smugglers, and seized 3.5 kg of heroin, 1.6 kg of opium, 2,050 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, and INR 52,310 in drug money from the possession of the arrested smugglers across Punjab.
19-Mar-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Harbhajan Singh, via social media site X on March 19, retracted his earlier criticism of the Punjab government's demolition drive against drug traffickers and expressed full support for the initiative. Singh had initially, on March 18, opposed the bulldozing of alleged drug peddlers' houses, arguing for arrests instead, but later lauded the government’s commitment to making Punjab drug-free.
19-Mar-2025
The Punjab government on March 19 launched a major crackdown on protesting farmers, detaining several union leaders and using mild force to disperse protesters at the Shambhu and Khanauri sites on the Punjab-Haryana border in Patiala and Sangrur districts. The police action followed a meeting between farm union leaders and central ministers in Chandigarh.
18-Mar-2025
The Police on March 18 arrested a smuggler, identified as Dharminder Singh alias Sonu, and seized 8.08 kg of heroin along with a .30 bore pistol and five bullets from his possession, near Verka bypass in Amritsar in Amritsar district. During a follow-up operation to recover concealed weapons and contraband, he attempted to snatch a constable’s weapon, prompting the police to fire in self-defence, injuring him. Dharminder was in contact with cross-border smugglers and received drug consignments via drones from Pakistan in the Ajnala sector in Amritsar district in Punjab. The investigation to identify his accomplices is ongoing.
18-Mar-2025
Dal Khalsa and Sikh Youth of Punjab operatives, on March 18, plastered state-owned Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HPRTC) buses and private vehicles with posters of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. This act followed the removal of flags bearing his image from the bikes of Punjab youths in Manali.
18-Mar-2025
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, on March 18, informed the Lok Sabha that the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 294 drones along the Punjab border in 2024. He stated that anti-drone systems had been deployed to counter the threat of drone-based smuggling. Measures include real-time information sharing with security agencies, alerting border outposts, and using surveillance equipment to track unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) movements. Rai also highlighted strengthened intelligence networks and increased monitoring of smuggling routes to curb illegal activities.
18-Mar-2025
According to sources, the grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar district, Punjab, on March 15 has Pakistani links, with authorities suspecting it was an attempt to create unrest in the state. The explosion damaged the temple’s wall and nearby windowpanes but caused no casualties.
18-Mar-2025
Punjab Police, on March 18, as part of the ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, conducted raids at 539 locations, registering 61 First Information Reports (FIRs), arresting 95 drug smugglers, and seizing 11 kg of heroin, 7.5 kg of opium, and INR 31,000 in drug money across Punjab.
18-Mar-2025
On March 18, during a Sampark meeting organized by Malerkotla Police along with the civil administration in Ferozpur Kothala village, Malerkotla district, 40 panchayats passed a resolution to jointly combat the drug menace.
18-Mar-2025
The Tarn Taran police on March 18 arrested three associates of gangster-turned-terrorist Lakhbir Singh Harike alias Landa, identified as Ajay Mota, Raunak and Deepak, and seized 500 grams of heroin and .30 bore China-made pistols from their possession, in Tarn Taran in Tarn Taran district.
18-Mar-2025
On March 18, seven petitions challenging the detention of radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh's associates—Kulwant Singh Rauke, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwala, Papalpreet Singh, Basant Singh, and Bhagwant Singh alias Bajeke—were withdrawn from the Punjab and Haryana High Court after the Punjab government decided not to re-invoke the National Security Act (NSA). Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh’s detention remains, with the next hearing scheduled for March 25.
18-Mar-2025
New Zealand Prime Minister (PM) Christopher Luxon, in an interview with The Hindu in New Delhi on March 18, emphasized New Zealand’s commitment to free speech while addressing concerns over pro-Khalistan activities. He also stressed the importance of security in the Indo-Pacific and reiterated that while New Zealand values multiculturalism, protests must remain within legal boundaries. Luxon further expressed optimism about concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India soon.
17-Mar-2025
The Assam Police, on March 17, handed over seven detainees under the National Security Act (NSA) to a 25-member team of Punjab Police in Dibrugarh, Assam. They are likely to be airlifted to Punjab on March 20. Four detainees—Gurmeet Singh, Bhagwant Singh, Daljit Singh Kalsi, and Basant Singh—were handed over on March 17 and 18, while Kulwant Singh, Harjeet Singh, and Gurinder Pal Singh were handed over on March 19.
17-Mar-2025
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on March 17, raised concerns over the activities of the US-based Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and its links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during talks with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi. He urged Gabbard to designate SFJ as a terrorist entity and take strict action against its anti-India activities. The discussions also focused on strengthening India-US defence cooperation, including advancements in technology, interoperability, and joint military exercises. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic ties and expanding collaboration in key defence sectors.
17-Mar-2025
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi met with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on March 17, where he raised concerns over pro-Khalistan elements carrying out anti-India activities in New Zealand and urged strict action. The two leaders also signed a pact to institutionalize defence collaboration, including joint exercises and naval cooperation. Their discussions covered trade, education, and agriculture, with an agreement to initiate negotiations for a free trade pact. Later, they visited Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi to pay obeisance.
17-Mar-2025
Akal Takht officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on March 17, took strong notice of a violent clash in Himachal Pradesh between local residents and Sikh Punjabi youth over flags bearing the image of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to raise the issue with the state government and urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to ensure law and order. He also advised Sikh youth to keep their vehicle documents in order and avoid traveling alone to Himachal Pradesh.
17-Mar-2025
Delhi Police on March 17 arrested a member of the Shibbu-Neeraj Bawana gang, identified as Shubham Kumar, and seized a .52-bore pistol with two bullets from his possession in Pul Prahladpur, South East Delhi. Shubham, who had been evading arrest by hiding in multiple states, was involved in extortion, property disputes, and drug rackets. He later admitted to working closely with key gang members to establish dominance in South Delhi.
17-Mar-2025
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on March 17, issued a stern warning to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), stating that the Punjab Police will take strict action against the ISI and the terrorists and gangsters it supports, during a press conference in Chandigarh. He alleged that the ISI is attempting to divert attention from the anti-drug campaign by orchestrating attacks in Punjab.
17-Mar-2025
The Moga police on March 17 arrested an operative of Bambiha gang, identified as Aman Kumar alias Amna and seized one .32 bore country-made pistol from his possession, near Ramuwala Kalan village in Moga district. Kumar, who had a criminal history of robbery and extortion, had recently fired shots at a Panchayat member’s house. When confronted by the Police, he opened fire but was injured in the leg during the encounter and later taken to Civil Hospital in Moga town, for treatment.
17-Mar-2025
On March 17, Gursiddak alias Siddique, a suspect in the Thakur Dwara temple grenade attack, was killed, and a policeman was injured in an exchange of fire on Airport Road in Amritsar, Punjab. His accomplice, Vishal alias Chui, managed to escape. The encounter occurred when police attempted to stop the suspects, who opened fire while fleeing. Efforts are underway to apprehend Vishal and investigate the broader network behind the attack.
17-Mar-2025
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on March 17, demanded an investigation by a central agency into the series of grenade blasts in Punjab, alleging that a “grenade brigade” had emerged under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, worsening law and order in Punjab.
17-Mar-2025
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, in his meeting with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon in New Delhi on March 17, raised concerns about "anti-India activities," referring to the Khalistan "referendum" held in Auckland on November 17, 2023. While PM Modi sought cooperation against separatist elements, PM Luxon stated that the Khalistan movement had not violated New Zealand laws and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to free speech. Both leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including trade negotiations and sports collaboration for the 2036 Olympics.
16-Mar-2025
Amritsar rural police on March 16 busted a narco-terror racket and arrested two hawala operators identified as Sukhjit Singh and Ranbir Singh, and seized INR 17.6 lakh and USD 4,000 (INR 3.47 lakh), along with a laptop containing crucial transaction records, from their possession in Chheherta Sahib in Amritsar district. The arrests followed the interrogation of two drug smugglers identified as Gursahib Singh and Jaswant Singh, who were caught with 561 grams of heroin on March 14 near Hardo Ratan village in Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations revealed the accused were facilitating illegal transactions linked to drug trafficking.
16-Mar-2025
Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on March 16 while addressing the media in Chandigarh stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's anti-drug campaign is yielding significant results, with 1,572 First Information Reports (FIR) registered and 2,364 drug peddlers arrested, leading to the seizure of 90 kg of heroin, 51 kg of opium, 1,128 kg of poppy husk and 13 kg of ganja. And cash amounting to INR 63 lakh, from the possession of the smugglers, across Punjab. He also highlighted the demolition of properties linked to 33 drug traffickers as a strong deterrent.
16-Mar-2025
India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held bilateral talks with United States (US) Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on March 16. They discussed strengthening intelligence sharing and security cooperation in line with the India-US global strategic partnership. The closed-door discussions focused on intelligence-sharing and countering anti-India elements.
16-Mar-2025
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Border Range Amritsar) Satinder Singh on March 16 revealed that the Punjab Police will bring back seven associates of radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, identified as Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh Bajekhana, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwal, Daljit Singh Kalsi, Gurinderpal Singh Guri Aujla, Harjit Singh, and Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, from Dibrugarh jail in Assam to Punjab, as the state government has decided not to extend their detention under the National Security Act (NSA). They will face legal proceedings in the 2023 Ajnala police station attack case. Police stated that the investigation in the case is progressing, and formal arrests will be made upon their return to Punjab.
16-Mar-2025
Amritsar City Police on March 16 rearrested three accomplices of the recently arrested Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module members—Gurbax Singh, Joban Singh, and Mandeep Singh, alias Bhola—from Amritsar Central Jail in Amritsar district. Their names emerged during the interrogation of Karandeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Sajan Singh, who were arrested on March 15 in Bihar while attempting to flee to Nepal. Police revealed that Bhola was the mastermind behind the gang’s cross-border smuggling activities over the past two years.
16-Mar-2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) recently expressed displeasure over the Punjab government's inaction in providing information sought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for an inquiry into illegal drug sales. The court stated that the state's failure was obstructing the court-mandated investigation and harming public interest. The inquiry was initiated following the HC's directive for coordinated action by the CBI, NCB, and police forces of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. The court ordered the Punjab government to submit the requested data, originally sought on December 26, 2024, within 10 days.
16-Mar-2025
The Amritsar district administration on March 16 announced that 715 panchayats have unanimously declared their refusal to support individuals involved in drug smuggling, theft, or other criminal activities. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sakshi Sawhney stated that panchayats have been urged to cooperate with the police and district administration in combating the drug menace. Various blocks, including Ajnala, Attari, Chogawan, and Majitha, have passed resolutions reinforcing their commitment to a drug-free Punjab. The administration has also introduced free treatment for drug addicts in rehabilitation centers and plans to construct large-scale sports stadiums in villages to engage youth in constructive activities.
16-Mar-2025
On March 16, a grenade was hurled at YouTuber Navdeep Sandhu’s house in Raipur Rasoolpur village, Jalandhar district. Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging it was in response to Sandhu’s content. The Jalandhar Rural Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bhatti, stating the incident was linked to a rivalry between YouTubers. No explosion occurred, and the object hurled has been sent for forensic examination. Authorities are investigating the possible involvement of gangsters Zeeshan Akhtar and Happy Passia in the incident.
16-Mar-2025
Punjab Police on March 16 conducted raids at 424 locations across the state as part of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” drive, resulting in the arrest of 63 drug smugglers, registration of 45 First Information Reports (FIRs), and seized 385 grams of heroin, 19 kg of poppy husk, 2,673 intoxicating pills and injections, besides INR 15,600 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab.
16-Mar-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC, in a joint operation on March 16 recovered 10 packets of heroin weighing 5.73 kg from near Natha Singh Wala village in Jalalabad West in Fazilka district.
16-Mar-2025
Ludhiana Crime Branch on March 16 arrested two criminals, after an exchange of fire, identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Gaggu and Mandeep Kumar alias Mithu, and seized an illegal pistol along with live cartridges, a scooter and two mobile phones from their possession in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. The duo, who had multiple cases related to drug smuggling and snatchings registered against them, attempted to flee when stopped at a naka and fired at the police. In retaliation, the police fired back, injuring them in the legs. They were taken to the Civil Hospital for treatment.
15-Mar-2025
On March 15, two bike-borne assailants hurled a hand grenade at the Thakur Dwara temple in the Khandwala area of Amritsar district. CCTV footage revealed that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle adorned with flags and threw the explosive towards the first floor of the temple complex. This incident marks the 13th grenade blast in Punjab over the past four months, with previous attacks primarily targeting police establishments. Police confirmed that forensic teams have collected samples, and efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits.
15-Mar-2025
According to the police, the grenade attack at a temple in Amritsar on March 15 marks the 13th such incident in Punjab since November 2024, with previous cases revealing the involvement of Pakistan-based elements targeting police installations. So far, eight terror modules have been busted—three linked to Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), four to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and one ISI-backed module operated by foreign-based handlers. The police have arrested 20 individuals, including one juvenile, and recovered arms, grenades, and explosives. Officials suspect that the latest attack was intended to disturb communal harmony in the state.
15-Mar-2025
The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on March 15 busted a narco-terror module of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and arrested three operatives, identified as Karandeep Yadav alias Karan Bhaiya, Mukesh Kumar, and Sajan Singh, and seized three mobile phones and 700 Nepali currency notes from their possession, in Madehpur in Mahbubani district in Bihar. The accused, allegedly working under the directions of Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda, were attempting to flee to Nepal. Their roles surfaced during the investigation into the March 11 arrest of two other operatives, Joban Singh alias Joban and Gurbaksh Singh alias Lala, who were caught with 290 grams of heroin in Amritsar, Punjab.
15-Mar-2025
The acting jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on March 15 directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to convene a meeting of Sikh scholars to analyze the Centre's New Education Policy and propose necessary reforms specific to the panth (Sikh community) and Punjab, in Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. Expressing concerns over threats to Gurmukhi and Punjabi, he called for serious efforts to preserve them. Emphasizing panthic unity, he announced the launch of a religious awareness campaign on Vaisakhi under the banner of Akal Takht, beginning from the homes of economically disadvantaged Sikhs.
15-Mar-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president Aman Arora, while addressing the media in Chandigarh on March 15, announced that as part of the ongoing campaign against drugs, 1,488 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the last 15 days. This led to the arrest of 2,049 individuals involved in drug peddling and smuggling, along with the seizure of 1,270 kg of various narcotics, 7.16 lakh intoxicant capsules and tablets, and INR 63 lakh in drug money from the arrested smugglers. He also stated that the police demolished 28 drug-related illegal properties built using drug money, sending a strong message to those profiting from the drug trade.
15-Mar-2025
On March 15, on the 15th day of the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign, Punjab Police conducted raids at 557 locations, arrested of 114 drug smugglers, after the registration of 72 first information reports (FIRs), and seized 945 grams of heroin, 43 kg of poppy husk, 3,098 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, and INR 76,310 in drug money from the possession of the arrested smugglers, across Punjab.
15-Mar-2025
Police on March 15 busted a gang of snatchers, and arrested two of its members, identified as Manjit Singh and Manbir Singh, and seized a knife, a black motorcycle without a number plate and chilli spray, along with a stolen gold karrah (bangle), from their possession, in Phagwara in Kapurthala district. The third accused in the case, identified as Sunny is still absconding.