KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
20-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 20, arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Sandeep Singh and Baaz Singh, and seized 530 grams of heroin dropped by a drone near Atalgarh village in Amritsar district.
20-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on January 20 recovered a China-made DJI Mavic Classic 3 drone from fields near Rajpur Kalan village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
20-Jan-2025
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on January 20 directed police officers in border districts to intensify efforts to track and arrest criminals settled abroad by procuring colour-coded international notices, as part of counter-terrorism and organised crime measures, during a meeting with senior police officers from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Batala, and Tarn Taran in Amritsar district. The order followed recent blasts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur, allegedly linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Yadav also emphasised maintaining law and order ahead of Republic Day celebrations through heightened surveillance, night patrols, and preventive measures.
20-Jan-2025
According to sources in Punjab Police, wanted gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia is evading law enforcement using untraceable burner phones with international codes. Based in the United States (US), Passia is linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda and is accused of orchestrating grenade attacks and extortion in Punjab. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently announced a INR 5 lakh reward for his arrest, citing involvement in 17 criminal cases, including a Chandigarh grenade attack in September 2024. Punjab police claim progress in solving recent attacks attributed to him and his network.
19-Jan-2025
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema on January 19 in Chandigarh stated that the meeting of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members, initially scheduled for January 21, has been deferred to January 22 to address concerns over alleged ineligible voters in the preliminary voter lists for SGPC elections. He added that the party would gather details to file objections by January 23 and discuss the issue with the Chief Commissioner for elections. The SAD will also initiate a month-long membership drive starting tomorrow.
19-Jan-2025
The Jalandhar Commissionerate police on January 19 arrested a member associated with the Gounder gang, identified as Harpreet Singh alias Peda, and seized 100 grams of heroin along with two pistols and magazines from his possession near Jamsher village in Jalandhar district. Singh, wanted in multiple criminal cases, attempted to escape during a weapons recovery operation by opening fire on police officers but was injured in retaliatory fire.
19-Jan-2025
On January 19, Sikhs in Haryana elected the first governing body of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) in a peaceful election with a 69.85% voter turnout. Independent candidates won 21 of the 40 seats, followed by 10 seats secured by the Panthak Dal (Jhinda). The election marked the culmination of decades of struggle for a separate management body, following the Supreme Court's 2022 validation of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Act. The newly elected 49-member committee, including nine nominated members, will soon select office-bearers.
19-Jan-2025
Fazilka police on January 19 arrested Kewal Singh and seized 2.41 kg of heroin along with a Bajaj Platina bike from his possession near Nanak Nagri link road in Jalalabad, Fazilka district.
18-Jan-2025
Ahead of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, Kapurthala Police have intensified security measures across the district. Following instructions from the Director General of Police (DGP), security arrangements have been reviewed, and surveillance has been enhanced with Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) and static CCTV cameras. The public has been urged to report any suspicious activity to the 112 helpline, with assurances of a safe and smooth celebration.
18-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 18, recovered one drone that collided with a wall of a house and fell near Malikpur village in Batala, Gurdaspur district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic Classic 3 model.
18-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 18 recovered one Assembled Hexacopter from a farming field near Lodhi Gujar village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The recovered Chinese-made Hexacopter weighs approximately 20.59 kg.
18-Jan-2025
Police on January 18 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 558 grams from fields near Wan village in Tarn Taran district. The packet was dropped by a drone.
18-Jan-2025
The leadership of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), including Tarsem Singh, father of radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, an assassin of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, offered ardas at Akal Takht in Amritsar on January 18 before launching the party's membership drive. They announced plans to establish offices in Chandigarh and Amritsar, while a seven-member committee is drafting the party’s constitution. Sarabjit Singh Khalsa confirmed their intention to contest the 2027 Assembly and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections. Additionally, Tarsem Singh criticized Sukhbir Singh Badal for disregarding Akal Takht directives and unveiled plans to create district-level committees to lead the membership campaign.
18-Jan-2025
Police on January 18 arrested two individuals, identified as Navdeep Singh alias Joban and Jaskaran Singh alias Karan and seized two envelopes containing 500 grams of heroin (250 grams each), a 7.65 mm country-made pistol with five live cartridges, and a bike from their possession, at a checkpoint near Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district.
18-Jan-2025
On January 18, a 65-member Indian delegation crossed the Wagah-Attari border to attend the 34th World Punjabi Conference in Lahore, Pakistan, from January 19 to 21. Led by Sehajpreet Singh Mangat and Dr. Deepak Manmohan Singh, the delegation comprises prominent poets, artists, and scholars. The conference, themed around Sufism, will feature the release of new books in Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts.
17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 registered a case against gangster turned terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, for allegedly demanding an extortion amount of INR 50 lakh from a shop owner, in Amritsar in Punjab. The complainant reported receiving a WhatsApp call on January 16, where the gangster threatened him with dire consequences if the money was not paid.
17-Jan-2025
The Batala Police on January 17 announced securing red notices from Interpol against Pavitarpreet Singh and Husandeep Singh, members of the notorious Pavitar Gang, implicated in multiple serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, arms smuggling, and extortion, in Batala, Gurdaspur district. The duo was arrested in California in April 2023 during an international crackdown on South Asian criminal networks. The red notices aim to expedite their extradition, underscoring the police's commitment to combating organized crime effectively.
17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 arrested three individuals, identified as Ankit Kumar, Gurwant Singh and Sukhwinder Kaur and seized 52 grams of heroin and INR 25,000 drug money from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 arrested one individual, identified as Sunny and seized 15 grams of heroin from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
17-Jan-2025
In a submission to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Punjab Government recently outlined its efforts to enhance security across 18 prisons by installing 598 X-ray and security machines, 647 CCTV cameras, body scanners, baggage X-ray machines, and "V-Kavach 2.0" jammers. While the upgrades are reportedly progressing well, delays were attributed to challenges involving the Punjab Police Housing Corporation. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 28.
17-Jan-2025
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a press conference in Guwahati, Assam, described the security breach involving Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as a conspiracy to assassinate him. Sarma referenced a sting operation in which Punjab Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhdev Singh allegedly disclosed that the protestors involved were Khalistani supporters, not farmers. According to Sarma, Singh had informed senior officials about the conspiracy on January 2, ahead of the January 5 incident.
17-Jan-2025
According to sources, Chandigarh authorities have intensified security following intelligence about potential bomb attacks on police stations by Khalistani terrorist and member of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Enhanced security measures, including checkpoints and constant vigilance, have been implemented as threats typically increase ahead of Republic Day. Passia, operating from the United States (US), coordinates with Pakistan-based handlers to target India.
17-Jan-2025
According to sources, the police are continuing their investigation into the perpetrators behind the hand grenade attack on liquor trader Amandeep Jaintipuria's house in Jaintipur village, Majitha, Amritsar district. Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Forensic samples have been sent for analysis, and the police are reviewing CCTV footage while actively pursuing suspects.
17-Jan-2025
Theatres across Punjab on January 17 cancelled screenings of the movie Emergency, starring actor and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut, following widespread protests by Sikh organizations and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC called for a ban on the film, alleging it distorted history and hurt Sikh sentiments. Protests led by the SGPC prompted major cinema chains, including PVR Cinemas in Amritsar, to halt showings. SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Manan welcomed the theatres' decision, stating it prevented further unrest but warned that protests would resume if screenings were reinstated.
17-Jan-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staged a statewide protest on January 17 against the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. SGPC Dharam Parchar Committee member Ajaib Singh Abhiyasi criticized the film for distorting history and misrepresenting Sikhs, particularly in its depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He clarified that Bhindranwale, inaccurately shown negotiating with Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, only became the chief of the Damdami Taksal in 1977 and had no involvement in such events. The SGPC accused the filmmakers of disregarding Sikh objections, tarnishing the community’s image, and ignoring concerns raised through legal notices regarding objectionable content.
16-Jan-2025
Police on January 16 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Raviratinder Singh alias Ravi and seized 900 grams of heroin along with a .32 bore pistol from his possession, near Dhone Khurd village in Amritsar district. Both the heroin and the pistol were trafficked from Pakistan through a drone.
16-Jan-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on January 16 in Amritsar expressed strong disapproval over the release of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. Dhami urged Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to impose a ban on the movie in the state and warned of a state-wide protest if the ban is not enforced.
16-Jan-2025
According to reports, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Punjab’s oldest regional party, faces challenges amidst its revival efforts, including a new rival, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), launched by radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, and Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassin Beant Singh. The new party, citing SAD’s deviation from its panthic path, has raised concerns about further fragmentation of the political landscape. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who resigned last year, remains a dominant figure and is expected to contest for leadership again. Despite its declining electoral fortunes, SAD leaders emphasise the party’s legacy, while Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and other leaders have wished the new party well but warned against sowing division.
16-Jan-2025
The Mohali Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on January 16 submitted a challan against nine individuals, including Punjab police constable Gurmeet Singh, along with eight others, under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, at a local court in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused were involved in the drug trade.
16-Jan-2025
Outgoing United States (US) Ambassador Eric Garcetti, in an interview with The Times of India on January 16, commended the Indian investigation into the murder-for-hire plot involving Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, calling it a positive step towards accountability and systemic reforms. He highlighted tangible outcomes of US-India cooperation, discussed trade and tariff issues, and emphasized the strong relationship between Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, while also addressing human rights and geopolitical challenges during his tenure.
16-Jan-2025
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on January 16 issued a threat video aimed at disrupting Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The video featured a pro-Khalistan activist raising anti-national slogans at India Gate and hoisting the Khalistan flag at Delhi Junction Railway Station. Pannun claimed that Khalistan squads were stationed to carry out the plans, prompting intensified security measures by the Delhi Police and other security agencies.
16-Jan-2025
The recent Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) announcement recommended legal action against an individual allegedly involved in a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York, United States (US) in 2023. The UMHA statement emphasized India’s commitment to ensuring accountability, adhering to due process, and distancing the government from the accused, Vikash Yadav, labelling him a rogue element. This move aligns with US demands for systemic reforms and aims to safeguard future bilateral relations ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on January 20.
16-Jan-2025
According to sources, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has advised the Delhi Police not to include Punjab Police personnel in the security detail of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal while he is in New Delhi. This recommendation follows Punjab Police intelligence inputs about a potential threat to Kejriwal from pro-Khalistani elements. The inputs suggest that two unidentified individuals from Punjab, tasked with the attack, may have already entered Delhi. In response, the Delhi Police has enhanced Kejriwal’s Z-plus security, which comprises approximately 60 personnel.
15-Jan-2025
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 15 announced that the high-powered enquiry committee, established in November 2023 to investigate organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and drug peddlers, has submitted its report. The enquiry, prompted by leads from the United States (US), recommended swift legal action against an individual with prior criminal links. It also outlined systemic improvements to enhance India’s security response. The investigation followed allegations by the US Department of Justice against former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) official Vikash Yadav and businessman Nikhil Gupta for their alleged roles in a failed 2023 plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.
15-Jan-2025
Tarn Taran Police on January 15 dismantled a Pakistan-backed drug trafficking cartel, arresting the kingpin, Rashpal Singh, and seizing 5 kg of heroin from his possession in Bhai Ladhu village, Tarn Taran district. Police confirmed that Rashpal was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, using drones to smuggle drugs across the border.
15-Jan-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 15 recovered heroin gross weight of 8.560 kg containing around 15 small packets, from fields near Balharwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
15-Jan-2025
The Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) on January 15 arrested Gurpreet Singh Teetu, the brother of an aide to international drug kingpin Akshay Chhabra, and seized 1.2 kg of heroin from his possession near Radha Swami Road in Ludhiana district. Gurpreet, linked to a global drug network, reportedly continued smuggling operations even after his brother Sandeep Singh's arrest in 2022 for trafficking over 20 kg of heroin. Authorities are investigating his ties to Chhabra's syndicate, which is responsible for smuggling over 1,400 kg of heroin, with further arrests expected.
15-Jan-2025
Police on January 15 arrested two key aides of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, identified as Balraj Singh and Pawan Kumar, following an encounter, and seized four illegal weapons, including a .32 bore pistol with 12 cartridges and a 9 mm pistol with one cartridge from their possession, near Wadala Chowk in Jalandhar district. Acting on a tip-off, the police tracked the duo, who were planning a major crime in the city. During the attempted arrest, Balraj fired at the police and injured himself in the exchange, while Pawan was apprehended while attempting to flee. Both individuals had multiple criminal cases pending against them.
15-Jan-2025
On January 15, three men on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the house of former Zila Parishad chairman, the late Rajinder Kumar alias Pappu Jaintipuria, at Jaintipur village in Majitha, Amritsar district. No injuries were reported as the family was away at the time. Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia claimed responsibility for the attack. The family had reportedly been receiving threats from foreign-based gangsters, including from Passia's group, which has been active in the region.
15-Jan-2025
Sources reveal that a security review of former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has been initiated following intelligence inputs about a Khalistani extremist outfit’s plot to assassinate him. Kejriwal, who is under Z-Plus security, is protected by a multi-layered team of Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel. The plot, reportedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), aims to disrupt law and order. Kejriwal has previously faced threats from Indian Mujahideen and has been a target of physical attacks. The banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) had also targeted him in the past.
15-Jan-2025
Former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal stated on January 15 in New Delhi that 'God will save me' amid intelligence reports of a pro-Khalistan assassination plot allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Reports suggest a three-member hit squad has been dispatched to target him. Kejriwal’s Z+ security, comprising a 63-member team, is under review as Delhi Police heighten vigilance during the election campaign.
15-Jan-2025
Police on January 15 arrested two members of the criminal gang run by designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa and Gurdev Singh Jaisa, identified as Avtar Singh and Amarbir Singh, and seized five pistols, 13 live rounds, and a snatched car from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused, involved in robbery and extortion cases, had fired at complainant Ekamdeep Singh Brar on January 8 to steal his car. Earlier, on January 7, they had joined a farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border and snatched a bike after firing at a person on the Rajpura-Ambala highway.
14-Jan-2025
Radical Sikh leaders and supporters of jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh launched a new regional political party, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), on January 14 during the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Amritpal, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, was appointed as the party's 'chief sewadar.' A five-member executive committee and a seven-member recruitment panel were established to oversee operations and membership drives ahead of elections on Baisakhi. The party's stated goals include reviving Sikh principles, addressing Punjab's demographic concerns, and combating drug issues.
14-Jan-2025
Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on January 14 vowed to make sacrifices for the Panth and Punjab, urging the Sikh community to reconnect with SAD during a rally at the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Acknowledging past mistakes, he apologised to the Akal Takht over sacrilege controversies and accepted its punishment. Sukhbir also criticised jailed Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, accusing him of inciting violence and endangering Punjab’s youth.
14-Jan-2025
Sikh passengers flying internationally from Amritsar and Delhi airports have raised concerns over being barred from carrying kirpans and khanda necklaces, despite their small size. United States (US)-based traveller Prabhpreet Singh reported being asked to remove a tiny kirpan during a flight from Amritsar, a first in his decade of international travel. Amritsar Airport officials clarified that the restrictions are in line with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines, which prohibit carrying kirpans or metallic items on international flights. Only the government can review or amend these regulations.
14-Jan-2025
A Delhi court will resume hearing arguments on January 28 in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler. The case involves the murder of three Sikhs at Gurdwara Pul Bangash, with a witness alleging that Tytler instigated the mob. Charges of murder and rioting were framed against him in September 2024. Tytler, on anticipatory bail since 2023, is prohibited from tampering with evidence or leaving the country without permission.
13-Jan-2025
Punjab Police, in an official statement on January 13, cancelled all officers' leaves in the state until January 27 in preparation for Republic Day. All previously approved leaves were also revoked. Police will be on high alert during this period and have initiated cordon and search operations targeting criminals and anti-social elements.
13-Jan-2025
Al Jazeera English’s documentary, The Khalistan Assassinations, alleges Indian officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Samant Goel, were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The film highlights Nijjar's advocacy for Khalistan, his 2024 terrorist designation by India, and the diplomatic fallout after his killing. It also claims Indian intelligence’s role in a failed assassination attempt on Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States (US), raising concerns over India’s alleged transnational actions.
13-Jan-2025
Supporters of jailed Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh anticipate 15,000 attendees at the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib for the announcement of a new Panthic political party. The party, spearheaded by Amritpal and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Indira Gandhi's assassin Beant Singh, is claimed by Khalsa to signify a transformative moment in Punjab's political history.
13-Jan-2025
On January 13, a blast occurred in Jujhar Singh Nagar, a residential area in Amritsar district, prompting police to cordon off the site and restrict media access. Authorities stated that investigations are underway, exploring all possible angles, including a potential terror link. Forensic teams are analysing the incident to determine the nature of the explosion.