KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Jan-2025
According to Delhi Police sources, Sunil Yadav, a suspected drug smuggler from Punjab and operator of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's narcotics network, was killed in Stockton, California, on December 23. Contrary to claims by Lawrence Bishnoi's aides Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar, his death was not revenge for Ankit Bhadu's killing but stemmed from suspicions that Yadav was attempting to form a parallel organization within the gang.
12-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on January 12 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 548 grams and a pistol near Tendiwala village in Ferozepur district. The consignment, attached to an iron hook, is suspected to have been dropped by a drone.
12-Jan-2025
Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Tripathi on January 12 arrested two unidentified drug peddlers and seized some banned pills, capsules and poppy husk from their possession, at a rickshaw stand near Kotkapura Road in Sri Muktsar Sahib district.
12-Jan-2025
Ahead of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) elections on January 19, candidates from SAD-Azad, Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal, Sikh Samaj Sanstha, and Panthak Dal Jhinda Group intensified allegations. SAD-Azad leader Baljit Singh Daduwal accused opponents of misusing gurdwara funds, while Baldev Singh Kaimpur of Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal accused Daduwal of misleading voters. Didar Singh Nalvi and Jagdish Singh Jhinda criticised government interference and pledged to enhance gurdwara management if elected.
11-Jan-2025
Jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh’s father Tarsem Singh on January 11 in Bathinda in Bathinda district alleged that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) abandoned Sikh and Punjabi principles during its 2007–2017 rule. He further claimed Amritpal’s imprisonment under the National Security Act (NSA) is politically motivated to curb his influence. He also announced the launch of Shiromani Akali Dal (Anandpur Sahib) at the Maghi Mela on January 14 in Sri Muktsar Sahib in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in Punjab.
11-Jan-2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on January 11, called for a unified fight against drug trafficking at the regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in New Delhi. He highlighted challenges such as the dark web, cryptocurrency, and drones, urging state governments to work with High Courts to establish more NDPS courts. Shah announced the disposal of 44,792 kg of seized drugs worth INR 2,411 crore during a fortnight-long campaign and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy, emphasizing the use of technology and databases like ‘MANAS’ and NIDAAN to combat the menace.
11-Jan-2025
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on January 11 requested INR 600 crore in financial assistance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to establish 79 special NDPS courts to address 35,000 pending drug cases, while speaking via video conferencing at the regional conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security.' Mann also highlighted Punjab's porous 552-km border with Pakistan, drone smuggling, and international drug cartels funding terrorism. He urged increased funding for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and additional jamming systems to counter drone threats.
11-Jan-2025
Chheharta police on January 11 arrested five drug peddlers, including a woman, identified as Jugraj Singh, Navraj Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Simranjit Kaur, and Manjit Singh Bhola and seized 530 grams of heroin, INR 10,000 in drug money, and an electronic weighing machine in Amritsar district. Investigations are ongoing to trace their network linkages for further recoveries.
11-Jan-2025
According to Punjab Police sources, Khalistani leaders Harvinder Singh Rinda of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Ranjit Singh Neeta of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) are recruiting Punjabi-origin youth in India to join the British Army and support the Khalistan movement. Arrested Canadian operative Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, has been replaced by Happy Passia, who, along with Jeevan Fauji and Nawashahri, is accused of planning terrorist attacks in Punjab. Investigations reveal that UK-based Jagjit Singh alias Fateh Singh Buggy, a British Army soldier, carried out grenade attacks under Neeta’s direction, with coordination from Greece-based Jaswinder Singh Mannu.
11-Jan-2025
Police on January 11 arrested three individuals, Sukhmander Singh, Lakhvir Singh, and Sarwan Singh after a brief encounter near Lubanianwali village in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. The accused had demanded INR 1 crore in extortion in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi but were intercepted after agreeing to INR 15 lakh. One suspect was injured in the exchange of fire. Initial investigations suggest they are not directly linked to the Bishnoi gang.
10-Jan-2025
According to sources, Punjab Police investigations into recent grenade attacks and other acts of violence have revealed links to a second British Army soldier allegedly involved in terror activities. Previously, police had named Jagjeet Singh of the British Army, associated with the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), and now have evidence connecting another British soldier to Harwinder Singh Rinda of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The role of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in recruiting British soldiers for the Khalistan cause is also under investigation. Additionally, police are tracing the money trail linked to KZF members killed in a December encounter.
10-Jan-2025
On January 10, Punjab police and Maharashtra Police, in a joint operation, arrested a trained Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) terrorist identified as Jashanpreet Singh from Ghugus town in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. Singh, accused of masterminding a grenade attack on Amritsar's Islamabad police station in December 2024, had been evading arrest. He was tracked using mobile surveillance. Security agencies seized firearms, grenades, and heroin from his accomplices. Singh allegedly provided logistical support for terror activities. He was taken into custody under heavy security and transported to Punjab for further investigation.
10-Jan-2025
According to the government, the banned Khalistani terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has compiled a list of children of Indian police officers and politicians studying abroad as an intimidatory tactic, detailing its anti-India activities, including threats to Indian leaders, diplomats, and security officials, often with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) support, as revealed in its submission before the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal. Furthermore, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun allegedly raised funds for terrorist acts and announced rewards for assassinating Indian officials. The tribunal upheld the extension of SFJ's ban, citing 104 cases registered against the group across India.
10-Jan-2025
On January 10, US-based Khalistani terrorist and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia claimed responsibility for the explosion outside the Gumtala police chowki in Amritsar via social media, stating it was an act of revenge for the killing of his associates. However, police rejected his claim, clarifying that the explosion was caused by a car radiator blast, not a grenade. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that the incident resulted in only minor damage, inconsistent with a grenade attack, and stated that investigations are still underway.
10-Jan-2025
On January 10, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) working committee formally accepted Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation as party president, following directives from the Akal Takht, in Chandigarh. Badal had resigned on November 16, 2024, to address allegations of religious misconduct (tankhaiya) and was assigned a 10-day religious punishment on December 2. The SAD also announced a membership drive to elect a new president by March 1, with the working committee, led by Balwinder Singh Bhunder, overseeing party affairs in the interim. As part of its reorganisation efforts, the party aims to enrol 25 lakh members.
10-Jan-2025
On January 10, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) took a significant step towards course correction by accepting Sukhbir Singh Badal's resignation as party president while emphasizing that rebel leaders would not be accommodated without an apology for indiscipline. The party rejected the Akal Takht's seven-member reorganisation panel, citing constitutional constraints. It announced a membership drive commencing on January 20 and scheduled the election of a new president for March 1. Senior leaders were assigned regional responsibilities, while dissenting factions disclosed plans to establish alternative Akali outfits.
09-Jan-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached the properties of four accused in the 2021 Ludhiana Courts Complex blast case, according to an official statement. The individuals identified are Surmukh Singh alias Sammu, Dilbagh Singh alias Baggo, Harpreet Singh alias Happy Malaysia, and Rajanpreet Singh. The blast was orchestrated under the directives of Pakistan-based International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) chief Lakhbir Singh Rode and involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) smuggled into India via drones across the India-Pakistan border.
09-Jan-2025
Damdami Taksal spokesperson Jatinder Singh Khalsa, in an interview with The Times of India, indicated that the organisation might consider an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab, contingent on the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Khalsa acknowledged the apprehensions within the Sikh community regarding the BJP but suggested that resolving pressing Panthic and farmers' issues could open avenues for collaboration. He stressed that addressing immediate concerns, such as the release of Sikh prisoners, could foster trust and help tackle broader legacy issues.
09-Jan-2025
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, on January 9, described the drug menace as a national crisis, with Punjab being severely impacted, during a dialogue on drug awareness held at Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh. The event, organised in collaboration with educational institutions and foundations, stressed collective efforts from the government, NGOs, educational institutions, and society to tackle the issue. Kataria underscored the significance of awareness campaigns, social media outreach, and community-driven initiatives to address the growing threat of synthetic drugs effectively.
09-Jan-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 9 recovered a 520-gram packet of heroin from a sugarcane field near Khanwal village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
09-Jan-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 9 recovered a PX5 Storm .30 bore pistol with an empty magazine from a field near Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The pistol, wrapped in yellow tape and blue polythene, was found with an iron ring and two illumination strips, indicating it was likely dropped by a drone.
09-Jan-2025
On January 9, an explosion outside the Gumtala police chowki in Amritsar caused initial panic among residents. However, Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar later clarified that the noise resulted from a damaged radiator in a policeman's car and not a bomb blast. Bhullar assured the public that there was no cause for concern.
09-Jan-2025
According to sources, the Faridkot police have requested an additional three months from the trial court to complete their investigation into the murder case of Gurpreet Singh, which involves jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, along with four foreign-based accused—Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala and Karambir Singh in Canada, Gurjant Singh in Australia, and Jatinder Singh in the United Kingdom (UK). The police cited the need to obtain transaction records related to funds and weapons sent by the foreign-based accused, as well as pending analysis reports of weapons, ammunition, blood samples, and technical devices.
09-Jan-2025
The counter-intelligence wing of the Punjab Police on January 9 busted a Pakistan-backed arms smuggling module with the arrest of Gurpreet Singh alias Kaka, and seized two Glock pistols and a .30 bore China-made pistol from his possession at a naka (checkpoint) near Khurmanian village in Amritsar district. Singh, an operative of Dubai-based smuggler Manjot Singh, was arrested while delivering a weapon consignment. He was involved in retrieving drone-dropped arms from across the border and supplying them to gangsters in Punjab.
09-Jan-2025
Jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, on January 9 criticised the imposition of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on his son, calling it a “conspiracy” to hinder their plans of launching a political party, while speaking to ANI. He also accused Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann of harbouring an anti-Sikh mindset and claimed that actions against Amritpal were being taken without evidence or investigation.
08-Jan-2025
Phillaur police on January 8 dismantled an inter-state poppy husk smuggling racket operating between Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Punjab by arresting two persons, identified as Buta Singh and Kulwant Singh, and seized 1.44 quintal of crushed poppy husk, at a naka (checkpoint) near Lasara village in Jalandhar district. Two accomplices identified as Bir Singh alias Ghona and Surjit Singh alias Jita, are absconding.
08-Jan-2025
Fazilka Police on January 8 dismantled a major intoxicating tablet smuggling network arrested four individuals identified as Raju Ram, Amrik Singh, Saroj Rani and Neelam Rani, and seized 2.10 Lakh prohibited tablets of Alprazolam and Clobidol tablets along with INR 1.70 Lakh drug money, a Balero vehicle and a motorcycle from their possession, at a naka (checkpoint) near Lamoochar Kalan village in Jalalabad (West) in Fazilka district.
08-Jan-2025
The Punjab Police on January 8 invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh and others accused in the murder of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh from Hari Nau village in Faridkot district, Punjab. The murder, which took place on October 10, 2024, is alleged to have been part of a conspiracy aimed at creating unrest. Facing challenges in filing a chargesheet within the mandated 90-day period, the police invoked UAPA to prevent the accused from securing default bail. Singh, along with nine associates, is already detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
08-Jan-2025
Jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, on January 8 visited the site of a proposed Maghi Mela conference in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Sri Muktsar Sahib district. The event, organized by Amritpal’s supporters, is aimed at launching a new political party.
08-Jan-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a INR 5 lakh bounty on U.S.-based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, for masterminding grenade attacks in Chandigarh and Punjab. Passia, linked to Pakistan-based Khalistani operative Harvinder Singh Rinda and the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was involved in the 2022 grenade attack targeting former Jalandhar SP Jaskirat Singh Chahal. He is also accused of arms smuggling and extortion.
08-Jan-2025
A Delhi Court on January 8 deferred the verdict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to January 21. The case involves the killings of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar during the 1984 riots. Kumar, currently lodged in Tihar jail, appeared via video conferencing. Earlier, the court found prima facie evidence against him for leading a mob involved in looting, arson, and murder.
08-Jan-2025
Police on January 8 busted a module operated by United Kingdom (UK)-based Nishan Singh and arrested two individuals, identified as Jagtar Singh alias Jagga and Jashanpreen Singh alias Jashan and seized a hand grenade, a pistol with four cartridges, and a motorcycle from their possession in Bahadurwala village in Ferozepur district. The operation was launched based on a tip-off, with Jagga arrested at the scene, while Jashan initially escaped but was later apprehended in Maharashtra. The police investigation revealed that the duo had planned to target an officer or police station in Amritsar district under Nishan's instructions.
07-Jan-2025
On January 7, armed protesters from the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) clashed with police at the Sector 52/43 dividing road in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, as they attempted to march into Chandigarh. Four UT police officers were injured after being attacked with swords. The protesters, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners and action against officials for past incidents, turned violent, vandalized police vehicles, and breached barricades. The protest coincided with the second anniversary of the Morcha’s agitation at YPS Chowk in Mohali.
07-Jan-2025
The parents of jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, Tarsem Singh and Balwinder Kaur, were detained on January 7 at their residence in Jallupur Khera village, Amritsar district. The detention aimed to prevent them from participating in a protest organized by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha in Mohali, Punjab. Following the detention, Tarsem Singh released a video urging people to support the Morcha and accused Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann of undermining democracy through oppressive measures.
07-Jan-2025
The parents of jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on January 7 of suppressing democratic rights and silencing dissent in Jallupur Khera village, Amritsar district. The Punjab Police placed them under preventive detention to stop them from attending the Quami Insaf Morcha march in Mohali. Their village was heavily surrounded by police, and they were permitted to leave their home only after 5 pm.
07-Jan-2025
Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh on January 7 opposed Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring’s request to confer the ‘Panth Rattan’ title on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and to install his portrait in the Sikh Museum at the Golden Temple. Dal Khalsa argued that while Singh served the country, he did not prioritize Sikh interests during his tenure. Working president Paramjit Singh Mand suggested the Congress should advocate for Bharat Ratna for Singh instead, asserting that the former PM did not significantly advance Sikh identity or causes.
07-Jan-2025
Police on January 7 arrested two members of the Davinder Bambiha gang after an exchange of fire, identified as Sukhjit Singh and Harmandeep Singh, and seized two pistols from their possession, near Bir Sikhan Wala village in Faridkot district. Both suspects are close aides of gangster Harsimranjit Singh alias Sema Behbal.
07-Jan-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 7 said it had attached five immovable properties belonging to four accused- Surmukh Singh alias Sammu, Dilbagh Singh alias Baggo, Harpreet Singh alias Happy Malaysia and Rajanpreet Singh, in the 2021 Ludhiana court complex bomb blast case. The properties were attached in Lopoke in Amritsar district in Punjab. The explosion, which killed IED bomb handler Gagandeep Singh and injured six others, was traced to Pakistan-based International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) chief Lakhbir Singh Rode. Investigations revealed that Rode conspired with several individuals, including cross-border smuggler Zulfikar, to carry out the blast and smuggle explosives into India. The case was handed over to the NIA in January 2022.
07-Jan-2025
Punjab police on January 7 arrested four individuals, identified as Gurpreet Singh, Baljeet Kaur, Maninder Singh and Harpreet Singh, involved in the illegal trafficking operation, and seized 5 kg of heroin and two motorcycles from their possession in Chheharta Sahib in Amritsar district. The Police revealed that the accused were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and receiving consignments of drugs from across the border.
06-Jan-2025
Police on January 6 arrested two associates of foreign-based gangster Prabh Dasuwal, identified as Karanpreet Singh alias Karan and Gurlaljit Singh alias Laali, and seized one pistol, some live cartridges and empty bullet shells from their possession in Valtoha village in Patti in Tarn Taran district. The duo, involved in extortion on Dasuwal's directions, were linked to two firing incidents in the past month. They were arrested after a brief encounter when they opened fire on the police, injuring themselves in retaliatory fire.
06-Jan-2025
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, on January 6 in Amritsar, expressed concern over the worsening health of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. While emphasizing that hunger strikes hold no place in Sikhism, he condemned the situation where the "anndata" (food-producing community) felt compelled to fast to secure their rightful demands. Dallewal has been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 40 days at the Khanauri protest site, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops.
06-Jan-2025
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh's call on January 6 for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to comply with the December 2 directives has intensified challenges for SAD Working President Balwinder Singh Bhunder and SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami. While SAD leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, have fulfilled the religious component of their tankhah (religious punishment), they have yet to address key political directives, including Sukhbir's resignation and membership enrolment reforms. Sources indicate Giani Raghbir Singh's backing of Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh has deepened the rift between the Akal Takht, SGPC, and SAD leadership.
06-Jan-2025
According to official sources, police in Uttarakhand have identified six pro-Khalistan suspects in Udham Singh Nagar district following Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's call for "lone wolf attacks" in India. The internal security unit has placed the suspects under surveillance, with heightened alerts issued after a joint operation in Pilibhit eliminated three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) members. Pannun's attempts to lure youths with cash for attacks have raised concerns, especially given the district's history of Khalistani activity, including arrests of individuals linked to terror outfits in recent years.
06-Jan-2025
Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (SAD-A) President and former Sangrur MP Simranjit Singh Mann announced on January 6 in Amritsar that his party would support jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh's proposed political party if it endorses Khalistan. Mann reaffirmed SAD-A's longstanding advocacy for Khalistan and criticized parties that do not support the separatist cause.
06-Jan-2025
Senior police officials confirmed on January 6 that mobile data retrieved from a Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) militant killed in a December 23 encounter in Pilibhit has revealed the group’s movements in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region. The militants stayed in Bareilly for several hours before heading to Pilibhit, using encrypted apps to communicate with local contacts and overseas handlers. Forensic analysis of one operational phone mapped their route from Gurdaspur to Pilibhit. A team has been deployed to identify those who provided logistical support to the militants.
06-Jan-2025
Police on January 6 arrested two individuals, identified as Balbir Singh alias Bira and Ajay Verma and seized 2 kg of heroin along with INR 1.5 lakh of drug money from their possession, near Kadial village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
06-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 6, arrested one smuggler identified as Bittu and seized 525 grams of heroin along with two mobile phones from his possession near Malakpur village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
06-Jan-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 6 recovered a broken drone from fields near Khanwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 classic model.
06-Jan-2025
Radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh's father, Tarsem Singh, has urged people to attend the ‘Panthic’ gathering on the Maghi festival at Muktsar Sahib on January 14 and announced plans to launch a new political party. He criticized the current Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leadership for failing the Punjabi community and emphasized addressing Punjab’s issues within the constitutional framework. Tarsem Singh highlighted the need to prioritize youth leadership, health, and education. He also denied the authenticity of a letter allegedly written by Amritpal Singh condemning his mother’s statement against Khalistan.
06-Jan-2025
According to data from the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), Punjab's district courts are grappling with a significant backlog of 8,45,319 cases, with 62% of them pending for over a year. Of these, 4,71,803 are criminal cases involving life and liberty, while 3,73,516 are civil matters. The primary reasons for delays include the non-availability of counsel, stay orders, and witness-related issues. This backlog underscores the urgent need for judicial reforms to ensure timely justice delivery and reduce prolonged adjournments.