KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
23-Dec-2024
The December 23 encounter of three Khalistani terrorists in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh (UP), highlights the Terai region's history as a safe haven for Khalistan sympathizers, officials noted. In June, Khalistani posters outside gurdwaras in Pilibhit and Bareilly signaled attempts to garner local support, especially during Shahid Diwas (Martyrs' Day) events. UP Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar reiterated the state's resolve to combat terrorism and uphold national sovereignty and integrity.
23-Dec-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 23 arrested Jatinder Singh alias Jyoti, a key aide of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and gangster Bachitar Singh alias Pavitar Batala, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Jatinder, associated with the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was reportedly involved in procuring weapons from Madhya Pradesh (MP) and supplying them to operatives in Punjab.
23-Dec-2024
On December 23, an ambulance carrying the bodies of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists—Gurvinder Singh, Virender Singh alias Ravi, and Jaspreet Singh alias Pratap Singh—killed in an encounter with Punjab and Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police in Pilibhit, met with a road accident in Rampur, UP. No casualties were reported in the incident.
22-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 22 busted a trans-border narco-smuggling module with the arrest of Sukhdev Singh and Avtar Singh in Mullechak village, Amritsar district. The operation led to the seizure of 10 kg of heroin and a Toyota Etios car. The duo, linked to Pakistan-based smugglers, had been retrieving heroin consignments via drones after their release from jail.
22-Dec-2024
According to reports, Punjab is experiencing a surge in Khalistani-linked unrest, with seven grenade attacks on police stations in the past month, including the latest in Gurdaspur. Heightened security concerns have arisen following threats to Punjab Police headquarters and singer Amritpal Singh Dhillon’s concert in Chandigarh. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has warned of further attacks by Khalistani groups such as the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Recent raids have uncovered AI-controlled explosive devices. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticising the Punjab government’s failure to curb terror activities and urging decisive action to address the growing threat to national security.
22-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on December 22, recovered two packets of heroin weighing 558 grams and 613 grams, respectively, along with two DJI AIR 3S drones, from fields near Dal village in Patti, Tarn Taran district.
22-Dec-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) recently granted bail to a Punjab man accused of rape and allegedly using connections to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to threaten the complainant. The accused claimed he was falsely implicated by a police officer involved with the complainant, presenting WhatsApp chats and call records as evidence. His lawyer argued there was no proof of threats, asserting that the case was fabricated under the officer's influence.
21-Dec-2024
On December 21, sporadic violence during the Municipal Corporation elections in Patiala district left at least six people injured. Clashes between supporters of various political parties involved swords and stone-pelting, with voters facing intimidation from armed troublemakers. Incidents of vandalism and booth capturing were reported, and police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against outsiders, including bouncers. Opposition parties accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of inciting violence, but the AAP refuted the allegations, describing the polling process as transparent.
21-Dec-2024
On December 21, an explosion-like sound was reported outside the Wadala Bangar police chowki in Wadala Bangar village, Gurdaspur district. Although no evidence of an explosion was found, police noted shattered glass and a brick at the site. This incident follows a series of blasts targeting police chowkis across Punjab, with the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) claiming responsibility for earlier attacks.
21-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 21 busted a gangster module with the arrest of two members, Sunil Kumar alias Ashu and Dilpreet Singh alias Dil, along with two sophisticated 9 mm Glock pistols, four magazines, and 14 cartridges in Pathankot in Pathankot district. The accused had reportedly received the consignment in Amritsar and were tasked with delivering the weapons. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the weapons and identify additional suspects.
21-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 21 recovered one drone from fields near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district.
21-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 21 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 545 grams from a farming field adjacent to Jhangar Bhaini village in Ferozepur district.
21-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 21 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 544 grams, along with a drone from a farming field adjacent to Daoke village in in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
20-Dec-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in New Delhi, on December 20 stated that India has taken "seriously" the latest threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against India's Ambassador to the United States (US), Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Jaiswal urged US authorities to take appropriate action in response to the threat.
20-Dec-2024
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written statement to the Lok Sabha (Lower House) in Parliament, on December 20 stated that Canada has provided "no evidence whatsoever" to support its "serious allegations" against India, in response to a query raised by Member of Parliament (MP) Manish Tewari. Singh criticized Canada's narrative as serving an anti-India separatist agenda and emphasized the need for mutual respect for sovereignty to maintain stable bilateral ties. He also highlighted ongoing security cooperation with the US and assured Parliament that measures would be taken to ensure the safety of Indian nationals abroad.
20-Dec-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on December 20 directed the Centre to submit a fresh status report within two weeks on the implementation of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report led by Justice SN Dhingra (retd) regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases. The Bench allowed petitioners to file objections and scheduled the next hearing for January 27, 2025. Petitioners raised concerns about issues such as the clubbing of hundreds of cases under a single First Information Report (FIR) and the lack of investigation in states outside Delhi.
20-Dec-2024
Mohali police on December 20 arrested five individuals, Jasdeep Singh, Manjit Singh, Pankaj, Aman Kumar, and Shiv Kumar and seized 30 grams of heroin, two pistols, three magazines, and 35 live rounds from their possession in Kharar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
20-Dec-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 20 conducted a raid at the residence of Dalit labour activist Nodeep Kaur in Gandhar village, Muktsar district, reportedly in connection with the Lucknow terror conspiracy case. Nodeep’s brother, Rampal, claimed harassment and denied any links to the conspiracy, stating that his mobile phone was seized during the raid.
20-Dec-2024
A retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Om Prakash, was shot dead by an unidentified motorcycle-borne assailant near DD Mittal Tower on Multania Road in Bathinda district on December 20. The police revealed that the attacker chased Om Prakash and fired at him with a 12-bore rifle. Om Prakash succumbed to his injuries at the Government Hospital.
20-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Special Task Force (STF) of Punjab Police, on December 20 arrested cross-border drug peddler, identified as Gurjit Singh and seized INR 5 lakh in drug money, a Chinese .30 bore pistol, a magazine with three live rounds, and a motorcycle from his possession at Dalla Mallian village in Ajnala, Amritsar district. Gurjit, who had been under surveillance for a month, is allegedly involved in smuggling operations using drones.
20-Dec-2024
The Akal Takht, the highest religious authority in Sikhism, has imposed religious and political penalties on former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with other senior party members. It also revoked the "Fakhr-e-Quam" title previously conferred upon his father, Parkash Singh Badal. Sukhbir Badal had resigned as SAD president on November 16 after seeking religious punishment for the party's misconduct during its tenure. This development marks a turbulent phase for SAD, with questions arising about its future amid declining electoral relevance, challenges from new political players, and internal ideological divides. Experts suggest the party may seek to reconnect with its religious and cultural roots to regain relevance.
19-Dec-2024
According to sources, several radical Sikh organizations have opposed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) recommendation to the Akal Takht for the excommunication of former militant Narain Singh Chaura from the Panth. Chaura was allegedly involved in a foiled assassination attempt on former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal during his religious penance at the Golden Temple on December 4. The SGPC passed a resolution seeking Chaura's excommunication, which is now under consideration by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.
19-Dec-2024
According to reports, terror groups, often backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and collaborating with foreign-based gangsters, are attempting to destabilize Punjab by targeting police and inciting tensions. Recent arrests of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) members and gun-racket operatives underscore the threat, while incidents like the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple highlight the persistence of violent extremism.
19-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 19 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 580 grams from a farming field adjacent to Ballaharwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
19-Dec-2024
On December 19, two brothers, Jashandeep Singh alias Danny and his juvenile sibling, were presented in court following their arrest for planting an improvised explosive device (IED) outside Ajnala police station and carrying out blasts at Gurbaxnagar police chowki and Majitha police station in Amritsar, Punjab. Linked to an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed terror module involving Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Harwinder Singh Rinda, they confessed to using explosives smuggled from Pakistan. The police recovered two China-made P86 hand grenades, a sophisticated pistol, and an IED during the investigation. Reportedly drug addicts, the duo were coerced into these activities in exchange for drugs.
19-Dec-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on December 19 suspended the services of Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and formed a sub-committee to investigate allegations against him in Amritsar, Punjab. The complaint, filed by Gurpreet Singh, accused the Jathedar of interfering in his marriage, resulting in separation, harassment, and job loss. The SGPC has temporarily assigned the Jathedar’s duties to the head granthi, with the investigation report expected within 15 days.
18-Dec-2024
The spokesperson of the United States (US) embassy in New Delhi stated on December 18 that the US is "firmly committed to the security and safety of all diplomatic and consular personnel" following a threat issued to Vinay Kwatra, the Indian Ambassador to the US, by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
18-Dec-2024
Samana police on December 18 attached property worth INR 25 lakh belonging to Manpreet Singh alias Money in Sher Majra village in Patiala district, Punjab. Singh, with six FIRs against him, including two for possession of commercial quantities of drugs, was targeted as part of an anti-drug peddling drive. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Guriqbal Sikand reaffirmed the department's zero-tolerance policy on drugs and pledged strict action against offenders.
18-Dec-2024
On the night of December 18, a blast occurred outside the Bakshiwal police chowki in Bakshiwal village, Gurdaspur district, Punjab. The Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) claimed responsibility in a social media post, attributing the attack to Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh Jammu and Bhai Jaswinder Singh Baghi. Initial forensic investigations suggest a hand grenade was thrown from an auto-rickshaw.
18-Dec-2024
On December 18, Sikh hardliners, supported by Dal Khalsa, assembled at Akal Takht to back former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who recently attempted to assassinate SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal in Amritsar. They protested against the SGPC’s resolution seeking Chaura’s excommunication and submitted a memorandum to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, urging its rejection.
18-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 18 recovered a 4.840 kg packet of heroin from a farming field near Rajatal village in Amritsar district.
18-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 18 recovered a DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from farming fields near Babe Dariya village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
18-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 18 recovered a DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from farming fields near Rajatal village in Amritsar district.
18-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 18 recovered a DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from farming fields near Dhani Natha village in Jalalabad, Ferozepur district.
17-Dec-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 17 filed a chargesheet against Jaspreet Singh and Baljeet Singh, aides of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), in a Punjab terror conspiracy case before the NIA Special Court in Mohali, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
17-Dec-2024
According to sources, India is re-evaluating its visa and OCI policies following strained ties with Canada after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India will continue denying visas to pro-Khalistani Canadians despite criticism, signalling a shift from its earlier efforts to reintegrate pro-Khalistan individuals, as it now prioritizes caution amid escalating tensions.
17-Dec-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami faced backlash on December 17 after his derogatory remarks against former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur went viral. A group of women, including SGPC members, filed a complaint at the Akal Takht seeking his removal, while some SGPC members and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders defended him, citing his public apologies.
17-Dec-2024
Police revealed on December 17 that six terror incidents targeting police establishments have occurred in Punjab's Majha region since November 23. Terror groups, reportedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), are enlisting gangsters for these attacks, which involved explosives and weapons smuggled via drones. Several operatives, including gangsters and a juvenile, have been arrested, and grenades and pistols seized. Counter-intelligence efforts have pre-empted further strikes, with officials affirming their readiness to protect the state.
17-Dec-2024
On December 17, panic erupted in Amritsar's Islamabad area after reports of a loud sound near the Islamabad police station around 3:15 am, in Amritsar in Punjab. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar dismissed claims of a blast, stating that a heavy object likely fell on a temporary sentry post, causing minor damage. The incident comes amid a series of recent explosions and the discovery of an IED outside police stations in the Amritsar region.
17-Dec-2024
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav on December 17 visited Amritsar to review the law and order situation and held a meeting with officers from Amritsar Commissionerate, Amritsar Rural, Batala, and Tarn Taran. He stressed counter-terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking as key policing priorities, urging professional and scientific investigations to secure convictions.
16-Dec-2024
A Chandigarh court on December 16 sentenced Poonam, a 39-year-old woman, to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment for drug peddling, while her accomplice, Sandeep Khatri, received a 10-year sentence. The duo was arrested in January 2022 with 610 grams of heroin. Poonam, known as 'Bhabi,' has been linked to multiple drug cases involving her family in the illicit trade.
16-Dec-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, recently threatened Indian envoy to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accusing him of collaborating with Russia to suppress pro-Khalistani Sikhs. Pannun also warned Russia of protests targeting its diplomats and missions globally, sparking speculation that Russia may ban SFJ and other pro-Khalistani groups.
16-Dec-2024
On December 16, a local court in Amritsar, Punjab, sent ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, to judicial custody until December 30. Police obtained CCTV footage showing Chaura with suspected accomplice Dharam Singh at the Golden Temple complex prior to the attack.
16-Dec-2024
On December 16, Basant Singh, a key associate of Khalistani preacher and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, was returned to Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam after brief parole to attend a family member's last rites in Punjab. Basant, the first among 10 WPD detainees granted parole, was escorted back under strict surveillance. Pro-Khalistan leaders, including Amritpal Singh, remain detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
16-Dec-2024
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while chairing a Tourism Department review meeting in Chandigarh, on December 16, announced events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur and develop related sites. He approved the ‘Rangla Punjab’ festival in February to boost tourism, employment, and Punjab’s cultural heritage. Mann also proposed heritage festivals and ultra-modern convention centres in major cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, and New Chandigarh.
16-Dec-2024
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on December 16 via a video message, threatened to target MahaKumbh 2025 and challenge 'Modi’s Hindutva ideology' in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Pannun also offered a USD 25,000 bounty for targeting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and urged Canada to take action against Hindu organisations.
16-Dec-2024
The Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with the Mohali police on December 16 arrested four operatives of Canada-based terrorist Arsh Dala, identified as Gagandeep Singh, Navjot Singh alias Nishu, Lakhwinder Singh and Vipanpreet Singh, and seized three .32 calibre pistols and 16 cartridges from their possession, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
15-Dec-2024
On December 15, Sukhjit Singh, a 26-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-backed sarpanch of Chhana Gulab Singh village, was killed after being attacked with sharp weapons by villagers allegedly supporting drug peddlers in Barnala district. Sukhjit had been vocal against drug abuse and had refused to support the peddlers.
15-Dec-2024
Mahorana Police on December 15 arrested a Nigerian national, identified as Godwin Samuel and seized 505 grams of heroin from his possession, at a naka (checkpoint) near Mahorana village in Malerkotla in Sangrur district. Samuel was residing in New Delhi under the guise of a student, and Police revealed his involvement in a similar case earlier in Roop Nagar district in Punjab.
15-Dec-2024
Amritsar Rural Police on December 15 busted a trans-border drug trafficking module, arresting eight individuals and seizing 4.5 kg of heroin, six weapons—including two Glock pistols and a .30 bore Zigana pistol—14 live 9 mm bullets among 16 rounds, INR 1.5 lakh in drug money, a car, a bike, three weighing machines, and 10 mobile phones from the Kabir Park area in Amritsar district. Police revealed that the module was actively involved in retrieving drugs and weapons smuggled across the International Border using drones. Jagroop Singh, one of the arrested, is a known associate of Pavitar Chaura, a gangster operating from abroad, who is closely linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) member Lakhbir Singh Landa.