KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
15-Dec-2024
The Abohar police on December 15 arrested two individuals, identified as Amarjeet Singh and Raj Singh and seized 435 grams of heroin from their possession, near Dhani Kadaka Singh village in Abohar in Fazilka district.
15-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 15 busted an inter-state gun-running racket, arresting two individuals identified as Satnam Singh alias Prince and Manjit Singh, and seizing 10 country-made pistols, 20 magazines, and ammunition in Amritsar district. The accused were linked to U.S.-based handler Sunny Masih, who directed them to procure illegal weapons from Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand for supply to Punjab-based gangsters.
14-Dec-2024
Police on December 14 arrested three individuals associated with the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), identified as Yugpreet Singh alias Yuvi, Jaskaran Singh alias Shah, and Harjot Singh alias Jot, and seized two weapons—a country-made pistol and a revolver—along with six live cartridges from their possession in Nawanshahr, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district. Police revealed that the group had received INR 4.5 lakh in funding over six months from KZF handlers in the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany to target police establishments and minority leaders. The arrests were made in connection with the December 2 grenade attack on Police Post Asron.
14-Dec-2024
On December 14, the police remand of ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura, accused of attempting to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, was extended by two days in Amritsar, Punjab. Authorities cited the need to analyze complete CCTV footage from the Golden Temple to identify accomplices, including Dharam Singh, who remains absconding. Investigations are ongoing.
13-Dec-2024
Dal Khalsa senior leader Paramjit Singh Mand, speaking in Amritsar on December 13, announced a gathering of Sikh organizations and leaders at the main gate of Sri Darbar Sahib on December 18 to oppose the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) proposal to excommunicate former militant Narain Singh Chaura. Mand criticized the SGPC's move as divisive and influenced by the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, calling for unity among Sikhs to counter such tactics.
13-Dec-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking in New Delhi on December 13, dismissed Canadian media reports alleging that Indian visas were being used as tools of repression, describing them as “disinformation” and “akin to foreign interference.” Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s sovereign right to deny visas to individuals undermining its territorial integrity and advised Indian students in Canada to exercise vigilance in light of the deteriorating security environment.
13-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 13 dismantled a Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed terror module operated by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), arresting two operatives, Jashandeep Singh alias Danny and a juvenile and seizing two Chinese-made P86 hand grenades, a Turkey-made 9MM Zigana pistol with ammunition, and a motorcycle in Amritsar district.
13-Dec-2024
Damdami Taksal spokespersons in Amritsar recently issued a stern warning against individuals using foul language or spreading propaganda against their head, Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, following his support for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the Maharashtra assembly elections. They specifically named critics, including Amrik Singh Ajnala, cautioning them of “dire consequences” if their opposition persisted, and also warned journalists criticizing Dhumma of serious repercussions.
13-Dec-2024
Akal Takht in Amritsar, on December 13, accepted Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal's 10-day tankha (religious punishment), absolving him of the tag of tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct). Sukhbir atoned for his past actions by performing voluntary service at gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple, while SAD leaders repaid INR 90 lakh spent on controversial advertisements justifying a 2015 pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
13-Dec-2024
On December 13, a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was hurled into the compound of the Ghanian-Ke-Bangar police station in Batala, Gurdaspur district, Punjab, marking the third such incident in the border region in recent weeks. The Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) claimed responsibility and warned of further attacks on police check-posts.
12-Dec-2024
According to senior police sources, semi-automatic weapons, including Glock pistols, are being supplied to youths by terrorists and gangsters to intimidate witnesses and extort money. Recent operations in Faridkot and Moga resulted in the seizure of three Glock pistols, 48 cartridges, and the arrest of individuals involved in these crimes. Investigations have uncovered links to transnational criminal networks and local gangs.
12-Dec-2024
Dhian Singh Mand, the Sarbat Khalsa-appointed acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, on December 12 announced that the title of 'Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum' will be conferred upon Narain Singh Chaura upon his release. Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, was praised by Mand as embodying panthic resentment towards the SAD. Mand accused the party of engaging in anti-panthic activities and failing to meet public aspirations during its tenure.
12-Dec-2024
On December 12, the rebel faction of the Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar (SAD-SL) dissolved the group and met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, pledging to work towards strengthening the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). They expressed gratitude for the Akal Takht's directive and committed to adhering to its decisions to promote Panthic unity. A seven-member committee, led by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, has been formed to oversee member induction, delegate elections, and leadership appointments within six months.
11-Dec-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 11 conducted raids at multiple locations across Punjab and Haryana as part of its investigation into the gangster-terrorist nexus involving the proscribed Khalistan Terrorist Force (KTF) and Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dala. The raids were carried out in six districts of Punjab—Bathinda, Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Ferozepur, Sangrur, and Mansa—as well as in Sirsa, Haryana. Several incriminating materials, including mobile phones, digital devices, and documents, were recovered during the operation.
11-Dec-2024
According to police sources, the role of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) has surfaced in the crude bomb attack on a Gurugram bar in Sector 29 on December 10. The attack is linked to Sachin Taliyan, an associate of designated terrorist Goldy Brar. Allegedly orchestrated as a fear tactic for extortion and asserting dominance by Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, the incident follows similar attacks on nightclubs in the region. Taliyan is currently in police remand for further investigation.
11-Dec-2024
An Amritsar court on December 11 extended the police remand of Narain Singh Chaura, accused of attempting to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple on December 4, by three days. Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage of Chaura’s movements, tracing his activities near the border, and pursuing his associate Dharam Singh while also questioning another suspect, Jasbir Jassa.
10-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 10 arrested two unidentified smugglers, and seized INR 37000 in drug money, two mobile phones and two small weighing machines from their possession, near Jasror village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
10-Dec-2024
On December 10, a low-intensity explosion occurred outside two nightclubs in Gurugram’s Sector 29, believed to have been orchestrated by Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar’s gang. Police subsequently arrested an individual identified as Sachin at the scene while he was hurling a bomb, and recovered a country-made weapon and two crude bombs from his possession. According to the police, no casualties were reported, and the attack followed extortion threats to club operators, aiming to create fear in the area.
10-Dec-2024
According to police sources, former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Sukhbir Singh Badal, has proven to be difficult to crack during interrogation. Despite being in extended custody, Chaura has resisted revealing details about the origin of his 9 mm pistol or his connections. Police are investigating the weapon's source and the involvement of two associates with radical links, while central agencies have been engaged to ensure a thorough investigation.
10-Dec-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, in Chandigarh, on December 10 alleged that former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Sukhbir Singh Badal, was accompanied by Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) terrorist Dharam Singh and another unidentified man. Majithia criticized the Amritsar police for "diluting" the First Information Report (FIR) and called for the investigation to be transferred to senior police officials. He also released CCTV footage supporting his claims of multiple attackers.
10-Dec-2024
Dal Khalsa leaders Harpal Singh Cheema, Paramjit Singh Mand, and Kanwarpal Singh on December 10 criticized the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) resolution seeking the excommunication of Narain Singh Chaura. They argued that such a move could deepen divisions between moderate and hardliner Sikhs and emphasized that the law should take its course, as Chaura is already in police custody.
10-Dec-2024
According to sources, on December 10, the Crime Branch of Bhubaneswar Police wrote to the Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, France, seeking assistance in investigating emails linked to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun. These emails, originating from Canada, contained threats targeting the DGP-IGP Conference in Odisha, which was held in November, and urged disruptive actions.
10-Dec-2024
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on December 10 announced that a "Marjeevda Jatha" of 101 farmers would march to Delhi on December 14, citing the government’s lack of response to their demands, while addressing the media at Shambhu border, in Patiala district in Punjab. Farmers at the Shambhu border, protesting since February 2024, seek a legal guarantee on MSP, debt waiver, pensions, and justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims. Meanwhile, prominent figures, including Dr Swaiman Singh and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, have expressed support for the protests.
09-Dec-2024
Police on December 9 busted an inter-state drug-smuggling module and arrested Dharm Singh and Om Prakash Verma, and seized 4 kg of opium from their possession, near Handesra, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
09-Dec-2024
Police on December 9 busted an inter-state drug-smuggling module and arrested Manish Kumar, Kamal and Kamal Verma, and seized 4.5 kg of opium from their possession, near College Road in Dera Bassi, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
09-Dec-2024
Police on December 9 arrested a notorious criminal involved in multiple heinous cases, including drug trafficking, armed robbery, and attempted murder, identified as Amritpal Singh alias Amba, from Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
09-Dec-2024
On December 9, Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, speaking in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district, accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of attempting to cover up a conspiracy behind the attack on SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. Cheema criticized the FIR as an effort to weaken the case against the accused, Narain Singh Chaura, and called for a court-monitored probe into the alleged involvement of Punjab Police and the AAP government.
09-Dec-2024
On December 9, a Delhi court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to locate and summon Manmohan Kaur, a prosecution witness in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler. The judge also recorded the statement of another witness, Bal Kishan Arya, and summoned additional witnesses, including Anuj Sinha and N D Pancholi, for December 20.
09-Dec-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, in Amritsar, on December 9 urged the Akal Takht to take 'Panthic' action against ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura, who is accused of attempting to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.
09-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 9 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 580 grams from fields near Ballaharwal village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
09-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 9 recovered one drone from fields near Daoke village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
09-Dec-2024
According to sources, Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been infiltrating individuals under the influence of drugs or posing as mentally disturbed into India to deliver critical messages to terrorists imprisoned in Indian jails. Since July, over 10 such cases have been reported, with these individuals being sent to prisons in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. This strategy, tied to drug smuggling operations, aims to bypass electronic surveillance and law enforcement. The ISI’s tactics have raised suspicions of a larger agenda, as many infiltrators exhibit evasive behavior during interrogation.
09-Dec-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on December 9 disposed of a significant quantity of drugs, including 65.5 kg of poppy husk, 3 kg of heroin, tablets 345, capsules 665, injectible drugs 10, marijuana 12.7 kg and Ice drug 100 grams, seized from smugglers over time, at Green Planet Energy Private ltd near Bir Pind village in Jalandhar district.
09-Dec-2024
The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) on December 9 arrested gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s henchman, Rajat Saharan, and seized two pistols, one of which was a country-made weapon, along with a magazine from his possession on the Zirakpur-Ambala highway near Zirakpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
09-Dec-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) Rohtak on December 9 arrested two criminals linked to the Bhau gang, identified as Jasbir and Sahil, and seized two firearms from their possession after a brief encounter near the Titoli bypass in Rohtak district, Haryana. The criminals opened fire on the police, injuring two officers, though they were protected by bulletproof vests. The duo, who were injured in the crossfire, have been admitted to PGIMS Rohtak for treatment.
08-Dec-2024
On December 8, agitating farmers suspended their march to Delhi after Haryana security forces used teargas and water cannons to disperse them at the Punjab-Haryana border near Shambhu in Patiala district, Punjab. Despite initial gestures such as offering tea and flower petals, the situation escalated into a confrontation. The farmers, demanding legal Minimum Support Price, debt waivers, and other reforms, plan to determine their next course of action on December 9.
08-Dec-2024
On December 8, Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh faced protests from Bajrang Dal during his concert in Indore over allegations of anti-national remarks and support for Khalistan. Despite demands for its cancellation, the event proceeded as planned. In response to critics, Diljit quoted Rahat Indori’s iconic poetry: "Agar khilaaf hain hone do, jaan thodi hai. Yeh sab dhuan hai, asmaan thodi hai. Sabhi ka khoon hai shaamil yahan ki mitti mein, Kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai."
08-Dec-2024
Police on December 8 arrested two women, identified as Sona and Simmi and seized 105 grams of heroin from their possession near Lakhowal road area near Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
08-Dec-2024
A court on December 8 extended the police custody of Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Sukhbir Singh Badal, in Amritsar in Punjab.
08-Dec-2024
Reports indicate that the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal highlights concerns over resurfacing secessionist sentiments in Punjab, although a return to the pro-Khalistan extremism of the past appears unlikely. Factors such as the emergence of figures like Amritpal Singh Sandhu and Simranjit Singh Mann, along with unresolved grievances from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, have contributed to renewed tensions. The weakening of established political alliances and leadership, coupled with internal party vulnerabilities, has further destabilized the political landscape. Effective leadership and coordinated efforts between state and central governments are crucial to preventing a recurrence of past unrest.
07-Dec-2024
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, on December 7 justified former militant Narayan Singh Chaura’s alleged attempt to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Bittu characterized Chaura’s actions as an emotional response to perceived blasphemy and urged the SAD to support his release.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, Head Constable Manbir Singh and Punjab Home Guards Jawan Gurwinder Singh, members of a Chabal police party, were injured while attempting to arrest Balwinder Singh Doni and Gopal Singh Gopala, suspects involved in drug trade, in the Pakka Qilha locality of Chabal town, Tarn Taran district.
07-Dec-2024
The Sadar Police on December 7 arrested Bajid Ali, an accused on bail in drug smuggling cases, and his accomplice Suraj, seizing 1.5 kg of opium from their possession in Purana Naru Nangal village, Hoshiarpur district.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, Navi Mumbai Police registered a case against two men, identified as Happy Singh and Jaspal Singh, along with a gang of 10 others, for assaulting Sikh bhajan singer Lakhwinder Surjit Singh in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The victim claimed the attack was retaliation for his support of Bhupinder Singh’s family, following Bhupinder’s 2016 murder. The assailants reportedly intercepted Lakhwinder’s vehicle, assaulted him with weapons, and coerced him into recording a video renouncing ties with Bhupinder Singh’s family.
07-Dec-2024
According to sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 12,300 kg of narcotics between January and October 2024. Of this, 96% (11,866 kg) was recovered along the eastern India-Bangladesh border, while only 432 kg was seized at the western India-Pakistan border. Additionally, 257 drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were downed along the western border, and 194 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended at the Indo-Bangladesh border during the same period.
07-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Police on December 7 announced an intensified investigation into former Khalistan militant Narain Singh Chaura’s alleged attempt to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. The police have been questioning Chaura’s sons, Jagjit Singh Bajwa and Baljinder Singh Bajwa, to uncover the motive and conspiracy behind the plot.
07-Dec-2024
The Punjab Police on December 7 attached properties belonging to members of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), identified as Inderjit Singh Bajwa and Ranjodh Singh alias Baba, in connection with the Batala shootout case. The shootout, which occurred on June 24, 2023, injured Shiv Sena leader Rajiv Mahajan and his relatives. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by Bajwa and Baba to avenge the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, a section of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, urging him to excommunicate former militant Narain Singh Chaura for attempting to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
07-Dec-2024
The banned pro-Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced a travel budget of INR 25 lakh to facilitate Sikh farmers to “seize the Indian Parliament” on December 13, coinciding with the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Farmers are protesting in the capital for various demands, including a farm loan waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases etc.
07-Dec-2024
Top intelligence sources have described the banned terrorist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)'s call for farmers to “Seize Indian Parliament” on December 13 as "unwarranted" and a form of "foreign interference" that the Canadian government should address. The outfit has allocated INR 25 lakh for the protest, which coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. According to the sources, SFJ chief and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is receiving funds for every post against India and is now attempting to intervene in various matters.