KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
18-Sep-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on September 18 condemned the misuse of police protection as a status symbol, emphasizing that state security should be reserved for individuals facing genuine, verifiable threats. The court highlighted that resources should be allocated judiciously to address broader societal issues, particularly in Punjab, a border state facing significant challenges from illegal activities and smuggling.
18-Sep-2024
The Delhi High Court on September 18 rejected the bail plea of United Kingdom (UK) resident and Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, who is accused of funding the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and involvement in targeted killings in Punjab. The court cited Johal's association with other conspirators and his role in funding arms procurement, categorizing the offences as serious with 'trans-national links' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
18-Sep-2024
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, via a video message on September 18, 2024, questioned the Congress for not condemning Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's support of Rahul Gandhi’s recent statement on Sikhs in India and accused the party of aligning with anti-national elements.
18-Sep-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on September 18 questioned the Punjab and central governments, as well as Dibrugarh jail authorities, regarding the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) against Khalistani radical preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh and his associate, actor Daljeet Kalsi. The court has requested all relevant records to be presented at the next hearing on October 3.
18-Sep-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, while speaking at a centenary congregation at Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib in Sri Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran district, on September 18, criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann for not declaring a holiday in Punjab on the occasion of Gurgaddi Diwas of Guru Ramdas and Joti Jot Diwas of Guru Amardas.
18-Sep-2024
Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Som Parkash, via the social media site X on September 18, urged actress and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut to refrain from making unnecessary comments against the Sikh community, stating that such remarks hurt their sentiments.
17-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 17 recovered a packet containing 545 grams of heroin from near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
17-Sep-2024
Sikh activist Sukhraj Singh, whose father was killed in the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing in Punjab, has been summoned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi in connection with the attack on the Indian Embassy in London in March 2023. The NIA notice requires his presence on September 19, 2024, for questioning under charges related to the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honours Act. Sukhraj, who recently announced his candidacy for the Gidderbaha by poll, expressed uncertainty about the summons, suggesting it might be linked to his past interactions with Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda.
17-Sep-2024
A Chandigarh court has issued notices to Member of Parliament (MP) and actress Kangana Ranaut, along with others, in a criminal complaint filed by Ravinder Singh Bassi, president of Lawyers for Humanity, alleging that her movie Emergency maligns the image of Sikhs and misrepresents facts. The court has scheduled the hearing for December 5, 2024.
16-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 16 shot a Pakistani intruder along the International Border (IB) after he ignored warnings to stop in the Amritsar sector near Ratankhurd village in Amritsar district. PKR 270 in various denominations was recovered from his possession.
16-Sep-2024
In a joint operation with Punjab Police on September 16, the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested two individuals, Puran Singh and Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha, who admitted to retrieving a narcotics consignment dropped by a Pakistani drone, and recovered two packets containing approximately 1 kg of heroin near Chak Amira village in Fazilka district.
16-Sep-2024
The Amritsar police on September 16 busted a trans-border narcotic smuggling network with the arrest of a drug smuggler, identified as Kanwaljit Kaur alias Massi, and seized 4.580 kg of heroin from her possession in Chheharta, Amritsar district. Police revealed that Kaur and her son-in-law, Jugraj Singh, were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers and used drones to transport drugs.
16-Sep-2024
The Akal Takht recently summoned 17 Sikh ministers from the Akali Dal-BJP government for their failure to address sacrilege incidents during their tenure, which led to the excommunication of former Chief Minister (CM) Sukhbir Singh Badal. While some interpreted this as a response to political shortcomings, others feared it signalled a resurgence of Khalistani sentiments. Historical parallels with the terror-filled 1980s suggest that when religious authority overshadows state power, it often leads to militant uprisings. Despite earlier hopes that Punjab had moved beyond Khalistan, recent electoral successes of separatist candidates indicate that pro-Khalistan ideologies have been gaining momentum, driven by both local and diaspora influences.
16-Sep-2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, on September 16, while speaking in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, indirectly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing 'those filled with hate' of defaming India. This followed Gandhi's remarks in the United States (US) regarding the freedom of religious minorities, particularly the Sikh community.
16-Sep-2024
Punjab Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill revealed in Chandigarh on September 16 that, over the past two and a half years (2022-2024), they have arrested 39,840 drug smugglers, registered 29,152 First Information Reports (FIRs), and seized 2,546 kg of heroin, 2,457 kg of opium, and INR 30.83 crore in drug money. Additionally, the police forfeited properties worth INR 324.28 crore from major smugglers.
16-Sep-2024
Police on September 16 busted an international drug racket by arresting four individuals, identified as Harjinder Pal Singh, Veer Singh, Surmukh Singh, and Malook Singh, and seizing 10 kg of heroin from their possession in Khiche village, Ferozepur district. The arrests followed information provided by Shinda Singh, another smuggler arrested on September 9 with 1 kg of heroin and INR 4 lakh in drug money. The smugglers were linked to Pakistan-based handlers, who used drones to transport drugs, with Harjinder Pal Singh having prior connections to the Pakistan army and handler Riyast Dogger.
16-Sep-2024
Police on September 16 foiled a gang allegedly being operated from behind bars in Kapurthala district with the arrest of three accused, identified as Amritjeet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, and Kamaldeep Singh, and seized three .32 calibre pistols, 26 cartridges, and 20 grams of heroin from their possession in Rajpura in Patiala district. The gang was reportedly working on behalf of the Prince Golu gang, led by brothers Prince and Onkar Singh Golu, who were orchestrating criminal activities from Kapurthala Jail. Authorities are now investigating how the brothers were able to run operations from prison.
15-Sep-2024
Police on September 15 arrested one person, identified as Vishal Kumar alias Vishal and seized 3 grams of narcotic powder (heroin) and sedative injections from his possession, in Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab.
15-Sep-2024
Police on September 15 arrested one person, identified as Kamaldeep alias Deepa and seized 35 grams of heroin and a large quantity of intoxicating pills from his possession, in Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur district.
15-Sep-2024
The Tanda police on September 15 arrested one person, identified as Mahesh Kumar and seized a large quantity of intoxicating pills from his possession, in Tanda village in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab.
15-Sep-2024
The Tanda police on September 15 arrested one person, identified as Hari Om and seized 10 grams of heroin from his possession, in Rada village in Hoshiarpur district.
15-Sep-2024
The Dasuya police on September 15 arrested one person, identified as Lovepreet alias Love and seized 68 grams of heroin from his possession, in Himantpur village in Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district.
15-Sep-2024
Gangster Satendra Pal Singh alias Lucky, was killed in a crossfire with police in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on September 15. Singh, involved in an INR 5 crore jewellery heist earlier in September 2024, had a INR 1 lakh bounty on his head and was part of the notorious 'Karate Gang.' The police arrested his accomplices, identified as Gurdeep Singh and Jaydeep Singh, and seized a country-made pistol along with jewellery worth INR 50 lakh from their possession.
15-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on September 15 recovered two packets containing 1.14 kg of heroin near Naushehra Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
15-Sep-2024
Punjab Police Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on September 15 revealed that U.S.-based gangster turned terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, along with Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda, and the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), provided explosives, weapons, and logistical support for the Chandigarh grenade attack but reneged on promised rewards. The DGP warned against terrorist handlers exploiting vulnerable youth with false promises, stating that investigations continue to uncover the full conspiracy.
15-Sep-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will now investigate the hand grenade attack at a Sector 10 bungalow in Chandigarh, following a meeting with Chandigarh Police. Authorities have detained auto driver Kuldeep, who allegedly transported the attackers. CCTV footage shows the duo hiring an auto, fleeing after the blast, and switching vehicles.
15-Sep-2024
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, while addressing media persons in Bhagalpur, Bihar, on September 15, referred to Rahul Gandhi as the "number one terrorist of the country" in response to his comments about the Sikh community made in the US. Bittu also claimed that Gandhi "was not an Indian" and suggested offering a reward for his capture, labeling him as the "biggest enemy of the country.
15-Sep-2024
The Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar on September 15 arrested an Army deserter identified as Amritpal Singh alias Fauji and seized 12.5 kg of heroin along with a motorcycle from his possession in Kangniwal village, Jalandhar district. Fauji had been on the run since August after his accomplice, Sartaj, was caught with 33 kg of heroin in Jammu. The drug cartel, operated from Dubai by Amrit Pal Singh Baath, was involved in large-scale smuggling.
15-Sep-2024
The Punjab Police are reviewing the security of retired personnel who were involved during the era of terrorism, following the confirmation that retired Superintendent of Police (SP) Jaskirat Singh Chahal was the target of the recent grenade attack in Chandigarh.
15-Sep-2024
According to sources, United States (US)-based gangster-turned-Khalistani terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, is actively recruiting vulnerable youth from disadvantaged sections in the border areas of Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts in Punjab for criminal and terrorist operations. Passia, wanted in over 15 cases, exploits impoverished individuals by paying them meager sums for illegal activities, as evidenced by the arrest of Rohan Masih in connection with the Chandigarh grenade blast. The Punjab Police have dismantled several terror modules linked to Passia, including those involved in smuggling weapons via drones.
14-Sep-2024
Jalandhar rural police on September 14 arrested seven members of the infamous Ankush Bhaya Gang and seized 1,000 Alprazolam tablets, four pistols, and ammunition from their possession in Jalandhar district. The gang, linked to criminal figures such as Vikram Brar and Ravi Balachoria, was planning a bank robbery and the murder of rival gang members.
14-Sep-2024
According to reports, the recent endorsement of Rahul Gandhi's statement on Sikh rights by Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has exposed divisions within the Khalistan movement. Many Sikhs find SFJ's support for Gandhi contradictory, given the Congress party's role in past Sikh suffering. This internal schism highlights how some factions exploit historical grievances for personal gain, straying from the original mission of Sikh empowerment.
14-Sep-2024
Faridkot Member of Parliament (MP) Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, along with radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, announced on September 14 the candidacy of Mandeep Singh Sidhu, the brother of the chief founder of Waris De Punjab (WPD), Sandeep Singh alias Deep Sidhu, for the Gidderbaha bypoll in Gidderbaha, Muktsar district, Punjab.
14-Sep-2024
Police sources confirmed that former Punjab Police Superintendent of Police (SP) Jasjit Singh Chahal was the target of a recent grenade attack on September 11 at a house he vacated months ago in Chandigarh. US-based gangster and Khalistani terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia claimed responsibility for the blast. Chahal had been advised to move following the arrest of individuals plotting an attack on him last year.
13-Sep-2024
In a joint operation with central agencies and the Punjab Police on September 13 solved the Chandigarh grenade blast case with the arrest of one of the main perpetrators, identified as Rohan Masih, in Amritsar district. Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, and US-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, were identified as the masterminds behind the attack. The grenade used in the incident was smuggled across the border via drones with the assistance of the ISI. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
13-Sep-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 13 conducted raids at three locations in Amritsar, including the residence of Pargat Singh Sandhu, a relative of radical Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, who is currently detained in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA). Raids were also reported in Moga, with the operation following a successful gathering held by Amritpal's supporters on August 19.
13-Sep-2024
The Police State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), in coordination with central agencies, arrested the second suspect in the Chandigarh blast case, identified as Vishal Masih, in Delhi on September 13. He was produced before a court and remanded to police custody until September 20.
13-Sep-2024
The police on September 13 arrested an individual identified as Kulwinder in connection with the death of a first-year M.Tech student from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. The police revealed that Kulwinder had connections with drug smugglers and was linked to a de-addiction centre involved in the drug trade.
13-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 13 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 6.8 kg from near Gilpan village in Tarn Taran district.
13-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 13 set up a special ambush in Dal village in Tarn Taran district after noticing suspicious movement by two individuals on a motorcycle, recovering one phone and Indian currency in INR 200 denominations after the suspects fled.
13-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police on September 13, recovered a packet containing 581 grams of heroin wrapped in yellow adhesive tape from a house in Dal village, Tarn Taran district.
13-Sep-2024
The Indian National Congress (INC) on September 13 called for a First Information Report (FIR) to be filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Marwah for allegedly threatening Rahul Gandhi over his remarks about the Sikh community during his United States (US) visit. Marwah was recorded saying, “Rahul Gandhi, refrain from such things, or you’ll meet the same fate as your grandmother.” The Congress also demanded a reassessment of Gandhi's security, citing his Cabinet-level status as Leader of the Opposition.
13-Sep-2024
Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, on September 13 successfully brought back and arrested fugitive Amritpal Singh from Austria to face charges for numerous heinous crimes, including murder and drug offenses, at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi, where he was taken into custody by Batala Police.
13-Sep-2024
Punjab Police on September 13 arrested a government drug inspector from the health department, identified as Shishan Mittal, and seized INR 1.49 crore in cash, gold, foreign currency, and identified assets acquired through illegal means in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Mittal was involved in facilitating drug smuggling and money laundering, and he had been in contact with drug smugglers, frequently traveling abroad without government permission.
13-Sep-2024
The Punjab Lit Foundation, in collaboration with the Hoshiarpur district administration, will launch the Mothers Against Drugs project at Bullowal village in Hoshiarpur district on September 15.
13-Sep-2024
Police on September 13 arrested drug peddler, identified as Vikramjit Singh and seized 513 grams of heroin from his possession, on Abohar-Sadulshehar Road near Wahabwala village in Abohar in Ferozepur district.
13-Sep-2024
Police on September 13 arrested two bike-borne youths, identified as Pawan Kumar and Raj Karan and seized 800 grams of opium from their possession, in Kera Khera village in Abohar in Ferozepur district.
13-Sep-2024
On September 13, during the hearing of the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case, the AK-47 used by the killers and Moose Wala’s Thar vehicle were presented as evidence in a Mansa court in Mansa district, Punjab.
13-Sep-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) issued a notice to radical Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh in response to a petition challenging his election. The petitioner, Vikramjit Singh, alleges that Singh concealed details in his nomination affidavit, violated election expenditure rules, and engaged in corrupt practices by using religious venues and seeking votes on religious grounds. The petition argues that Singh's actions breach the Representation of the People Act.
12-Sep-2024
According to data obtained by The Tribune, between January 1 and August 31, 2024, the Punjab Police took action against 10 officers for lapses in drug-related cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which led to the grant of default bail to 15 drug peddlers. These officers, from districts such as Faridkot, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur, failed to appear in court as witnesses or for cross-examination. The state government had previously directed strict action against officials neglecting court appearances in NDPS cases, with a district-level committee now monitoring trial progress and reporting failures to the government.