KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
05-Sep-2024
In response to the rising abuse of Pregabalin, or ‘ghoda’, in rural areas of Punjab, authorities have imposed a ban on formulations exceeding 75 mg. In 2024 alone, Punjab Police seized around 3 crore intoxicant tablets and capsules, including restricted drugs like Codeine and Tramadol. The crackdown follows a shift in drug preferences due to the high cost of other substances, with Pregabalin becoming a popular alternative because of its low cost and easy availability.
04-Sep-2024
Police on September 4 recovered five pistols and several magazines from a bag abandoned by two unidentified youths near Tehna village in Faridkot district. The suspects, who were riding an e-rickshaw, fled when approached by police, dropping the bag. A case has been filed against the unknown individuals, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to track them down.
04-Sep-2024
Punjab Police revealed that during a recent operation, they arrested two individuals, identified as Harpreet Singh and Lovepreet Singh, and seized four Glock 19 pistols, including one marked 'Made for NATO Army,' along with four magazines, seven live cartridges, and INR 4.8 lakhs in hawala money from their car in Sheron village, Sangrur district, Punjab. It was disclosed that Harpreet had connections with a Pakistan-based smuggler involved in arms and drug trafficking via drones. This seizure highlights a concerning trend of U.S.-made and NATO-grade weapons, left behind in Afghanistan, infiltrating India's conflict zones and posing serious security threats.
04-Sep-2024
Police on September 4 arrested a man, identified as Krishan Kumar, and seized 43,000 intoxicating pills from his possession near Kanech village in Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
According to sources, rising anti-Khalistan sentiments are challenging the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) across Europe, the United States (US), and Canada, reflecting a shift within the Sikh diaspora as pro-India Sikhs unite against divisive extremism. The recent incident in Italy, where Gurudwara Committees firmly opposed SFJ activists, is part of a broader global trend rejecting separatist rhetoric in favour of peace and stronger ties with India. This movement marks a new chapter for the Sikh community, focused on unity and progress.
04-Sep-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a statement, condemned the construction of a pandal replicating the Golden Temple for Ganpati Utsav in Pune, Maharashtra, stating that it hurts Sikh sentiments. Dhami emphasized that Harmandar Sahib cannot be replicated and called for greater awareness of Sikh traditions. The SGPC is sending a team to investigate the matter.
04-Sep-2024
On September 4, the anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib was celebrated with traditional fervour in Amritsar, Punjab. A grand 'nagar kirtan' procession marked the occasion, commemorating the completion of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and its first installation at the Golden Temple.
04-Sep-2024
Ladhowal police on September 4 arrested two individuals, Deedar Singh and Chandan Sharma, and seized 15 grams of heroin, a weighing scale, and their car near Talwandi Kalan village in Ludhiana West, Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
Sahnewal police on September 4 arrested an individual, Kishan Kumar, and seized 43,000 tablets of banned Tramadol and Clovidol 100, along with a Mahindra Bolero, near Kanech village in Ludhiana East, Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
Amritsar (Rural) police on September 4 arrested five individuals, Gurinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Sumandeep Singh, and Sharanpreet, busting a gang that extorted large sums from traders, commission agents, and others by posing as gangsters, and seized INR 1.50 lakh extorted from a local registered medical practitioner, along with a bike and an SUV, near Bhinder village in Amritsar district.
03-Sep-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on September 3 arrested two drug peddlers, Uttampal Singh and Navtej Singh, and seized 506 grams of heroin smuggled from Pakistan via drones, near Muhawa village in Amritsar district. The suspects were apprehended after a police patrol chased them, and their motorcycle slipped, leading to the recovery of the heroin.
03-Sep-2024
According to sources, Indian officials suspect that some young temporary residents from India are participating in pro-Khalistan protests in Canada to bolster their refugee claims. They believe several youths have been taking selfies at separatist rallies, following advice from immigration firms that are using the "Khalistan card" to file asylum requests. Recent protests have also honoured militants like Dilawar Babbar, raising further concerns amid a surge in asylum claims from Indian nationals.
03-Sep-2024
According to sources, with Sukhbir Singh Badal declared 'tankhaiya' by Sikh high priests, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has welcomed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh's call for restraint regarding politically motivated statements on the issue under religious consideration. The SAD has urged its leaders and spokespersons to adhere to these directions and avoid public debates on the matter.
03-Sep-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate on September 3 arrested Kannu Gujjar, a key associate of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and seized eight pistols, 55 live cartridges, and eight magazines from his possession after an encounter near Hamilton Tower on 66ft Road in Jalandhar district. Gujjar confessed that the gang was planning a major crime and attempted to escape custody by firing at the police before being shot and injured.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested an individual, identified as Baljit Singh and seized 5,500 intoxicating tablets from his possession, near Balluana village in Abohar in Fazilka district.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Ankit and Amandeep Singh, and seized 60 grams of heroin from their possession in Jalandhar, Jalandhar district.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Gagandeep Singh and seized 60 grams of heroin from his possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Ruldu and seized 10 grams of heroin from his possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
02-Sep-2024
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently postponed the release of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency, citing concerns over religious sentiments and sensitive content. Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), objected to the film's portrayal of Khalistani separatist and militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. They argued that the film could incite communal tensions and misrepresent the Sikh community, leading to a delay in certification.
02-Sep-2024
The Akal Takht, the highest Sikh authority, declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal "tankhaiya" for violating the Sikh religious code during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister from 2007 to 2017. Badal was summoned to appear before the Akal Takht for atonement. Although he accepted the ruling, he remains SAD president, and his refusal to resign could further damage his political standing. Historically, being declared "tankhaiya" has had a negative impact on the political careers of Sikh leaders.
02-Sep-2024
On September 3, a woman from a well-off family was found dead from a drug overdose in Dakoha, Jalandhar district, Punjab. Her partner, also an addict, had died the previous day, on September 2.
01-Sep-2024
On September 1, Sukhraj Singh, son of one of the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing victims, announced his independent candidacy for the Gidderbaha assembly bypoll in Gidderbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Singh, whose father was killed during a protest against a sacrilege incident, criticized successive governments for failing to deliver justice and expressed his intent to hold them accountable directly in the assembly.
01-Sep-2024
Sanam Sutirath Wazi, the author of the recently released book The Kaurs of 1984, discussed the significance of documenting the overlooked experiences of Sikh women during the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom in an interview with The Hindu. Wazi emphasized the need to capture personal accounts as vital components of our collective history, especially as firsthand witnesses are dwindling. His book highlights the resilience and activism of Sikh women, challenging dominant narratives and advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive historical account of the tragedy.
01-Sep-2024
A Sikh organization has filed a public interest litigation at the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur, seeking a ban on the release of Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency. The organization alleges that the film infringes on the Sikh community's fundamental rights. The petition is scheduled to be heard by a division bench on September 2.
01-Sep-2024
On September 1, Sikh organizations staged a protest in Kotkapura, Faridkot district, Punjab, demanding action on longstanding sacrilege and police firing cases. The protestors called for the prosecution of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim and the return of the Behbal Kalan case to the Faridkot court. Families of victims from the 2015 Behbal Kalan firing criticized both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments for neglecting these issues after coming to power.
01-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 1 intercepted a drone and seized a packet of heroin weighing 536 grams from the premises of Radha Swami Satsang, near Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a Chinese-made DJI MAVIC 3 Classic model.
01-Sep-2024
The Amritsar rural police on September 1 busted a trans-border drug and weapon smuggling module with the arrest of cross-border trafficker Ravinder Singh, seizing three pistols from his possession in Daoke village, Amritsar district. Singh revealed his involvement with Arshdeep Singh and a Pakistan-based drug peddler known as 'Chacha.' Further investigations are underway to track down Arshdeep and assess the extent of their smuggling activities.
01-Sep-2024
Police on September 1 arrested four individuals identified as Sunil Kumar and his wife Jaswinder, Mohan Lal and Sunita, and seized 37 grams of heroin along with a car and a bike from their possession in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
01-Sep-2024
Police, on September 1, arrested nine members from two different gangs and seized 11 stolen or snatched bikes, along with numerous sharp-edged weapons, from their possession in Jalandhar, Jalandhar district
31-Aug-2024
On August 31, a letter from the Akal Takht went viral on social media, directing 17 former Akali ministers to provide clarifications regarding alleged "sins" along with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal. While Sukhbir submitted his clarification on the same day, the other ministers have been instructed to appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days. The Sikh clergy declared Sukhbir "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct), holding the ministers equally accountable.
31-Aug-2024
Patti Sadar Police on August 31 arrested two motorcycle-borne individuals, identified as Jaspal Singh and Gurbhej Singh and seized 245 grams of heroin from their possession from near Talwandi Mehar Singh Wali village in Tarn Taran district.
31-Aug-2024
The Ferozepur police on August 31 conducted a search operation and seized 1.28 kg of heroin from Bare ke village in Ferozepur district.
31-Aug-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of the Ferozepur police on August 31 arrested four individuals identified as Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh, Paramjit Singh alias Pamma, and Surjit Singh, and seized 20 grams of heroin along with INR 14.80 lakh in drug money from their possession at a naka (checkpoint) in Zira, Ferozepur district.
31-Aug-2024
On August 31, a day after being declared "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct) by Sikh high priests, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal, Daljit Singh Cheema, Guljar Singh Ranike, and Sharanjit Singh Dhillon appeared before the Akal Takht, seeking atonement for their actions during their government's tenure from 2007 to 2017. The leaders submitted individual apology letters, which were accepted, and now await the high priests' decision on the religious punishment.
31-Aug-2024
On August 31, the presidium of the Akali Dal reform movement, formed by Akali rebels, demanded the immediate resignation of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal following his declaration as "tankhaiya" (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht. They argued that an individual with this designation could neither hold any position, participate in social functions, nor engage in religious activities until he completed his punishment and was readmitted. The presidium also resolved to advocate for Punjab's rights, the release of Bandi Singhs, and securing river waters and grants from the Centre.
31-Aug-2024
The police on August 31 destroyed large quantities of drugs seized from various peddlers in 16 cases—728 grams of heroin, 2.45 kg of sulfa, 40 habit-forming tablets, and 102 kg of poppy husk—at Nabha Paper Mill, under the supervision of a Drug Disposal Committee, in Malerkotla district, Punjab.
30-Aug-2024
On August 30, a clash occurred between security guards assigned to Balkaur Singh, father of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, at his residence in Moosa village, Mansa district, Punjab. Gurdeep Singh, a police commando, sustained a severe head injury during the altercation and was treated at Mansa Civil Hospital. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
30-Aug-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 30 conducted a raid at the residence of Sukhwinder Kaur, general secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU-Krantikari), in Rampura Phul, Bathinda district. The raid, carried out under tight security, is part of an investigation into alleged links between some farmer leaders and separatist elements. Although Sukhwinder was not present, the operation has been condemned by farm leaders as an attempt to intimidate those involved in the farmers' movement.
30-Aug-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 30 conducted searches in connection with the death of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Bagga in Punjab. The searches, carried out at two locations linked to suspects facilitating logistics for the accused, yielded several digital devices and incriminating materials.
30-Aug-2024
On August 30, five high priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, convened in Amritsar to discuss death row prisoner Balwant Singh Rajoana’s request for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to withdraw the mercy petition filed for his commutation. The petition, pending for 12 years despite Rajoana's three-decade imprisonment, was reviewed as the high priests called for Sikh intellectuals and organizations to submit their views to help form a consolidated opinion on the matter.
30-Aug-2024
The Wahabwala Police on August 30 seized assets worth INR 56.5 lakh from three drug smugglers—Swaran Singh, Nitin Kumar, and Rahul Kumar Pinnia—across two villages, Himmatpura and Dhani Sitto Gunno, in Fazilka district, Punjab. Property worth approximately INR 20 lakh, including a house, a pickup vehicle, and a motorcycle, was seized from Swaran Singh; INR 15.3 lakh worth of property, including a residential house and a motorcycle, was seized from Nitin Kumar in Himmatpura village; and property worth INR 21.03 lakh, including a residential house and a motorcycle, was seized from Rahul Kumar Pinnia in Dhani Sitto Gunno village.
30-Aug-2024
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently conducted searches as part of a money-laundering probe into international drug smuggler Jasmeet Hakimzada and discovered secret bank lockers containing 1.06 kg of unaccounted gold and 370 grams of diamond ornaments. Hakimzada, linked to the banned Khalistani terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), is accused of operating a global narco-terror network, smuggling drugs, and laundering money through front companies in India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
30-Aug-2024
A Delhi court on August 30 ordered the framing of charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, which resulted in the deaths of three people in New Delhi. The court found sufficient grounds to proceed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including abetment to murder, rioting, promoting enmity between groups, and mischief by fire.
30-Aug-2024
The Akal Takht on August 30 declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal a ‘tankhaiya’ (sinner) for decisions that harmed the Sikh community's interests and the image of the SAD. Badal was held accountable for not addressing incidents of sacrilege in 2015 and for making controversial appointments during his tenure. The Akal Takht has instructed him to atone for his religious misconduct before the Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh community; otherwise, he will continue to be considered a sinner in the Sikh religion.
30-Aug-2024
A local court on August 30 sentenced eight drug peddlers—Gurpreet Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Jasvir Singh, Amit Uppal, Shubham Bhalla, Baljeet Singh, Harpreet Singh, and Jaswinder Singh Grewal—to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment each for possessing 1.2 lakh Tramadol capsules, in Ludhiana district. The court also imposed fines of INR 3 lakh on six convicts and INR 1.5 lakh on two, with additional imprisonment for non-payment. The case was filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 2019.
29-Aug-2024
Police on August 29 arrested notorious drug smuggler and member of the Kannu Gujjar gang, Naveen Kumar alias Kaka, and seized 1 kg of heroin from his possession in Lajpat Nagar, Jalandhar district. His two accomplices, identified as Vikram alias Nihang Baba and Kali, escaped after a violent gunfight with the police. The suspects are believed to be connected to an international drug network with links to Pakistan. Police are actively pursuing leads to capture the remaining fugitives.
29-Aug-2024
According to sources at the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the ED recently conducted searches as part of a money-laundering probe into an international drug smuggler identified as Jasmeet Hakimzada, who has ties to the banned Khalistani terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). The searches were carried out across Delhi, Amritsar, and Jalandhar in Punjab, Mumbai and Solapur in Maharashtra, and Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Jasmeet is accused of running a global narco-terror network, smuggling drugs and laundering money across several countries. His operation reportedly involved his parents and multiple front companies in India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
29-Aug-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on August 29 claimed responsibility for writing pro-Khalistan slogans targeting the late Chief Minister Beant Singh's family in Doraha, Ludhiana district, Punjab. The slogans were found on Beant Singh's statue as well as at the railway station and bus stand. This incident occurred just two days before Beant Singh's death anniversary on August 31.
29-Aug-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on August 29 took possession of the swaroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib that were returned by the police in Doha, Qatar. The scriptures were transported in accordance with Sikh traditions to Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Gurbaksh Singh within the Golden Temple complex.
29-Aug-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on August 29 announced via the social media site X the appointment of senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder as the party's working president, ahead of a meeting of Sikh high priests in Amritsar to discuss key 'Panthic issues.'