KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Kamla and Jagiro, and seized 5 grams of heroin from their possession in Goraya, Jalandhar district. Kamla was initially arrested on August 11 and, during interrogation, revealed that she obtained the heroin from Jagiro, who was subsequently arrested on August 12. Both individuals have prior drug-related criminal records and are facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with further investigations underway to uncover their connections to larger trafficking networks.
12-Aug-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar (SAD-A) and Dal Khalsa are set to participate in protests in Hoshiarpur on August 13 and Tarn Taran on August 15, against the central government’s alleged injustices towards Sikhs. Dal Khalsa's 'Freedom March' on August 13 will commemorate Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Dal Khalsa founder Gajinder Singh. Both parties plan to mobilize hundreds of activists for these demonstrations.
12-Aug-2024
In the past week, twenty Afghan Sikhs have been granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, in New Delhi. This marks progress for many who had been living in India on long-term visas or awaiting citizenship under the 1955 Act. The CAA, which eases the citizenship process for non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, has accelerated approvals by removing state government involvement. Over 400 Afghan Sikhs have applied through a camp set up to assist with the new process.
12-Aug-2024
Punjab Police on August 12 arrested Mukul Mishra, a suspect wanted in the murder of Nangal-based Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Bagga, in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Bagga was shot dead on April 13, 2024, by two assailants, and Mishra is accused of facilitating the payment for the weapons used in the crime. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is overseeing the case, and Mishra is also wanted in another criminal case in Ludhiana.
12-Aug-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya, a critic of the Trudeau government’s stance on pro-Khalistani elements, met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on August 12 in New Delhi. Arya highlighted the importance of the Canada-India relationship and urged for stronger action against extremist activities in Canada. Jaishankar has previously criticized Canada for accommodating individuals advocating violence and terrorism against India.
11-Aug-2024
On August 11, an individual identified as Gajinder Singh died from a drug overdose in Bathinda, Punjab. The police arrested four suspects, identified as Gurdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Kamaljit Kaur, and Ranjit Kaur, in connection with the case.
11-Aug-2024
Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, expressed condolences on August 11 over the death of Paramjit Singh Khalsa, a senior leader of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) and a supporter of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during his Dharam Yudh Morcha.
11-Aug-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on August 11 arrested an individual identified as Joban Singh alias Dhillon and seized 500 grams of heroin and 1.16 kg of opium from his possession in Gharinda village in Amritsar district. The arrest followed a tip-off about Dhillon's involvement in large-scale drug smuggling.
11-Aug-2024
The Khuikhera police on August 11 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Karandeep Singh Karni, and seized 1,350 pregabalin capsules (300 mg each) and a stolen bike from his possession in Khuikhera village, Abohar in Fazilka district. According to the police, Karni was using the unnumbered stolen bike for his operations.
10-Aug-2024
Ludhiana Police on August 10 arrested an individual identified as Sunny alias Rambo and seized 153 grams of heroin from his possession in Himmat Singh Nagar in Ludhiana district. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered, and the police plan to obtain his remand to further investigate and dismantle the drug supply chain.
10-Aug-2024
According to a senior police official investigating the Landa gang and its operations, Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa remains a major threat, actively extorting money and supplying arms and drugs across Punjab. Despite the arrest of his brother Tarsem Singh and numerous raids, Landa, who operates the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), continues to evade capture with support from both international and local accomplices. With a substantial reward offered for information on his whereabouts, the police are intensifying efforts to dismantle his network.
10-Aug-2024
Tarsem Singh, brother of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, was recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his role in the RPG attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in 2022. Singh, linked to banned Khalistani terror groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), and Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), was found to have facilitated terror funding and logistics for these attacks. His arrest followed a red corner notice issued by Interpol and a non-bailable warrant from an NIA special court.
10-Aug-2024
On August 10, in a joint operation with central agencies, Punjab Police arrested Simranjot Singh Sandhu, an international drug smuggler and the kingpin of the 487 kg cocaine smuggling case, in Bhaloor village, Moga district. Sandhu played a significant role in drug trafficking between India, Europe, and South America, smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and hashish. After being sentenced in Germany in 2022, he fled to Dubai and then to India, evading arrest across multiple locations, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan.
09-Aug-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 9 successfully extradited Tarsem Singh, the brother of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa and a key Pro-Khalistan Element (PKE) associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to New Delhi. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the NIA and Interpol, facilitated the return. Singh, wanted for his involvement in rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks and terror funding, had an Interpol Red Notice issued against him. He is linked to major terror networks and faces charges related to smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and funding terrorist activities in India. Singh's extradition is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and organized crime linked to Khalistan movements.
09-Aug-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on August 9 dismissed a plea challenging the election of jailed radical Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab. The petitioner argued that Singh, who had stated he did not owe allegiance to the Constitution of India, was not qualified under Article 84 of the Constitution. The Court advised the petitioner to pursue an election petition and noted that Singh's eligibility was subject to procedural and evidential considerations.
09-Aug-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on August 9 changed the color of the Nishan Sahib in the Golden Temple complex from kesri to basanti, in accordance with an edict from the Akal Takht. This decision followed a resolution by Sikh clergy to align with the Panth Parwanit Sikh Rehat Maryada, which permits either basanti or surmai colours.
09-Aug-2024
A recent video featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has raised significant concern by suggesting that India is the next target for balkanization following political unrest in Bangladesh. Pannun's comments, which align with narratives historically promoted by Pakistan, highlight a broader agenda to destabilize India through internal fragmentation. This rhetoric, reflecting both historical and contemporary attempts to weaken India, underscores the need for vigilance and a unified response from the Indian government and civil society to counter such divisive propaganda.
09-Aug-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier Chief Inspector General (IG) Atul Fulzele on August 9, while speaking to reporters in Jalandhar district, announced significant security enhancements along the Punjab-Jammu border, including increased manpower and extensive CCTV coverage. This move follows a surge in terrorist activities in Jammu, which has resulted in numerous casualties. He also stated that the BSF is addressing the rising issue of cross-border smuggling via drones, focusing on tracing and intercepting these unmanned aerial vehicles, and that a heightened security alert has been issued ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
09-Aug-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) is offering International English Language Testing System (IELTS) coaching to 50 youngsters from five villages on the Indo-Pak border in Punjab to help steer them away from drug abuse. This initiative, part of the 'Vibrant Village Program,' provides free coaching and transport, targeting youth from landless farming families. Funded by Union government resources, the BSF plans to start a second course for those with degrees or diplomas. Over half of the initial participants were girls, and three successfully passed the exam.
09-Aug-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier Chief Inspector General (IG) Atul Fulzele, while speaking to reporters in Jalandhar on August 9, reported that the latest drones from Pakistan are smaller, can fly up to 1 km high, and are harder to detect. He also revealed that these new drones, identified as Chinese Mavic models, have a reduced payload capacity and are almost silent. Since January 1, the BSF has seized 137 drones, 28 weapons, and over 160 kg of heroin.
09-Aug-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 9 successfully arrested Tarsem Singh, the brother of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, and a key Pro-Khalistan Element (PKE) associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), after his extradition from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to New Delhi. Singh, linked to terror funding and criminal activities, was arrested following a red corner notice and a non-bailable warrant. This arrest marks a significant step in the NIA's ongoing efforts against various proscribed terrorist organizations operating in India.
09-Aug-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) team of Jalandhar (Rural) police on August 9 uncovered an inter-state opium racket and arrested three individuals, identified as Usma Khan, Junaid Ansari Ahmid, and Adarsh Kumar, seizing 2 kg of opium from their possession in Lambra village in Jalandhar district. According to the police, the suspects are linked to a broader network operating between Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh (UP), with the seized opium intended for further distribution.
08-Aug-2024
Punjab Police’s Special Task Force (STF) on August 8 froze 24 bank accounts linked to Drug Inspector Shishan Mittal, totaling INR 6.69 crore, during raids at eight locations, including Bathinda, Maur Mandi, Gidderbaha, Mohali, Chandigarh, and Fatehabad (Haryana). The raids uncovered cash, foreign currency, and assets such as flats and plots. Mittal, implicated in drug smuggling and money laundering, has not yet been formally arrested, and investigations into his connections with drug networks and financial irregularities are ongoing.
08-Aug-2024
During a joint search operation on August 8, Border Security Force (BSF) troops and Punjab Police recovered 473 grams of heroin wrapped in yellow and black adhesive tape from fields near Kalia village in Tarn Taran district.
08-Aug-2024
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed on August 8 that approximately 1.92 lakh devotees from India visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor over the past three years, in response to a question by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) in New Delhi. The number of visitors increased from 10,025 in 2021 to 96,555 in 2023. Despite the corridor's high expectations and initial acclaim, issues such as Pakistan's imposition of a USD 20 fee and India's mandatory passport requirement have hindered its potential, resulting in fewer pilgrims visiting than anticipated.
08-Aug-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, recently released a video in which he threatened Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding that he should not hoist the Indian flag on Independence Day (August 15). Pannun also offered a reward of USD 500,000 to anyone who prevents Mann from raising the tricolour and condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He vowed to incite violence against Indian embassies worldwide—from Vancouver and Washington DC to Melbourne—and urged supporters to burn the tricolour as a symbolic act against Indian rule and in support of Khalistan. He also stated that Punjab is not part of India and claimed that August 15 is not a day of independence for Sikhs or Punjab.
08-Aug-2024
According to reports, the Akal Takht has recently become a refuge for rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders seeking to regain Sikh support after a series of electoral defeats. Amid controversies surrounding the SAD's handling of blasphemy and sacrilege cases, party president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders have apologized for past missteps. This crisis highlights the SAD's struggle to distance itself from its controversial past and restore its spiritual and political credibility within the Sikh community, as it faces diminished influence and increasing radicalization in Punjab.
07-Aug-2024
Ferozepur Police on August 7 arrested two drug smugglers, including a woman identified as Simran Kaur alias Indu Bala, and Gurjot Singh, and seized 6.65 kg of heroin and INR 6 lakh in drug money at a checkpoint near Old Mudki Road in Bagha Purana village, Ferozepur district. Simran, who has a history of 15 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Prisons Act, was previously involved in a high-profile sex scandal. The police intercepted the duo with the drugs, reportedly dropped by a Pakistani drone, and have initiated proceedings to forfeit their illegally acquired property.
07-Aug-2024
On August 7, the 13-member presidium of the dissident Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faction, led by Gurpartap Singh Wadala, called on the global Sikh community for input and guidance. They sought advice on overcoming the party's current challenges and restoring its role as a prominent advocate for the Sikh community.
07-Aug-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has scheduled a meeting of the five high priests on August 30 at the Akal Takht secretariat in Amritsar, Punjab. The meeting will address and decide on the clarifications submitted by the presidents of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
07-Aug-2024
Punjab Police on August 7 conducted a large-scale cordon and search operation (CASO) code-named 'Eagle V,' targeting drug hotspots across all 28 police districts in Punjab. The operation resulted in 61 First Information Reports (FIRs), 82 arrests, and the seizure of 270g of heroin, 74kg of poppy husk, 2kg of ganja, 1,868 intoxicant tablets, and a large quantity of illicit and licit liquor and lahan.
07-Aug-2024
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab State Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on August 7 demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following revelations that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's interviews were conducted while he was in police custody in Punjab, in Chandigarh. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) report submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court revealed that Bishnoi's first interview took place in Kharar, Punjab, while he was in the custody of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA).
07-Aug-2024
Delhi Police on August 7 held an interstate coordination meeting with law enforcement agencies from neighbouring states and central agencies, focusing on sharing intelligence regarding potential terror threats and implementing anti-terror measures, including border checks and the verification of suspicious individuals, ahead of Independence Day in New Delhi. Delhi Police also intensified security measures by posting images of terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda and Khalistan throughout the city, seeking public assistance in their capture with assurances of confidentiality and rewards. This effort aims to heighten public awareness and aid in identifying these individuals.
07-Aug-2024
The Delhi Police on August 7 identified eleven gangs involved in a recent surge of extortion calls, threats, shootings, and killings in the national capital region during an interstate meeting at the Delhi Police headquarters in New Delhi. The identified gangs are: Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, Himanshu Bhau gang, Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu gang, Manjeet Mahal gang, Jitender Gogi-Sampat Nehra gang, Kaushal Chaudhary gang, Neeraj Faridpuria gang, Neeraj Bawana gang, Sunil Tillu gang, Hashim Baba gang, and Irfan alias Chhenu gang.
06-Aug-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann on August 6 announced the installation of around 3,000 AI-enabled cameras at the borders to combat smuggling and modernize policing, with INR 45 crore already sanctioned for this purpose, at a function held at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, Jalandhar district. He also revealed plans to recruit 10,000 additional police officers and highlighted recent achievements, including the closure of 19 toll plazas and the provision of hi-tech vehicles to Station House Officers (SHOs).
06-Aug-2024
After Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s apology letter to the Akal Takht was made public on August 5, politicians and experts, including Giani Kewal Singh, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, and Prof. Paramvir Singh from Punjabi University, Patiala, criticized Badal's apology as vague and politically motivated.
06-Aug-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary Bhai Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad met with Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar district on August 6. Peer Mohammad praised the Jathedar's initiative to form watch committees for protecting Sri Guru Granth Sahib and installing CCTV cameras. He also commended the preservation of the Nishan Sahib's ancient color and expressed gratitude for the commitment to Sikh traditions and values.
06-Aug-2024
Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing, Ravneet Singh Bittu, on August 6, expressed grave concern in a letter to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar over recent attacks on Sikh shrines and Hindu temples in Bangladesh. Bittu urged Jaishankar to engage with Bangladeshi authorities to address these issues, emphasizing the need for immediate protection of significant Sikh sites like Gurdwara Nanak Shahi and Gurdwara Sangat Tola in Dhaka. He highlighted the historical importance of these shrines and called for assurances to the Sikh and Hindu communities in Bangladesh regarding their safety.
06-Aug-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on August 6 criticized Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal's call for 'unconditional forgiveness' over the 2015 sacrilege incidents, stating that apologies are for mistakes, not crimes. While addressing a gathering at a State Van Mahotsav event in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Mann also asserted that his government is gathering new evidence on the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib and vowed that those found guilty will face exemplary punishment. He emphasized that crimes require justice, not mere apologies.
06-Aug-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) reported neutralizing a Pakistani intruder and apprehending 24 individuals in response to increased infiltration attempts across the Punjab sector as of July 31 this year. Of those detained, 12 were handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation, while the remaining 12 were turned over to Pakistan Rangers. The BSF also highlighted the growing security threat from drones, having seized 134 drones used for smuggling and confiscated 164 kilograms of heroin, with 46 smugglers arrested by July 31, 2024.
05-Aug-2024
Police on August 5 arrested three individuals identified as Manpreet Singh, Harshdeep Singh, and Manpreet Singh, and seized 402 grams of heroin and a car from their possession in Bathinda district. The suspects revealed they had sourced the heroin from Tarn Taran and intended to distribute it in various villages.
05-Aug-2024
According to Pakistani media, a recent debate erupted on social media about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) alleged posting of officers in Thailand to monitor Sikh dissidents. Reports suggest that rogue elements within India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) are targeting Sikh activists abroad. Concerns have also been raised by the Canadian government, complicating diplomatic relations. The Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate Sikh homeland, continues to be influential, particularly within the Sikh diaspora. These allegations underscore ongoing tensions surrounding Sikh activism and international human rights.
05-Aug-2024
On August 5, Akal Takht, the supreme Sikh temporal authority, made public the apology letter submitted by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on July 24. In his letter, Badal offered an unconditional apology for the allegations made against him by a rebel faction of the party, expressing his acceptance of any decision by the Akal Takht.
05-Aug-2024
Acting on information from the Crime Investigation Department (CID), a joint team from the health department and police arrested a medical store owner, Rajat Gaba, and seized 5,270 banned tablets, 260 capsules, abortion kits, and INR 10.61 lakh in drug money from his house in Faridkot district on August 5.
05-Aug-2024
Punjab Police on August 5 busted a cross-border smuggling module with the arrest of Rajwant Singh, alias Raju, an operative of Pakistan-based smuggler Rana Dyal, and seized two sophisticated 9mm Glock pistols, along with two magazines and a motorcycle, from his possession near Khurmanian Morh in Khur Manian village, Amritsar district.
05-Aug-2024
Amid heightened security for Independence Day, Punjab Police conducted cordon and search operations (CASO) at district and sub-divisional courts across Punjab on August 5. Following directives from Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the checks, conducted between 11 am and 2 pm, involved frisking 1,421 suspicious individuals and inspecting 1,850 parked vehicles, resulting in 62 challans and one impounded vehicle. Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla emphasized the need for operational metal detectors and CCTV cameras, and urged increased police patrolling around vulnerable areas.
05-Aug-2024
A City-1 police team arrested an individual identified as Sonu on August 5 and seized 1,300 Pregabalin capsules from his possession near the new grain market in Abohar, Fazilka district. According to the police, Sonu was illegally distributing tablets to daily-wage labourers while posing as a medical practitioner.
05-Aug-2024
On August 5, an individual identified as Sunil Singh died from a drug overdose in Gurusar Jaga village, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district. The police arrested a suspect, identified as Mani Singh, for providing drugs to the deceased.
04-Aug-2024
On August 4, an individual identified as Mandeep Singh died from a drug overdose near Tarkhan Wala village in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district. Another individual, identified as Jagdev, was arrested in connection with the case.
04-Aug-2024
The emergence of the drug 'Ice' (methamphetamine) signals a significant shift in Punjab’s drug market, highlighted by the recent arrest of Harpreet Singh, elder brother of radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, for allegedly possessing and consuming crystal methamphetamine. The rise in Ice usage is linked to a decline in heroin supplies following the Taliban's ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan. Punjab Police have reported a dramatic increase in Ice seizures, from 0.54 kg in 2023 to 16.9 kg in 2024, while heroin recoveries have decreased. This trend is raising concerns among de-addiction specialists about its potential impact on addiction patterns and public health.