KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
04-Aug-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal reorganized the party’s core committee on August 4 in Chandigarh, amidst dissent from a rebel faction advocating for reforms under the Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar (SAD-SL). The newly constituted 23-member core committee includes Harjinder Singh Dhami, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Naresh Gujral, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Daljit Singh Cheema, and Bikram Singh Majithia, among others.
04-Aug-2024
Pro-Khalistan graffiti was discovered on the walls of a government girls' school in Goriwala village, Dabwali, Sirsa district, Haryana, on August 4. A worker alerted the village sarpanch, who then informed the police. The graffiti was promptly removed by Dabwali police, who also found a liquor bottle and sharp-edged weapons at the scene. An investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the suspects.
03-Aug-2024
On August 3, Dal Khalsa announced plans to hold a 'Freedom March' on August 13 in Hoshiarpur to mark its 46th foundation day. The march will honour Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Canada last year, and Dal Khalsa founder Gajinder Singh Khalsa, a Khalistani terrorist who recently passed away in Lahore, Pakistan.
03-Aug-2024
On August 3, several Sikh activists—Parminder Pal Singh Khalsa of the Sikh Sewak Society International (SSSI), Santokh Singh of the Bhai Gurdas Institute of Advanced Sikh Studies, and Harsimran Singh, Prof. Balwinder Singh, and Baljit Singh of the Sikh Missionary College—appealed to the Akal Takht to convene a Sikh convention before making any decisions regarding the crisis within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Amritsar, Punjab. They recommended forming a Panthic council led by the Akal Takht to address the issues.
03-Aug-2024
According to sources, the Indian Government has established an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal to review the extension of the ban on the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), following a Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) notification that declared SFJ an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and extended the ban for an additional five years from July 10, 2024.
03-Aug-2024
Punjab Police on August 3 launched a special operation, OPS Seal-VII, to enhance security ahead of Independence Day in Punjab. The operation included thorough checks of all vehicles entering and exiting the state, focusing on monitoring drug traffickers, bootleggers, and other anti-social elements. The Police reported that over 1,100 personnel had established coordinated checkpoints at 91 entry and exit points across 10 border districts.
03-Aug-2024
Kapurthala police on August 3 arrested four Special Task Force (STF) personnel—Sub-Inspector Salvister Masih, Constable Gurvinder Singh, Constable Sham Masih, and Head Constable Major Singh—on the orders of the High Court in Kapurthala district. The arrests are related to allegations that these personnel fabricated a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) case in 2019.
03-Aug-2024
Recent government data indicate that Pakistan-based terrorists are shifting tactics, with a significant increase in drug trafficking cases in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). In 2023, over 2,400 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in J&K, up from nearly 1,660 in 2022. Officials report that Punjab has emerged as a new route for arms supply and infiltration, as terrorists adapt their methods and routes. Previously, Punjab was primarily used for drug trafficking, with local criminals aiding in smuggling operations from Pakistan.
02-Aug-2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Jalandhar Member of Parliament (MP) Sushil Rinku met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on August 2, requesting that the Adampur airport be named after Guru Ravidas. Rinku reminded Shah of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise made during a May 30 rally regarding the airport renaming. He also briefed Shah on the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, including issues such as robbery and gang violence, as well as the ongoing development work in Jalandhar district.
02-Aug-2024
According to sources, the Indian government has requested the social media platform X to block the accounts of Mocha Bezirgan and Journalist V, who have been actively critiquing and addressing pro-Khalistan propaganda in Canada. The removal demand, based on India's Information Technology Act, 2000, is effective in India, although the accounts remain accessible elsewhere.
02-Aug-2024
Faridkot Member of Parliament (MP) Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Tarsem Singh, father of radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, announced a Panthic conference focusing on key Sikh issues, including alleged government atrocities and the release of Sikh political prisoners, to be held on August 19 at Baba Bakala in Amritsar district, Punjab. They also called for the withdrawal of the National Security Act (NSA) from Sikh prisoners, including Amritpal, and criticized the state government's handling of sacrilege cases.
01-Aug-2024
Gurpartap Singh Wadala, convener of the rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) group, dismissed concerns about the return of terrorism in an interview with The Tribune, stating that there is no demand for Khalistan in Punjab. He attributed the recent victory of condemned radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh to a leadership vacuum in the state. Wadala criticized the current SAD leadership for not addressing Punjab's issues and suggested that while the slogan of Khalistan may resonate with some Sikhs abroad, it does not reflect the broader sentiment in Punjab. He also condemned Amritpal’s actions at the Ajnala police station but acknowledged his efforts against drug abuse.
01-Aug-2024
The Muktsar police on August 1 arrested two unidentified persons who attempted to extort INR 20 lakh from Dr. Bansal, who runs a hospital in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab. The arrests followed a complaint from Dr. Bansal about an extortion call he received on July 28, demanding the payment or facing severe consequences.
01-Aug-2024
Police on August 1 arrested a criminal identified as Puneet Singh alias Gola and recovered a .32 bore pistol from his possession following a brief encounter in Sanour, Patiala district, Punjab. Gola, who had opened fire on the police, sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was admitted to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala. He was previously wanted in 15 criminal cases, including murder and attempted murder.
01-Aug-2024
Amritsar City Police on August 1 busted a cross-border smuggling network, arresting one drug smuggler identified as Gurmej Singh, and seizing 3.5 kg of heroin, INR 1 lakh in drug money, and a motorcycle from his possession near Ghanupur Kale Road in the Chheharta area of Amritsar district. According to the police, Singh was in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers who were using drones for drug transport. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.
31-Jul-2024
On July 31, Faridkot Member of Parliament (MP) Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, while addressing the crowd in Gidderbaha, Muktsar district, urged the public to register as voters for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections before the deadline and to prepare for the polls.
31-Jul-2024
On July 31, a religious ceremony was held at the Gurdwara Chief Khalsa Diwan-run Central Khalsa Orphanage in Amritsar to mark the martyrdom day of Shaheed Udham Singh, who spent 12 years there. Vice-President of Chief Khalsa Diwan, Jagjit Singh, highlighted the orphanage's role in shaping Singh's character and encouraged children to draw inspiration from his life.
31-Jul-2024
According to reports, the recent directive from the five Sikh high priests and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to use either basanti (xanthic) or surmai (navy blue) cloth for the Nishan Sahib has been well received by many within the Sikh community. Despite this, some dissenting voices, including figures like Amrik Singh Ajnala and Banta Singh, have expressed reservations. The move has sparked a debate over adherence to the Sikh Rehat Maryada and the historical use of kesri (saffron).
31-Jul-2024
According to sources, YouTube has blocked access in India to the ABC TV documentary titled Infiltrating Australia – India’s Secret War, based on an order from India's Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). This documentary, part of ABC’s Four Corners series, alleges that Indian intelligence agencies have targeted members of the Indian diaspora in Australia, particularly Sikh activists.
31-Jul-2024
On July 31, following the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) expulsion of eight rebel leaders, including Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Dhindsa rejected the move, arguing that only the party's working committee has the authority to expel members and that those expelled are loyalists of the Sikh Panth and the Akali Dal. Dhindsa, along with other senior leaders, also revealed plans to call a meeting to restructure the party. SAD senior leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder countered that Dhindsa does not have the authority to halt the disciplinary proceedings.
31-Jul-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 31 scheduled a hearing for August 28 regarding radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh’s challenge against the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) imposed on him. Singh, currently detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, argued that his prolonged detention is illegal and a violation of his right to life and liberty, claiming the detention, based largely on social media posts, is unjust and serves only to punish him for his political dissent. The court has also requested fresh replies from the state and Union governments on the legality of the detention order.
30-Jul-2024
On July 31, the Punjab and Haryana High Court is set to hear the challenge by radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh against the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) imposed on him.
30-Jul-2024
A Mohali court on July 30 convicted 17 individuals, including former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and international wrestler Jagdish Bhola in a money laundering and drug trafficking case in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Bhola received a 10-year prison sentence and a INR 50,000 fine, with additional jail time if the fine remains unpaid. His associates, including family members, received sentences ranging from three to 10 years. The court's decision follows a decade-long investigation into a multi-crore drug racket involving extensive money laundering and property seizures. Bhola, previously convicted in a separate case, was a key figure in a major drug trafficking network.
30-Jul-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) of the Punjab Police on July 30 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Sahil and Rajveer, and seized 353 grams of heroin at a checkpoint near Curo Mall in Jalandhar district. The arrested individuals are in custody for further interrogation, with investigations into their connections and intended recipients ongoing.
30-Jul-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation, on July 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Raj Singh alias Kala and Ramesh Singh, alias Meshu, and recovered 3.597 kg of heroin and a Pakistani drone (hexacopter) from fields near Bareke village in Ferozepur district. The heroin was reportedly smuggled from Pakistan using the drone.
30-Jul-2024
The rebel Akalis organized their first political program under the banner of Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar (SAD-SL) to mark the death anniversary of former SAD chief Jathedar Mohan Singh Tur in Tur village in Khadur in Tarn Taran district on July 30. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, the convener of SAD-SL, announced plans for another program on the 100th birth anniversary of former SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra, and a function on August 20 to commemorate Sant Harchand Singh Longowal in Longowal village, Sangrur district, Punjab.
29-Jul-2024
Slain Khalistani terrorist Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, a member of the Khalistani terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), was among those honored at an annual Shaheedi Samagam hosted at Gurdwara Sahib in Budh Singh Wala village, Moga district, on July 29.
29-Jul-2024
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on July 29 destroyed 119 kg of heroin and 21.455 kg of other narcotics at Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection Limited in Dera Bassi, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAAS) Nagar district.
28-Jul-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on July 28 dismantled an international narcotic network and arrested eight individuals identified as Jagroop Singh, Bhavjot Singh, Ravinder Singh, Anil Gupta, Bikramjit Singh, Tarsem Singh, Sumit Chole, and Pratap Singh and seized 100 grams of heroin, a 32-bore pistol, two live cartridges, 106,860 narcotics tablets, 4,320 capsules, and a car from their possession in Jalandhar district. The investigation revealed a network involving drug manufacturing in Gujarat and distribution through Agra and Amritsar, with potential international links. Further investigations are ongoing.
28-Jul-2024
Last week, an anti-drug committee in Gurusar village in Gidderbaha Muktsar district, achieved notable success by securing affidavits from four villagers promising to stop drug use and distribution, and admitting two addicts to a de-addiction centre. The committee, composed mainly of youth, actively shares drug-related information with the police, conducts community policing, and monitors suspicious activity. They have also pledged not to support families of those caught selling drugs and encourage other villages to form similar committees.
28-Jul-2024
The counter-intelligence (CI) wing of the Punjab Police on July 28 arrested two operatives of foreign-based drug modules being run by notorious drug traffickers Gurjant Singh alias Bholu, and Kinderbir Singh alias Sunny Dyal, identified as Dilbagh Singh and Kamaldeep Singh, and seized INR 1.07 crore drug money, along with a cash counting machine, two mobile phones and a car from their possession, near Fatehgarh Churian road in Amritsar in Amritsar district. Intelligence revealed that the money, collected via hawala, was being sent to Bholu and Dyal, who are involved in drug trafficking and illegal weapon distribution. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover additional links in the network.
28-Jul-2024
Police on July 28 arrested one individual identified as Baldev Singh for selling intoxicating pills to labourers, and seized 230 banned capsules from his possession, in Chuhriwala Dhanna village in Fazilka district.
28-Jul-2024
Police on July 28 arrested one individual identified as Jeevan Singh alias Kaka and seized 30 banned capsules (pregabalin) from his possession, in Patti Sadiq village in Abohar in Fazilka district.
28-Jul-2024
Sikhs protested after a police officer allegedly called a Sikh commuter a "terrorist" in Palia, Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh (UP), on July 28. The demonstration ended after senior officials promised action against the officer, Vivek Kumar Upadhyay, and a thorough investigation.
27-Jul-2024
Member of Parliament (MP) from Faridkot, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, stated on July 27 at the Gurudwara Reru Sahib in Sahnewal, Ludhiana district, that he is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 28 to demand the release of radical Khalistani preacher and jailed MP, Amritpal Singh.
27-Jul-2024
According to sources in intelligence agencies, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is allegedly collaborating with the Khalistani terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra. The plot reportedly includes targeting pilgrims using Punjab's gangster networks and radical groups. Additionally, there are concerns about potential attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and Hindu figures in Punjab and Delhi.
27-Jul-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on July 27 arrested a Pakistani intruder identified as Nasrullah and seized a wallet, pen drive, identity card, mobile phone, and some Pakistani currency from his possession near Ratankhurd village in Ajnala, Amritsar district. After initial questioning, he was handed over to the police for further investigation.
27-Jul-2024
Batala police on July 27 arrested gangster Malkit Singh after a car chase and shootout near Kahnuwan Road in Batala, Gurdaspur district. Singh, who was involved in a shooting incident at a jeweller's shop on July 26, was spotted by a patrol party and subsequently arrested.
27-Jul-2024
In a joint operation on July 27, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police arrested two unidentified individuals and seized a packet containing 540 grams of heroin along with one pistol, a magazine and five bullets from their possession, in Agwan village in Gurdaspur district.
26-Jul-2024
Police on July 26 arrested two accomplices of a drug peddler, identified as Pawan Kumar and Dilpreet Singh, and seized INR 12 lakh in drug money from their possession in Amritsar, Amritsar district. Earlier, on July 23, the police had arrested Sukhdev Singh, alias Manga, and seized 567 grams of heroin from his possession.
26-Jul-2024
Bathinda police launched ‘Mission Nigraani,’ an initiative aimed at engaging village chowkidars with local police stations in about 70 drug-affected villages in Bathinda district. This initiative aims to revive the traditional role of chowkidars in intelligence gathering and community policing, providing them with uniforms and tools to aid their participation.
25-Jul-2024
Spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing the media in New Delhi on July 25, criticized Canada's response to threats against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, highlighting a perceived double standard in handling threats from pro-Khalistan elements against Indian leaders. Jaiswal called for equivalent action against threats targeting Indian diplomats and institutions, condemning the recent vandalism of a temple in Edmonton, Canada, and urging Canadian authorities to address the rising incidents of extremism and violence to uphold the rule of law and respect for pluralism.
25-Jul-2024
The Congress party distanced itself from remarks made by Member of Parliament (MP) Charanjit Singh Channi on July 25 regarding radical Khalistani preacher and jailed MP Amritpal Singh, where he criticized Amritpal’s arrest under the National Security Act (NSA) as an ‘undeclared emergency’ by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government during a Lok Sabha session in New Delhi. Congress labelled Charanjit’s views as his personal views and not representative of the party's stance.
25-Jul-2024
In Punjab, a civilian movement against drugs has gained momentum, with 2,439 villages passing resolutions to fight the drug menace. This initiative, supported by the Punjab Police, follows a spate of drug-related deaths in the state. Banners and community meetings are being organized in villages to discourage drug use and report suspects to authorities. The state's Health Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, noted that around 10 lakh people in Punjab are addicted, with a significant number using heroin.
25-Jul-2024
A court on July 25 granted bail to Harpreet Singh Happy, the brother of radical Khalitani preacher and jailed Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh in Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
25-Jul-2024
An anti-narcotics cell team of the police on July 25 recovered 220 kg of poppy husk from a canter in Abohar, Fazilka district. The police revealed that the canter had entered Abohar from Sadulshahar in Rajasthan.
25-Jul-2024
The Police on July 25 arrested four individuals, identified as Dimple Kumar, Sukhbir Singh, Gurbalraj Singh alias Fauji, and Arshdeep alias Arsh Singh, and seized 525 grams of heroin from their possession in Panjawa Mandal village in Abohar in Fazilka district.
25-Jul-2024
The Mohali Police on July 25 arrested three members of an armed robbery gang, identified as Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi, Gurpreet Singh and Balkaran Singh, and seized one pistol, two cartridges, five mobile phones, two motorcycles along with other stolen items, from their possession, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
25-Jul-2024
Police on July 25 arrested an active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Dinesh Singh Rawat, in Gopalganj in Gopalganj district in Bihar. This follows the July 21 arrest of two other gang members, Shantanu Shivam and Kamal Rawat, at the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh (UP) border, where authorities seized Austrian pistols. Rawat, identified during their interrogation, was arrested with the assistance of Rajasthan police and admitted his gang affiliation.
25-Jul-2024
Member of Parliament (MP) Charanjit Singh Channi on July 25 caused controversy by expressing support for radical Khalistani preacher and MP Amritpal Singh, currently imprisoned under the National Security Act (NSA), during a Lok Sabha speech in New Delhi. This remark stirred significant political tension. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Channi's remarks, calling it an attack on India's integrity and questioning Congress's stance on Khalistan sympathizers. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla demanded the Congress clarify its position on Amritpal Singh. The Congress distanced itself from Channi's views, clarifying they do not reflect the party's stance.