KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
21-Jun-2023
Punjab Police on June 21, arrested two individuals, Gurpreet Singh alias Gora alias Armaan Chauhan and Rohit Singh, for their involvement in a cross-border smuggling module and seized two .30 bore pistols along with 10 cartridges from their possession in Mohali. According to State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Mohali Ashwani Kapur, this module was backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
21-Jun-2023
According to reports, several Khalistani terrorists in countries such as the United States (US), Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and Pakistan have gone into hiding following the murders of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, and the suspicious death of Avatar Singh Khanda. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who leads the Khalistan Referendum campaign from the US, has been in hiding since Nijjar's murder. The two individuals were closely linked and had jointly initiated the campaign across different nations. Pannun's lack of communication regarding recent events has left pro-Khalistani organizations uncertain, while speculations regarding the potential role of Indian agencies in these deaths have sparked fear among wanted Khalistani terrorists and Punjab gangsters residing living abroad.
21-Jun-2023
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh said on June 21 that Punjab is considering decriminalizing the possession and use of small quantities of illicit drugs to shift the focus towards treatment and rehabilitation instead of mandatory incarceration. The proposed policy aims to treat drug addicts as patients rather than criminals by sending them to de-addiction centers for treatment and rehabilitation instead of imprisoning them.
20-Jun-2023
A controversial row has arisen in Punjab since June 20, regarding the broadcast of gurbani, the sacred hymns recited in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab and televised to millions of homes. The issue stems from the Punjab Assembly passing a bill allowing free broadcast of gurbani on all platforms, which is seen as an attempt to break the monopoly held by the private channel PTC, in which Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has a stake.
20-Jun-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in a video released on June 20 accused Indian intelligence agencies, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RA&W), of orchestrating the execution of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Pannun alleged that Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing was orchestrated on the orders of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, holding his associates, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, responsible for the crime. Pannun argued that while SFJ pursues liberation through peaceful means, India has resorted to violence, and he further warned that Modi, Shah, and Doval may face international justice for ordering the killing of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.
20-Jun-2023
Punjab government has proposed the establishment of a National Security Guard (NSG) hub in the state to counter cross-border terror, drug trafficking, and drone attacks. The government has sought 103 acres of land in Pathankot district for the proposed hub, citing concerns over frequent border trespass by drones from Pakistan, cross-border shipment of drugs and weapons, and attempts to fuel Khalistani terrorism in the region. The NSG, an anti-terrorism unit under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), is known for its expertise in handling emergency situations. The proposed NSG hub in Pathankot aims to strengthen border security and provide rapid response capabilities.
20-Jun-2023
According to reports, recent deaths and mysterious circumstances surrounding Khalistani terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, and Avtar Singh Khanda have dealt a blow to Khalistani propaganda. However, the threat of Khalistani terrorism remains as young individuals, lured by support from the ISI and other outfits, continue to join their ranks. The new guard includes operatives like Harvinder Singh Rinda, Arshdeep Dalla, and Goldy Brar, while the old guard comprises individuals like Lakhbir Singh Rode and Gurmeet Singh Bagga. Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia remain key locations for Khalistani operatives.
20-Jun-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on June 20 rejected the Sikh Gurdwara (Amendment) Bill,2023, which aimed to ensure free telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Dhami stated that the bill would not be allowed to be implemented at any cost and described it as an unconstitutional interference in Gurudwara management.
20-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has shifted its focus to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief, following the deaths of Avtar Singh Khanda and Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Pannun, who is believed to be hiding in the United States (US), has been missing for two days. The NIA is intensifying efforts to locate him.
20-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on June 20 arrested four persons and seized 2 kg of heroin valued at Rs 10 crore in Abohar in Fazilka district. The incident occurred when a BSF team detected the sound of a drone and pursued it. The drone crashed due to a technical issue and was subsequently seized.
20-Jun-2023
A controversy erupted when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on June 20, made gestures mimicking the opening and tying of a beard, seemingly referring to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal's beard in the State Assembly. The comment has sparked demands for an apology from Mann, as it is perceived as an insult to the sacred symbol of the Sikh faith.
19-Jun-2023
Police arrested a close associate of slain gangster Mandeep Singh alias Toofan, identified as Harjinder Singh alias Ladi from his home in Khakh village in Tarn Taran district on June 19. Police also seized a .32 bore pistol from his possession. Harjinder Singh, also known as Ladi, was previously out on bail in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
19-Jun-2023
A day after Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in Canada, on June 19, Twitter was abuzz with claims that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is missing for over 48 hours following the recent killings of Khalistani terrorists. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a top leader of the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF), was shot dead in Canada on June 18, while Paramjit Singh Panjwar of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) was killed in Pakistan on May 6. Avtar Singh Khanda, a pro-Khalistani leader involved in plotting an assault on the Indian Embassy, passed away in the United Kingdom (UK) on June 15. The decline in the size and influence of Khalistani terror organizations has been attributed to these recent eliminations. India has been actively seeking action against these groups in the UK, Canada, and the United States (US).
19-Jun-2023
According to reports, the recent killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18, has delivered a significant blow to pro-Khalistan individuals, following the recent deaths of Avtar Singh Khanda, leader of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), and Paramjit Singh Panjwar, leader of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF). Additionally, in March, Amritpal Singh was arrested. With the demise of the top three prominent Khalistani leaders and the arrest of Amritpal, attention has now turned towards Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is being closely watched, reports said.
19-Jun-2023
In a recent development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Punjab Police have detected several cases where opium is being transported from Punjab to the USA and Canada using courier services. The smugglers employ innovative methods such as concealing the drugs in clothing items like jeans, coats, traditional wear, and lengas by stitching them or using carbon paper. Additionally, opium is hidden inside eatables like ladoos and chyawanprash, which are then sent to these countries. According to sources, unemployed individuals involved in various businesses in Punjab are procuring opium at low prices from Jharkhand. They then sell it in Ludhiana, Punjab, at around Rs 3 lakh per kilogram. The NCB has reported six cases, which led to the Punjab Police being alerted about four similar incidents.
18-Jun-2023
India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on June 18, on a podcast The Ranveer Show expressed his frustration when India is not given the respect it deserves. Jaishankar accused the UK government of failing to meet security obligations and emphasized the importance of providing security to diplomats.
18-Jun-2023
The Punjab government, on June 18 declared its plans to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 to allow free transmission rights of Gurbani from the Golden Temple. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced the decision in a tweet, stating that it aligns with the demand of devotees and aims to disseminate Gurbani globally.
18-Jun-2023
The new Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, will assume office on June 22 in a ceremony organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The event, called Sewa Sambhal Samagam, aims to ensure a smooth transition of power and will adhere to Sikh rehat maryada.
18-Jun-2023
The Ludhiana Police on June 18 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Deepak Kumar alias Bunty, and Ravi Kumar and recovered 120-gram heroin from them in Ludhiana district.
18-Jun-2023
The police arrested five persons, identified as Naresh Kalia, Sonu, Jaswinder Singh Jassi, Sukhdev Singh, Sonu and recovered a total of 29 gm heroin from their possession in Abohar, Fazilka district on June 18.