KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
06-Jun-2023
Two accused, Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amrik Singh, allegedly associated with Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) operative Arshdeep Dhalla, were sent to judicial custody till July 4 by Patiala House Court in Delhi on June 6 after their NIA custody ended. They were involved in an extortion racket to raise funds for the banned outfit.
06-Jun-2023
Police on June 6 busted an interstate gang involved in drug trade with the arrest of four persons and recovery of INR 7 lakh in drug money, 2.34 lakh intoxicating tablets and 330 vials and a car from them in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The arrested individuals were identified as Naveen Kumar, Tajinder Pal alias Bawa, Rajinder Pal, and Karnail Singh alias Kelly. Another member of the gang who is at large, was identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Sukhdarshan Singh.
06-Jun-2023
The 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, called as Ghallughara Divas, was relatively subdued compared to previous years. Police deployment helped maintain peace, while the Akal Takht officiating Jathedar called for unity among Sikh sects and emphasized the importance of strengthening Sikh institutions.
06-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 6, detained two Pakistani nationals near Tarn Taran sector in Tarn Taran district who crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable except personal belongings and Pakistani currency amounting to Rs 1,000 was recovered from them. Later, on June 6, around 1 am, they were handed over to the Pakistan side on humanitarian grounds.
06-Jun-2023
In response to the plea made by various Sikh organizations to express their discontent regarding the lack of justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, known as Ghallughara Divas, a complete shutdown was observed in Amritsar on June 6.
06-Jun-2023
The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on June 6 expressed concern over Sikh conversions to Christianity in rural Punjab. He gave a call to all Sikh organisation to join hands to work towards strengthening the religion, especially in rural belts.
06-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 6 arrested Gagandeep Singh alias Miti, a close aide of two foreign-based operatives of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Canada-based Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala and Philippines-based Manpreet Singh alias Peeta from an undisclosed place during raids in Haryana and Punjab. Gagandeep Singh was involved in supporting their smuggling of weapons from across the border and participating in an extortion racket to raise funds for the KTF.
05-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel successfully intercepted and shot down a Pakistani drone that was carrying narcotics across the Attari-Wagah border and recovered 3.2 kg of heroin in the early hours of June 5 in Amritsar district. The drone violated Indian airspace and was promptly taken down by alert BSF personnel.
05-Jun-2023
A 26-year-old man identified as Shubham Sidhu alias Ganju of Ambedkar Colony, arrested for drug possession died in Ludhiana Central Jail under mysterious circumstances after being in custody for nine days on June 5.
05-Jun-2023
Dal Khalsa, a radical Sikh outfit, organized a "remembrance parade" on the eve of the Operation Blue Star anniversary (June 1984) in Amritsar on June 5. The march started from Burj Akali Phoola Singh and culminated at Darbar Sahib. The march included Khalistani flags and images depicting the damaged Akal Takht and Sikh fighters. The group also called for a shutdown in Amritsar on June 6, which they declared as Khalistan Day.
05-Jun-2023
Elder brother of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Harjit Singh Rode, revealed in an interview conducted some time ago, to The Statesman, that Bhindranwale never advocated for Khalistan, contrary to popular belief. Rode explains that Bhindranwale's primary goal was the implementation of the Anandpur Sahib resolution, which called for greater autonomy for Punjab. He clarifies that Bhindranwale wanted Punjab to have control over various subjects while remaining part of India.
05-Jun-2023
Investigations by security agencies have uncovered the use of foreign-based associates by Khalistani terrorists and gangsters in Punjab to evade direct communication and connect with each other. Pro-Khalistani activists are utilizing virtual numbers, temporary mails, and IPs based in Pakistan and the US to spread propaganda through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Twitter has emerged as a preferred tool for Khalistan propaganda, with tweets originating from India, Pakistan, and elsewhere following incidents like the Ludhiana court blast. Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp are also being used, along with the use of virtual numbers and VPNs to hide digital footprints.
04-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a Pakistani drone and seized 3.2 kg of heroin attached to it from near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district on June 4. The smugglers were using a black coloured quadcopter, DJI Matrice 300-RTK.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a tragic event in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is being used by certain political entities to further their own agendas, disregarding the solemnity of the occasion. Instead of reflecting on the loss and pain caused by the operation, some radical Sikh bodies and political parties like Simranjit Singh Mann-led Shiromani Akali Dal (A) and Dal Khalsa are promoting separatist ideologies, instilling fear and hindering the healing process. Their actions undermine the true spirit of remembrance and reconciliation that this anniversary should embody.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, night domination operations conducted by the Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Indo-Pak border have proven effective in thwarting cross-border drug trafficking and smuggling of contraband. In a recent joint operation, 5.2 kg of heroin was seized in the intervening night between June 3 and 4. The operations cover a stretch of approximately 100km, involving five police stations and patrols led by officers. Patrolling teams led by a gazetted officer and two SHOs monitor the area 2-5 km inside the border fence. Village defence committees and vigilant community members also play a crucial role in alerting the police about suspicious activities, including drone movements and subsequent arrests of persons who come to collect the drone consignments.
03-Jun-2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 3 held a meeting with senior members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to discuss various issues related to the Sikh body. The SGPC delegation raised concerns about the functioning of gurdwaras and requested the inclusion of gurdwaras under the management of the SGPC board. They argued that such inclusion would help streamline the management of gurdwaras.
03-Jun-2023
Former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Bibi Jagir Kaur on June 3 announced the formation of the Shiromani Akali Panth Board to free panthik institutions from the dominance of a single family, without explicitly naming Sukhbir Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The Panth Board aims to contest SGPC elections, make it an autonomous body, and ensure the appointment of the Akal Takht jathedar. Kaur criticized the SAD's control over the SGPC, expressed concerns about its decline, and highlighted the need to protect Sikh heritage and release Sikh prisoners.
03-Jun-2023
Ludhiana police, along with Border Security Force (BSF) and railway police, on June 3 conducted intensive checking at the city railway station during the 'Ghallughara Week' (Operation Bluestar anniversary) for heightened vigilance. Led by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police (ADCP) Rupinder Kaur Sran, police teams checked passengers' belongings, verified ID proofs, and frisked suspicious individuals.
03-Jun-2023
Khanna police conducted surprise checks at various locations to curb the movement of anti-social elements in Ludhiana district. Instructions were issued to prevent the display of anti-national graffiti, flags, or posters on government buildings or public places.
03-Jun-2023
Following the incident of a Khalistan flag being hoisted at the Moga bus stand, increased security measures were implemented in Ahmedgarh in Sangrur district. Ahmedgarh Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Davinder Sandhu said beat officers have been advised to remain more vigilant.