KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
23-May-2023
The special task force (STF) of Punjab Police on May 23 arrested a wanted accused, identified as Lakbhir Singh alias Lakha along with a Chinese-made drone, 1.6 kg of heroin, a pistol, and a rifle in Amritsar. Lakbhir Singh confessed to smuggling drugs and weapons and revealed his connections with Pakistani smugglers. The drone was used for bringing goods from Pakistan.
23-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on May 23 left for London to investigate a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian High Commission on March 19. One staffer was allegedly attacked and the mission's property was damaged in the incident. The Indian government raised concerns about the misuse of UK's asylum status by pro-Khalistan elements during the India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue. The NIA team will gather CCTV footage, examine the crime scene, and record statements from senior officials. The attack is believed to have a terror link involving Pakistan's ISI, prompting the transfer of the case from Delhi Police to NIA.
23-May-2023
According to reports, in an attempt to disrupt the G20 Summit in Srinagar, Pakistani terror outfits, pro-Khalistan entities, and Canadian leaders were found to be creating anti-India sentiments to influence global leaders. The United Jihad Council (UJC) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) held a meeting, led by Syed Salahuddin and Hizbul Mujahideen leaders, to highlight the "Kashmir issue" before the international community. Separatist leaders and Pakistan-based lobbyists used social media platforms and fake accounts to shape global opinion. Pro-Khalistan entities in the UK and Canada also aimed to exert political pressure against the summit. Despite these efforts, the stringent security measures in place have prevented any reported incidents.
23-May-2023
Charge sheet was filed against Amritpal Singh's associates, in a case against Amritpal Singh, by Khilchian Police in the Baba Bakala court in Amritsar district on May 23. The next court appearance for the individuals is scheduled for May 29.
23-May-2023
For the first time in the last 10 years, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) has not sent any visa requests to the Pakistan embassy for Jathas that visit the neighbouring country to observe the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of Sikhs. Pakistan has been denying visas to SGPC-planned jathas due to a dispute over the Nanakshahi calendar. The SGPC observes the martyrdom day according to the amended calendar, while the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee follows the 2003 version.
23-May-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on May 23 announced that open tenders will be called for the telecast of 'gurbani' (sacred hymns) from the Golden Temple. This comes in response to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's criticism of exclusive rights being granted to one TV channel for the telecast. Dhami stated that a five-member committee has been formed to decide the terms and conditions of the telecast.
23-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 23 offered INR 10 lakh reward for Kashmir Singh Galwaddi, a suspected associate of Canada-based gangster Arshdeep Singh Dhalla. Galwaddi is accused of involvement in terrorist activities and has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA has also released two photos of Kashmir Singh.
23-May-2023
On May 23, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a fifth Pakistani drone on the Punjab border in the last four days. These drones were found to have alleged narcotics attached to them
23-May-2023
The Special Task Force (STF) on May 23 arrested a drug and arms smuggler, identified as Lakhbir Singh alias Lakha along with a drone, 1.6 kg of heroin, and weapons in Amritsar district. Lakhbir Singh is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Ludhiana court blast case.
23-May-2023
Pro-Khalistan leader and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief, Amritpal Singh, along with his nine associates, was interrogated by National Security Agency (NSA) officers in Dibrugarh jail, Assam on May 23. Singh has been in custody since April 23 after being arrested in Punjab. The NSA officers questioned Singh and his associates separately for more than two hours.
22-May-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on May 22 revealed his top 10 targets and future plans to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), aiding them in preventing potential murders, robberies, and extortion cases. Bishnoi disclosed his involvement in college politics and admitted to killing several individuals over the past decade. His targets included Bollywood actor Salman Khan, Sidhu Moosewala's manager, and various rival gang members. The NIA also discovered Bishnoi's extortion activities while imprisoned in Bharatpur and Faridkot jails, spanning across Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Delhi.
22-May-2023
Gurdeep Singh Khera, a former militant and terror convict, was admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, Punjab, after experiencing severe chest pain on May 22. Khera has been in jail since 1990 under the TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) and is serving a life sentence in two cases.
22-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 22 revealed that it suspects Lawrence Bishnoi's gun may have been used in the killing of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother. Bishnoi confessed to targeting Bollywood actor Salman Khan and Sidhu Moosewala's manager as part of his plan.
22-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 22 shot down a Pakistani drone carrying drugs and recovered 3.3 kg of heroin near border in Amritsar in Punjab. The incident occurred during an operation conducted by the BSF troops, resulting in the successful interception and destruction of the drone.
22-May-2023
Gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a prime accused in the killing of Punjab singer Sidhu Moose Wala, was granted 7-day remand, in relation to a drug case, by a local court in Amritsar on May 22.
22-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a Pakistani drone and recovered 2 kg of heroin near Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on May 22.
20-May-2023
The Khanna police on May 20 busted an illegal weapons supply racket and arrested four members of the Pavitar-Husandeep gang and Darman Kahlon gang in Khanna in Ludhiana district. Police also recovered eight illegal weapons of 32 bore along with 14 magazines, five bullets and a car from them. The arrested individuals were identified as Hardev Singh alias Dev, Ravinderpal Singh, Dharampreet Singh alias Mota and Manpreet Singh alias Manna.
20-May-2023
A threatening letter has emerged in Bathinda in Bathinda district, indicating the possibility of a series of blasts on June 7. The letter, written in red ink and titled "Mission Khalistan," claims that the recent blasts in Amritsar were merely a preview. It states that at least 10 blasts will occur in Bathinda, targeting various locations such as the Fort, Jassi, railway station, SSP office at the mini secretariat, Bathinda jail, Adesh Hospital, ITI bridge, Mittal Mall, new car parking, and Nirankari Bhawan. The letter suggests that drones or remote-controlled devices will be used for these attacks, emphasizing that it will result in destruction. The letter concludes by stating that only the Almighty can save Bathinda since neither the military nor the police can prevent the blasts.
20-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 20 arrested Yudhvir Singh, an aide of Lawrence Bishnoi, for his involvement in smuggling weapons across the border for gangsters and criminals to carry out terrorist activities. The arrest is part of a case related to a conspiracy aimed at raising funds and recruiting individuals for terrorist activities in Delhi and other parts of the country. Yudhvir Singh was on the run and had been charged along with 14 others in March.
20-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 20 issued Look Out Circular (LOC) and non-bailable arrest warrants for three Khalistani sympathizers and gangsters involved in terror-related activities across India. The wanted individuals, Amrik Singh, Harjot Singh, and Mandeep Singh, have been traced to the Philippines and United States (US). The NIA is also searching for three more individuals connected to Khalistani organizations. These absconders are believed to be collaborating with local contacts to carry out their activities. Recent raids have uncovered the joint operations of gangsters, Khalistani sympathizers, and drug traffickers, both within jails and abroad.