KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
18-Feb-2025
Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego, on February 18, confirmed that nearly 300 migrants from countries including India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan are being held in a hotel under police guard after being deported under United States (US) President Donald Trump’s policy. The migrants, many of whom refuse to return to their home countries, displayed messages pleading for help from their windows. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino announced the arrival of the first deportation flights on February 15 as part of an agreement where the US funds the operation while Panama serves as a transit country.
18-Feb-2025
Data accessed by The Print reveals a 579% surge in refugee status applications by Indians in New Zealand over the past two years, making India the top country for asylum claims. Experts warn of widespread misuse, with many applicants allegedly citing religious persecution to extend their stay. A similar trend is evident in Canada, where asylum claims have crossed 100,000, triggering calls for stricter regulations.
26-Dec-2024
On December 26, during the first day of the Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), clashes erupted outside the stadium as Indian fans confronted Khalistani supporters. The altercation was triggered by the Khalistani activists' anti-India slogans and alleged desecration of the Indian national flag. The protestors were seen waving Khalistani flags and chanting slogans, leading Victoria Police to step in and disperse the group. Indian fans expressed their disapproval, dismissing the protesters as a small group with no genuine connection to Punjab.
19-Dec-2024
Russia on December 19 denied claims made by the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and condemned SFJ’s call to “track” diplomats, equating it to planning a terror attack. Russia urged Global Affairs Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to strengthen security for its missions. SFJ had alleged that Russia provided signal intelligence to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and hacked Nijjar’s Telegram account.
24-Nov-2024
On November 24, Khalistani activists and Kashmiri separatists held a joint protest, condemning the alleged genocide of Sikhs in India since 1984, in Paris, France. The protestors called for justice and freedom, accusing India of human rights violations against both Sikhs and Kashmiris. They also urged international intervention to address these issues.
18-Nov-2024
On November 18, New Zealand’s foreign ministry, in a statement to WION, reaffirmed its recognition of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the Khalistani referendum organized by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Auckland on November 17.
17-Nov-2024
On November 17, the Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organized a "referendum" advocating for an independent Khalistan at Aotea Square in Auckland, New Zealand. SFJ claimed that 37,000 Sikhs participated in the event. Despite India's objections, New Zealand defended the referendum as an exercise in free expression.
17-Nov-2024
On November 17, a viral video captured a New Zealand man confronting pro-Khalistan supporters in Auckland, urging them to "go back to your country" and criticizing their display of the Khalistan flag. The incident took place during a contentious Khalistan referendum, which was marked by heavy police presence and videos showing participants wielding swords.
15-Nov-2024
Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on November 15 stated that she remains in contact with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding inquiries into the arrest of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, while speaking to the media at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Annual Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru.
12-Nov-2024
According to sources, New Zealand authorities and community leaders have raised concerns over Khalistani extremist groups organizing another Khalistan Referendum event on November 17 in Auckland. The previous event on October 31 featured alarming displays glorifying the 1984 assassination of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, escalating fears of potential unrest.
09-Nov-2024
Australia Today founder and editor-in-chief Jitarth Jai Bhardwaj, in an interview with ANI, condemned the Canadian government's decision to block the outlet's social media, calling it a "murder of press freedom." This action followed Australia Today's broadcast of a press conference featuring External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during which he criticised Canada for providing political space to anti-India elements. Bhardwaj emphasized that his outlet, known for covering issues affecting the Indian diaspora, has faced threats from Khalistani extremists but remains committed to reporting on the rights and challenges of Hindu Canadians amidst ongoing concerns about community safety and temple attacks.
08-Nov-2024
Australian media outlet The Australia Today on November 8 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an open and inclusive media landscape despite being blocked by Canada for airing a press conference featuring Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The outlet condemned the move as a violation of free speech and expressed gratitude to its supporters during this challenging time. The incident followed Jaishankar's official visit to Australia, where he addressed rising diplomatic tensions with Canada.
06-Nov-2024
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on November 6, during a meeting with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters in Canberra, Australia, raised concerns over a planned non-binding "referendum" in Auckland by the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), advocating for the creation of Khalistan.
05-Nov-2024
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in Canberra on November 5, expressed concerns over allegations of India's involvement in targeting Sikh activists in Canada. Wong reiterated Australia's commitment to respecting the sovereignty and judicial processes of both nations.
05-Nov-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, in Canberra, Australia, on November 5, expressed serious concerns over the recent targeting of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, by pro-Khalistan separatists. He criticized Canada for providing "political space" to extremist forces.
02-Nov-2024
In the past week in Auckland, New Zealand, thousands gathered under the Khalistan Movement banner to protest the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, drawing attention to the human rights violations and loss of lives during that tragic period. Demonstrators held Khalistan flags, chanted against the Indian government, and tore the Indian flag in dissent, with leaders at the rally calling for the establishment of Khalistan.
01-Nov-2024
On November 1, a pro-Khalistan protest in Auckland, New Zealand, saw a minimal turnout, with fewer than 30 attendees from the country’s 75,000-strong Sikh community. Community leaders attributed the low support to the patriotic sentiments of the Indian diaspora, who largely reject the separatist agenda. While the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) raised concerns about foreign elements promoting Khalistani ideology, the government emphasized free speech rights but assured law enforcement oversight.
31-Oct-2024
New Zealand's recent ambivalence toward pro-Khalistan activities, including an October 19 rally led by Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Pannun, raises questions about its diplomatic consistency, particularly as it seeks to strengthen ties with India. The rally featured hate speech and desecration of the Indian flag, highlighting a tension between New Zealand's commitment to free speech and the geopolitical imperative of fostering positive relations with India, which designates Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist organization. As New Zealand navigates this complex landscape, it faces the challenge of balancing free expression with preventing separatist activities from jeopardizing international partnerships.
31-Oct-2024
Sources report that a proposed non-binding referendum for an independent Khalistan in India is under review by the New Zealand government as members of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Pannun, intensify efforts to hold the poll in Auckland on November 17. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its support for freedom of speech while also recognizing India’s sovereignty, amid rising concerns from local Indian associations about the referendum’s potential impact on diplomatic relations between New Zealand and India.
30-Oct-2024
Former New Zealand National Party Member of Parliament (MP) Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi expressed concerns about an upcoming Khalistan referendum organized by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in Auckland, New Zealand. Bakshi warned that such events could strain New Zealand-India relations, emphasizing that the referendum does not reflect the views of the broader Sikh community, which is focused on integrating into New Zealand society while maintaining cultural ties with India.