KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
16-Jul-2023
According to reports, the rise of the Khalistan movement in Australia is causing alarm due to recent activities, such as the 'Kill India' rally organized by the Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which led to clashes and vandalism in Australia. While some Australian politicians have expressed support for the movement, the Australian government's silence on threats against Indian diplomats raises concerns about diplomatic relations. Priority should be given to ensuring the safety of Australian citizens and diplomats, as well as maintaining a healthy relationship with India, by taking significant steps to address the escalating Khalistan activities, the report said.
15-Jul-2023
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Indian diplomats in Canada, given the threats posed by pro-Khalistan elements. Following their second meeting, Minister Jaishankar tweeted, “Discussed the Indo-Pacific and our economic cooperation. Underlined the importance of ensuring the security of our diplomats. And the need to firmly combat incitement to violence.” Minister Melanie Joly also reiterated Canada's strong commitment to upholding its obligations under the Vienna Convention to ensure the safety of diplomats.
14-Jul-2023
A 23-year-old Indian student was attacked by Khalistani supporters with iron rods on Rupert Street in Merrylands in Sydney, Australia, on July 14. The injured Indian student reported the incident to the New South Wales (NSW) Police, who then escorted him to Westmead Hospital in Sydney. The victim was allegedly targeted for expressing opposition to Khalistani extremist activities. The attackers, chanting "Khalistan Zindabad," launched a surprise assault on him as he was entering his vehicle, beating him and recording the incident.
08-Jul-2023
The pro-Khalistani protest held outside the Indian Consulate in St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia on July 8 witnessed a significantly low turnout. During the protest, Khalistani supporters engaged in physical pushing and verbal abuse directed toward Jai Bharadwaj, the editor of The Australia Today. The protesters aimed to intimidate Bharadwaj, who had been covering their propaganda protest. Disturbing posters featuring India's top diplomats were widely circulated, raising concerns about the safety of Indian officials.
08-Jul-2023
According to intelligence sources, India had raised concerns over threats to its diplomats in the Khalistan posters that were being circulated. According to sources at Australia Today, the Indian Consulate in Melbourne had two separate briefings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officials regarding the threats received.
08-Jul-2023
Khalistani protestors on July 8 burned and desecrated the Indian national flag, the Tiranga, in Rome, Italy. Videos circulating on social media showed the flags being burned, along with an incident where a pro-India man was assaulted by a Khalistani radical while attempting to retrieve the flag. Khalistan flags were prominently displayed during a 'Kill India' rally.
05-Jul-2023
Interpol, on July 5, updated its website and issued red corner notices (global arrest warrants) against two gangsters, Vikramjit Singh based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kapil Sangwan based in the United Kingdom (UK). Singh is associated with gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi and acts as a link between Bishnoi's gang and Khalistani terrorists. Sangwan runs his own gang in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) and is suspected of ordering the killing of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi Kisan Morcha leader Surendra Matiala. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found that the gangs send money generated through extortion to Canada, the United States (US), Dubai, Thailand, and Australia for the use of their operatives abroad and for supporting pro-Khalistan elements. The NIA has established a close association between these criminal gangs and Khalistani groups, posing a challenge to security forces due to their shared resources and involvement in illicit activities.
04-Jul-2023
According to a report by Australia Today, on July 4, a new poster was circulating on social media, released by the banned terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), targeting Indian High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra and Consul General Sushil Kumar in Melbourne, Australia. The poster accuses Indian diplomats in Australia of being the "killers" of a wanted Khalistani terrorist and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was recently killed in Canada. The Indian government strongly condemned the targeting of Indian diplomats in Australia and is actively engaged with Australian officials on the matter.
04-Jul-2023
The spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia on July 4 emphasized in a statement that the Australian government, in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention, is committed to ensuring the security of foreign missions and their staff. The statement further emphasized that hate speech, violence, and threats of violence will not be tolerated in Australia, and any threat against accredited officials will be thoroughly investigated.
04-Jul-2023
According to reports, Khalistani terrorists have established a new operational base in Portugal, adding to their existing bases in the United States (US), Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK). This development is seen as part of a larger conspiracy against India, with the aim of carrying out acts of terrorism. Reports indicate that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has provided illegal weapons from Portugal to criminals in Punjab, India facilitating criminal activities in India. Details regarding this network came to light after an unidentified person from Ferozepur, Punjab was apprehended along with weapons, including an AK-47, an MP-5 submachine gun, hand grenades and a pistol, in Portugal recently.
11-Jun-2023
On June 11 some members of the Indian diaspora were attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters amidst a peaceful car rally organized by the group called Australian Hindu Association in Griffith, Australia. As per reports, Khalistan goons wielded swords and damaged the cars.
11-Jun-2023
A Tiranga (Indian national flag) rally by Australian Hindus was attacked by sword-wielding Khalistanis near Clifton Boulevard, Griffith, on June 11. According to sources, attackers smashed the cars of the Tiranaga rally, shattered their windscreens, side windows and rear-view mirrors and dented the rear doors with swords and heavy metal rods. However, the police took away their flags and questioned their intentions. Later, the Australian Hindus Association (AHA) criticized state-owned media, accusing them of whitewashing pro-Khalistan activities and ignoring the concerns of the Hindu community.
04-Jun-2023
According to Pakistani news reports, over 31,000 participated in the Khalistan Referendum held in Sydney, Australia on June 4. The referendum was organized to commemorate the anniversary of 1984 Operation Blue Star.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, Sikh-Hindu tensions escalated in Sydney following a contentious "referendum" for an independent Khalistan on June 4 in Minchinbury, Sydney. The recent referendum in Minchinbury saw protests and arrests, while confrontations and attacks on a 42-year-old man were reported in Harris Park. The New South Wales police also arrested two unidentified men aged 23 and 24. The violence has raised concerns among government officials and community leaders, with fears that the tensions could strain Australia-India relations.
31-May-2023
Khalistan 'referendum' program proposed by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Sydney was cancelled following complaints from the local NRI community in Australia. The event was scheduled by the SFJ on June 4 at the Sydney Masonic Centre. The cancellation came after NRIs lodged a formal complaint about the glorification of individuals involved in terrorist activities and the presence of anti-Hindu slogans in the program's posters and banners. This is the second time such an event has been cancelled in Australia. The cancellation is a significant setback for SFJ's efforts to promote their separatist ideology.
25-May-2023
According to reports, the Australian Sikh diaspora extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Australia. The Sikh community in Australia showcased unity and pride, emphasizing their Indian heritage and rejecting divisive elements. Their reception of PM Modi symbolized the potential for a flourishing partnership between Australia and India, especially with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
24-May-2023
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi conveyed his concerns about pro-Khalistan activities and attacks on temples to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a bilateral meeting in Sydney on May 24. Modi emphasized the importance of mutual trust and respect between India and Australia and thanked Albanese for taking action against such elements.
22-May-2023
Khalistan Zindabad slogans were raised and a photograph of slain Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) terrorist Paramjit Singh Panjwar was displayed at Gurdwara Sikh Centre in Frankfurt, Germany. Furthermore, the flag of Khalistan was also raised at the event. The gurdwara has a history of displaying pictures of terrorists killed in counter-terrorism operations, including those involved in Operation Blue Star. The incident raises concerns about the promotion of separatist ideologies and support for terrorism within certain Sikh communities abroad.
13-May-2023
The New South Wales (NSW) Police released images to seek public help in identifying the accused of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple vandalism in Sydney, Australia. The temple in Rosehill suburb was vandalized with graffiti and a 'Khalistan flag' on May 5. Police released images of a vehicle and a masked person seen near the temple during the incident. Superintendent Sheridan Waldau appealed to the community for information, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality.
11-May-2023
According to reports, Khalistani propaganda posters featuring pictures of Khalistani terrorists have been put up on the streets of Blacktown, Sydney, causing anger and frustration among Indian Australians. Several residents have complained to the Blacktown City Council, and the CEO has issued a statement confirming that the posters have been removed. This incident follows the recent anti-Hindu vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Rosehill by Khalistani supporters. Sources said some residents are reportedly organizing an online meeting to develop a strategy to counter Khalistani propaganda.