KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), released a video threatening Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and warned that the group would oppose his upcoming music shows in the United States. The threat followed Dosanjh’s remarks during his Aura 2026 concert in Calgary, where he reportedly confronted pro-Khalistan supporters for waving Khalistan flags and raising anti-India slogans. Dosanjh also allegedly directed security personnel to remove the individuals from the venue, drawing applause from sections of the audience.
Former Deputy Chief Minister and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has reportedly received a threat message from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after opposing the release of the documentary “Lawrence of Punjab.” The message warned that the documentary “will be released at any cost” and told those named to “prepare their shrouds,” adding that the group would no longer seek money and would instead resort to violence using bullets and bombs. Randhawa, who had called for a ban on the series, said he has informed Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav about the threat. Similar WhatsApp messages were also reportedly sent to several prominent figures, including Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, and Balkaur Singh, among others.
An NRI, Takdeer Singh, who recently returned from abroad, along with his brother, alleged that Canada-based gangster-turned terrorist Arsh Dala targeted their family by issuing threats during a Facebook live session, in Ludhiana district. He later repeated the threats through a WhatsApp call from a foreign number, during which he allegedly warned of killing the entire family. Based on Takdeer Singh’s complaint, an FIR has been registered against Arsh Dala.
Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal allegedly received a threatening call in the name of gangster Goldy Brar, with the caller warning of a potential attack if the warnings were ignored. An audio clip of the purported call is circulating on social media. In the recording, the caller can be heard saying, “Yes, Gippy, this is Goldy Brar speaking. I had sent you a message a few days ago, but you haven’t replied yet.” However, police have not yet received any complaint in the matter.
Kulwant Sidhu, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Atam Nagar, reportedly received threatening calls on February 14, allegedly from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in Ludhiana district. On February 14 night, a suspected recce was conducted outside his residence. A black-tinted i20 car was seen parked outside while he was holding a meeting inside. The occupants reportedly waited for some time after noticing people at the house. When suspicious movement was detected on CCTV, those inside stepped out, prompting the suspects to flee. It is suspected they were attempting to identify the MLA’s residence as a potential target. The family also stated that the MLA has been receiving repeated suspicious international calls over the past week.
The Khalistan National Army on January 29 sent an email bomb threat to the Director of National Informatics Centre (NIC) at the Punjab Secretariat, warning of an explosion at the Secretariat building in Chandigarh. Following the threat, Chandigarh Police tightened security, evacuated the people, and deployed bomb disposal and rescue teams, while an investigation was launched under heightened vigilance.
Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video message on January 23, threatened to create unrest in the national capital ahead of Republic Day and announced a reward of USD 111,000 for disrupting the Prime Minister’s flag-hoisting on January 26. He also called for placing Khalistan flags on railway tracks in Punjab and other acts of disruption.
Singer Pratik Bachan alias B Praak has reportedly received an extortion threat of INR 10 crore from a suspected member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Punjabi singer Dilnoor lodged a complaint with the Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), stating that a caller identifying himself as Arju Bishnoi demanded the ransom and warned of serious consequences within a week if the money was not paid.
The chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a recent video circulated on social media, targeted youth and students in Punjab and sought to provoke anti-state sentiment. In the video, Pannun claimed that from January 12 he intended to orchestrate disruptions related to the national anthem in schools and colleges across Punjab, asserting that “Jana Gana Mana” would be halted and replaced with “Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ihe.” He further alleged that Hindi would be removed from the state.
Former Moga Congress district president Kamaljit Singh Brar on December 23 received death threats via WhatsApp voice and video calls from a number traced to Pakistan. Brar identified the caller as gangster Shahzad Bhatti, who allegedly warned him to stay away from politics or face “severe consequences.”
Three schools in the national capital received bomb threats via email on December 10, containing references to the Khalistan movement, in New Delhi. The message read: “Aaj 12:05 PM Bo.mb Blast Hove Ga? Jhoothe Police Muqabale Khalistan Referendum Walian De In Punjab; Khalistan De Movement nu Delhi 2UN Tak Laye.” Authorities are treating the threat seriously and have advised the schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Bhojpuri playback singer and actor Pawan Singh on December 8 filed a complaint with Mumbai Police after he allegedly received a threat call from unidentified persons claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The caller warned Singh, through his manager, not to work with or share the stage or screen with Salman Khan, threatening serious consequences if he did so.
Ajay Ludhra, an astrologer from Punjab, filed a petition on November 19 claiming that he received life-threatening calls and extortion attempts from individuals associated with the Bishnoi gang. Ludhra stated that he received a direct threat from one ‘Harry Boxer’, a key aide of Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi; both are classified as A-category criminals by the Punjab Police. The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) directed the authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure the petitioner's safety.
Gurdaspur Member of Parliament (MP) and Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa stated on November 17 that he received a death threat on his phone from a United States (US)–based number, with the sender claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The message also named Balkaur Singh (father of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala), singer Mankirat Aulakh, human rights activist Gurmeet Bablu, and liquor businessman Aman Jaintipur, who has previously been attacked. Written in Punjabi, the message warned those listed to ‘prepare for a re-birth’ and added that they could increase their security ‘as much as they want.’ It further stated: ‘You can run or hide wherever you want, but you will be punished in a way that generations will remember.’
In a recent social media video, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued a direct threat against India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, using inflammatory language and vowing to “kill Jaishankar politically.” He also threatened to disrupt the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for November 11–12, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada, specifically targeting sessions involving India’s participation to embarrass the country on foreign soil.
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has received renewed threats from the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by US-based Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The group issued a warning ahead of his upcoming AURA World Tour performance in Auckland, New Zealand. The threat follows similar disruptions during his concert in Perth, Australia, on November 1.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has reportedly received a death threat from Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. According to police officials, the message warned Warring to refrain from political campaigning until November 11, the polling date for the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election. Congress leader Rajvir Singh Bhullar also received a similar threat. Sources said the warnings surfaced after Warring’s remarks about former Union Home Minister Buta Singh.
On November 3, journalist and Washington Post columnist Rana Ayyub filed a complaint at Kopar Khairane police station in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, after receiving multiple WhatsApp threat calls and messages on the evening of November 2. The caller allegedly demanded that she write a column on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots glorifying Indira Gandhi’s assassins and threatened to attack her and her father if she refused. Ayyub stated that the caller knew her address and used a WhatsApp profile featuring gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently jailed in Gujarat. The calls reportedly originated from a Canadian number claiming links to a “Khalsa group.”
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The banned Khalistani outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on October 29, issued a threat against Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh for touching Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan’s feet during an episode of television show “Kaun Banega Crorepati.” SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed that Dosanjh had “insulted every victim of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi,” alleging Bachchan’s involvement in the violence. Pannun also threatened to disrupt Dosanjh’s upcoming show in Australia on November 1.
Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, reportedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), released a video threatening Punjab’s excise department and liquor contractors. In the video, Rinda warned that those targeted “should protect themselves” as “anyone could be blown up,” referring to recent violence and attacks on liquor shops in Punjab. Claiming responsibility for the Nawanshahr grenade attack, he described it as a step up from his previous actions and threatened further assaults using explosives and firearms. Security agencies have termed the video alarming, noting that it directly threatens contractors, liquor shop workers, and excise department officials.
Gangsters Goldy Dhillon and Kulvir Sidhu, affiliated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for the October 16 attack on Kapil Sharma’s restaurant in Surrey, Canada, while issuing a stern warning to those involved in “illegal activities,” those who “don’t pay people after getting work done,” and “anyone in Bollywood who speaks against religion.” The message concluded with a menacing remark: “A bullet can come from anywhere. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”
Khalistani terrorist and chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on October 16 issued a threat to Indian comedian and actor Kapil Sharma, demanding that he either shut down his café in Canada or speak out against India. Pannun described Sharma’s café as a “symbol of Modi’s violent Hindutva ideology,” which he claimed was responsible for the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Earlier, shots were fired at Sharma’s restaurant in Surrey, Canada — an attack for which the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility.
National Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has lodged a formal complaint with the Punjab Governor, alleging that gangsters and land mafias led by Tarsem Singh Soni, in collusion with Jimmy Phagwara and Preet Chautala, have issued death threats against him. Grewal claimed that the gangster-terrorist nexus is linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He stated that the same complaint, along with audio evidence of the threats, was also shared with senior police officials.
Khalistani separatist Inderjeet Singh Gosal, coordinator of the secessionist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Canada, was released on bail from the Lindsay Correctional Centre in Ontario on September 25. Shortly after his release, Gosal posted a video recorded just outside the prison gates in which he warned India's National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and declared that ‘New Delhi will soon become Khalistan.’ In the video he said: “India, I'm out — to support Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and to organise the Khalistan referendum on November 23, 2025. Delhi banega Khalistan… Ajit Doval, why don't you come to Canada, America or any European country and try to arrest or do any extradition. Doval, I am waiting for you.”
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued threats against Hindus and migrant workers in Punjab through a video message. In the video, Pannun warned that only those boycotting Diwali and observing Deepmala on Bandi Chhor Divas would be allowed to stay in Punjab, and ordered migrants to leave by October 19 or face dire consequences. Pannun further claimed that Punjab is not part of India and threatened raids at Batala railway station, displaying visuals of Khalistani slogans painted on signboards and electricity boxes. He also mentioned the Achleshwar Dham temple while issuing threats against Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and the state government.
Pakistani underworld don Shehzad Bhatti allegedly threatened prominent rappers and social media influencers in Punjab. In a viral audio message, Bhatti referred to the recent Tarn Taran double murder as ‘just a trailer,’ warning that those who insult Sikh religious symbols such as the pagri (turban) and kes (uncut hair) would face dire consequences. He further declared, ‘No matter how many gangsters they bring in, we will end their gangsterism.’ The threat followed a recent gang clash in Tarn Taran in which two persons were shot dead.
The banned Khalistani outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on September 17, issued threats to Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Amritsar Member of Parliament (MP) Gurjit Singh Aujla for facilitating a siropa (robe of honour) to Rahul Gandhi at Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib on September 15. In its press release, SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun labelled them “dalal (agent) politicians,” accused the Congress of complicity in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and warned they would be targets of pro-Khalistan Sikhs for honouring a Gandhi family member.
The banned Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on September 17, issued a public notice threatening a 12-hour “siege” of the Indian consulate in Vancouver, Canada starting 8 am on September 18. The notice warned Indo-Canadians against visiting the consulate, accused Indian missions of running “spy networks” against Khalistan referendum activists, and cited former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian agents’ involvement in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. SFJ also released a poster targeting India’s High Commissioner-designate Dinesh Patnaik, branding him the “new face of India’s Hindutva terror in Canada.”
The banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) emailed threats of “political death” to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann starting August 31, the anniversary of former CM Beant Singh’s assassination. Earlier, SFJ chief and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had issued threats to kill both Mann and the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) on Republic Day.
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), on August 7 issued a video message threatening to assassinate Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Independence Day in Faridkot in Faridkot district.
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, via a video message threatened to burn the Indian tricolour and announced that a Khalistan referendum would be organised in Washington DC, In the United States (US) on August 17.
Nalagarh Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Hardeep Singh Bawa received a threatening call on July 12 from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, warning of serious consequences if the Indian national flag was hoisted in Himachal Pradesh on Independence Day, August 15. The call originated from a UK-based number (+44 7537 121095).
Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Gagret, Rakesh Kalia, on July 11 lodged a police complaint after receiving a threatening phone call on the evening of July 10 from the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The caller, who identified himself as the head of SFJ, threatened to assassinate both Kalia and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and claimed that the state would be turned into Khalistan. According to police officials, the threat was made to Kalia’s personal phone.
Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal on July 3 stated that he had received death threats via email, allegedly from foreign-based Khalistani terrorists Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), and wanted terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, with a reference to Arsh Dalla. The threat email was also CC’d to multiple Indian and international media outlets.
A video that surfaced from Canada on June 16 featured Khalistani supporter Manjinder Singh openly threatening to kill Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. 'Yes, I am ready to kill Modi’s politics, to ambush Modi. He is an enemy of Canada—this Hindu terrorist Narendra Modi,' Singh told journalist Mocha Bezirgan.
According to police, Amritsar-based social media influencer Deepika Luthra received a death threat via email, allegedly sent in the name of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), in Amritsar district, Punjab. The message also mentioned another influencer, Preet Jatti, and warned Luthra against leaving her home due to her 'objectionable' content. Police have provided security to Luthra and her family while verifying the authenticity of the email.
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a statement on May 18, provocatively labelled India’s official diplomatic mission to the United States (US) as a “Delegation of Devils,” in an apparent attempt to derail India’s global outreach following Operation Sindoor. Echoing Pakistan’s narrative, Pannun accused India of manufacturing war and further escalated threats against Indian diplomats by announcing a USD 10,000 reward for information on former Indian envoy Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Television actor Abhinav Shukla revealed via a post on social media platform X on April 20 that he had received a death threat from a user claiming affiliation with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. The threat, reportedly sent through Instagram, surfaced following a verbal spat involving his wife, actress Rubina Dilaik, and rapper Asim Riaz on the show Battleground.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan received a fresh death threat on April 14 via a message sent to the official WhatsApp number of the Worli Transport Department in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The message warned of an attack on his Galaxy Apartments residence or his car using explosives. Worli Police registered a case and heightened security at his house. This comes exactly a year after gunshots were fired at his Bandra residence by unidentified assailants.
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on April 10 issued a warning to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, demanding the cancellation of all Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations in the state, through a public letter circulated to the media. Pannun also announced a reward of INR 11 lakh for hoisting the Khalistan flag at the Ambedkar statue in Chaura Maidan, Shimla. Additionally, he condemned Dr. B. R. Ambedkar for allegedly enabling the marginalisation of Sikhs through Article 25(b) of the Constitution.
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on April 9 issued threats via a video message targeting the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Pannun warned them against celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on April 14, threatening grenade attacks if his warning was disregarded. He also claimed responsibility for defacing the Ambedkar Housing Society in Sector 76, Mohali, displaying provocative graffiti and a Khalistan flag in the video.
Khalistani terrorist and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on March 31 claimed responsibility for the vandalism of BR Ambedkar's statue in Nangal village, Phillaur, Jalandhar, and issued a threat to remove all Ambedkar statues in Punjab before his birth anniversary on April 14. In response, heavy security was deployed as Dalit organisations condemned the act, demanding swift police action and warning of further protests.
Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar issued an open death threat to Bollywood actor Salman Khan in a TV interview. He also admitted to orchestrating the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, claiming it was necessary to "teach him a lesson." Brar stated that targeting Salman Khan remains a priority for his gang due to past grievances involving the Bishnoi community.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on January 29 issued a statement threatening to target Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta and raise the Khalistan flag at his Delhi residence after the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal upheld the government's five-year ban on SFJ. Pannun accused the judge of "judicial oppression" and warned of consequences for rulings against the Khalistan referendum. Following the threat, Delhi Police was put on high alert.
Several schools in Punjab's Patiala district on January 25 received emails, allegedly from the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), urging them to boycott Republic Day celebrations where Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann is set to hoist the national flag. The police are verifying the threat and have reassured that security arrangements are in place, with over 15,000 personnel deployed across Punjab under a red alert. This follows the discovery of fresh pro-Khalistan graffiti in Faridkot, where the venue was initially planned before being shifted to Patiala for "administrative reasons."
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on January 23 issued threats via a video to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann. Pannun urged youth to hoist Khalistan flags instead of the Tricolour on Republic Day, stating that "those who walk on the path of Beant Singh will meet the same fate." Pro-Khalistan slogans attributed to the SFJ were discovered near Faridkot Sports Stadium, where Mann was initially scheduled to unfurl the Tricolour. The venue was later shifted to Patiala, with officials citing “administrative reasons” and weather conditions.
Several schools in Delhi received emails on January 22, allegedly from the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), urging them to suspend participation in Republic Day celebrations. The email cited a “high risk of violence” and called for protests against the Indian Constitution. The Delhi Police are verifying the authenticity of the emails and investigating their source, while remaining on high alert for potential disturbances.
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued a threat via a video on January 21, vowing to target the Republic Day Parade on January 26 to prevent President Droupadi Murmu from unfurling the Tricolour. In the video, Pannun warned Delhi residents against sending children to the parade, claiming "Khalistani vigilantes will perform an action," and disclosed that SFJ had allocated a USD 125,000 budget for the attack. The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has been instructed to investigate the threat.
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on January 16 issued a threat video aimed at disrupting Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The video featured a pro-Khalistan activist raising anti-national slogans at India Gate and hoisting the Khalistan flag at Delhi Junction Railway Station. Pannun claimed that Khalistan squads were stationed to carry out the plans, prompting intensified security measures by the Delhi Police and other security agencies.
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a fresh threat on January 5 via video message to disrupt the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, scheduled from January 13 to February 26. Pannun called for "Prayagraj Chalo" to oppose Hindutva ideology and urged supporters to raise Khalistani and Kashmiri flags at airports in Lucknow and Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP).