KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 05-Apr-2025
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in an interview with The Indian Express, stated that the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashe De Virudh’ (War Against Drugs), has significantly curtailed street-level drug supply, prompting many smugglers to flee and abandon their homes. He noted that intensified enforcement has driven a 1.5-fold increase in street drug prices, reflecting reduced availability. Simultaneously, de-addiction efforts have expanded, with a 70.47% rise in new registrations at Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics. Yadav further emphasized that the Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, is now targeting high-level traffickers and cross-border smuggling networks.
India 05-Apr-2025
On April 5, Punjab Police, as part of its “Yudh Nashe De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), conducted raids at 429 locations across the state, registered 48 FIRs, arrested 71 drug smugglers, and seized 1.5 kg of heroin, 500 grams of opium, and INR 6,020 in drug money from their possession.
India 05-Apr-2025
Lawrence Bishnoi gang member and Kuchaman resident Aditya Jain was produced in court under heavy security in Kuchaman City, Rajasthan, on April 5. Jain, arrested in Dubai and deported to India, is accused of managing the gang’s extortion network and faces seven criminal cases across Rajasthan. Police confirmed his involvement in high-profile extortion, intimidation, and providing support to jailed gangsters.
India 05-Apr-2025
The Barnala police on April 5 arrested four smugglers, identified as Nirmal Singh, Beant Singh, Inderjit Singh, and Harjinder Singh, and seized 15 quintals of poppy husk packed in 75 bags near Barnala in Barnala district, while a fifth accused, truck driver Jagsir Singh, managed to escape and remains absconding.
Canada 05-Apr-2025
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Mark Carney on April 5 visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto to mark Ram Navami, accompanied by Indo-Canadian Cabinet Minister Anita Anand, amid campaigning for the April 28 federal elections.
India 05-Apr-2025
Khalistani terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) on April 5 claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the Jeengarh police post in Kaithal district, Haryana, near the Punjab border. The group posted on Facebook, calling it retaliation for alleged atrocities against Sikhs and warning of more attacks. However, local police have found no physical evidence of the incident and suspect it may be a rumour. Investigations are ongoing, and security has been heightened along the Haryana-Punjab border.
India 05-Apr-2025
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on April 5 expressed concern over the declining number of Punjabi youths joining the Army’s Sikh Regiment, attributing it to rising migration and drug abuse, while speaking at an event in Phillaur, Jalandhar district. He noted that the Army's Western Command had raised the issue and sought the state’s support, assuring that his government would take steps to preserve the proud legacy of the Sikh Regiment.
India 05-Apr-2025
Several Sikh organisations on April 5 voiced strong opposition to the upcoming ‘Pride Parade 2025’ planned by the LGBTQ community in Rose Garden, Amritsar, on April 27. Citing the religious sanctity of the city, particularly its association with Sri Darbar Sahib, they demanded a ban on the event. Local leader Paramjit Singh Akali termed the parade a “conspiracy” to disturb Punjab’s social fabric and urged Sikh groups to meet the police commissioner to register their formal protest.
India 05-Apr-2025
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, officiating chief priest of Akal Takht, on April 5 urged the Centre and Punjab governments to enact a special law to deal strictly with cases of desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. After visiting a protest site in Samana, Patiala, he expressed concern over recurring incidents of sacrilege and criticised political parties for their inaction. He demanded the harshest punishment for offenders and recommended similar legal protections for all religious scriptures to maintain communal harmony.
India 05-Apr-2025
Amritsar Rural Police on April 5 arrested a smuggler, identified as Jarman Singh, and seized one Glock 9mm pistol, one .30 calibre pistol, three magazines, and INR 2.15 lakh in Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from his possession in Gharinda village in Amritsar district.
India 06-Apr-2025
On April 6, in a historic first for Nagpur’s Sikh community, Sardarni Kashmir Kaur was unanimously elected as the Pradhan Sewadar of Gurudwara Guru Granth Sahib, Baba Deep Singh Nagar, Nari, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Elected for the 2025–2028 term, her selection marks a significant step toward gender inclusion in religious leadership. The announcement was met with pride and celebration across the city’s Sikh community, with her appointment hailed as a breakthrough for women’s empowerment and a reflection of Sikhism’s core principles of equality.
India 06-Apr-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on April 6, strongly condemned Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s disgraceful remarks against Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. She asserted that Punjab’s communal harmony remains unshakable and that divisive forces will never succeed. Dr. Kaur criticised Pannun for his ignorance of Sikhism and Ambedkar’s legacy, calling his comments shameful and unacceptable.
India 06-Apr-2025
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently announced the launch of the ‘Youth of Punjab’ campaign to intensify efforts against drug addiction. Set to roll out across all districts, the initiative aims to raise awareness, engage youth, and provide structured rehabilitation support. It will be launched from Amritsar in collaboration with the National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation (NCCDR). Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, member of the National Institute of Social Defence, stated that the second phase will include seminars, sports events, and outreach programs to promote drug-free lifestyles.
India 06-Apr-2025
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, on April 6 continued his six-day padyatra against drugs, urging citizens to unite in the fight against drug abuse, in Amritsar in Amritsar district in Punjab. Emphasising that the drug menace is a national issue, he highlighted ongoing government efforts, including anti-drone systems and village defence committees.
India 06-Apr-2025
Police on April 6 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Arun Setia and seized 2 kg of heroin, a .32 bore pistol, four live cartridges and two empty shells along with a motorcycle from his possession, near Ladhuka village in Jalalabad in Fazilka district. Setia was injured in retaliatory firing after he shot at the Police team while trying to flee, and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
India 06-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 6, as part of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh" (war against drugs), conducted raids at 337 locations, registered 37 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 54 drug smugglers and seized 411 grams of heroin, 1617 intoxicant tablets/pills and INR 34,400 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers across Punjab.
India 07-Apr-2025
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 7 attached assets worth INR 1.22 crore belonging to international drug trafficker Jasmeet Hakimzada, who operates from Dubai and is linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). He is wanted by the United States (US) and faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The seized assets include gold, diamonds, and properties.
India 07-Apr-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Ashok Parashar Pappi, Daljit Singh Grewal (Bhola), Jeevan Singh Sangowal, and Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina on April 7 condemned Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s remarks about Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and announced statewide celebrations on April 14, vowing to guard his statues and uphold communal harmony in Punjab, while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh.
India 07-Apr-2025
The Customs Department at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport seized 7.7 kg of ganja from an Indian passenger, identified as Chanan Singh, on April 7 in Amritsar district.
India 07-Apr-2025
Punjab Police on April 7 arrested a smuggler, identified as Tamandeep Singh and seized 2 kg of heroin and 900 grams of ICE drug (Crystal Meth) from his possession, in Amritsar in Amritsar district.