KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 09-Feb-2025
The Punjab Police on February 9 busted a terror module after an encounter and arrested three terrorists, identified as Lovepreet, Karandeep, and Buta Singh, and seized an AK-47 rifle, a .30-bore Glock pistol, and a .32-bore pistol from their possession near Amritsar airport in Amritsar district. The Police confirmed their links to gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia.
India 09-Feb-2025
Amritsar Central Jail Superintendent Hemant Sharma revealed that 960 mobile phones were confiscated from inmates last year, more than double the 450 seizures recorded in 2023. To counter security threats, including contraband smuggling through "fenka" (throwing from outside), the jail will install “V-Kavach” jammers with approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). These jammers will block mobile signals and counter drones and IED threats, particularly around high-risk prisoners' barracks. Authorities have also strengthened security with quick response teams and prisoner informants to monitor suspicious activities.
India 09-Feb-2025
On February 9, in a stronger-than-expected performance, five out of 11 Sikh candidates contesting the Delhi Assembly elections emerged victorious. In 2020, only two Sikh candidates had won, both from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded three Sikh candidates—Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Rajouri Garden), Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar), and Tarvinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura)—all of whom secured victories. AAP fielded four Sikh candidates, with Jarnail Singh (Tilak Nagar) and Punardeep Singh Sawhney (Chandni Chowk) winning. Congress fielded four Sikh candidates, but none were successful. Despite comprising only 5% of Delhi’s population, Sikh voters hold significant political influence, particularly in constituencies like Rajouri Garden and Tilak Nagar.
India 09-Feb-2025
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka and his faction played a crucial role in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) success in the Delhi Assembly elections by mobilizing Sikh support. Manjinder Singh Sirsa secured victory in Rajouri Garden by 18,190 votes, while Tarwinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura) and Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar) also won. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), despite celebrating the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat, continued to lose political ground. SAD’s Delhi unit had actively campaigned against Sirsa, but a significant section of Sikh voters backed him. The party’s decline, evident since its split from the BJP in 2020 and its poor performance in the 2022 Punjab elections, persisted despite efforts to regain influence through alliances with former rivals.
India 09-Feb-2025
Delhi Police on February 9 arrested a sharpshooter associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Harish and seized a semi-automatic pistol and five live cartridges from his possession, from Rohini in North West Delhi district in Delhi. The Police revealed that Harish, a close associate of gangster Ankit Shehrsha, was arrested following a tip-off, thwarting his attempt to execute another firing incident on Shehrsha’s orders.
India 10-Feb-2025
On February 10, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will hold its executive body meeting at its headquarters in Amritsar, chaired by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. The agenda includes Sikh Panthic and administrative issues, along with discussions on the inquiry against suspended Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh. The meeting follows the SGPC’s approval of a INR 1,260.97-crore budget for 2024-25.
India 10-Feb-2025
The Supreme Court (SC) on February 10 questioned the Delhi Police over its failure to appeal against acquittals in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, emphasizing that prosecution must be serious and not a mere formality. A Bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka criticized the absence of senior lawyers in previous cases and noted concerns raised by victims’ counsel, H.S. Phoolka, regarding cover-ups. The Delhi Police, in its status report, stated that out of 650 cases, charge sheets were filed in 362, leading to only 39 convictions. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 17.
India 10-Feb-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee on February 10 officially terminated the services of Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib in Amritsar district. The decision, led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, followed an investigation into allegations against him. Giani Jagtar Singh was appointed as acting Jathedar. Giani Harpreet Singh claimed his removal was politically motivated and stated he would continue working for the Sikh community.
India 10-Feb-2025
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka on February 10 in Amritsar condemned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee’s decision to remove Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, calling it a "black day" in Sikh history. Various Sikh leaders, including Kiranjot Kaur and Jaswinder Singh, criticised the move as political vendetta. Socio-religious organisation Misl Satluj alleged it was a calculated attempt to suppress dissent within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Former DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna, however, defended the SGPC’s action, citing Sikh traditions.
India 10-Feb-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Sandeep Pathak on February 10 gave a Zero Hour notice in Parliament to discuss the rising drone activities on the India-Pakistan border, highlighting the illegal supply of weapons and drugs into Punjab. He stated that security forces seized 107 drones in 2023 and nearly 200 by November 2024, urging the deployment of advanced counter-drone technologies. Pathak also called for exposing Pakistan's conspiracy to push Indian youth into drug addiction at the international level.
India 10-Feb-2025
On February 10, an encounter took place between the police and gangster Jassi Puncture near Ubha village in Mansa district, resulting in his injury. The clash occurred when the police took Jassi to recover weapons linked to the recent shooting outside the house of Sidhu Moose Wala’s associate, Pargat Singh. During the operation, Jassi opened fire, prompting police retaliation. He sustained injuries in the exchange of gunfire and was subsequently admitted to a hospital.
India 10-Feb-2025
Seven rocket shells were found abandoned near a garbage dump along the Patiala-Rajpura road in Patiala district on February 10. According to the police, local residents discovered the shells in a bag, and they contained no explosive material. A probe has been initiated, with suspicions that a scrap dealer may have left them there. A bomb disposal squad and anti-sabotage teams inspected the site, while the police confirmed that Army authorities would be consulted for further analysis.
India 10-Feb-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on February 10 recovered 35 grams of heroin and a Glock pistol with two magazines from fields near Kamlewala village in Ferozepur district. The items were wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, with a steel ring attached to the pistol, suggesting they were likely dropped by a drone.
India 10-Feb-2025
According to sources, despite the deportation of a United States (US)-based resident from Tahli village in Hoshiarpur district, aspirations of migrating abroad remain strong. While the deportee returned in handcuffs, a neighbour simultaneously celebrated his son's Green Card approval. Tahli village, with a population of around 1,600, has 300 to 400 residents already settled abroad. Similarly, in Bhadas village in Kapurthala district, where over 800 people have migrated, deportations have raised concerns. Village representatives acknowledge the risks of illegal immigration, but the lure of foreign opportunities continues to drive migration.
India 11-Feb-2025
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on February 11 arrested a man and a woman, identified as Bulla and his wife, Harpreet Kaur alias Preety, and seized 310 grams of heroin from their possession at a naka (checkpoint) on the Jandiala-Phagwara road near Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. The police are investigating their supply chain and possible links to other drug smuggling cases.
India 11-Feb-2025
The Pathankot Police on February 11 arrested a "top smuggler," Jatinder Kumar alias Kali, from Jainpur village in Pathankot, Gurdaspur district. Police revealed that Kumar was involved in supplying pure-grade heroin to villages near the International Border (IB) and other states using drones from Pakistan. Preliminary investigations indicated that he had received multiple heroin consignments.
India 11-Feb-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Amritsar, arrested two unidentified smugglers and seized 1.1 kg of heroin at a naka (checkpoint) near Chota Fatehwal village in Ajnala, Amritsar district, on February 11. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling along the international border.
India 11-Feb-2025
Police on February 11 arrested two members of gangster Arsh Dala's gang, identified as Sahil and Gurkirat Singh, and seized five country-made .32 bore pistols, five live rounds, an Activa scooter, and two mobile phones, in Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib district. A third accused, Tejbir Singh, was brought on a production warrant from Patiala Jail for further interrogation. Police stated that Gurkirat Singh had recently returned from Malaysia and, along with Sahil, was working for Arsh Dala through Tejbir Singh. The investigation is ongoing to trace the supply chain of illicit weapons and the intended targets.
Pakistan 11-Feb-2025
Sunny Singh, President of Gurdwara Saragarhi Singh Sabha, on February 11 announced that for the first time in Pakistan, a Sikh gurdwara in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, would offer Quran lessons to Muslim children alongside school education. The decision was made to address the difficulties Muslim children face in traveling to madrassas. A Quran-e-Hafiz (Quran teacher) has been appointed, and classes will commence soon. The school also provides vocational training, including sewing and computer courses.
India 11-Feb-2025
According to sources, India’s security agencies have compiled a list of 12 gangsters based in the United States (US) following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). The list, which may be shared with US authorities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, includes Anmol Bishnoi, Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar, Darmanjot Singh Kahlon alias Darman Kahlon, Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Bal, Harjot Singh, Harbir Singh, Navroop Singh, Swaran Singh alias Fauji, Sahil Kailash Ritoli, Yogesh alias Bobby Beri, Ashu alias Bhanu Pratap Sambhli, and Aman Sambhi. These individuals are involved in arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and terror-related activities, with links to Pakistan-based operatives. Indian agencies seek improved coordination with US counterparts, aiming for their eventual deportation.