KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 16-Jan-2025
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.
India 16-Jan-2025
The recent Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) announcement recommended legal action against an individual allegedly involved in a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York, United States (US) in 2023. The UMHA statement emphasized India’s commitment to ensuring accountability, adhering to due process, and distancing the government from the accused, Vikash Yadav, labelling him a rogue element. This move aligns with US demands for systemic reforms and aims to safeguard future bilateral relations ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on January 20.
India 16-Jan-2025
According to sources, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has advised the Delhi Police not to include Punjab Police personnel in the security detail of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal while he is in New Delhi. This recommendation follows Punjab Police intelligence inputs about a potential threat to Kejriwal from pro-Khalistani elements. The inputs suggest that two unidentified individuals from Punjab, tasked with the attack, may have already entered Delhi. In response, the Delhi Police has enhanced Kejriwal’s Z-plus security, which comprises approximately 60 personnel.
India 17-Jan-2025
According to sources, Chandigarh authorities have intensified security following intelligence about potential bomb attacks on police stations by Khalistani terrorist and member of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Enhanced security measures, including checkpoints and constant vigilance, have been implemented as threats typically increase ahead of Republic Day. Passia, operating from the United States (US), coordinates with Pakistan-based handlers to target India.
India 17-Jan-2025
The Batala Police on January 17 announced securing red notices from Interpol against Pavitarpreet Singh and Husandeep Singh, members of the notorious Pavitar Gang, implicated in multiple serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, arms smuggling, and extortion, in Batala, Gurdaspur district. The duo was arrested in California in April 2023 during an international crackdown on South Asian criminal networks. The red notices aim to expedite their extradition, underscoring the police's commitment to combating organized crime effectively.
India 17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 arrested three individuals, identified as Ankit Kumar, Gurwant Singh and Sukhwinder Kaur and seized 52 grams of heroin and INR 25,000 drug money from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 arrested one individual, identified as Sunny and seized 15 grams of heroin from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
Pakistan 17-Jan-2025
The Lahore High Court in Pakistan on January 17 dismissed a petition filed by the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation seeking to rename Shadman Chowk in Lahore after independence hero Bhagat Singh and install his statue there. The petition aimed to honor Bhagat Singh at the site where he was hanged 94 years ago, but the court rejected the plea, halting the proposed commemoration efforts.
India 17-Jan-2025
In a submission to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Punjab Government recently outlined its efforts to enhance security across 18 prisons by installing 598 X-ray and security machines, 647 CCTV cameras, body scanners, baggage X-ray machines, and "V-Kavach 2.0" jammers. While the upgrades are reportedly progressing well, delays were attributed to challenges involving the Punjab Police Housing Corporation. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 28.
India 17-Jan-2025
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a press conference in Guwahati, Assam, described the security breach involving Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as a conspiracy to assassinate him. Sarma referenced a sting operation in which Punjab Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhdev Singh allegedly disclosed that the protestors involved were Khalistani supporters, not farmers. According to Sarma, Singh had informed senior officials about the conspiracy on January 2, ahead of the January 5 incident.
India 17-Jan-2025
According to sources, the police are continuing their investigation into the perpetrators behind the hand grenade attack on liquor trader Amandeep Jaintipuria's house in Jaintipur village, Majitha, Amritsar district. Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Forensic samples have been sent for analysis, and the police are reviewing CCTV footage while actively pursuing suspects.
Canada 17-Jan-2025
India-origin Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada, Chandra Arya, on January 17 officially entered the race for Prime Minister (PM) after filing his nomination and addressing the House in Kannada, in Ottawa. Arya, originally from Karnataka, India, highlighted the need for bold political decisions to address Canada’s economic challenges and foster stronger ties with India. He also condemned Khalistani extremism, reinforcing his stance on promoting unity and stability.
India 17-Jan-2025
Theatres across Punjab on January 17 cancelled screenings of the movie Emergency, starring actor and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut, following widespread protests by Sikh organizations and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC called for a ban on the film, alleging it distorted history and hurt Sikh sentiments. Protests led by the SGPC prompted major cinema chains, including PVR Cinemas in Amritsar, to halt showings. SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Manan welcomed the theatres' decision, stating it prevented further unrest but warned that protests would resume if screenings were reinstated.
India 17-Jan-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staged a statewide protest on January 17 against the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. SGPC Dharam Parchar Committee member Ajaib Singh Abhiyasi criticized the film for distorting history and misrepresenting Sikhs, particularly in its depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He clarified that Bhindranwale, inaccurately shown negotiating with Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, only became the chief of the Damdami Taksal in 1977 and had no involvement in such events. The SGPC accused the filmmakers of disregarding Sikh objections, tarnishing the community’s image, and ignoring concerns raised through legal notices regarding objectionable content.
United States 17-Jan-2025
Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national jailed in the United States (US) for his alleged role in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claimed in an interview with The Print that he has been falsely implicated and pressured to plead guilty. Gupta, who was arrested in Prague in June 2023 and later extradited to the US, denied all allegations, including any association with former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer Vikash Yadav. He criticized the lack of consular support and described harsh prison conditions, emphasizing his urgent need for a competent lawyer to contest the charges. Gupta further alleged that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing India's reputation.
India 17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 registered a case against gangster turned terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, for allegedly demanding an extortion amount of INR 50 lakh from a shop owner, in Amritsar in Punjab. The complainant reported receiving a WhatsApp call on January 16, where the gangster threatened him with dire consequences if the money was not paid.
United States 17-Jan-2025
The United States (US) Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on January 17 announced plans to seek a waiver of the "rule of specialty" under the extradition treaty with the Czech Republic in order to expand charges against Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta. Gupta, extradited in June 2024 for conspiracy and murder-for-hire charges, now faces additional counts of money laundering in a superseding indictment. The Czech Ministry of Justice stated no waiver request had been received but noted that domestic law allows for the extension of extradition upon request. Legal experts have pointed out inconsistencies in US court rulings regarding waiving the rule of specialty in extradition cases.
India 18-Jan-2025
Ahead of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, Kapurthala Police have intensified security measures across the district. Following instructions from the Director General of Police (DGP), security arrangements have been reviewed, and surveillance has been enhanced with Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) and static CCTV cameras. The public has been urged to report any suspicious activity to the 112 helpline, with assurances of a safe and smooth celebration.
India 18-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 18, recovered one drone that collided with a wall of a house and fell near Malikpur village in Batala, Gurdaspur district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic Classic 3 model.
India 18-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 18 recovered one Assembled Hexacopter from a farming field near Lodhi Gujar village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The recovered Chinese-made Hexacopter weighs approximately 20.59 kg.