KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 04-Jun-2025
Police on June 4 arrested a Rupnagar-based YouTuber, identified as Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal, in Mahlan village of Rupnagar tehsil, Rupnagar district. Jasbir Singh, who runs the YouTube channel ‘Jaan Mahal’, was arrested for his links with Pakistani intelligence operatives and his involvement in a broader espionage network. Investigations revealed that he had travelled to Pakistan multiple times and had attempted to destroy evidence following the arrest of fellow YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra.
India 04-Jun-2025
While addressing the media in Jalandhar on June 4, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav revealed that, within three months of launching the anti-drug campaign 'Yudh Nashian De Virudh', the police had registered 9,087 FIRs, arrested 15,495 drug smugglers, facilitated treatment for 5,786 addicts in de-addiction centres, and seized 607 kg of heroin, 249 kg of opium, 14 tons of poppy husk, 9 kg of charas, 263 kg of ganja, 2.5 kg of ICE (crystal meth), 1.6 kg of cocaine, 26.35 lakh intoxicant pills and tablets, and INR 10.83 crore in drug money across Punjab. Yadav stated that a clear roadmap had been formulated to eradicate drugs from the state by targeting the supply chain and separating traffickers from users, combining strict legal action with rehabilitation efforts.
India 04-Jun-2025
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, while addressing the media in Jalandhar on June 4, announced that all formalities for procuring nine anti-drone systems have been completed, with deployment expected by July. These systems, to be stationed along the 532-km international border with Pakistan, are intended to counter the growing threat of drones used for smuggling drugs, arms, and explosives. The INR 51.41 crore initiative, approved by the state government, is expected to significantly enhance the Punjab Police’s capability to detect and neutralise cross-border drone incursions.
United States 04-Jun-2025
On June 4, Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, accused by the United States (US) Department of Justice of conspiring to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, withdrew a self-filed motion to dismiss the indictment against him in the Southern District Court of New York. The motion, initially submitted on May 22, 2025, invoked his right to self-representation. After its withdrawal by court-appointed attorneys, Gupta’s legal team filed a new motion on June 23, seeking dismissal of the money laundering charge and suppression of certain evidence. His trial is now expected to begin in November 2025.
India 05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered one packet of heroin weighing 531 grams from fields near Balve Dariya village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
India 05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered one drone in damaged condition from a farming field near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Damdami Taksal head Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma—until recently an ally of the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)—renewed his warning against Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, insisting that he not be allowed to speak during the Operation Bluestar anniversary events in Amritsar, Punjab. Dhumma’s objection, based on claims that Gargaj’s appointment violated maryada and lacked consensus, has further deepened existing fractures within the Sikh community. With Nihang groups backing the Taksal and the SGPC unable to mediate a resolution, tensions remain high. A confrontation would be tragically ironic—division and disorder on a day meant for collective mourning and reflection.
India 05-Jun-2025
Dal Khalsa on June 5 organized a march in Amritsar, Punjab, to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, proceeding from Burj Akali Phoola Singh to the Golden Temple. Activists from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) (SAD-A), led by Simranjit Singh Mann, and Bhai Daljit Singh of the Panth Sewak Jatha also participated in the march.
India 05-Jun-2025
A national kabaddi player Sonu Nolta was shot dead outside Cosmo Mall in Panchkula district in Haryana on June 5. Assailants in a Maruti Swift fired over 15 rounds at his vehicle, killing Nolta on the spot and critically injuring his friend. Police suspect the involvement of the Bishnoi gang, with two individuals—Piyush Pinjori and Ankuna—claiming responsibility via social media. A manhunt is currently underway to trace the accused.
United Kingdom 05-Jun-2025
On June 5, United Kingdom (UK) Sikh Members of Parliament Warinder Juss and Jas Athwal renewed calls in the UK Parliament for an independent, judge-led inquiry into the Thatcher government’s alleged involvement in India’s 1984 Operation Bluestar. Citing declassified documents from 2014 suggesting that British military advice was provided ahead of the assault on the Golden Temple, the Labour MPs urged the government to honour its past commitments to the Sikh community. They reminded Parliament that Labour had included such an inquiry in its 2017 and 2019 manifestos. In response, House Leader Lucy Powell acknowledged the concerns but noted there was still no update from the Foreign Office.
India 05-Jun-2025
On June 5, Punjab Police, on day 96 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 108 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 154 drug smugglers and recovered 1.6 kg of heroin and INR 10.03 lakhs of drug money from their possession across Punjab.
India 05-Jun-2025
Punjab Police on June 5 busted two narco-trafficking cartels and arrested six operatives, identified as Vishal Singh, Didar Singh alias Kali, Sevenbir Singh, Harjit Singh alias Jita, Jaj Singh and Jasbir Kaur, and seized 4 kg of heroin along with a Toyota Innova car from their possession, in the Chheharta area near Amritsar in Amristar district.
India 05-Jun-2025
On June 5, a youth identified as Ashu Monga was killed in a shootout between two rival gang factions in Ferozepur, Punjab. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. at a tattoo shop, where two armed assailants shot Monga dead, reportedly due to gang rivalry. The attackers, who arrived on a motorcycle and an SUV, forcibly removed the shopkeeper before opening fire. The entire incident was captured on CCTV. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack.
India 05-Jun-2025
Gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy was injured in a clash at the New District Jail in Nabha, Patiala district on June 5. He sustained injuries to his nose and chest after being assaulted with sharpened spoon edges by fellow inmates identified as Arshdeep Singh alias Bittu, Shamsher Singh alias Shera, and Chamkaur Singh alias Beant. The altercation, which occurred in the high-security zone, reportedly broke out over a dispute about changing a TV channel.
India 05-Jun-2025
Valtoha Police on June 5 busted a three-member cross-border weapons smuggling module, arresting two members identified as Surajpal Singh and Arshdeep Singh and seizing four 9mm Glock 26 pistols, two .30-bore PX5 pistols, live cartridges, and a motorcycle from their possession, near Valtoha village in Tarn Taran district. Investigations revealed that Surajpal was in direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers Rana and Sikander, who used drones to deliver the weapons.
India 05-Jun-2025
Police teams on June 5 conducted flag marches across various parts of Amritsar city in Amritsar district ahead of the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The security operations included searches at the inter-state bus terminus, while all entry and exit points were sealed with round-the-clock checkpoints (nakas) to maintain law and order and prevent any disturbances during the June 6 anniversary.
India 06-Jun-2025
On June 6, the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, pro-Khalistan slogans, including 'Khalistan Zindabad,' were raised at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Former Akal Takht Jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, addressing the gathering, questioned the 1984 army action and stated that pro-Khalistan slogans like 'Khalistan Zindabad' have historically been raised at such events, both in India and abroad.
Canada 06-Jun-2025
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Mark Carney on June 6 extended a formal invitation to Indian PM Narendra Modi to attend the upcoming G7 Summit, scheduled to be held in Kananaskis, Canada. PM Modi confirmed his participation via a post on the social media platform X, putting to rest speculation that Canada was cold-shouldering India. The World Sikh Organization (WSO) of Canada condemned the invitation, citing ongoing concerns over alleged Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India 06-Jun-2025
On June 6, marking the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar—observed as Ghallughara Diwas—Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering the customary address amid mounting pressure from Sikh religious groups, particularly Damdami Taksal, in Amritsar. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami took on the responsibility of honouring the victims of 1984. Although he did not speak, Giani Gargaj performed the ardas, praying for unity, the release of Sikh prisoners, and the protection of Sikh identity.
India 06-Jun-2025
On June 6, Amritsar observed a complete shutdown following a bandh call by Dal Khalsa and other Sikh organisations to mark the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar. The bandh remained peaceful, with no incidents reported. All major markets, commercial hubs, and grain mandis were closed, while city roads remained deserted with minimal vehicular movement. Over 6,000 Punjab Police personnel, along with Punjab Armed Police and forces from neighbouring districts, were deployed to maintain law and order.