KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 07-Mar-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab police, on March 7 arrested two drug peddlers identified as Harjinder Singh alias Bhind and Vijay and seized 475 grams of heroin along with three mobile phones and a motorcycle without a number plate from their possession in Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The accused were trying to retrieve an heroin consignment smuggled from Pakistan via drone when they were intercepted by a BSF ambush party.
India 07-Mar-2025
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), on March 7 arrested two smugglers, Joginder Singh and Judge Singh, and seized 2.64 kg of heroin and a DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone from their possession in Khunder Hithar village, Ferozepur district.
India 07-Mar-2025
Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on March 7 criticized the United Kingdom’s (UK) indifference to the threat posed by pro-Khalistan elements and urged the UK to take action against those involved in the security breach targeting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in London. He condemned the "license" given to such forces, denounced their provocative actions, and emphasized that India deplores the misuse of democratic freedoms while expecting the UK to uphold its diplomatic obligations. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also denounced the protests, stating that attempts to intimidate or disrupt public events were unacceptable.
India 08-Mar-2025
According to sources, the Punjab government plans to establish 15-member Narcotics Anonymous support groups in all villages to combat the rising drug menace. Each group will be led by a woman panchayat member and will include an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker as the member secretary. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized a two-pronged strategy—cracking down on drug trade networks while curbing drug use through community involvement. Similar support groups will be set up in de-addiction centers, Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics, and mohallas, with reformed addicts encouraging others to quit drugs.
United States 08-Mar-2025
The BAPS Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with inflammatory messages on March 8, just days before a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. BAPS Public Affairs condemned the act, reaffirming their commitment to peace and unity. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) highlighted the recurring pattern of temple desecrations and called for an investigation. Similar incidents last year, including vandalism at BAPS temples in Sacramento and New York, have raised concerns over rising anti-Hindu hate.
India 08-Mar-2025
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a 40-year-old Sikh preacher with strong panthic credentials, has been appointed acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, in Amritsar. Born in Jabbowal village, Amritsar district, he holds an MA in History and a Diploma in Sikh Studies from Sikh Missionary College. A former religious preacher with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), he has delivered discourses on Sikh scriptures and actively advocated for panthic issues, including the release of Sikh political prisoners.
India 08-Mar-2025
According to sources, smugglers from across the border in Pakistan are bundling free samples of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) with heroin to lure Punjab’s youth into addiction. This new plant-based ICE, derived from Afghanistan’s ephedra plant, is cheaper and more potent. Despite the Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation, ephedra growth remains unchecked, fuelling the methamphetamine industry. In 2024, Punjab Police seized 22 kg of ICE—an 11-fold increase from 2023—with drones being used for smuggling. Reports suggest Pakistan-based drug lord Haji Salim is orchestrating large-scale ICE supply, while Afghanistan emerges as a major global methamphetamine producer.
India 08-Mar-2025
Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on March 8 stated that over the past eight days, the state government has arrested more than 1,000 drug peddlers and registered 700 cases under the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign. During a review meeting with Mohali district authorities in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar, he highlighted the seizure of over 50 kg of heroin, more than five quintals of poppy husk, over 30 kg of opium, and drug money exceeding INR 22 lakh. He urged socio-religious institutions, political parties, and NGOs to join the anti-drug fight, emphasizing rehabilitation efforts to reintegrate drug users into society.
India 09-Mar-2025
According to Border Security Force (BSF) sources, approximately 33 kg of narcotics have been seized, and 45 hostile drones have been neutralized along the International Border (IB) in Punjab in the first nine weeks of 2025. Additionally, 19 illegal weapons, including pistols and shotguns, have been recovered, and 15 suspected smugglers have been apprehended. In 2024, the BSF seized 283 kg of heroin and neutralized 294 drones, a sharp increase from 107 drones in 2023. Most drug consignments were dropped by Pakistan-origin drones, primarily China-made Mavic series drones used for smuggling.
India 09-Mar-2025
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement on March 9, strongly condemned the vandalization of a BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, calling it a despicable act. He urged local law enforcement to take strict action against the culprits and ensure adequate security for places of worship. The incident, which occurred on March 8 ahead of the so-called Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles, saw anti-Hindu messages like ‘Hindus go back’ graffitied, sparking concern within the local Hindu community.
India 09-Mar-2025
Various Sikh organizations, including Dal Khalsa and Sri Guru Kendri Singh Sabha, have strongly opposed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) decision to remove the jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib. Dal Khalsa called the move unacceptable to a large segment of Sikhs, blaming Sukhbir Singh Badal’s faction for the decision. Gurpreet Singh of Sri Guru Kendri Singh Sabha condemned the removals as politically motivated and urged the community to support the jathedars while holding SGPC representatives accountable.
India 09-Mar-2025
On March 9, Nihang organisations declared that they would not allow the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to hold the installation ceremony of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar and acting Akal Takht Jathedar on March 10 in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district. Led by Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal 96 Crori’s chief Baba Balbir Singh, several Nihang groups opposed the move, demanding the reinstatement of the sacked Jathedars. Other Sikh bodies and traditional sects also pledged to boycott the event. In response, Punjab Police heightened security around Takht Kesgarh Sahib to prevent clashes.
India 09-Mar-2025
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on March 9 stated that under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, 1,188 drug traffickers had been arrested, 875 FIRs registered, and 68 kg heroin, 873 kg poppy husk, 42 kg opium, 3.5 kg charas, 6,74,370 intoxicating tablets, and INR 35 lakh drug money seized since the campaign's launch on February 25. Cheema blamed previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments for Punjab’s drug crisis, highlighting AAP's 86% conviction rate. He also stressed awareness efforts, including student outreach and action against traffickers.
India 09-Mar-2025
Notorious criminal Phati alias Asad was killed in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police near Mathura on March 9. He was shot during a police raid after opening fire and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while two accomplices escaped. A wanted leader of the interstate Chaimaar gang, Phati had an INR 1 lakh bounty and over three dozen cases against him across multiple states.
India 09-Mar-2025
Amritsar Central Jail authorities on March 9 arrested Jail Warder Jagdeep Singh and seized 260 grams of narcotic powder, 560 sedative pills, 100 grams of narcotic substances, INR 63,650 drug money, and 217 “bidis” from his room, in Amritsar in Amritsar district. Acting on a tip-off about drug smuggling, the raid also led to the seizure of 404 sedative pills from inmate Ishant Kumar, allegedly supplied by Jagdeep. Police are conducting a forensic analysis of Jagdeep’s mobile phone to trace financial links and accomplices, with more arrests expected.
India 10-Mar-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) removal of two Takht jathedars has triggered outrage within the Sikh community. On March 7, the SGPC dismissed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh, citing inefficiency in addressing Sikh concerns. Many view this move as a ‘black day’ in contemporary Sikh history, further eroding the SGPC’s credibility. Growing calls demand separating the Akal Takht from the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to restore its independent authority.
Canada 10-Mar-2025
Mark Carney has been elected as the leader of Canada's Liberal Party with 85.9% of the vote and is set to become the country's next Prime Minister (PM). He aims to rebuild and strengthen Canada's strained relations with India, which deteriorated under former PM Justin Trudeau. Carney plans to diversify Canada's trade relationships, emphasizing economic partnerships with nations like India, especially in light of ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
India 10-Mar-2025
The Delhi High Court on March 10 admitted an appeal by the Delhi Police challenging a 2022 trial court order acquitting an individual in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The case pertains to the murder of Sher Singh in Mangolpuri, where Babu Lal and Shiv Shankar were accused. While the lower court acquitted Babu Lal due to a lack of witness identification, the High Court found grounds for an appeal. The move follows Supreme Court scrutiny over delays in riot-related cases, urging expedited appeals against past acquittals.
India 10-Mar-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) installed Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib at 2:45 am on March 10, seven hours ahead of schedule, amid threats from Nihang outfits and a boycott by Sikh organisations in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab. Later that afternoon, he assumed additional charge as acting Jathedar of Akal Takht in Amritsar without any ceremony—a historic first. The installation sparked controversy over alleged violations of Sikh Maryada, with critics questioning the absence of key rituals and opposition from several Sikh groups.
India 10-Mar-2025
Pro-Khalistani slogans were found on a wall in Jhumba village, Bathinda district, on March 10, a day before President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit. The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) claimed responsibility, with its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun releasing a video calling the President an 'Indian terrorist' and urging university protests. Bathinda police have registered a case and assured swift action. Murmu is set to attend convocation ceremonies in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from March 10 to 12.