Time Line

India 01-Jan-2023

According to sources, there has been a fourfold spike in the number of drones being sighted in Punjab coming from Pakistan to deliver narcotics, weapons, explosives and ammunition. From January 2022, around 254 drones were sighted of which 22 were shot down by BSF. In 2021, 67 drones were spotted. Sources said, of the 254 drones spotted in 2022, BSF troopers fired at these drones on 226 occasions. As many as 22 drones were brought down and captured (nine were shot down and another 13 fell due to various reasons). Also, while 221 drone activities were detected inside the Indian territory and 22 inside Pakistan. Some 311 drones were spotted in 2022 across the entire western border — Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. In 2021, around 104 drone activities were recorded and 77 in 2020. Around 75% of sightings were in Punjab of the total drone activities reported along the western border this year. While in Punjab, as many as 133 drones coming from across the border were sighted by the BSF in 2020 and 2021, out of which 67 drones were sighted in 2021. A senior BSF officer said each BSF ‘hit’ team at the border that brings down a drone through rifle firing or using jamming technology is rewarded with a cash incentive of Rs 1 lakh. “This incentive is meant to motivate the troopers battling the drone menace,” said the officer.

India 01-Jan-2023

According to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources, four districts of Punjab along the border with Pakistan reported essentially the most variety of drone sightings final 12 months, and most of them had been China-made and that 22 had been shot down, resulting in seizure of narcotics, arms and explosives. The Border Security Force (BSF) has recognized Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and Fazilka on the worldwide border the place greater than 85% of payload originating from throughout the border was dropped. Citing BSF knowledge, the officers mentioned that out of 200 drone sightings between July and December, 176 had been recorded in these four districts. Of the 22 drones introduced down by BSF this 12 months, 21 had been in these districts – up from one final 12 months.

India 02-Jan-2023

A live bomb shell was recovered in the fields on the Nayagaon-Kansal Road in Chandigarh, which is about one kilometer away from the helipad and about two kilometers from the official residences of Punjab Chief Minister (CM Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar. An official of the disaster management department who reached the spot said that the police control room received a message that a bomb-like object had been seen near the Kansal and Nayagaon T-point. "When we checked it and found that it was a live shell," he said, adding the area has been sealed. "It is a matter of investigation how this shell reached the spot," the official said.

India 02-Jan-2023

Rupnagar district police claimed to have arrested six accomplices of dreaded gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and seized 12 pistols along with 50 live cartridges in Ropar on January 2. One of the accused, Varinderpal Singh, was allegedly operating under the code name 777 from Amritsar jail. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vivek Sheel Soni said the accused were also involved in the smuggling of weapons and drugs in the state on a large scale. Earlier on December 15, the police had arrested four such accused and recovered four pistols from them.

India 02-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 2 recovered another Pakistani drone with a consignment of approximately 1 kg of heroin near the International Border (IB) in Gurdaspur sector. According to BSF, it was an “old broken” drone (Hexacopter) which was found at a distance of two km from the IB by its troops under Border Out Post Kossowal in Gurdaspur.

India 03-Jan-2023

The pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) issued a warning for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ahead of his Bharat Jodo Yatra which will enter Punjab on January 11. The Khalistani group once again threatened the Congress leader and challenged him to walk on the streets of Punjab. The group in the video said that a "bomb found in the park near CM Bhagwant Mann's Chandigarh residence could also have been found on the helipad."

India 03-Jan-2023

Slogans in favour of Khalistan were found written on the walls of the SSP office in Sri Muktsar Sahib in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a banned Khalistani terror organization based in the US, released a video taking responsibility for the act. Reportedly, the incident took place outside SSP Upinderjit Singh Ghuman's office where the walls were defaced with various slogans. Slogans like ‘Khalistani Zindabad’, ‘Rahul Gandhi Bharat Jodo Yatra’, Indira Gandhi assassination, etc were written on the wall. Later, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video of himself talking about various incidents in Punjab including bomb found near Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s office, Khalistani slogans written and also spoke about Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination.

India 03-Jan-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has been investigating multiple cases related to the smuggling of drugs, explosives and weapons from Pakistan into Indian territory using drones, is likely to look into January 2’s seizure of a drone by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Gurdaspur in Punjab for clues. It carried a consignment of one-kg heroin. The NIA has so far detected two modules comprising alleged members of banned terror outfits. Based on the findings, it has arraigned 12 accused persons in these cases.

India 03-Jan-2023

A day after an abandoned bombshell was found in a mango orchard near Nayagaon, Punjab-Chandigarh border, Chandigarh Police has ruled out a terror angle. In an official release issued on January 3, police said it appears to be a shell from old ammunition, and some scrap dealer must have dumped it there. The Army, however, is yet to release its detailed analysis report.

India 03-Jan-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on January 3 directed officers to confiscate the property of those involved in drug peddling to counter the drug menace in the state. Chairing a meeting to review the law-and-order situation in the state, Mann reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to wipe out the scourge of drugs from the state. He said the government had already put the big fish involved in drug peddling behind the bars and to ensure stern action, the property of drug peddlers must be seized with immediate effect. The CM said necessary amendments, if any required, in the requisite laws will be duly made and the officer in whose jurisdiction drugs are sold would be held accountable for this lapse.

India 03-Jan-2023

A Pakistani intruder was shot dead by the Border Security Force (BSF) on the International Border (IB) near Gurdaspur in Gurdaspur district on January 3 morning. The accused who crossed the border was neutralised by the 72nd Battalion of BSF at around 8 am when BSP troops were on their routine patrolling. According to the reports, a pump action shotgun was recovered from the Pakistani intruder.

India 03-Jan-2023

Police on January 3 arrested a resident of Prem Vihar, identified as Sunil Kumar along with 6 gm heroin from his possession near the Shiv Mandir in the Daulatpur colony in Ludhiana District.

India 03-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) seized a damaged drone along with 782 gm of heroin from near the Kassowal border out post (BOP) in Gurdaspur sector in Gurdaspur district on January 3 night and the contraband was handed over to the police.

India 04-Jan-2023

The Counter Intelligence Wing of the police has recovered 5 kg heroin and detained one person in this connection in Amritsar.

India 04-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) suspects that the Pakistani intruder whom it shot down early on January 3 in the Gurdaspur sector was a terrorist intrusion mission’s scout. According to Punjab frontier’s former BSF inspector general M S Malhi, he had all the signs of a guide sent ahead to test the infiltration route. This intruder had a pump action gun, which is not so lethal as a conventional assault rifle. He was alone and not even smuggling arms or drugs into the country, which supports the theory that he was a scout. Malhi said, “Even drones can deliver weapons and drugs these days, so a man wouldn’t be risked unless required to lead armed intrusion.” On why the Pakistani side will choose the Channan outpost area for infiltration, he said it had a cross-border tunnel found recently, and the intruder’s accomplices might have retreated through a similar underground passage after he was shot dead.

Australia 04-Jan-2023

A poster of a so-called referendum by the Khalistanis was found outside Plumpton Gurdwara, Victoria, Australia and the same was shared on the social media platforms. The posters included the images of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh. The poster read, 'the last battle. Khalistan Referendum. Voting January 29, Melbourne.' This comes in the wake of India warning Australia of increasing presence of Khalistani extremists in the country in December. This was following a Khalistani Referendum Rally being announced. The Australian authorities began looking into the matter following the warning. It however seems that no major action has been initiated by Australia ahead of the so-called referendum schedule for January 29. The same has been called by the proscribed terror group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The images have been shared by several social media handles that are pro-Khalistan. The posters while being shared blamed the Hindutva system of India for the Sikh Genocide of 1984.

India 04-Jan-2023

Punjab Police’s special task force arrested an alleged drug peddler, identified as Jassi Kumar (21) after recovering 920 gm heroin from his possession at a checkpoint in the Moti Nagar area in Ludhiana district. Police said he has been involved in the drug trade in the area for the last few years. The scooter used by the accused in the crime has also been impounded.

India 04-Jan-2023

An electrician, identified as Paramjit Singh (45) was shot dead by two armed persons at his house in Bardeke village near Jagraon in Ludhiana district. According to reports, the assailants fired four bullets, killing him on the spot. There were reportedly three persons who came in a car and two of them entered the victim’s house. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the house. Meanwhile, after the incident, a Facebook post by Jaspreet Singh, who claimed to be Canada-based fugitive gangster Arsh Dalla, took the responsibility for the murder. In the post, he said Paramjit had been murdered as he had “mentally harassed” a person at Minian village due to which he had “committed suicide”. “.. My younger brother Dilpreet Dhaliwal of Minian village was harassed and he died by suicide because of this man.. so I got him killed to take revenge of my brother’s killing…,” said the post, while tagging accounts of other gangster groups, including Jaipal Bhullar-Jassi gang and Davinder Bambiha gang. An officer from Ludhiana rural police said that it was suspected that Jaspreet Singh, from whose account the post has been uploaded, is slain gangster Jaspreet Jassi of Kharar. “Maybe his account is being misused to mislead the police,” said the officer.

India 05-Jan-2023

The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) expressed deep concern over the rising number of youths in India getting addicted to drugs and peddling. “This country has one of the largest number of youths, a factor to power economic growth, but an overwhelming majority of addicts are amongst these youths, which has resulted in increase of crime and violence,” observed the court. The HC added that the lives of the citizens are being destroyed due to the selling of these banned substances.

India 05-Jan-2023

According to the Border Security Force (BSF), a 62-year-old Bangladeshi national, identified as Mohammed Mahmud Alam Tulu was arrested by the BSF from near the International Border (IB) in the forward area of Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district on January 5 night. The man was approaching the border fence from the Indian side and going towards Pakistan, the spokesperson said.

India 06-Jan-2023

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) urged Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to act against the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for not complying with the directions of starting its own channel while letting a private channel to hold exclusive rights to telecast Gurbani from the Golden Temple.

India 07-Jan-2023

Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Central Agencies arrested an Army personnel, posted as Sepoy in Pathankot and his aide, Paramjeet Singh alias Pamma after recovering 29 packets of heroin, weighing 31.02 kilogram, from their possession in Fazilka in Fazilka district on January 7.

India 07-Jan-2023

The Punjab Police in the morning launched massive raids on suspected hideouts of persons linked with Gangster turned Terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla. According to Police, searches were planned after the questioning of several persons in the recently busted modules backed by Arsh Dalla. During the search operation, as many as 192 Police parties searched the premises of at least 232 persons linked with Dalla. Dalla is a notorious gangster turned terrorist involved in various criminal activities in Punjab and abroad and is a most wanted criminal by the Punjab Police. He is a Category-A gangster turned terrorist and is a Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) operative, which is a banned terrorist organisation. In 2020, after committing the murder of one of his associate, Sukkha Lamme, he escaped to Canada.

India 07-Jan-2023

Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Ashwani Sharma on January 7 raised concerns over the 'deteriorating' law and order situation in the state and claimed that leaders of the saffron party were receiving threat calls. Sharma alleged that police officials were not acting on their complaints as if they were not allowed to act. He questioned Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann why he was silent about the claims of Khalistan supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was formed in Punjab with their support. “Perhaps this is the reason that crime has increased because the government had given Khalistan supporters free hand,” he added.

India 07-Jan-2023

According to reports, Indian Army troops belonging to the Sikh community will now soon be receiving ballistic helmets, designed especially for them to wear on their turbans. Army officials are describing this procurement as the first such order for the Sikh soldiers. The Indian Army is planning to purchase as many as 12,730 ballistic helmets under emergency procurement using the fast-track mode. The Ministry Of Defence will buy two types of helmets including 8,911 large helmets and 3,819 extra-large helmets which will be procured with the condition that their content must include majorly indigenous design as mentioned in the official document of the ministry. For Sikh soldiers in the Indian army, who are banned from cutting their hair due to religious beliefs, choosing to wear a helmet has always been a personal choice. But often for safety reasons especially in active areas like the Northeast or in Kashmir, wearing a helmet may have been preferable. However, the fact that hair was covered by a turban in many cases could have posed a problem, calling for the need for specialised helmets.

India 07-Jan-2023

Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP (Member of Parliament) from Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh said that he received threatening messages on WhatsApp in the name of ‘Lashkar-e-Khalsa Sandeep Singh Khalistani’. He complained that the terror organization threatened to kill him after registering an FIR at the Civil Lines police station. The text message found on WhatsApp said that if the case is not withdrawn, he will be killed. Earlier, he received threats through WhatsApp, after which an FIR was lodged.

India 08-Jan-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on January 8 that Lakhbir Singh Rode, nephew of deceased Khalistani militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and head of banned Khalistani outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), had planned the December 2021 Ludhiana court complex blast, in which suspected bomber Gagandeep Singh was killed and six people injured. Rode had conspired to carry out bomb blasts in various places in Punjab and used Pakistan-based smugglers to execute his plans, the NIA said. The NIA filed a charge sheet before a Mohali court, naming Gagandeep Singh, Surmukh Singh alias Sammu, Dilbagh Singh alias Baggo, Rajanpreet Singh and a Pakistani national Zulfikar alias Pahalwan, who it said were part of the conspiracy. NIA has already filed a charge sheet against Rode in March 2022. “During investigations, it has been revealed that Lakhbir Singh Rode, Pakistan based ISYF terrorist handler, had planned to execute IED blasts at various locations in Punjab. In order to execute his plans, he, in association with Pakistan based smugglers, recruited India based operatives to smuggle IEDs and to carry out blasts to cause maximum casualties and to strike terror among the general public,” the NIA said in a statement.

India 08-Jan-2023

According to report, Army has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for emergency purchase of nearly 13,000 helmets for Sikh troops through fast-track procedure. The RFP, which is in public domain, was issued by the Army on January 5, 2023 for 12,730 ballistic helmets. Of these, 8,911 are needed of large size while 3,819 are required to be in extra-large size. The helmets need to be of central bulge design and as per advanced combat design to suit the head size of Sikh troops who sport unshorn hair on their heads as per religious requirement.

India 08-Jan-2023

The police on January 8 arrested two persons, identified as Pankaj (29) and Stanley Joseph (23) along with 1.2 kg of charas from their possession from near Lamini Government College in Pathankot district.

India 09-Jan-2023

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) declared Canada-based gangster Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, a designated terrorist after discovering his involvement in crimes such as murder, extortion, targeted killings, and terrorism. According to MHA notification, Gill is associated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and is accused of various offences, including targeted killing, extortion for terrorism funding, attempted murder, inciting communal strife, and spreading terror in Punjab. The UMHA in a statement said that Arsh Dalla has been designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 due to his involvement in cross-border smuggling of drugs and weapons and association with the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Arshdeep Singh Gill, who is originally from Ludhiana but currently resides in Canada, has been accused in various cases by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), including targeted killing, extortion for terror funding, attempted murder, inciting communal unrest, and inciting fear among the people of Punjab. This marks the fifth individual to be designated as a terrorist in the past week, all of whom are based in countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. According to UMHA, Gill is closely connected to Hardeep Singh Nijjar and is involved in running terror modules on behalf of Nijjar. Gill has been involved in crimes such as murder, extortion, and targeted killings, as well as terror financing and the large-scale smuggling of drugs and weapons across borders. As a result, the Central Government has added Gill as a terrorist under section 35 of the UAPA. This will make Gill the 53rd individual to be designated as a terrorist under the Act.

India 09-Jan-2023

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on January 9 asked officers to adopt zero tolerance against drug peddlers, terrorists and gangsters, asking them to use effective law against anti-social elements and also invoke the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in terror activities. The DGP held a virtual meeting with officers and asked them to identify the drug hotspots at every police station and lay special focus on pharmaceutical drugs to root out the menace from the state. He warned that the concerned SHOs (Station House Officers) will be held responsible in case of leniency in drugs related cases.

India 09-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) fired 74 rounds at a Pakistani drone that twice intruded into Indian territory near the Adhian border outpost in Gurdaspur on January 9 night. The drone was sighted in the Dorangla block. Incidentally, this area became a favored destination for Pakistan to push in drones. The drone retreated after the BSF fired at it but returned 20 minutes later.

India 09-Jan-2023

Inspector General of Police (IGP) headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill on January 9 said that Punjab Police have arrested as many as 9917 drug smugglers, including 1447 hardened criminals, since July 5, 2022. Police have registered a total number of 7,533 first information reports (FIRs) of which 852 are related to commercial quantity. He said, “Police teams have recovered 418.44 kg heroin from across the state after carrying out cordon and search operations in drug-affected areas besides laying checkpoints at vulnerable routes across the state. Additionally, 147.5 kg heroin was recovered from seaports of Gujarat and Maharashtra, taking the total effective recovery of heroin to 565.94 kg in just six months.” Gill said that police have also recovered 407 kg each of opium and ganja, 233 quintals of poppy husk, and 33.88 lakh tablets/capsules/injections/vials of pharma opioids from across the state.

India 09-Jan-2023

In a major success, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested one major logistics provider for the gangsters, identified as Chhotu Ram Bhaat in Sirsa in Haryana. According to the officials, Bhaat was acting as a weapons supplier and was also providing hideouts to the gangsters of the Bambiha group.

India 09-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on the intervening night of January 9 and 10 busted a narco-terror attempt from across the border and seized 5 bottles possibly filled with heroin weighing of 2.5 kg and also a 500-grams heroin packet near Wan Village of Tarn Taran district.

India 10-Jan-2023

With the arrest of 16 persons, including two Afghan nationals, over a period of two months, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has exposed an international syndicate of drug smugglers involving white-collared criminals, who used to mint quick money and invest it in liquor business, rice mills, ghee trading and agencies of reputed brands, to mislead the NCB. During investigation, the Narcotics Control Bureau found that the group was operating night clubs and restaurants in the Tricity and region. Officials said drug smugglers procured the contraband from their links in Afghanistan and Pakistan, a set of couriers took care of transportation from Mundra Port, the ICT Atari and Jammu border, two Afghan chemists processed opium and morphine into heroin and other variants in Ludhiana and criminals and gangsters distributed it. A special investigation team has now been formed and supported by investigating officers from other NCB zones. Specialised financial and technical investigation teams are already probing deeper into the syndicate. More than 60 bank accounts of this group and 30 properties purchased with the drug money have been frozen.

Australia 10-Jan-2023

According to reports, ahead of the so-called Khalistan referendum in the Australian city of Melbourne, tensions arose over the display of posters praising Indira Gandhi’s assassins. A Sikh group has decided to hold a car rally on January 15 to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the death of Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh. Meanwhile, ‘Khalistan Referendum’ poster, which has pictures of Satwant and Kehar Singh, placed outside the Plympton Gurdwara went viral on social media. The Khalistan referendum will be held in Melbourne on January 29. Later, unknown people sprayed the posters. On the other hand, the Hindu community approached the government to stop the Khalistan referendum, but the Australian government refused to stop the Khalistan referendum after examining all the issues.

Pakistan 11-Jan-2023

Pakistan government has appointed a senior officer of its intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Project Management Unit (PMU) that manages the affairs of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib on the Pakistan side of Kartarpur Corridor. According to highly placed sources, the Deputy Secretary (Administration), Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) had on January 11 issued a notification number 212 for the appointment of Muhammad Abu Bakar Aftab Qureshi, Deputy Director General, Directorate General ISI as CEO, PMU, Kartapur Sahib for a period of three years. The appointment of an ISI officer as well as a non-Sikh as head of PMU is being criticized by the international Sikh community who are of the view that a non-Sikh couldn’t take ‘correct’ decisions with regards to the religious affairs of Sikhs besides being an official of ISI, he could use the platform of PMU to further anti-India agenda.

Australia 12-Jan-2023

According to reports, a Hindu temple in Australia's Melbourne was defaced with anti-India graffiti and pro-Khalistan slogans by an alleged group of Khalistani supporters. Reports said the walls of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne's northern suburb of Mill Park were painted with "Hindustan Murdabad" which means down with India. The officials of the temple trust said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the anti-India graffiti at the gates of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park, Melbourne, Australia by anti-social elements. The BAPS temple in Mill Park, like all temples of BAPS worldwide, is an abode of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values." A police complaint has been registered by the Hindu local body.

India 12-Jan-2023

Two months after a news report came about the death of gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda due to drug overdose in Pakistan, the intelligence agencies have found some fresh “substantial evidences” to show that he may be “alive”. The issue was discussed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) recently during a meeting with officials of intelligence agencies and National Investigation Agency (NIA). As per media reports, Rinda, a wanted terrorist carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh announced by the NIA, died at a hospital in Pakistan’s Lahore in November. A few days ago, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla held a meeting with officials of intelligence agencies and the NIA to discuss resurgence of terror activities in Punjab.

India 12-Jan-2023

Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) opposed an Army’s proposal to introduce ballistic helmets for Sikh soldiers, demanding that the move must be withdrawn. Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh termed it an “attack on the Sikh identity” and asked the Ministry of Defence, the Centre and the Army to reconsider the proposal as it was against the Sikh “rehat maryada” (tenets). He claimed the British had also tried to introduce a similar proposal during the World War II, but then Sikh soldiers had rejected it.

Australia 13-Jan-2023

According to reports, the Melbourne Temple vandalism has shocked the Indian community in Australia. The walls of the Melbourne’s Mill Park BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir had slogans saying Hindustan Murdabad and with praises of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the controversial Khalistani militant leader. Report said, there are grave concerns amongst the community and the Australian government regarding the spread of Indian anti national Khalistani elements in Australia. The Australian national newspaper reported in December 2022 that senior Indian government officials have raised the alarm over the growth of Sikh separatism in Australia and its links to terrorist groups in India, warning the Albanese government ministers of the movement’s propensity for violence. The report in the paper also attributed a source in the Indian government having concerns that the local Khalistani movement leaders were recruiting impressionable Indian Sikhs in Australia “who didn’t know what they were getting into.” There are concerns that the Sikh separatist groups Baber Khalsa International (BKI), Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) which are all banned by India could be infiltrating Australia, as they have created a foothold in Canada. With the close relationship between India and Australia emerging, Australia needs to do more to stamp out these Indian anti-national elements in the community, the report added.

Australia 13-Jan-2023

According to India government sources, India has raised strong objections with the local authorities of Australia in connection with the Melbourne Temple vandalism. The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Mill Park was defaced on January 12, with graffities against India. India asked them to initiate a probe and arrest the Khalistani group behind the incident. “Hindus live peacefully in Melbourne, but some groups are trying to creating tension between the authorities and the community. The Melbourne authorities should look into this otherwise these groups will spread here like the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada," said government sources.

India 13-Jan-2023

According to reports, Dal Khalsa, a radical Sikh organisation, which has for years been advocating for a separate homeland for the people of Punjab, is again harping on about a referendum in the state. Dal Khalsa will take out a march ‘Sovereignty through the right of self-determination’ to highlight its demand for a referendum in Punjab under the United Nations (UN) in the last week of January 2023. The march will be held in Amritsar on January 25 on the eve of Republic Day. A decision to this effect was passed in an executive meeting of the Sikh hardline body chaired by its president Harpal Singh Cheema.

India 13-Jan-2023

Ferozepur Police on January 13 arrested an associate of Canada-based gangster-turned-terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, identified as Gurpreet Singh from near Talwandi Bhai in Moga district. He was arrested when he was coming from Moga on a bike. When he reached near Talwandi Bhai, the police party at a checkpoint signaled him to stop but the accused opened fire at them with his .38 bore revolver and tried to escape, police said. The accused was hit in the leg in return fire by police and was arrested. He was admitted to Zira civil hospital.

India 13-Jan-2023

According to sources, to increase the presence of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Punjab, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has approved the opening of a full-fledged regional office of the bureau in Amritsar. It will be headed by a Deputy Director-General of the rank of an Inspector General (IG) or above. Punjab will be the first state where drug-related cases will be pursued by two separate offices of the NCB — the existing Zonal Division in Chandigarh and the upcoming regional office. While the Amritsar office will oversee operations in the Majha and Doaba regions, the Chandigarh division will have jurisdiction over the Malwa belt.

India 13-Jan-2023

Police brought gangster Dilpreet Singh Dhahe on production warrant in Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. Dhahe, facing murder, attempt to murder and extortion cases, was lodged at Tihar Jail in New Delhi. He was produced in court which remanded him to four-day police custody.

India 13-Jan-2023

Police on January 13 arrested a Khalistani suspect Jagjit Singh and his aide Naushad from Jahangir Puri in North West Delhi. Later, weapons, two hand grenades and bloodstains were found in the raid of the Special Cell from the hideout of the suspects in Delhi's Bhalswa area. According to the police, the Khalistan connection of the arrested suspects is being investigated.

India 13-Jan-2023

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Panchkula has declared Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, as a proclaimed offender in the May 2022 Bastara toll plaza (Karnal District, Haryana) case where three IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and arms and ammunition were seized. Recently, the Punjab Police had stated in a press conference that the report on Rinda’s death in Pakistan due to drug overdose wasn’t confirmed. The court on January 11 directed the NIA to furnish the list of properties, movable or immovable, owned by Rinda for attachment. As per the NIA, during the investigation it was revealed that the explosives were sent by Rinda from Pakistan.

United States 15-Jan-2023

The United States’ (US) Republican politician, Robert Bob Lancia said that the US need to be more vigilant for its borders given the fact that Pakistan has a history of supporting terror activities. He said that the law enforcement agencies of the US state of Rhode Island need to be vigilant to counter any threat. "For many decades, Pakistan has been the epicenter of terrorism, harboring the most UN designated terrorists in the world within its borders. Besides supporting Jihadi terror groups, Pakistan also leaked sensitive nuclear secrets at least to Iran and North Korea, the other two sponsors of terrorism and oppression in the world. Pakistan has also been actively involved in sponsoring terrorist activities in India - not just Jihadi terrorism but also Khalistani terrorist activities, which are mostly based outside of India," said Lancia, who is a former US Navy chaplain. He claimed that Pakistan-supported Khalistan militants may be active in the US state of Connecticut. "In fact, it looks like Pakistan-supported Khalistan militants even may be active in Connecticut! A Khalistani terrorist group was responsible for the bombing of Air India Flight 182 on June 23, 1985. It was a Boeing 747 jumbo jet carrying 329 passengers & crew members, with citizens from Canada, England, and India aboard. They were all killed in the worst terrorist attack in Canada's history," he said. Lancia further said that knowing the background of Khalistan, and Rhode Island's porous border with Connecticut, 'it’s extremely important that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant'.

India 15-Jan-2023

According to police sources, two terror suspects arrested in Delhi beheaded a man and chopped up his body. They filmed the gruesome crime and sent the video to their handlers in Pakistan, the sources said. The identity of the victim is yet to be established. The police have recovered several body parts -- among them his hand, which had a Trishul tattoo. The man, aged around 21, was apparently a drug addict the two had befriended, sources said. Police sources said Naushad was tasked with killing “influential Hindus” by his handler Sohail, an operative of the Pakistan-based terror group Harkat-ul Ansar. His accomplice, Jagjit Singh, was asked to propagate the Sikh separatist group Khalistan's activities in India, sources said. Jagjit Singh was allegedly in contact with Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Dalla, who is currently in Canada.

India 15-Jan-2023

A probe by an intelligence agency has revealed that the two suspected terrorists arrested by Delhi Police’s special cell were being handled by the K2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) desk of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The duo, Jagjit alias Yaqub and Naushad, have revealed the names of at least two Shiv Sena leaders and two other religious leaders in Punjab who they were tasked with eliminating. Delhi Police will follow up with Punjab Police and intelligence agencies regarding this, sources said. Police said they have not been able to identify the man whose body parts they had recovered on January 14. The police are also analysing mobile communication between the two accused and their handlers - Canada-based Arsh Dalla and an ISI operative. Dalla, a permanent resident of Canada, is accused of being involved in over two dozen cases of murder, extortion and targeted killings, police said, adding a red notice by Interpol is pending against him. Dalla has been operating as an associate of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and engaged in providing logistics for targeted killings on ISI’s instructions, sources said.

India 15-Jan-2023

The controversy over the Army’s desire to purchase helmets for Sikh soldiers has seen politicians cutting across party lines and religious leaders expressing their annoyance over the move. However, it is also a fact that Sikh soldiers serving in the British, Canadian and Australian armies are required to wear a helmet under combat conditions.

India 15-Jan-2023

According to report, the state special operation cell (SSOC) of Punjab Police has begun a thorough investigation to “tighten the noose” on alleged gangster-terrorist nexus, which is actively using virtual numbers for targeted and contract killings and smuggling of drugs, arms, ammunition and explosives from across the border. The police believe that members of the gangster-terrorist syndicate have been generating virtual numbers by using various platforms available on the public domain on internet by using their fake identification and with the help of their foreign-based associates to dodge the police. A virtual phone number provides you with the opportunity to communicate with anyone in the world at any time, using almost any internet-connected device. Virtual phone numbers offer flexible communication options and a layer of privacy.

India 15-Jan-2023

Punjab Police on January 15 arrested an active operative of Canada-based terrorist Goldy Brar, identified as Inderpreet Singh alias Parry (32) from Sundernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Parry, who came in contact with Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi at DAV College, Chandigarh, in 2011, had a notorious past with over a dozen cases pertaining to murder and attempt to murder registered against him in Punjab and Haryana, he said. The accused is also involved in the targeted killing of Dera Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh, who was shot by six persons outside his shop in Kotkapura on November 10, 2022. He was also involved in Bishnoi’s escape from police custody.

India 15-Jan-2023

Pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh Sandhu was admitted in an Amritsar hospital on January 15 evening after he blacked out at a public gathering in Muktsar in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. He complained of uneasiness after the episode at the Maghi Mela, where he addressed the turnout. Sources said his condition was stable although there was no official statement on his medical status.

India 16-Jan-2023

Inspector General of Police (headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said on January 16 that Punjab Police arrested 258 drug smugglers and registered 194 first information reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act across the state in last one week. He said the police have also recovered 41.26kg heroin, 13.5kg opium, 53.25kg ganja, 4.8 quintals of poppy husk, and 5.28 lakh tablets/capsules/injections/vials of pharma opioids besides INR 20.48 lakh drug money. He also said that with 15 more proclaimed offenders in police net, the total number of arrests reached 623 since the special drive to arrest them was launched on July 5, 2022.

India 16-Jan-2023

Ludhiana rural police January 16 said that “Khalistan Zindabad” slogans were written on a wall of a vehicle repairing workshop in Baddowal village in Ludhiana District. Police rounded up the workshop owner Gurjant Singh, who expressed unawareness about the person who wrote the slogan.

India 17-Jan-2023

A Mohali court allowed the National Investigating Agency (NIA) to question an accused in a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack as well as other terror related cases. The accused was earlier deemed to be tried as an adult by a district court.

India 17-Jan-2023

A week after two suspects were arrested for killing a man, Delhi Police have uncovered a complex terror web stretching from Pakistan to Canada with “handlers” directing hit jobs on political leaders in India, in return for hefty cash rewards. The revelations come ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in India. Delhi Police has now launched a search for at least four people suspected to be part of the terror conspiracy in which gangsters planned “targeted killings” of certain political leaders through two criminals – Naushad and Jagga.

India 17-Jan-2023

The Punjab Police State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on January 17 arrested two aides of alleged Khalistani terrorist Amritpal Singh of Moga (currently residing in the Philippines), identified as Yuvraj Singh and Nishan Singh in Mohali. According to sources, they were planning to eliminate a Hindu leader in Mohali. “They had done recce of the house of a Hindu leader here and were supposed to meet another accomplice residing in Mohali. The accused revealed that their accomplice here possessed weapons too but they were nabbed before they could meet their aide,” said a senior police officer. Amritpal had given them a target to kill some religious leaders in Punjab. “Amritpal is a close associate of Paramjit Singh Pamma who is residing in England. Our teams are raiding the possible hideouts of the associates of Nishan and Yuvraj. Pamma and Amritpal are in touch with Khalistani radicals,” said another police official. Amritpal is one of the seven NRIs who were booked by SSOC, Mohali, in October 2022 for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition illegally in Punjab to disturb peace in the state. He is also suspected to be a close aide of Canada-based gangster-turned-terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa.

India 17-Jan-2023

According to report, Baldeep Singh, brother of Canada-based wanted gangster cum terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, has managed to flee abroad after getting a passport based on forged documents. Baldeep Singh was out on bail in an attempt to murder case when he managed to get a passport made based on forged documents and fly abroad. The Moga Police on January 17 registered a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against Baldeep Singh, his brother Arshdeep Dalla, their father Charanjit Singh and four other accomplices who are currently lodged in different jails of Punjab. The jailed accomplices allegedly helped Baldeep in getting a passport based on forged documents, as per the FIR registered by the Moga Police. Gangster Arshdeep, a native of Dala village of Moga, and his father Charanjit Singh were recently booked by Ludhiana rural police for the alleged murder of one Paramjit Singh of Bardeke village who was shot dead by two shooters who had stormed inside his house. In a purported Facebook post, Arsh, an alleged operative of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), had claimed responsibility for his murder. He was designated as a terrorist by the Centre over his alleged association with Khalistan movement and terror activities.

Australia 17-Jan-2023

According to a report, the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs in Melbourne, Victoria was allegedly vandalised by the miscreants on January 17. Anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti was painted near the temple premises during vandalisation.

India 18-Jan-2023

The Khanna police busted an international extortion and targeted killing module operated by Amrit Bal-Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang which has links with foreign-based terrorist organization, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). According to police, they have arrested a total of 13 persons till now, including target suppliers, shooters and shelter providers and seized five illegal weapons and 53 live cartridges from them. The arrested accused have been identified as Mahinder Verma, alias DK, of Madhya Pradesh; Ramesh of Rajasthan; Sandeep Singh Shelly of Fatehgarh Sahib; Gurjant Singh, alias Janti, and Sukhvir Singh, both of Ludhiana; Rafi and Waris Ali, both of Malerkotla; Charlas and Parveen Singh, both of Gurdaspur, and Harsimranjit Singh Simma, Sarabjot Singh, Daljit Kaur, alias Mano, and Shamsher Singh, all four of Amritsar. Ludhiana Range Inspector General (IG) Kaustubh Sharma, said Amrit Bal and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria had given the job of 14 targeted killings to the suspects. “It all started on December 5, 2022 when the Khanna police arrested two persons — Mahinder Verma and Ramesh Chauhan — from whom a .32 bore pistol, a .315 country made, 10 live cartridges were seized. During their questioning, their links with gangster Bal came to the fore. In November 2022, these two were also sent to Yamunanagar in Haryana by Bal but they could not commit killing due to some reasons,” he added. On the further disclosures of these two, three more gang members Gurjant, Sandeep and Sukhvir were arrested with a US-made .45 bore and 20 live cartridges and on further questioning, these three admitted that on the directions of Bal, Mahinder and Ramesh were to commit a killing in Batala and Harsimranjit, Shamsher and Charlas were to arrange shelter and arms for them there, said the IG, adding that on December 18, these three were nabbed with illegal weapons. The arrested woman, Daljit Kaur, is a close confidant of Bal; Sarabjot Singh and Parmod, alias Bahman (yet to be arrested), are her aides and three used to get instructions for targeted killings from Bal and Bhagwanpuria and they would then arrange resources for shooters, said the IG, adding that on December 24-25, Sarabjot and Kaur were arrested.

India 18-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 18 seized Chinese-made weapons dropped by a Pakistani Drone in the frontier village Uncha Takala in the Gurdaspur district. BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prabhakar Joshi said four Chinese-manufactured pistols, 47 rounds and eight magazines were found in the agriculture fields during a search. He added that the consignment bore the name of ‘Norinco.’ “Later, we got to know that the arms and ammunition were manufactured by China North Industries Group Corporation going by the acronym ‘Norinco’,” he said.

India 18-Jan-2023

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami was attacked during the ongoing Quami Insaaf Morcha when he was leaving the protest site in Mohali on January 18. Dhami along with members of SGPC executive committee had reached the site to address the protesters. The SGPC chief was attacked after he finished speaking and was leaving the protest site in his car.

India 18-Jan-2023

Police submitted a supplementary report against two accused in the Mohali rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack case in a local court on January 18. The RPG was fired at Punjab Police’s intelligence headquarters in Mohali on May 9, 2022. The supplementary report was submitted in the court of additional district and sessions judge Avtar Singh against key accused Charat Singh and the sole juvenile in the case whom the juvenile justice board has recently directed to treat as an adult. Police claimed that the May 9 attack was conspired by the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) backing.

India 18-Jan-2023

A category ‘A’ gangster, Tirath Singh Dhilwan died of an ailment on January 18. He was admitted to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) in Ludhiana following an infection in the brain on January 9. A resident of Dhilwan Village in Faridkot, Tirath was involved in the killing of gangster Sukha Kahlwan in Phagwara as well as in the killing of gangster-turned-politician Jaswinder Singh ‘Rocky’.

India 19-Jan-2023

According to the police, pro-Khalistan slogans were found written on the walls of Peeragarhi flyover, Peeragarhi Chowk, Paschim Vihar, Vikaspuri, Janakpuri Metro Station, Vosco Public School wall, Rohtak Road, Vikaspuri bus stand and Tilak Nagar among other places in New Delhi on January 19 morning. At some places slogans were written in Punjabi.

India 19-Jan-2023

Delhi Police on January 19 removed graffitis painted on a wall with slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Referendum 2020” in the Paschim Vihar area in West Delhi. Text such as “SFJ” (Sikhs For Justice), “Referendum 2020”, “Vote for Khalistan” were also seen painted on a wall. According to Delhi Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Suman Nalwa, "Some people had painted anti-national, Khalistan-related graffiti at some locations in Delhi. This is not a security-related issue. Legal action will be taken in this matter. Delhi Police is ensuring that no wrong activities take place ahead of Republic Day.”

India 19-Jan-2023

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India has taken a serious note of recent incidents of vandalism of temples in Australia by alleged Khalistani supporters and urged the law enforcement agencies there to thoroughly probe and take measures to prevent such incidents in future. Arindam Bagchi said New Delhi condemned such acts. “Our Consulate General in Melbourne has taken up the matter with local Police. We’ve requested expeditious investigation against the perpetrators and measures to prevent such incidents in future. The matter has also been taken up with the Australian Government and we are looking forward to it,” he added. He also said the Indian government is aware that a couple of temples have recently been vandalised in Australia. “We strongly condemn these actions. These actions have also been publicly condemned by Australian leaders, community leaders and religious associations there,” Bagchi said.

India 19-Jan-2023

The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested two more terror suspects, identified as Jagpreet alias Jagga and Gurupreet, who were tasked with carrying out terror activities in Delhi and Punjab, in Delhi. According to police, both, residents of Gurdaspur, Punjab, were also planning to kill a politician in Punjab.

India 20-Jan-2023

The Delhi Police special cell in association with the Punjab Police arrested two close associates of fugitive Khalistani terrorist Landa Harike, identified as Rajan Bhatti and Kanwaljeet Singh alias Chinna from Amritsar Rural in Amritsar district. According to police, Rajan Bhatti, a resident of Gurdaspur, has been named in over 15 cases and was absconding. He is accused of target killings and disturbing communal harmony in Punjab on the directions of Landa Harike and Harvinder Singh Rinda. On the basis of disclosures made by Rajan Bhatti and a technical analysis, police arrested Kanwaljeet Singh. According to Police, accused Rajan Bhatti was handling Chinna for receiving and pushing drone-dropped drugs and firearms in Punjab. Landa Harike had tasked Rajan and Chinna with killing two targets in Punjab. The Delhi Police team in association with the Punjab Police conducted a raid when the suspects opened fire at the police and tried to escape. In the exchange of fire, police personnel received bullet injuries. In the operation, Chinna was apprehended while his accomplice managed to flee.

India 20-Jan-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 20 conducted searches at two different locations in Punjab in the Ludhiana court bomb blast case that occurred on December 23, 2021, in which one person died and six were injured. The places raided by the anti-terror agency included Mukhtiar Sahib and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab, said the NIA. During these searches, the NIA claimed to have seized Rs 10,16,000 cash, mobile phones, SIM cards and dairies with incriminating content.

India 20-Jan-2023

According to reports, the nationwide signature campaign launched by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh political prisoners) is receiving good response. SGPC sources claimed that around 10 lakh people have signed during the campaign. These signatures will be submitted to the President of India.

India 20-Jan-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on January 20 vowed to intensify their signature campaign for release of ‘Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners), which it claims are lodged in different prisons despite having completed their jail sentences. The SGPC said the nationwide campaign launched last month will now be taken to the villages and educational institutions.

India 20-Jan-2023

According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids simultaneously in Gurdaspur and Muktsar districts in connection with the December 2021 Ludhiana blast case. NIA claimed that during the searches, Rs 10.16 lakh, mobile phones, SIM cards and dairies with incriminating content were seized. Notably, one person had died and six injured in the blast in the district court complex in the blast.

India 20-Jan-2023

The anti-drug Special Task Force (STF) of Punjab Police arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Sonu Masih after hot chase at Dubar Basti village falling under the Ajnala sub-division in Amritsar district on January 20. Police have also recovered 1kg and 100 gm of heroin and a .32 bore pistol from his possession. Sonu’s father Roopa Masih is the village sarpanch of Khanwal village.

India 21-Jan-2023

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted an international terror racket and recovered 34.466 kgs of Heroin, 5.470 kgs of morphine, 557 grams of opium and 23.645 kgs suspected narcotics powder and arrested 16 persons in connection with this in Ludhiana. During the investigation the NCB learnt that the drug lord Akshay Chhabra had invested his black money which he had earned by illegal drug trade.

India 21-Jan-2023

A report titled, ‘Inside Punjab Prisons’, an in-depth report by the Punjab State Legal Services Authority (PULSA) prepared in collaboration with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative on the conditions of prisons in Punjab revealed that around 42.1% of the prison population in the Punjab jails comprised prisoners accused or convicted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

India 21-Jan-2023

Police busted a gang of smugglers, arresting nine of its members and recovered 2kg of heroin and a pistol along with a magazine in the border village Sethan under Mamdot police station in Ferozepur on January 21.

India 21-Jan-2023

The Amritsar police arrested an alleged accomplice of notorious gangster Harry Chatha, identified as Gurwinder Singh alias Ginda from Amritsar. According to police, he along with his accomplice Laada Johal of Australia, at the behest of Chatha, allegedly demanded extortion from a private school’s principal, two years ago.

India 21-Jan-2023

The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) head Gurupatwant Singh Pannun posted a video on social media asserting to execute a terrorist attack in the wake of India prepares to celebrate its 73rd Republic Day on January 26. Pannun, in the video, claimed to “liberate Punjab from Indian occupation in 2023”. He said, “Stay indoors on January 26, or you’ll be thwarted by the SFJ. Delhi will be our target, and we will unfurl the flag of Khalistan.” He also offered 5,00,000 dollars to anyone who unfurls Khalistan’s flag on the Red Fort. Following the threats, lawyer Vineet Jindal filed a complaint against the SFJ and Pannun in the Supreme Court.

India 21-Jan-2023

Three days after Khanna police claimed to have busted the target killing and extortion module operated by a United States (US)-based gangster with links to the international terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with the arrest of 13 accused, including a woman, National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached Khanna and initiated investigation. Inspector General (IG, Ludhiana zone) Kaustubh Sharma said that the Khanna police have shared details with the NIA about arrested accused, recovered weapons and ammunition. The NIA concentrated on gangster Amrit Bal’s loyalist Daljit Kaur alias Maano of Jadu Nangal in Amritsar. The NIA team enquired about money transactions made by the gangsters hiding in foreign countries. The IG added that one of the accused, Harsimranjit Singh, who is a truck driver, had smuggled weapons for the module. The accused had used to hide the weapons in his truck while transporting the materials here and there. Further, he added that all 13 accused were assigned tasks by Amrit Bal. Daljit Kaur Maano used to convey the orders of Amrit Bal to the rest of the members of the module.

India 21-Jan-2023

Punjab Police, ahead of Republic Day celebrations 2023, on January 21 conducted a special operation “OPs Eagle-II” aimed at searching for criminal and anti-social elements and apprehending suspicious people for verification from across the state. The operation was conducted on directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav in all the 28 police districts with an aim to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the Vision of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.

India 22-Jan-2023

According to reports, Khalistan extremism emerged as a key security concern at the annual All-India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Delhi and was discussed by the Border Security Force (BSF), Intelligence agencies, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Punjab police. “It was told that there has been an increase in smuggling of weapons from Pakistan and attempts are being made to destabilise Punjab by activating the front of Khalistan extremism. Even NIA and Punjab police have found in their investigations that Pakistan and abroad-based terrorists are using local gangsters to execute their terror plans,” a source said. Overhauling the jails in Punjab, scrutiny of radical funding and check on weapon proliferation from across the border were some of the suggestions discussed by intelligence agencies on ways to tackle Khalistan extremism.

India 22-Jan-2023

Security agencies warned that separatist groups sitting in Pakistan, Canada and America are hatching dangerous Khalistani conspiracies against India. A large number of fake handles on social media are engaged in spreading this conspiracy. According to sources, a large number of fake handles from Pakistan are active on social media regarding Khalistan and Punjab Referendum. Articles against India are posted on these fake social media handles. Sources said, on December 29, 8,332 posts in the name of Khalistan were posted on social media, out of which the locations of most of the posts were found in Pakistan. Similarly, on December 15, there were a total of 8707 posts in the name of Khalistan, out of which the location of most of the posts was Pakistan and America. The special thing is that on most of the social media handles from which posts are being made in the name of Khalistan, wrong things were written against India regarding Kashmir.

India 22-Jan-2023

According to report, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of Punjab Police booked five people including gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria for their alleged links with the terror outfits. The accused also include some people based in foreign countries who have been involved in terror activities in the past. Apart from Bhagwanpuria, those booked were identified as Amritpal Singh, UK-based Paramjeet Singh alias Pamma, USA-based Darmanjot Singh Chahal and Pargat Singh. It was alleged in the First Information Report (FIR) that Bhagwanpuria and Pargat Singh had ties with proscribed outfits Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to carry out terror related activities in Punjab.

India 22-Jan-2023

Punjab Police on January 22 carried out raids on suspected hideouts of persons linked with Canada-based gangster-turned-terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa of Harike village of Tarn Taran district. The simultaneous raids were conducted at the residential and other premises linked to Lakhbir landa, in all the districts of Punjab in the ongoing cases. The operation was aimed at disrupting the nexus between terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers based in India and Abroad.

India 22-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, in a joint operation, shot down a drone carrying five kg of heroin near the India-Pakistan international border in Amritsar on the intervening night of January 21 and 22. According to sources, this is the sixth drone recovered in less than two months. Two suspects were also arrested in this connection. Amritsar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Swapan Sharma said the police teams fired at least 12 shots from AK-47 and shoot down the drone.

India 22-Jan-2023

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi suggested roping in veteran police officers to deal with Khalistani terrorism at the All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General in New Delhi on January 22. According to sources, the PM said intelligence agencies and officers should talk to former officers who were on duty and tackled the Khalistani terrorism. Sources said senior officials will ensure PM’s suggestion is implemented by different anti-terror agencies and police in states and Union Territories. The Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from cadres where states were earlier affected by Khalistani terrorists will be called for a discussion. Investigators who probed cases are likely to be contacted, sources added.

Canada 23-Jan-2023

According to reports, scores of Indian students, especially from Punjab, have reportedly died of ‘heart attack’ (read drug overdose) in Canada in recent years, but the Indian High Commission in Canada has little data on such deaths. While there have been media reports of international students dying from drug overdose at an alarming rate in the North American country, they have failed to set the alarm bells ringing both in Canada and at home (India). Parents of the victims too are afraid to come clean about it because of the stigma attached to drug abuse. RTI activist Harmilap Grewal, who had sought the data related to such deaths from the Indian High Commission in Canada for the period 2017-22, said, “There are reports of such deaths of Punjab students in Canada. But these deaths are not reflected in the RTI reply by the Indian High Commission in Canada. Either the high commission is not keeping the data or it is trying to downplay the deaths.”

Australia 23-Jan-2023

According to reports, the wall of Iskcon temple, a well-known centre of the Bhakti Yoga movement, was defaced with "Khalistan Zindabad” graffiti in Albert Park, Melbourne. This was the third such attack on Hindu temples in Australia this month.

India 23-Jan-2023

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) -Intelligence- asked all deputy commissioners to monitor government buildings round the clock for three days ahead of Republic Day to prevent activists of Sikh For Justice (SFJ) from ‘indulging in illegal activities’. Activists of the banned organisation, SFJ, often write Khalistan slogans or hoist the Khalistani flag on government buildings on important occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day. DGP – Intelligence- in a letter said, “Sikh for Justice activists may indulge in illegal activities and hoist Khalistani flags or write Khalistani slogans on the vacant buildings.”

India 23-Jan-2023

Controversial former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee SC cell leader Karamjit Singh Gill, who was booked and later arrested for hurting religious sentiments, urged the police to provide him with security as per the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A controversy erupted when he had entered the Golden Temple complex wearing a T-shirt of former Congress MP and the alleged accused of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Jagdish Tytler. Gill said that following the instance, Sikh radical organisations had threatened to kill him. He said due to the threat to his life, he was kept in a barrack at Mansa jail following his arrest. He said even there, he was attacked by some persons in the jail complex and sustained injuries. He said before the Golden Temple incident, he had two gunmen for his security who were withdrawn later.

India 23-Jan-2023

The Supreme Court (SC) advocate Vineet Jindal on January 23 filed a complaint with Delhi police against an unknown person linked to the Khalistani terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for giving life threats on calls and WhatsApp. In his complaint, Jindal said that he had received death threats from terrorist organisations, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), SFJ and Islamic terrorists as well. He recently filed a complaint against SFJ for propagating the Khalistani movement in India and threatening terrorist activities on Republic Day. According to sources, Jindal received death threats from two international numbers +61474268548 and +15105841217. Later, he also received a death threat in messages on WhatsApp from +61474268645. In the message, there was a video message from Khalistani supporters who burnt an effigy. There was a message with images of the gun firing at a mat.

India 24-Jan-2023

A local court in Amritsar on January 24 remanded drug peddler Sonu Masih, a resident of Khanwal village, in four-day police custody. Sources said the STF found Masih’s links with Pakistan-based smugglers and he used to supply the contraband in different parts of the state.

India 24-Jan-2023

The Lambi police on January 24 arrested a person, identified as Gourav and seized 4.4-kg heroin from near Balochkera village on the Malout-Sitto Gunno road in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. According to police, a car was intercepted at a naka near Balochkera village and 4.4-kg heroin was found in it. One of the occupants in the car was arrested, while the other managed to flee from the spot.

India 24-Jan-2023

Khalistani graffitis were found on January 24 at the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) complex, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, National Fertilisers Limited, and Mata Kali temple in Punjab. According to reports, the outer walls of five local places were smeared with Khalistani graffiti. Later, the pro-Khalistani outfit Sikh For Justice (SFJ)’s head Gurpatwant Singh Pannun uploaded the graffiti's video on social media, where he asked people not to attend the official function in Bathinda on January 26 and warned the Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann against unfurling the national flag. The same scare tactics were used in several other towns of Punjab, said the report.

India 24-Jan-2023

The Punjab Police arrested notorious gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Baghwanpuria, allegedly been associated with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Sikh For Justice (SFJ), from Delhi’s Tihar Jail. He was taken to Punjab on transit remand and was later sent to police custody by a court there.

Australia 25-Jan-2023

According to report, 'Signals that pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided & abetted by members of proscribed terrorist orgs such as the Sikh For Justice (SFJ) & other inimical agencies from outside Australia, have been evident for some time, said High Commission of India, Canberra'

India 25-Jan-2023

The pro-Khalistan outfit, Dal Khalsa, along with its allies, took out a march on January 25 to demand referendum in Punjab under the United Nations (UN) in Amritsar. Carrying placards and flags, the marchers raised slogans highlighting political resolution to Punjab ‘conflict’ through the right to self-determination. “The Sikhs of Punjab have been struggling for sovereignty and independence since the 1980s and they want international community to respect and recognise their aspirations,” a Dal Khalsa statement said.

Pakistan 25-Jan-2023

According to reports in Pakistan, the gold-plated kalash that used to rest atop the dome of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) installed at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartapur Sahib, in Pakistan, has gone missing, leading to suspicion that it had been stolen from the Sikh shrine.

India 25-Jan-2023

Police arrested one person, identified as Amin Khan and recovered 20-gm opium from him in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 25-Jan-2023

Police recovered 70-gm heroin from two persons identified as Rajinder and Sukhjit Singh outside Kaminpura village in Fazilka district.

India 25-Jan-2023

A red alert was sounded across the state on January 25 on the directions of Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to ensure peaceful celebrations of the Republic Day.

United Kingdom 26-Jan-2023

According to reports, anti-India demonstrations were held outside Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Consulate in Birmingham. The protesters termed India’s Republic Day as Black Day and asked the British government to intervene and halt the ongoing genocide in “Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir”.

India 26-Jan-2023

India on January 26 strongly condemned the incidents of recent attacks on Hindu Temples in Australia and said these were clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community. New Delhi also urged the Australian authorities to ensure safety and security of Indians living there. Registering its condemnation, the Indian High Commission in Canberra said in a strongly worded statement "The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which include the glorification of anti-Indian terrorists. The High Commission highlighted "that pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided and abetted by members of proscribed terrorist organisations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other inimical agencies from outside Australia."

India 26-Jan-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) claimed to have seized 3 kilograms of heroin in Ferozepur on January 26. According to BSF, in the morning, during a search of the area falling near Tindiwala village, BSF troops recovered three packets heroin (weight 3 Kg) wrapped with yellow adhesive tape.

India 26-Jan-2023

According to reports, unknown persons painted pro-Khalistan slogans on the board of Beant Singh Memorial at Sector 42 in Chandigarh on Republic Day. The slogans were written in Punjabi on both sides of the board installed on the road opposite the furniture market. The suspects also wrote SFJ (Sikhs for Justice) Zindabad on the board.

India 26-Jan-2023

A protest march took place in Mohali on January 26 demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who are allegedly lodged in different prisons despite having completed their sentences. The protesters, including Nihangs and members of several Sikh bodies, from different parts of Punjab gathered under the banner of 'Kaumi Insaaf Morcha'.

India 26-Jan-2023

Punjab governor Banwari Lal Purohit expressed concern over cross-border Narco activities. The governor said that it was a matter of concern in the six districts situated on International Border (IB). He urged people to be vigilant for the internal security of country and the state.

India 27-Jan-2023

Gagandeep Singh Kainth, who is president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s youth wing (rural), said that on January 27 he received threat calls from an international number on his WhatsApp number, but he did not answer the calls. He said that later he received WhatsApp messages from the same number. “The sender threatened me for supporting the BJP and threatened to shoot me dead. The accused also sent him pictures of weapons to threaten him. He also said that anyone who would speak against Khalistan would face dire consequences,” Kainth said.

India 27-Jan-2023

Ludhiana Police busted a gang of drug peddlers with the arrest of two accused, identified as Amandeep Singh alias Romi (30) and Gurpreet Singh (26) and recovered 100-gram heroin, four pistols of 0.32 bore along with 18 live cartridges of 0.32 bore, four magazines, INR 7.70 lakh in cash drug money and Hyundai Verna car from their possession in Ludhiana.

India 27-Jan-2023

A gangster, Jagtar Singh alias Jagga suffered a bullet injury in an exchange of fire with the Jagraon police on January 26 near Kothe Khanjuran village in Ludhiana. Later, he was arrested, but his aide managed to escape on a motorcycle. It has been alleged that Jagga along with his accomplice had come to collect extortion money from a Jagraon-based businessman on behalf of Arsh Dalla. Dalla has been declared a ‘designated terrorist’ by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA).

India 27-Jan-2023

Punjab Police arrested two weapon smugglers, identified as Banna Ram and Mukesh and recovered as many as eight pistols and Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from their possession in Fazilka city in Fazilka district.

Australia 28-Jan-2023

According to reports, the pro-Khalistani outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) announced that voting for their Australian chapter of “Khalistan independence referendum” will be held at Federation Square in Melbourne on January 29. Melbourne’s Ravi Inder Singh, a representative of the Miri Piri Gurudwara said that the voting exercise, known as the “Khalistan referendum”, would be a significant step towards self-determination for millions of Sikhs around the world.

India 28-Jan-2023

A report authored by a Punjab Police officer, Gulneet Singh Khurana, in an Intelligence Bureau e-book has claimed that pro-Khalistani entities (PKEs) are in touch with certain news agencies and journalists who propagate for them. The reports said, “PKEs have been found to be using social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube etc. to reach out to public to provide their narratives.” It was published in an e-book which is a compilation of articles by the IB from serving officers. “Besides, they have been found to be connected to some news agencies/journalists personally who take their interviews and put them on their personal news channels," adds the report. The officer is tasked with supervising various cases linked to Khalistani terrorism, including the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).

India 28-Jan-2023

The anti-narcotics-cum-special operation cell on January 28 arrested two aides of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, identified as Harish alias Kaka Nepali (32) and Jagdip Singh alias Jagar (27), with illegal arms and ammunition from Kharar in Mohali district. Two .32-bore pistols and six live cartridges were recovered from their possession.

India 29-Jan-2023

Punjab Police's counter-intelligence wing arrested a man, identified as Rashpal Singh alias Pala for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and seized 5 kg of heroin and Rs 12.15 lakh cash from his possession in Amritsar on January 29. According to reports, Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment of drugs was pushed by Pakistan-based smugglers using a drone.

India 29-Jan-2023

Punjab Police arrested a key associate of gangster-turned terrorist Arshdeep Dalla, identified as Harpreet Singh alias Harry and seized a pistol from him in Moga. Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulneet Singh Khurana said Harry was involved in targeted killings. Though Harry had no criminal history, he was closely associated with the crimes being executed by Dalla and his associates from abroad, said Khurana.

Australia 29-Jan-2023

India on January 30 lodged a protest with Australian authorities over attacks by Khalistani activists on people of Indian origin who were protesting against a so-called “Khalistan referendum” organised by the outlawed Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) over the weekend. Indian high commissioner Manpreet Vohra took up the violent incidents in central Melbourne on January 29 with the premier of Victoria state, Daniel Andrews, at a meeting on January 30. Meanwhile, Australian high commissioner Barry O’Farrell, in New Delhi, said he was “appalled” by the incidents and that Victoria police are investigating a number of people for “criminal acts of violence”. According to reports, scuffles between Khalistani activists and pro-India groups occurred at Federation Square in Melbourne on January 29 afternoon amid the non-binding referendum on creating an “independent Khalistan”, which has already been denounced by India. SFJ organised the referendum in Australia after similar polls in Canada, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).

Australia 29-Jan-2023

A video shared on social media showed a group of men waving the Khalistani flag and attacking Indians carrying the Indian national flag, leaving five injured in Australia. The pro-Khalistani forces are also seen carrying rods and attacking the men carrying the Indian flag in the video. Condemning the attack, the Victoria Police informed that as of now two people have been arrested following the violent attack. The two arrested men are in their 30s and have been issued a penalty notice for "riotous behaviour". They said the five injured people have been admitted to the hospital.

India 29-Jan-2023

Delhi Police Special Cell on January 29 arrested two men, identified as Vikram Singh (29) and Balram Singh (34) in connection with the pro-Khalistan posters and graffiti purportedly popped up in several West Delhi localities. According to police, the duo allegedly worked with a banned Khalistani organisation which was “plotting to carry out terror attacks in the city”. Police said graffiti and posters were seen on walls in Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Paschim Vihar, Peeragarhi, Meera Bagh and other parts on January 19 and 20. Soon after, banned organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) released a purported video claiming responsibility. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, general counsel at SFJ, said in the video that the organisation will target Delhi on Republic Day and “raise” Khalistani flags.

India 29-Jan-2023

The Moga police on January 28 registered a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against four gangsters hiding abroad, including Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), for allegedly smuggling weapons to create unrest in Punjab. Three other gangsters booked from Dalla’s gang and also allegedly hiding abroad are Jackpal Singh, a native of Kothe Patti Mohabbat of Moga (currently believed to be hiding in Malaysia); Amritpal Singh of Chand Nawan of Moga (currently believed to be hiding in Manila of Philippines) and Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, a native of Buiyan Wala village of Ferozepur (currently believed to be hiding in Philippines). A fifth accused named in the FIR is Harpreet Singh alias Harry, a local from Mohalla Loharia of Moga, and currently an active member of the Dalla gang in Punjab, according to the police.

India 30-Jan-2023

The Inspector General (IG) (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said on January 30 that Punjab Police have arrested 257 drug smugglers after registering 198 first information reports (FIRs), including 19 commercial, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act across the state in the last week. The IG said police have also recovered 16.36 kg heroin, 6.70 kg opium, 1.94 quintal of poppy husk, and 78918 tablets/capsules/injections/vials of pharma opioids besides recovering Rs 11.53 lakh drug money from their possession.

India 30-Jan-2023

According to reports, the pro-Khalistani group Dal Khalsa's Twitter account was withheld after a legal demand was made for the same by the Government of India against the separatist faction. The group, which is being led by Kanwar Pal Singh Sandhu, has the same agenda of seeking secession of Punjab from India and establishing a new country Khalistan. The United Kingdom (UK)-based group is infamous for posting hate content on Twitter, which had a little over 1,200 followers, to radicalise the Sikh community and raise demands for Khalistan. Notably, this was the only active account on Twitter of the pro-Khalistan separatists who were using the platform to peddle their agenda and radicalise the Sikhs.

India 30-Jan-2023

Lieutenant General (retired) Kuldeep Singh Brar, who played a key role in the Indian Army’s Operation Blue Star, said that the Khalistani movement is resurging in Punjab and neighbouring Pakistan has been supporting it. Lt Gen Brar was also the commanding officer of Operation Blue Star and remains on the hitlist of Khalistani terrorists. He survived an attempt on his life 10 years ago in London. “Things were very bad in Punjab in the 1980s. There was no law and order at all. The police had become a defunct force. There was a saint who arose from a village. He had such a charismatic personality that everyone accepted him like an 11th Guru called Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He lived in a village called Rode but he went around giving his sermons. And at that stage slowly and steadily the state of Punjab started crumbling and Bhindranwale was an all-powerful man. There were murders, smuggling, and banks being looted,” said Lt Gen Brar.

Australia 30-Jan-2023

India's high commissioner to Australia, Manpreet Vohra, on January 30 visited temples vandalised by alleged Khalistan supporters, in the second-largest city of Melbourne. According to reports, Vohra offered prayers at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple and ISKCON Krishna Temple in the city, two of the three sites where anti-India graffiti was painted, allegedly by Khalistan supporters, in recent days.

India 30-Jan-2023

According to reports, days after Jagraon man Paramjit Singh (45) was shot dead by two assailants who barged into his house at Bardeke village on January 4 and later Canada-based gangster-turned-Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla took responsibility of the murder in a purported Facebook post, the Ludhiana rural police late on January 29 arrested one of the two shooters and recovered a weapon from him in Ludhiana. Police said that Abhinav Singh alias Abhi, was arrested and a 32 bore pistol and four cartridges were recovered following his interrogation. Wanted gangster Arsh Dalla of Moga, believed to be hiding in Canada, in a purported Facebook post had claimed the responsibility of the murder and said that he took the revenge of his ‘younger brother’ Dilpreet Dhaliwal’s death who had “died by suicide” after Paramjit had “harassed him”. Jagraon Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Satinder Singh Virk said that a total of 14 accused were booked in the case, including Arsh Dalla, of which 10 have been arrested. “Those who are yet to be arrested include Arsh Dalla, two other shooters who executed the crime and one accused who is currently in Australia. Abhinav was one of the three shooters who opened fire as seen in the CCTV footage. He executed this targeted killing on Dalla’s orders,” DSP Virk said. He added, “A total of three shooters had arrived on the spot, two of them had barged inside and opened fire while one was driving the vehicle. We have added UAPA sections to the earlier FIR which is applicable on Dalla and three shooters for targeted killing.”

India 30-Jan-2023

According to reports, taking a vow to make Ferozepur, a drugs free district, panchayats of more than 100 villages, passed resolutions to oppose and socially boycott drug sellers.

Canada 30-Jan-2023

A Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Gauri Shankar Mandir, was desecrated as pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti was spray-painted on a wall in the early hours on January 30. According to reports, the vandalisation occurred deep in the night and was discovered by temple authorities on January 30 morning following which they informed the Peel Regional Police (PRP). This is the third such instance of a temple in the Toronto region being desecrated within the past nine months, while similar instances have also been reported from the United States, and more recently, in Australia.

Canada 31-Jan-2023

The Indian Embassy in Canada has conveyed its serious concerns over the defacing of a Hindu Gauri Shankar temple in Brampton, Greater Toronto, by suspected so-called Khalistani separatists and has separately asked the local law enforcement agencies to act against the perpetrators. The Indian concerns were conveyed in the form of note verbale to the Justin Trudeau government on January 31 in Canada.

India 31-Jan-2023

A Mohali court on January 31 sent gangster Jagdip Singh, alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, to four-day custody of the Punjab Police State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in a terror-funding case.

Canada 31-Jan-2023

Canada’s foreign minister Melanie Joly condemned the defacing of the Hindu temple in Brampton. Melanie, in a tweet, said, “Everyone should be able to practice their faith in peace, free from violence and intimidation.” “I stand with Hindu communities in denouncing the vandalism at Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton,” she said, adding, “We have a collective responsibility to denounce hateful acts”, which have no place in Canada.

India 31-Jan-2023

Pro-Khalistan organisation Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh on January 31 termed that Lieutenant General (retired) K S Brar as insane and a liar for his recent interview. The Dal Khalsa leader said the timing of his interview with a government aided news agency leaves no one in doubt of the mala fide intention behind it. “The (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi dispensation has played a dirty game and rubbed the festering wounds of the Sikhs,” he added.

India 01-Feb-2023

Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit on February 1 called drug menace a major concern for the state, saying whenever he goes to villages, people say drugs are available like grocery items at general stores. The governor, who is on a two-day tour of Punjab’s border villages, said: “It is a matter of worry. It is not the question of adults only. Drugs have entered schools and children are getting addicted. Parents are feeling helpless. Some children get addicted to the extent that they start stealing in their homes and we are getting several complaints in this regard. They get trapped in clutches of gangs who are dominating,” Purohit said in Pathankot.

India 01-Feb-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered three packets of heroin weighing about 2.622 kg, along with a blinking device, from a wheat field near Mumbeki village in Fazilka district. According to official sources, the BSF personnel heard a buzzing sound and saw a blinking red light of drone entering from the Pakistan side into the Indian territory area of the Mumbeki border outpost during the wee hours.

India 01-Feb-2023

Patiala police arrested an associate of gangster Kanwar Randeep Singh alias SK Kharoud, identified as Pawan Kumar from the Patiala-Sangrur Road in Patiala on February 1. According to police, Pawan Kumar suffered a bullet injury on his leg during cross-firing with the police and was admitted to a hospital.

India 01-Feb-2023

According to reports, counter intelligence has busted a drugs module, which involved a jail warden, who indulged into smuggling of drugs at central jail, in Ferozepur. Four accused have been held in connection with the case.

India 02-Feb-2023

India on February 2 condemned recent vandalism in Australia and demanded that the Australian government make sure that its land was not being used for anything that threatened "our security, integrity, and national interest." Earlier, Indian citizens who were protesting against a purported "Khalistan referendum" that the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) organized in Melbourne over the weekend were attacked by Khalistani activists. India had already complained to Australian authorities about the incidents. “We strongly condemn such attacks by extremist elements and we urge local authorities to investigate and punish the perpetrators. We have been repeatedly taking up with the Australian authorities our concerns about actions by such elements, including those that are proscribed terrorist organisations,” External Affair Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. “We conveyed our firm rejection of the so-called Khalistan referendum and politically motivated exercises by extremist elements,” he added.

India 02-Feb-2023

Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit on February 2 asked sarpanches of border villages to write directly to him about those involved in drug smuggling while directing the state police authorities to thwart efforts being made to revive Khalistan movement in Punjab. The governor who is on a two-day visit to border districts of Punjab, while addressing a gathering of village heads at MR Government College in Fazilka, said that easy availability of drugs is posing a serious threat as even young adults are getting addicted.

India 02-Feb-2023

The pro-Khalistani outfit, Dal Khalsa accused the Indian army ex-general K S Brar of killings of hundreds of innocent pilgrims and bringing the edifice of the Akal Takhat to rubble with the help of battle tanks. The Dal Khalsa termed him a sinner and a war criminal who has gone senile. Dal Khalsa disputes Brar's assertions that Sikh warriors detained Sikh Sangat at gunpoint in order to utilize them as "human shields." It is clear from the time of his interview with the government-backed news organization ANI that a malicious plan was behind it, a statement said.

India 02-Feb-2023

According to reports, Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will visit India next week for bilateral meetings. While the official schedule has yet to be released, she is expected to be in India on February 6 and 7, senior Canadian and Indian officials confirmed. She will hold a bilateral with India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar, among other engagements during the trip.

India 03-Feb-2023

Delhi Police arrested two gangsters of Lawrence Bishnoi group, identified as Sandeep and Jatin after a brief encounter at Rohini in New Delhi. According to reports, Jatin is a native of Baba Haridas Nagar in New Delhi and Sandeep is from the Haryana’s Jhajjar.

India 03-Feb-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a Pakistani drone purported to be carrying 5 kilos of heroin close to Kakkar village in the Amritsar sector in Amritsar district. The drug packet was secured with a piece of yellow adhesive tape. According to an officer, BSF forces heard a buzzing sound about 2.30 am as a flying object entered Indian borders from Pakistan close to Kakkar village. The drone was shot down by BSF soldiers, who then roped off the whole area.

India 03-Feb-2023

Punjab's Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on February 3 asked Deputy Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) to quicken the three-pronged strategy of "Enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention" in order to make Punjab a drug-free state. In addition, the CM requested that authorities ensure that the preventive detention provisions of the PITNDPS Act, 1988, were effectively carried out. He also urged that authorities conduct thorough investigations into each illicit drug recovery in order to identify the forward and backward linkages in the supply chain.

India 03-Feb-2023

On February 3, the Punjab Police carried out a special cordon and search operation at the suspected hideouts of people linked to the gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. During the daylong operation, which was carried out by at least 200 police teams with approximately 2,000 personnel, more than 1,490 suspected hideouts of anti-social groups associated to Bishnoi and Canada-based Brar were raided, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Additionally, simultaneous raids were carried out at residences and other locations connected to these people in all the districts, collecting data from electronic devices that would be subjected to a forensic examination.

India 03-Feb-2023

Ludhiana police crime wing arrested a college student, identified as Harshvir Singh alias Harsh (21) on charges of sheltering a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Ludhiana. The suspect, a BA candidate at GGN Khalsa College in Ghumar Mandi, confessed that Ravi has given him between INR 15 and INR 20 lakh so far.

India 03-Feb-2023

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 3 conducted searches in a money laundering case linked to a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) and recovered 2.2 kg of heroin and other contraband items weighing about 14 kg of narcotics in Tarn Taran district. Along with two rifles, three pistols, and live ammunition, the ED also found property paperwork on the suspects' properties. ED conducted searches at 10 locations in the Tarn Taran district villages of Sheron, Naushera Pannuan, and Bugha.

India 04-Feb-2023

According to report, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval would meet with his United Kingdom (UK) counterpart Tim Barrow in London for the annual strategic dialogue. He is expected to express India's grave concerns about the UK purposefully turning a blind eye to the rise in Sikh radicalization and anti-Indian sentiments in the nation, which are supported by Pakistani Muslims. The UK government has not done anything to block the funding of so-called Khalistan terrorism through radical gurudwaras in Britain in the name of imagined crimes against the community in India, despite India addressing the subject of Sikh separatism in Britain at the highest intelligence levels. The Indian government believes that the UK is using radicals as a leverage point against India and attempting to use violence in the name of freedom of speech.

India 04-Feb-2023

Police arrested two persons, identified as Harmeet Singh alias Mitta and Amritpal Singh along with nine pistols in Bathinda. Police said they have connection with the district's supply of weapons and ammunition.

India 04-Feb-2023

Border Security Force (BSF), on February 4, recovered 2.256 kg heroin from a field close to the village of Ghurmi in Fazilka district. According to the sources, the troop found three packages of drugs (2.256 kg of heroin) wrapped in white polythene during the search.

India 05-Feb-2023

The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) wing of the Punjab Police arrested two close associates of the United States (US)-based gangster Amritpal Singh, identified as Sandeep Singh alias Sipa and Avtar Singh alias Manu in Gurdaspur district. According to police, they have also recovered some weapons, apparently smuggled from across the border. However, they didn’t disclose the quantity and the specifications of the recovered weapons. Amritpal Singh, who has been working in collusion with Canada-based gangster-turned terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, and the two arrested accused have been booked under Section 25 of the Arms Act, and Sections 120 and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the SSOC’s Amritsar police station on February 4. According to the First Information Report (FIR), “Amritpal Singh of Bholath town in Kapurthala district, who is presently living in the USA, wants to disrupt the Punjab state’s peace by unleashing targeted killings and terror activities with the help of his associates sitting in various jail.”

India 05-Feb-2023

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 5 said it has recently carried out search operations in 10 different places in Tarn Taran district of Punjab in connection with the recovery of arms and drugs cases. According to an official, during the course of the search, various incriminating evidence, drugs and arms and ammunition were recovered and seized relating to numerous immovable properties worth crores of rupees in the names of the accused persons, members of their family and their associates. The recoveries include heroin of 2.2 kg, suspected contraband material weighing over 13 kg, 2 rifles and 3 pistols along with some cartridges.

Australia 05-Feb-2023

According to reports, Victorian Hindus presented a list of demands to Australian Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’ Neil, at Durga Temple, in the wake of recent by attacks by Khalistanis with terror-links on Indians in Melbourne on February 5. The Australian Hindu Association awaits a prompt response from the Minister, said the report.

India 06-Feb-2023

Kapurthala police arrested eight members of an international extortion gang that has links with gang members in the United States (US) in Kapurthala district.

Canada 06-Feb-2023

According to reports, three of the four-member Dhadhi Jatha (Ballad singers) have disappeared in Canada. They were in Canada on a six-month sponsored tour to perform Baisakhi performances at Gurudwaras. The group's leader and a well-known vocalist, Jaswinder Singh Shant stated that they might use fraudulent means to apply for asylum in Canada. Notably, photographs of the missing persons with Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) President and MP Siranjit Singh Mann have surfaced on social media.

United Kingdom 06-Feb-2023

The Indian High Commission in London stated that United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended the meeting between British National Security Advisor (NSA) Tim Barrow and Indian NSA Ajit Doval in London. According to sources, Doval did some “plain speaking on Sikh radicalism, pro-Pakistan groups and BBC documentary” with UK officials. Radical Sikh actions against India and assaults on the Indian diplomatic mission have been worse recently, and the local government hasn’t responded appropriately, Doval told them. Similarly, anti-India Pakistanis are active in the UK, according to the sources, who also noted that this group frequently influences British MPs’ views on India.

India 07-Feb-2023

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on February 7 claimed that Punjab police’s special drive against drugs had started yielding positive results as the public had extended full support to make Punjab a drug-free state. DGP said that the police had been carrying out cordon and search operations in drug hotspots of the state from time to time and people were cooperating. He said Harpinder Singh, sarpanch of Kharaurhi village in Fatehgarh Sahib, which had been declared drug-free by the panchayat, had thanked Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and the police for launching a war against drugs.

India 07-Feb-2023

According to reports, India has told Canada that the Khalistan issue is of “national security concern” for New Delhi and that Ottawa should take stringent action against those who continue to pose threats to the Indian community there, even as both sides vowed to boost strategic ties between them under the Indo-Pacific construct. Sources said the issue was raised during Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly's hurricane trip to India during which she held one-on-one as well as delegation-level meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on February 7. Canadian minister's visit comes months after India issued a rare- and strongly-worded travel advisory on Canada, talking about rising incidents of “hate crime” in that country and attempts to “terrorise the Indian community” thereby Khalistani extremists.

India 07-Feb-2023

Ludhiana Rural Police arrested a person, identified as Jagtar (26), along with 50 grams of heroin, after an encounter across the town of Jagraon in Ludhiana district on February 7 late night. Jagraon Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Satinder Singh Virk said that on the way, the accused injured at least three commuters who were admitted to the hospital.

India 08-Feb-2023

Police on February 8 arrested two gangsters involved in several cases of crime, identified as Gursewak Singh and Satwinder Singh after a brief encounter at Mudki area in Ferozepur district. Sources said the police seized two pistols from their custody.

India 08-Feb-2023

Around 33 police personnel were injured and dozens of police vehicles were damaged after armed protesters, under the banner of Kaumi Insaaf Morcha, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners went on a rampage, smashing vehicles and cornering cops, near the Chandigarh-Mohali border on the Sector 52/53 dividing road on February 8. According to sources, when police stopped the protesters who were marching towards Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann’s residence in Chandigarh, they launched a violent attack on the police with swords, rods, sticks and other sharp-edged weapons. Riding horses and tractors, the protesters ploughed into police barricades and vehicles in a bid to enter Chandigarh.

India 08-Feb-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) on February 8 shot down a “rogue” drone entering into India from Pakistan near the Babapir border post in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district. According to sources, the drone fell into Pakistani territory across the International Border (IB) while it was flying back toward Pakistan. The drone was sighted during the intervening night of February 7-8.

India 08-Feb-2023

Police arrested a person, identified as Sattu Ram and recovered 500-gm of opium from his possession from near Pakki Tibbi village in Muktsar district on February 8.

India 08-Feb-2023

Police on February 8 identified and detained seven members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which was leading the protest, in which around 30 policemen, including the Rapid Action Force personnel, were injured while several police vehicles were damaged. Police charged 17 different laws, including the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (attempt to murder) against them.

India 08-Feb-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) spotted a Pakistani drone near the Adia post in Gurdaspur in Gurdaspur district on February 8. According to BSF, soldiers opened fire on the drone and search operation underway by police and BSF. This is the fourth instance of a Pakistani drone being spotted on the Indian side in the last three days and of the BSF soldiers on duty firing at it and forcing it back to Pakistan.

India 09-Feb-2023

Punjab Police on February 9 arrested a 17-year-old boy along with 15 kg heroin and Rs 8.40 lakh drug money in Amritsar in Amritsar district. According to sources, Amritsar police arrested the juvenile at a checkpoint on Ram Tirath Road, while an accomplice identified as Resham Singh, who prima-facie seems to be the mastermind behind the narcotics smuggling racket, managed to flee. Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment of drugs was airdropped by Pakistan-based smugglers using a drone.

United Kingdom 10-Feb-2023

Radicalisation of the Muslims in United Kingdom (UK) on the issue of Kashmir and “potentially toxic” pro-Khalistan extremism are major concerns for the country, said a review into the UK government's counter-terrorism early intervention Prevent strategy published recently. The review warned that rhetoric from Pakistan is impacting UK Muslim communities when it comes to "inflaming anti-India sentiment, particularly around the subject of Kashmir". It also warned against a false narrative being disseminated by a tiny number of pro-Khalistan groups operating in the UK. The review, on the issue of pro-Khalistan extremism, said, "Prevent should also be mindful of pro-Khalistan extremism emerging from the UK's Sikh communities. A false narrative is disseminated by the tiny number of pro-Khalistan groups operating in the UK that the government is colluding with its counterpart in India to persecute Sikhs." "Such groups' narratives glorify violence carried out by the pro-Khalistan movement in India. While the current threat is low, praise for violence overseas and a simultaneous belief in a state-led campaign of repression domestically is a potentially toxic combination for the future," said the report.

India 10-Feb-2023

According to the Chandigarh Police’s First Information Report (FIR) into the violence at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on February 7, the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which was leading the protests for the release of Sikh prisoners languishing in jails after completing their sentences, is a pro-Khalistan organisation. The FIR stated that the protesters snatched a tear gas handgun and its ammunition and attempted to kill policemen amid raising of pro-Khalistan slogans during the clash with the police on the road dividing sectors 52 and 53. Police named seven persons in the case and charged different sections of the law, including of attempt to murder, robbery, dacoity and rioting and under Sections of Arms Act and Prevention of Damaging Public Property Act. Meanwhile, the Mohali police also registered an FIR at Mataur police station against unknown persons for rioting and attempt to murder.

India 10-Feb-2023

According to reports, Nihangs, members of several Sikh bodies and others are supporting the demands of the ‘Quami Insaaf Morcha’, which launched their protest march from Mohali on January 7 for releasing Sikh prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh’s assassination. Report said that, in a span of one month, supporters from across the state thronged the protest venue and set up tents, first-aid kiosks, and community kitchen (langar) on the border.

India 10-Feb-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a drone and recovered a Chinese made pistol, ammunition and narcotics along the International Border (IB) in the Ferozepur Sector in Firozpur District on February 10. According to the BSF, a packet of consignment dropped by the intruding drone, containing 3 kg of heroin, a China-made pistol, cartridges and a magazine were recovered from the spot.

India 10-Feb-2023

Police arrested an aide of Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa, identified as Vijay Kumar alias Toti and three of his accomplices, identified as Rahul, Amardeep Singh alias Patwari, and Suraj Singh from Kartapur in Jalandhar district. Police also recovered two country-made .32 bore pistols, along with 10 live rounds and two magazines, one country-made 9 mm pistol with two live rounds, one country-made .12 bore pistol with one live round and two motorcycles from them. The arrested persons were wanted in the recent Kapurthala kidnapping and extortion case.

India 10-Feb-2023

Delhi police special cell arrested a person for his alleged links with Khalistan terror suspect Jagjeet Singh alias Jagga from Bazpur town of Udham Singh Nagar District of Uttarakhand on February 10. Jagga, also a resident of the same district, was arrested from Delhi last month.

India 10-Feb-2023

Police on February 10 arrested a member of the Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Tejinder Singh alias Gullu and seized five pistols from his possession in Shambhu barrier in Patiala district. Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma said that the accused had international links and they prevented a major crime.

India 11-Feb-2023

Moga police on February 11 brought gangster Sukhpreet Buddha on production warrant from the jail and a Moga court sent him to 10 days in police custody. Buddha, a native of Kussa village, had been acting as the self-styled head of the Davinder Bambiha gang after Bambiha’s death in 2016.

India 11-Feb-2023

The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, that is spearheading the Sikh activists protest, on February 11 blamed the state government for provoking the protesters who clashed with police forces near the Chandigarh-Mohali border on February 8. Gurcharan Singh, foster father of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Jagtar Singh Hawara, who was convicted of assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, alleged that with the aim to remove the morcha from YPS Chowk, Punjab Police was harassing the kin of the protesters and threatening them.

Australia 11-Feb-2023

According to reports, pro-Khalistan terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced to hold its next round of ‘Khalistan Referendum’ voting in Brisbane, Australia on March 19. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of SFJ, declared that "the March 19 “Battlefield - Brisbane” Khalistan Referendum Voting Centre is dedicated to Shaheed Bhai Harmeet Singh Bhaowal and Shaheed Bibi Baljinder Kaur who were bombed to death along with their nine months old son Pavittar Singh on December 05, 1992, by the Indian Police forces in Haryana."

India 11-Feb-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on February 11 said that the campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs) will be taken to people at the village level. He said more than 16 lakh forms have been filled so far as part of the signature campaign launched by the SGPC for the release of Sikh prisoners in December. The campaign will now be intensified and taken to people at the village level from February 18, he said, adding that meetings will be organised in at least four places in every assembly constituency.

India 11-Feb-2023

Police arrested a person along with 18 gram of heroin in Fazilka in Fazilka district.

India 11-Feb-2023

According to reports, Delhi Police on February 11 identified Gagandeep and his father Jasbir Singh, associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Sikh For Justice (SFJ), accused of funding their sleeper cell members in Delhi to put up anti-India posters ahead of India’s 74th Republic Day. Reports said that the duo, believed to be residents of California in the United States (US), conspired with the SFJ head Gurupatwant Singh Pannun. They funded their sleeper cell members, along with Pannun, to put up posters to further Khalistani propaganda, threatening terrorist attacks at 12 places across the national capital.

India 12-Feb-2023

Rajasthan police launched ‘Operation Hunter’ to identify the henchmen and supporters of gangsters who are active in the neighbouring states. Rajasthan segments share boundaries with Punjab and Haryana. The Superintendent of Police, Sriganganagar, Anand Sharma said that that the operation was being conducted to search for gangsters, their henchmen, supporters and those who like or comment on their photos on social media accounts. Under this, 20 persons have been booked under Section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) and five people have been arrested with illegal weapons. According to reports, Police teams are monitoring more than 100 accounts.

India 12-Feb-2023

Members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, on February 12 were once again stopped by police from entering Chandigarh and to undertake a march towards Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann’s official residence. Chandigarh and Mohali police had made elaborate security arrangements at the border to prevent the protesters from heading towards Chandigarh. After they were stopped by police, the 31 protesters sat on the road which divides sectors 52 and 53 near the Chandigarh-Mohali border.

India 13-Feb-2023

The Chandigarh police February 13, released pictures of ten more suspected people involved in the February 8 incident on the Sector 52/53 road in which around 40 police personnel were injured. The First Information Report (FIR) mentions seven suspects, including Gurcharan Singh, Jagtar Singh Hawara's foster father, while the other suspects are listed as unidentified persons.

India 13-Feb-2023

Punjab's Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on February 13 disapproved of the idea of resuming trade with Pakistan, questioning how it could be done with a country that sends narcotics and arms to his country every day via drones. He also asked, “How can we conduct trade with a country with which our relations are not good and which sends slow poison (narcotics) to kill our youth?”

India 13-Feb-2023

According to sources, while the United Kingdom (UK) has recently warned India about the growing instances of “potentially toxic" pro-Khalistan extremism which is leading to the mobilisation of funds and sympathisers to trigger disruptive and terror activities in India remotely, the Government has already deployed multi-pronged counter strategies in place to counter the menace. According to Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), the pro-Khalistan extremists abroad backed by Pakistan, have been engaging and reaching forging alliances with criminals and gangsters. An officer stated that, “An ecosystem of partnership based on mutual interest has developed between Khalistan extremists, criminals, and drug-traffickers… It is quite a dangerous trend as though most of these local gangsters and petty criminals do not subscribe to the interest and radical ideology of Khalistan, they are being used to providing logistic support to the extremists including foot soldiers, arms-ammunition, shelter etc.” The officer said that most of these local associates of the foreign-based pro-Khalistan operatives and handlers “are petty criminals who pull triggers and indulge in criminal activities just for money and they eventually end up main perpetrators and conspirators of terror plots.”

India 13-Feb-2023

According to reports, as the protests over the release of Bandhi Sikhs (Sikh prisoners) escalating at the Mohali-Chandigarh border, security agencies are worried over farmer unions lending support to pro-Khalistan radicals spearheading the protests. Despite some differences between the farm unions over the issue of lending support to the radical group, the top leaders have been forced to express their solidarity on the emotive issue of the release of Sikh prisoners.

India 13-Feb-2023

The Inspector General (IG) (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said on February 13 that Punjab Police have arrested 10,576 drug smugglers after registering 7,999 first information reports (FIRs), including 915 commercial, under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances(NDPS) Act across the state in the last seven months. The police have recovered 529kg heroin on vulnerable routes. Also, 147kg heroin was recovered from the seaports of Gujarat and Maharashtra, taking the total effective recovery to 676kg heroin in just seven months. The police teams also recovered 424kg opium.

India 14-Feb-2023

Police arrested two women, identified as Kulwinder Kaur and Manjit Kaur and recovered 10-kg poppy husk from their possession at Sangrur in Sangrur district.

India 14-Feb-2023

Punjab Police on February 14 launched massive raids on suspected hideouts of persons linked with Gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. According to Police, the simultaneous raids were conducted at the residential and other premises linked to the gangster in all the districts across the state. During the search operation, as many as 409 Police parties, including about 2,863 police personnel searched the premises of at least 2,371 suspected hideouts across the state linked with Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, according to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

India 14-Feb-2023

Amritsar Member of Parliament (MP) Gurjeet Singh Aujla on February 14 asked Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to clear his stand on the issue of drug menace and narco-terrorism nexuses in the state. This development comes a day ahead of the hearing on a sealed report related to the issue submitted by the previous Congress-led state government to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

India 14-Feb-2023

On February 14 , a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mohali has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate the proclaimed offender (PO) proceedings against the former assistant inspector general (AIG) of Punjab Police, who is prime accused in the case of alleged disappearance of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar’s mother in 1992.

Canada 14-Feb-2023

The Consulate General of India at Toronto condemned the defacing of Ram Mandir (Temple) in Mississauga, Canada and requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators. Earlier, the Ram Mandir in Mississauga was vandalised and defaced with anti-India graffiti by unknown persons. Also, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a banned terrorist organisation with US bases, has taken responsibility for the attack.

India 14-Feb-2023

Police arrested two persons, identified as Richhpal Godara (21) and Pintu Godara (19) along with 89 kg of poppy husk from their possession at a check-post on the Abohar-Hanumangarh highway in Fazilka district.

India 14-Feb-2023

The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) staff conducted a search operation and recovered 24 kg poppy husk from a house in Seeto Gunno area of Khairpur village in Fazilka district.

India 15-Feb-2023

On February 15, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a cash reward of INR 15 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Canada-based gangster-turned-Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, who is wanted in connection with terror cases in Punjab. The NIA said, “A cash reward of Rs 15 lakh is announced for any information leading to arrest of Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias ‘Landa’. Landa, a resident of Tarn Taran in Punjab, believed to be residing in Edmonton in Alberta in Canada, has been an absconder and is wanted by the NIA in a case related to the grenade attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali in 2022. According to reports, In 2022, the NIA initiated a case when it was discovered that terrorist groups and individuals located overseas were collaborating with leaders and members of organized criminal groups in the northern states of the country to carry out specific murders and other violent criminal activities. The NIA spokesperson said, “It had emerged that the terror-gangster-drug smuggler network was also engaged in smuggling terrorist hardware such as arms, ammunition, explosives, IEDs across border through a widespread inter-state network of gunrunners, illegal arms and ammunition manufacturers and suppliers and explosive traffickers.”

India 15-Feb-2023

Punjab Police arrested one person who has links with gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, identified as Jaipal Singh alias Gumta and recovered 1Kg heroin and INR 27 lakh drug money from his possession in Tarn Taran district.

United States 15-Feb-2023

North American Punjabi Association on February 15 raised “serious concern” over growing incidents of gang wars and weapons smuggling in the state. An executive director of the United States (US)-based organisation, Satnam Singh Chahal mentioned, “it is very unfortunate that only a few gangsters out of several arrested between 1996 and 2023 were imprisoned”.

United Kingdom 15-Feb-2023

During the last week, the British government highlighted that a small group of pro-Khalistan activists is spreading a false story that Britain is colluding with India to oppress Sikhs. In its counter-terrorism review, stated that though the existing threat to the United Kingdom (UK) is low from the pro-Khalistan movement, it could intensify in the future. Warning about “pro-Khalistan extremism emerging from the UK’s Sikh communities”. Sources also said that a similar story is evolving in Australia where Khalistan groups have been trying to muster support lately.

India 15-Feb-2023

According to reports, 26 villages of Ludhiana district were declared drug-free by the administration as part of the campaign launched against the drug menace by the state Government. A senior government functionary said on February 15, that 16 villages in the Jagraon sub-division, 6 in Raikot and 4 in the Dakha sub-division had been declared ‘drug-free’. While 11 villages under the Sidhwan Bet police station had become free of drugs, 6 ‘drug-free’ villages fall under the jurisdictions of Raikot City, Raikot Sadar and Hanoor police stations. Among others, 4 villages had become ‘drug-free’ under the limits of Dakha, Sudhar and Jodhan police stations, 3 under Jagraon City and 2 such villages fall under the jurisdiction of the Jagraon Sadar police station had been declared ‘drug-free’ by the government.

Canada 15-Feb-2023

Canadian ministers criticized the vandalism of Shri Ram Mandir in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Mississauga that happened on February 14. This was the fourth such incident in eight months duration where pro-Khalistan graffiti was spray-painted the walls of the temple. Meanwhile, Canada’s defence minister Anita Anand on February 15 tweeted on this incident that, “Freedom of religion is a fundamental tenet of our democracy.” Earlier in the day, foreign minister Melanie Joly had also condemned the episode.

India 16-Feb-2023

Police on February 16 booked ‘Waris Punjab De’ head Amritpal Singh among 20 persons on charges of kidnapping, thrashing and snatching, on the complaint lodged by Varinder Singh of the Chamkaur Sahib area in Anjala in Amritsar district. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered against them at the Ajnala police station.

India 16-Feb-2023

According to police, Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who was brought to Jaipur from Punjab on a production warrant has been sent on seven-day police remand. The court gave police remand for seven days till February 23 for interrogation. Bishnoi is being interrogated in connection with his involvement in a case of firing outside at a club in Jaipur on January 29. Six members of his gang were arrested earlier in connection with the January 29 firing.

India 16-Feb-2023

The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mohali on February 16 convicted Kulwinder Singh Khanpuria of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) for waging a war against the country. He was produced before the court through video-conferencing. The NIA had registered a case against Khanpuria in 2019. He was arrested on November 21, 2022, from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi while he was returning from Bangkok. The NIA had framed charges against Khanpuria for criminal conspiracy and under sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The court framed charges against Khanpuria under Sections 121, 122, 123 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act and Sections 17, 18, 18-B, 38 and 39 of the UAPA.

India 16-Feb-2023

Police arrested two accused, identified as Gurpreet Singh and Amritpal Singh of Patiala, close associates of SK Kharoud gang, and recovered two pistols and ten live cartridges from them at Devigarh Road, Jodian Sadkan in Patiala on February 16. A case has been registered against both under the Arms act at Sanour police station. Also, both the accused have multiple cases registered against them in different police stations.

India 17-Feb-2023

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on February 17 declared Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, currently based in Pakistan and affiliated to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) as a terrorist and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) as terrorist organisation. According to intelligence officials, Rinda, who is believed to be living in Lahore, is associated with the banned group BKI and is said to have played a key role in the 2021 attack on the intelligence headquarters of the Punjab Police in Mohali. Rinda hails from Rattoke village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, and he was previously arrested in 2008 after a scuffle during a family feud. After getting in touch with criminals during his time in prison, Rinda shifted his base to Nanded in Maharashtra. Following his interactions with criminals while serving time in prison, Rinda relocated to Nanded in Maharashtra. Subsequently, he utilized counterfeit travel documents to enter Pakistan in 2020 and established contact with pro-Khalistan terrorist organizations, who reportedly provided him with security. In August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) offered a cash reward of INR 10 lakh to anyone with information on Rinda. KTF is a militant outfit that seeks to revive terrorism in the state of Punjab and poses a threat to India's territorial integrity, national security, unity, and sovereignty. The organization promotes various forms of terrorism, including targeted assassinations within Punjab. The recent classification of KTF as a terrorist organization brings the total number of designated terrorist groups to 44 under the Schedule of the Act.

India 17-Feb-2023

Ludhiana police arrested two youngsters, identified as Munish alias Lallu and Aniket Chauhan Talwara, operating on the directions of a notorious criminal Sagar Newton in Ludhiana. Police also recovered six illegal pistols, eight magazines and 12 live cartridges from them. According to reports, these notorious criminals now started using social media platforms from jails to build a network to buy and supply arms.

Australia 17-Feb-2023

According to the media reports, the president and the vice president of Gayatri Mandir in Brisbane, Australia has received threatening calls on February 17 from a man who identified himself as 'Guruawadesh Singh', Claiming that he was calling from Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, and asked the Hindu community to support the 'Khalistan Referendum' and to raise pro-Khalistani slogans if it wanted to observe Maha Shivratri peacefully, which falls on February 18.

India 17-Feb-2023

Police on February 17 arrested a key accused in the RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) attack case, Gurpinder alias Pindu, who have a close tie with Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa from Khem Karan in Tarn Taran district. The RPG attack was carried out at Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali on May 9, 2022. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on April 25, 2022, Charhat Singh, Nishan Singh and Baljinder Rambo had brought consignment of RPG and assault rifle from Tarn Taran to Amritsar, and kept at Pindu’s house near Alpha Mall in Amritsar. The accused had also harboured the shooters, Deepak and another man, at his house on the same night, he added. Police have so far arrested nine accused in this case.

India 17-Feb-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) on February 16 foiled a smuggling bid and recovered approximately 2 kg of heroin wrapped in a white cloth from near Dalla Rajput village in Amritsar District.

India 17-Feb-2023

The Mansa police have booked 50 persons for shouting pro-Khalistan slogans and waving a Khalistani flag in the Mansa city in Mansa district. According to reports, on February 17, the accused held a motorbike and tractor rally from Ralla village to Mansa in support of the demand to free of the "Bandi Singhs". The case was reported at the Mansa Sadar police station under Section 124-A of the Indian Criminal Code (IPC). Nine of the accused have also been identified by the police.

United Kingdom 18-Feb-2023

Khalistani supporters on February 18 raised anti-India and pro-Khalistani slogans outside the Indian High Commission in London in United Kingdom (UK). According to reports, Khalistani supporters not just raised Pro-Khalistani slogans but also chanted anti-India slogans outside the Indian High Commission.

India 18-Feb-2023

Police on February 18, arrested a gangster identified as Rohit Kumar alias Simtu, along with a .32 bore pistol and five live cartridges from an undisclosed place in Punjab. As per sources, he was involved in the Baltana shootout case and also wanted in six criminal cases registered in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

India 18-Feb-2023

Police on February 18 arrested gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria’s accomplice, identified as Vishal Verma alias Shalu along with nine pistols and 20 cartridges in Rupnagar district of Punjab. Ropar Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vivek Sheel Soni said, Verma was planning something big. Bhagwanpuria’s gang was also involved in smuggling of weapons and drugs in the state on a large scale, as per sources.

India 18-Feb-2023

The Faridkot police arrested two persons, identified as Jasbir Singh and Jashandeep Singh and recovered three illegal weapons from them in Faridkot district. In the primary investigation, it is revealed that accused had snatched a .12 bore gun from a person in Baghapurana area of Moga district.

India 18-Feb-2023

The Border Security Forces (BSF) on February 18 foiled a major narco-terror bid from Pakistan's side and recovered 20 packets of suspected drug heroin (approximately 22 kg) wrapped in yellow tapes on international border (IB) in Gurdaspur district. They also recovered two pistols, of which one is Made in Turkey while the other one is Made in China. Six magazines and 242 rounds were also recovered along with one 12-feet long plastic pipe. According to BSF officers, the gunfight began when suspicious movement of smugglers ahead of fencing in the area near Khasawali village in the Gurdaspur district.

India 18-Feb-2023

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar during his visit to Australia emphasised the need for vigilance against radical activities. In an interview, on temples attack in Canada, Australia and the UK, he added that these nations have to respond appropriately over the issue.

India 19-Feb-2023

On February 19, Waris Punjab De leader Amritpal Singh attended Deep Sidhu's first death anniversary at Budh Singh Wala village in Moga district and talked about his dream of creating Khalistan and stated that neither Indira Gandhi nor Narendra Modi will be able to stop them from doing so. He stated that each and every child in Punjab is raising its voice for Khalistan. He also added that many ancestors have sacrificed their lives to turn Punjab into Khalistan.

India 19-Feb-2023

Barnala Police on February 19 arrested 10 gang members along with six rifles, two pistols, one revolver, 35 live cartridges from Barnala district. According to police, the gang is involved in murder, burglary and snatching incidents, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in this case. Further investigations are being conducted by police to check into the linkages of the gang with other gangs operating in the state, police said.

India 19-Feb-2023

On February 19, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel recovered a crash drone with 3 kg of heroin at Zero Line near Ghania-Ke-Bet border outpost in Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district.

India 19-Feb-2023

The Waris Punjab De president Amritpal Singh gave a call to the 'sangat' to meet at his native village of Jallupur Khera to discuss the future course of action, adding that they would pass a 'gurmata' (resolution in the name of the Guru) against the police action. Also, he has threatened "state-wide action" if the police do not release his two associates and continue to pick up his followers.

India 19-Feb-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel recovered a drone with around 2.7 heroin from a field near the border fence in Ghaniake village in Gurdaspur district on February 19.

India 19-Feb-2023

Punjab Police on February 19 carried out a special operation, ‘Ops Seal’ aimed at checking of all vehicles entering the border state of Punjab at 10 inter-state borders. Police arrested three proclaimed offenders and recovered 70 kg poppy husk, 1 kg charas, 110 grams heroin and INR 1 lakh drug money during the operation. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the objective of this operation was to keep check on illegal drug trafficking and illicit liquor smuggling, besides, movement of gangsters and anti-social elements.

India 19-Feb-2023

As per sources, the probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed that Pakistan-based Rinda had taught the shooter who has been identified as Deepak Ranga, to use a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) over two video-call sessions before the RPG attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali in 2022. The NIA has also found that Rinda managed to radicalise Deepak with stories of how the police had allegedly tortured the family members of one of Rinda's associates, the sources said. According to sources, Deepak was also allegedly involved in the murder of builder Sanjay Biyani in Maharashtra's Nanded in April 2022 on Rinda's orders.

India 20-Feb-2023

On February 20, the Counter Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Border Security Force (BSF) troops conducted a search and recovered a drone identified as DJI Matrice 300 RTK (made in China) from the outskirts of New Hasta Kalan village in Fazilka district.

Canada 20-Feb-2023

Khalistan supporters on February 20 gathered outside the consulate in Vancouver, Canada, and raised Khalistan flags, demanding the release of Sikhs imprisoned in India.

India 20-Feb-2023

The Punjab Police's state special operations cell (SSOC) has booked nine people, including Pakistan-based International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) chief Lakhbir Singh Rode, allegedly for smuggling arms, ammunition, drugs, and explosives across the Punjab border. According to sources, the Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and the ISYF has been working together through his associates imprisoned in Punjab.

India 20-Feb-2023

On February 20, Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, distanced himself from the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, which is leading the protests for the release of Sikh prisoners. Rajoana, asserting to be an Akali, stated that he has nothing to do with the morcha that has been protesting at the Chandigarh-Mohali border for more than a month.

India 20-Feb-2023

Amritpal Singh, who is the head of ‘Waris Punjab De’ has given a life threatening warning to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 20. In his recent address in Budhsingh Wala village of Moga District, Singh said, "We will do the same to Amit Shah as happened to Indira Gandhi." He came to the village to attend the death anniversary program of Punjabi singer Deep Sidhu. He is also facing arrest along with five of his aides on the charges of several crimes, including kidnapping, theft, rioting, causing injury, and unlawful assembly.

India 21-Feb-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on February 21 conducted simultaneous searches at 76 locations in eight states to dismantle the nexus between terrorists, gangsters and drug smugglers and traffickers based in India and abroad. About INR 1.5 crore cash, 11 pistols and rifles with ammunition and incriminating material, including documents, hard drives and mobile phones, were recovered by NIA during search. As per the sources, preliminary investigations have revealed that the gangs were carrying out targeted killings and were also raising funds to carry out such criminal activities through hawala network and smuggling of drugs and weapons.

India 21-Feb-2023

Punjab police on February 21 conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) across the state aimed to identified safe haven of criminals and anti-social elements in the state. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) said that police teams cordoned off over 324 hotspots and 5,781 persons were frisked of which 205 persons have been arrested. The police have also registered 187 first information reports (FIRs) and arrested nine proclaimed offenders. Police teams also recovered 2.8 kg heroin and 2.20 lakh drug money.

India 21-Feb-2023

Punjab Police on February 21 conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at several locations across the state and arrested 205 persons and recovered 2.8 kg of heroin and INR 2.20 lakh drug money while registering 187 cases in this connection. According to sources, the operation was conducted simultaneously in all 28 police districts of the state and targeted the ‘notorious/infamous mohallas/villages’ where drugs are prevalent or certain areas which have become shelter/safe haven for criminals and anti-social elements. Police searched 324 hotspots and questioned 5,781 people during the operation.

India 21-Feb-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on February 21 conducted raids on gangsters, working in tandem with terrorist groups and drug smugglers based in foreign countries such as Pakistan and Canada, at 76 locations in Punjab, Haryana, and six other states and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition and cash amounting to Rs 2.3 crores. It was the fifth raid by the NIA against the nexus. In Punjab, the raids were conducted in Bathinda, Muktsar, Moga, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Mohali, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Faridkot, Sangrur and Jalandhar districts. In Haryana, the raids covered Gurugram, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, Mahendragarh, Sirsa and Jhajjar districts. According to reports, the NIA also raided places linked to Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Dalla alias Arsh Dalla who was declared a terrorist by the Union Ministry of Homa Affairs (UMHA) on January 9. Dalla’s native house, which situated in Dalla village in Moga district, has been closed for a long time as his family had already migrated from India. Earlier, the NIA had raided the dens of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi at Duttaranwali village in Fazilka district and gangster Goldy Brar at Muktsar. A senior Punjab Police officer said the NIA had not shared the details of its raids.

India 21-Feb-2023

Police February 21 conducted a cordon and search operation across Jalandhar district and recovered 50 intoxicating capsules, five injections, 18 gm heroin in two different cases, a total of 4-kg poppy husk and 12 bottles of liquor. Police team raided the houses of drug peddlers and also questioned suspicious persons.

India 21-Feb-2023

The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) continued crackdown on the gangster-terror funding case and on February 21 conducted a raid at the house of Akali leader Lakhvir Singh from Punjab and seized several weapons from him. However, Singh said that he and his kin have licensed weapons that the central agency took for verification. "The arms licences are renewed up to 2025. The NIA is the country's big agency. Whether they call us in day or night for the investigation, we will cooperate," he said.

Australia 21-Feb-2023

According to media reports, on the night of February 21, the Consulate of India in Brisbane, Australia, was attacked by Khalistani supporters who raised the Khalistan flag at the office in Taringa suburb. On February 22, Archana Singh, the Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane, arrived and noticed a Khalistan flag tied to the office. Sources said that Singh immediately informed Queensland Police, who confiscated the flag and ensured that the Indian Consul was not in immediate danger.

India 22-Feb-2023

Three gangsters, identified as Teja Mehandpuria and two of his associates were shot dead in an encounter with Anti- Gang Task Force (AGTF) near the Bassi Pathana bus stand in Fatehgarh Sahib district on February 22. Two police personnel, Sub-Inspector (SI) Gurpreet Singh and constable Sukhraj, were injured in the gunfight. Police also recovered six pistols from the gangsters. Teja, who is facing around 35 cases including murder and robbery, and his accomplices were allegedly involved in the January 8 killing of constable Kuldeep Singh Bajwa in Phillaur. The policeman was part of a team chasing gangsters who had robbed a car at gunpoint in Kangjagir village. According to sources, AGTF’s operation was code-named “Fast-track” after ‘Teja’ (fast) to arrest him.

India 23-Feb-2023

Supporters of pro-Khalistan idealogue and the 'Chief' of Waris Punjab De, Amritpal Singh, armed with swords, guns, and sharp weapons on February 23 clashed with roughly 600 Punjab Police officers, injuring several persons. According to sources, two senior policemen were injured, and a police vehicle was damaged. The protest occurred in response to the arrest of Lovepreet Singh aka Toofan who was allegedly accused in a kidnapping and assault case. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Amritsar, Satinder Singh, stated that Lovepreet would shortly release on February 24, after the completion of formalities "as per the evidence submitted before the Punjab Police" according to media reports.

India 23-Feb-2023

On February 23, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav assured Himachal Pradesh DGP Sanjay Kundu of his full support in combating organised inter-state crime, notably the smuggling of drugs and illicit liquor across the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border. He also mentioned that in order to stop the smuggling of illegal narcotics and liquor, it was decided to strengthen the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera network at the entry and exit points across the border.

India 23-Feb-2023

An associate of the gangster Tajinder Singh alias Teja, identified as Harinder Singh alias Soni, was arrested by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) at Bassi Pathana of Fatehgarh Sahib district on February 23. Six cartridges and a foreign-made pistol were recovered from him. He was arrested after a brief chase and shootout, said AGTF.

India 23-Feb-2023

During the recent nationwide raids conducted by National Investigation Agency (NIA) at 76 locations across eight states, it arrested six suspects, including a close associate of designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, identified as Lucky Khokhar alias Denis, said NIA on February 23. According to the central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, the other five accused who were arrested in the raid, identified as, Lakhvir Singh, Harpreet, Dalip Bishnoi, Surinder alias Chiku Chaudhary and Hari Om alias Titul. So far, NIA has revealed that they have been involved in smuggling arms, ammunition, explosives etc. across international and inter-state borders in India for several Khalistani terror outfits, including the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).

India 23-Feb-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed an application before the Special Judge, NIA court at Chandigarh, for issuing of proclamation proceedings against Jaswinder Singh Multani, one of the key accused of planting a bomb near the Model Jail in April 2022. In regard to the application, the NIA court has fixed the next date of hearing in the case for March 2, 2023.

India 23-Feb-2023

Amritpal Singh on February 22 released a video claiming that his statements regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah were twisted and portrayed in the wrong sense. Reportedly, a few days back Amritpal Singh released a video stating Shah will face the same fate as Indira Gandhi if he tries to stop Punjab from turning into Khalistan. On February 21, he did a press conference and said that “I did not threaten the Home Minister in any way. The agencies want to kill me. And my words were twisted and misconstrued by people.” Earlier, during Deep Sidhu’s anniversary, he stated that neither Indira nor Shah or Modi can stop from turning Punjab into Khalistan.

Pakistan 24-Feb-2023

The Pakistani media on February 24 highlighted how supporters of pro-Khalistan Sikh leader Amritpal Singh 'staged a large demonstration in Amritsar on February 23 and put the Indian Punjab Police on the back foot'. Also, it mentioned, "the demand for Khalistan by Sikhs in Indian Punjab is gathering pace."

India 24-Feb-2023

On February 24, in an interview with India Today, Amritpal Singh, who is the head of 'Waris Punjab De', said, "There is no revival but survival. Khalistan is not a taboo and the demand is being made to end suffering. I won’t even call myself a preacher." He said, “Once we will make Khalistan here, we will go to Lahore". He had previously threatened the police to face serious consequences, if the case against his aide was not closed. Based on a complaint filed by Varinder Singh, Amritpal Singh and his five aides were charged with kidnapping, theft, rioting, and other offenses.

India 24-Feb-2023

The Senior Superintendent of Punjab Police (SSP) Harpal Singh Randhawa stated that, "What happened on February 23 should not have happened. Because Amritpal (Singh) had brought Guru Granth Sahib with him, the Punjab Police did not retaliate. Things would have gone wrong if we had retaliated. We respected Guru Granth Sahib”. The SSP also said that Amritpal had previously stated that he would only hold peaceful dharnas. "But he lied to us. His supporters attacked the Punjab Police, but we did nothing since Guru Granth Sahib was in the midst."

India 24-Feb-2023

'Waris Punjab De' leader Amritpal Singh stated on February 24 that the goal of Khalistan should not be viewed as evil or taboo. The statement comes after massive protest over his close aide Toofan Singh's arrest. Amritpal Singh openly stated that it was his right to demand the separation of the Sikh homeland from India. "It should be seen from an intellectual point of view as to what could be its geopolitical benefits. It's an ideology and ideology never dies. We are not asking for it from Delhi," Meanwhile, several Sikh leaders have criticized the separatist leader for his divisive agenda and attempts to incite animosity between the Sikh and Hindu communities in Punjab, which have coexisted peacefully for generations.

India 24-Feb-2023

Two drug peddlers identified as Raj Singh Raju and Amandeep Singh, were arrested along with 75,500 intoxicating tablets on NH 62 in Abohar, Fazilka district on February 24.

India 25-Feb-2023

Amritpal Singh on February 25 said that the Anjala violent incident and subsequent release of Lovepreet Singh will "change the course of the future". He further said that the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) could not claim ignorance of the situation. It wasn't that he was unaware of the situation. He also stated that Punjab Police acted hastily based on incorrect intelligence reports.The incident at Ajnala police station in Amritsar on February 23 could have been prevented if police had been more vigilant and his aide Lovepreet Singh Toofan had not been arrested, he said.

India 25-Feb-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh on February 25 condemned supporters of Khalistan sympathiser and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh's aide, Lovepreet, aka Toofan Singh, for using the Sikh holy book as a "shield" during their recent protest at Ajnala police station. CM tweeted in Punjabi, “Those who take the Guru Granth Sahib to police stations as a shield cannot be called ‘waris (the heirs)’ of Punjab and Punjabiyat in any way,".

India 25-Feb-2023

Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), criticized Amritpal and his supporters for allegedly committing sacrilege at Ajnala. He pointed out, "This is shocking, unbelievable and unforgivable. Never in Sikh history has anyone ever shown such brazen disrespect to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as was done at Ajnala". Also, Giani Harpreet Singh, the jathedar of the Akal Takht, constituted a subcommittee on February 25 to examine the dos and don'ts of where the Sikh holy book can be carried in order to preserve its status and honour. According to Sarbat Khalsa's Dhian Singh Mand, the Guru Granth Sahib should not have been taken for personal purposes.

India 25-Feb-2023

Amritpal Singh, while addressing the media in Ajnala on February 25 claimed that the Ajnala incident was not violent. He said, "You are counting sloganeering and hoisting the flags (Khalistani), as violence... you have not seen the real violence till now, the real violence is yet to be seen," He also stated that, violence was 'sacred'. "Suppressed people choose violence. People say violence is very bad, but violence is very sacred. Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, when you have no choice, then holding a sword is right," he said.

India 26-Feb-2023

Punjab's former Chief Minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh on February 26 criticized Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann for failing to keep Punjab’s law and order. He said that the Government of India "would have to step in" if the Mann government is unable to keep the peace.

India 26-Feb-2023

According to official sources, the Punjab Police was asked by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) to submit a comprehensive report on the Ajnala event. The Ministry is in contact with security agencies over the activities of Amritpal Singh, the leader of "Waris Punjab De," who has returned from Dubai. A thorough report on the Ajnala incidents in Punjab over the past two to three days has been prepared by the Intelligence Bureau (IB). According to sources, it was communicated to the UMHA's top officials.

India 26-Feb-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a drone, identified as Chinese made DJI Matrice, along the Indian territory near Shahjada village of Amritsar district on February 26.

India 26-Feb-2023

The police arrested two persons, identified as Karan and Preet Kamal for allegedly possessing heroin and recovered 15 gm and 20 gm of heroin from each of them in Amritsar in Amritsar district.

India 26-Feb-2023

The Central government on February 26 suspended the Instagram profile of the Waris Punjab De head, Khalistani sympathizer Amritpal Singh. Notably, Amritpal’s account was a verified account with Blue Tick and used for running his pro-Khalistani agenda.

India 26-Feb-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann stated on February 26 that supporters of Khalistan were receiving funds from Pakistan and other countries. CM, who was in Gujarat, stated that the Punjab Police were capable of handling the issue and only a handful of persons were supporting the pro-Khalistan movement in Punjab.

India 26-Feb-2023

Two gangsters, who were arrested in connection with Sidhu Moosewala murder case, identified as Mandeep Singh alias Toofan and Mohan Singh alias Manmohan were killed in a clash in Goindwal jail in Tarn Taran district on February 26. Another jail inmate identified as Keshav was critically injured in the clash. Toofan was arrested by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in September 2022. He was also wanted in the killing of another notorious gangster Ranbir Singh alias Rana Kandowalia in a hospital in Amritsar in August 2021.

India 27-Feb-2023

On February 27, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered five packets of heroin, weighing 2.6kg, that had been smuggled from Pakistan, near Mehndipur village in the Bhikhiwind subdistrict of Tarn Taran district.

India 27-Feb-2023

According to sources, intelligence agencies found that pro-Khalistan entities (PKEs) held several gatherings over the previous two years to campaign for Khalistan among young people in Punjab and other parts of the country. Amritpal Singh, a Khalistani separatist, is alleged to have spoken with several pro-Khalistan entities (PKEs) while residing in Dubai before moving back to India last year. According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is looking into Khalistani entities with ties to Dubai in various terror finance cases. But intel agencies have not yet been able to gather any information on Amritpal.

India 27-Feb-2023

Mohkam Singh, who was a close associate of Khalistani leader Bhindranwale, on February 27 said that carrying the Guru Granth Sahib to the Anjala protest site was inappropriate and that Sikhs had "condemned" Amritpal for doing so. He also said that "Amritpal is yet to prove his credentials".

India 27-Feb-2023

The chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video posted on social media on February 27 threatened to “storm and target” New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport with Khalistan flags during the upcoming G20 Foreign Ministers Summit in New Delhi. The video also shows slogans written "Punjab is Not India" and "Khalistan Zindabad" by the outlawed pro-Khalistan group at the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office Complex of Rode village in Moga district of Punjab. Pannun in the video further said that the graffiti is aimed to communicate to the foreign ministers of G20 countries that “Punjab is not a part of India”. “This message is for the G20 foreign ministers. Punjab is not India. SFJ will storm and target the New Delhi Airport with Khalistan flags,” he said.

India 27-Feb-2023

On February 27, seven prison inmates were booked after two jailed gangsters were killed in a gang fight at Goindwal Sahib Central Jail in Tarn Taran district. During the clash, they used iron strips in which another accused was injured, who was also arrested in connection with the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. These accused have been charged under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

India 27-Feb-2023

According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation has revealed that the gangsters are using Punjabi singers as a means of terrorism financing. Sources indicate, that gangsters imprisoned in Canada, Punjab, and even inside prisons are allegedly threatening to release exclusive songs on YouTube channels run by their associates so as to use the money from India to buy illegal weapons from other countries for targeted killings. This has been disclosed in the draft charge sheet of NIA.

India 28-Feb-2023

According to reports, in the wake of Anjala violence, Punjab police have stepped up their efforts by training their personnel in Gatka, a form of Sikh martial art. Keeping in mind the situation of law and order in the state, the Punjab police began training about two weeks ago.

India 28-Feb-2023

On February 28, Waris Punjab De head Amritpal Singh visited to honour the death anniversaries of two militants. One was observed at Manochahal village in Tarn Taran district for Bhindranwala Tiger Force (BTF) chief Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, while another was observed in Chabba village in Amritsar district for Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) Sukhdev Singh Chabba. During both gatherings, Amritpal Singh was offered 'siropas' (robe of honour) by the organizers. When addressing the public, Amritpal defended his recent act of carrying the Guru Granth Sahib to Ajnala. "Only Guru Granth Sahib can guide us from darkness to light," he said.

India 28-Feb-2023

Punjab government on February 28 transferred 18 police personnel, including the Amritsar Commissioner of Police, with immediate effect. According to sources, sixteen of the 18 police personnel are Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and two are Punjab Police Service officers who got the transfer. They were transferred days after the Ajnala police station incident.

India 01-Mar-2023

The pro-Khalistani propagator and self-proclaimed leader of ‘Waris Punjab De’ Amritpal Singh on March 1 stated that he will go before the Akal Takht over the issue of carrying the saroop (copy) of Guru Granth Sahib to Ajnala Police Station during the protest on February 23. He also said that there were historical examples and references to back up his claim that their actions at Ajnala as it did not violate the maryada. “If Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar summons us and asks us to clarify the issue, we will surely appear there. We will have no hesitation in doing so. We will go there to present our side,” he said.

India 01-Mar-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 1 filed a supplementary chargesheet against three operatives of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in a case of seizure of weapons, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Haryana in 2022. According to an NIA spokesperson, charges were brought against the accused Akash alias Akashdeep, Sukhbir Singh alias Jashan, and Jarmalpreet before a special court in Panchkula under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and the Explosives Substances Act.

India 01-Mar-2023

According to sources, the Indian army and intelligence agencies conducted tests on recently installed indigenous anti-drone spoofers and jammer systems in Jammu and Punjab bordering areas of Pakistan and it has produced satisfactory results against weapons, explosives, and drug-carrying drones launched by Pakistan terror groups. The army purchased 30 jammer and spoofer devices, each for the Jammu and Punjab sectors, and placed them along the western border for testing. The devices have been working efficiently for more than three months and stopped drones from crossing into Indian border.

India 01-Mar-2023

Police arrested two Jalandhar-based drug smugglers along with 100 kg of poppy husk and 600g of heroin at a checkpoint in Sujanpur, close to Pathankot in Pathankot district on February 28. They were identified as Taranjit Singh and Kishan Lal, who smuggle drugs to Punjab from J&K. During this search operation, a Station House Officer (SHO) got injured.

Pakistan 01-Mar-2023

According to a Pakistan government notification released on March 1, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as the Ambassador-at-Large for Kartarpur Corridor as part of efforts to draw Sikh pilgrims from all over the world.

India 01-Mar-2023

Former diplomat KC Singh on February 28 said that the self-proclaimed Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh should surrender his passport since he doesn't consider himself as an Indian citizen. KC Singh, chief of the Sunehra Punjab Party, also said that Amritpal should get his identification from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a stateless person because “Khalistan exists only in his head.”

India 01-Mar-2023

The foreign secretary of the United Kingdom (UK), James Cleverly on March 1 assured that violent attacks on Indian residents will be closely monitored by UK police and security services, and that appropriate measures will be taken to stop such illegal activity. While addressing the G-20 summit in New Delhi, Cleverly said that "We take the security of people very seriously. Our police and security services always pay close regard to such activities and if it is an illegal activity, we act upon it."

India 02-Mar-2023

Notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was sent to judicial custody by a local court after the completion of his remand period on March 2. Bishnoi's attorney Deepak Chouhan said that the gangster was produced before the court through a video conference.

India 02-Mar-2023

‘Waris Punjab De’ head Amritpal Singh, in an interview on March 2, said that, "(Our) Ultimate goal is Khalistan. Khalistan is our destination, the struggle for it is our path ahead. Khalistan is the ultimate solution to every problem we have right now.” Speaking out against his allegation of being labeled an ‘ISI agent, he said, "The propaganda to brand anyone who discusses the Panth or Punjab as an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent is not new". “Someone who recognizes the issue and attempts to solve it is subjected to this type of blame game when others who should be repairing the societal system fail to do so. I am Sikhi's servant”, he stated.

India 02-Mar-2023

The police in Delhi and Punjab were warned by intelligence agencies that pro-Khalistan elements may attempt to disturb communal harmony by attacking Amritpal Singh and would try to inflame sentiments in the aftermath. The agencies have also alerted about the terrorist outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), threatening to storm the IGI Airport building in Delhi with Khalistani flags and unfurl one on top ahead of the G20 summit. Also, intelligence agencies have asked that the police to keep a close check on the funds that the Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal is receiving. Security agencies also suspect that Amritpal Singh is receiving financing aid from Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) to be promoted as Bhindranwale 2.0 on social media.

India 02-Mar-2023

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on March 2 criticized the central government for "taking a U-turn" on Balwant Singh Rajoana's release in the Supreme Court. He also stated that this had hurt the Sikh community's sentiments. He also stated that it was shocking that the central government had turned down its commitment to release nine Sikh prisoners on the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak in 2019.

India 02-Mar-2023

Police searched some houses of suspected drug peddlers and addicts in Panjpir Colony, Jammu Basti, Dharam Nagari and Seetogunno Road in Abohar in Fazilka district on March 2. However, most of the suspects were not available in their houses during the search. According to reports, Abohar has emerged as a gateway for drug smuggling from the neighbouring state of Rajasthan. Many truck drivers have also been arrested while carrying drugs in the past. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Avneet Kaur Sidhu, who conducted the search, said, “The aim is to eliminate drug trafficking and protect the people.”

India 02-Mar-2023

Faridkot police on March 2 arrested five alleged drug dealers in Surghuri village of Faridkot district. According to an official, three of the five peddlers were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while the other two were under investigation.

India 02-Mar-2023

According to reports, senior police officials from northern states and Union Territories, on March 2, decided to create a special working group so that local law enforcement officials could frequently exchange information and coordinate their efforts to combat the drug problem. In a meeting organized by the Chandigarh Police on March 2, the officials held a thorough discussion on the drug problem and its sources, the substances, the routes, etc., and strategies to combat it.

India 03-Mar-2023

‘Waris Punjab De’ chief Amritpal Singh visited Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on March 3 at the Takht secretariat in Amritsar. The meeting comes against the backdrop of Amritpal was criticized for carrying a "saroop" of the Guru Granth Sahib during the protest at the Ajnala police station on February 23. He said that this was not a prearranged meeting with the Jathedar and that he had come to do obeisance at the Golden Temple. He, however, disproved the speculations that the meeting was about carrying the Guru Granth Sahib to the protest sites.

India 03-Mar-2023

The Fatehgarh Sahib District Police conducted a cordon and search operation on March 3 to nab Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) supporters in the Jassran village of the Fatehgarh Sahib District. The homes of two former SFJ sympathizers were raided by the police, but nothing incriminating was found. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jangeet Singh, said that the Punjab Police initiated a cordon and search operation campaign, to nab anti-nationals, drug dealers, gangsters, and criminals from the district.

India 03-Mar-2023

The police on March 3 arrested a man with an illegal pistol and six live cartridges from Barkandi Road in Muktsar district. The suspect was identified as Sukhpal Singh alias Sukha and a case has been registered against him under the Indian Arms Act.

India 03-Mar-2023

Police on March 3 arrested one person, identified as Sonu Singh and recovered 110-gm heroin from him on the mega highway in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 03-Mar-2023

According to police sources, the investigation into the alleged kidnapping and assault complaint filed on February 16 against Waris Punjab De head Amritpal Singh and six other people is almost completed. A senior police officer said that the higher authorities would soon get a report on this case.

India 03-Mar-2023

In order to combat the drug problem in the state, an NGO (Non-governmental organization) led by a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer has recommended the Punjab government prescribe opium or poppy husk to drug addicts in a controlled manner. The recommendation stated that if poppy husks are sold legally, the state government will spend less on drugs for drug addicts and will earn revenue.

India 04-Mar-2023

Police arrested one person, identified as Sikander Singh and seized 15-gm heroin from him in Abohar in Fazilka district on March 4.

Australia 04-Mar-2023

According to sources, the wall of Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane, Australia was vandalized by unknown pro-Khalistan supporters on March 4. This was the fourth such incident of vandalism against Hindu temples in two months in Australia. Sarah Gates, who is the Director of Hindu Human Rights said, "This latest hate crime is a pattern of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) globally, clearly attempting to terrorise Australian Hindus. Coupled with a barrage of propaganda, illegal signs, and cyberbullying, the organisation intends to present all-pervasive threats, fear, and intimidation."

India 04-Mar-2023

A Khalistan flag was found atop a bridge and some pro-Khalistan slogans were inscribed under the bridge, at the Shambhu toll plaza in Ambala district of Haryana on March 4. Later, Police removed the flag and washed away the Khalistan slogans. A case has been filed in this regard against an unidentified person.

India 04-Mar-2023

Punjab police on March 1 arrested one person, identified as Tejvir Singh who was another shooter in the murder of electrician Paramjit Singh who was shot dead on January 4, from Bardeke village in Jagraon in Ludhiana district. Tejvir Singh was presented in the court on March 4 and sent to four days police remand. Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla took responsibility for the killing of the electrician in a purported Facebook post.

India 04-Mar-2023

On March 4, the Phagwara Police arrested a drug peddler, identified as Sunil Kumar along with 10 gm of heroin at a checkpoint near Dana Mandi, Phagwar in Kapurthala district.

India 04-Mar-2023

Police on March 4 arrested two persons, identified as Vijay Kumar and Suraj Singh, and recovered two country-made pistols from them in Patiala in Patiala district. They were part of a gang that supplies illegal weapons to criminals or gangsters in Punjab from other states.

United States 04-Mar-2023

According to media reports, A 60-year-old Indian-origin Sikh man, identified as Rajvir Raj Singh Gill, a former Bakersfield City Council candidate, was arrested on March 4 in the United States (US) for allegedly attempting to hire people to shoot multiple people and burn down the property of Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Khalsa Darbart in California, US.

India 05-Mar-2023

The Anti-Terrorist Front of India (ATFI) on March 5 held a protest and burned pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh's effigy at the Devi Nagar toll plaza on the Shambhu Border of Punjab and Haryana in Ambala. Viresh Shandilya, the national president of the ATFI raised a slogan against Amritpal Singh as a "terrorist" and an "anti-national" who is destroying Punjab's environment.

India 05-Mar-2023

Delhi Police on March 5 arrested a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after an exchange of fire near Qutub Minar metro station, in New Delhi. Police said the accused gang member was identified as Neeraj alias Katiya (30), and they also recovered a semi-automatic pistol and two live cartridges, and four empty cartridges from him. According to police sources, Neeraj was involved in over 25 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, robbery, kidnapping, injury, assault, threatening, and theft in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

India 05-Mar-2023

The Punjab government on March 5 suspended seven jail officials in connection with the Goindwal Sahib Central jail gang clash that took place on February 26 in Tarn Taran district. Five of the suspended officials, including the Central Prison Superintendent, were arrested for dereliction of duty and connivance with gangsters. The related video of the jail clash went viral on social media. Inspector General (IG) (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said that the state police had been ordered to thoroughly investigate each case and tighten the noose around those responsible for the irregularities.

India 05-Mar-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 5 said that it has attached five assets as part of its ongoing investigation against north India-based gangsters involved in organised crimes like extortion and murder, including that of a Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. These attachments and seizures come in the wake of the searches conducted by the NIA at 76 locations in February linked to gangsters and their associates in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi-NCR. The recent development is in connection with the cases filed by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in August 2022 against three significant organized criminal syndicates.

India 06-Mar-2023

Australian ambassador Barry O'Farrell on March 6 made it clear that the Khalistan referendum has no legal legitimacy either in Australia or in India. He also stated, "Australia's respect for India's sovereignty is unwavering". He further said that Australia was a successful multicultural, multifaith country and respected freedom of speech. "But freedom of speech does not give you the right to engage in violent protests in hate speech or vandalism. And those matters are taken seriously in Australia," he added.

Australia 06-Mar-2023

According to reports, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will convey to his Australian counterpart Anthony Norman Albanese India's worries regarding the reported vandalism of several Hindu temples in Australia by pro-Khalistan supporters. According to sources, the PM would take the opportunity to tell Canberra of the expectation that such anti-India hate campaigns and secessionist propaganda would not be tolerated in Australia and that stern measures would be taken against those responsible for the vandalism of places of worship.

India 06-Mar-2023

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Chief Gurupatwant Singh Pannun, on March 6 released a video addressing the G20 representatives where he claimed that Punjab is not a part of India and threatened that the railway services will be blocked in multiple locations in front of G20 representatives. In the video, the SFJ leader gave a call for “Rail Roko on March 15-16”. "The Singhs fighting for the freedom of Punjab have installed flags at the Makhu Railway Station which state "G20 nations welcome to Khalistan". Punjab is not a part of India. The red flags put up at the Makhu station said that from March 15 to 16, all the rail services in Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Ludhiana will remain shut," Pannun said in the video. He further asked the people of Punjab to ensure that the railway services are blocked in front of G20 representatives.

India 06-Mar-2023

The executive committee of Dal Khalsa held a meeting at its office in Amritsar on March 6, and decided to submit a letter to G20 members through their embassy prior to their visit to Amritsar scheduled on March 15-17 to draw attention to Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners) human rights issue. In the letter written to the G-20 countries, the Dal Khalsa stated that India must answer human rights issues.

India 07-Mar-2023

According to reports, Sikh radicals condemned the deployment of security personnel including eight companies of Rapid Action Force to Punjab prior to the annual Hola Mohalla festival.

India 07-Mar-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 7 said that it has attached five more assets in Haryana and Delhi belonging to gang members of organized syndicates. According to NIA officials, it attached another four properties in Haryana and one in Delhi following investigations into cases involving three significant organized crime syndicates/gangs run by the Pakistan-based Harvinder Rinda, Lawrence Bishnoi, and Bambiha group. These attachments and seizures are a continuation of searches conducted linked to a terrorist-criminal network on March 4. The NIA said that the attached properties were found acquired with funds generated from carrying out different types of terrorist activities and extortion, and were thus "proceeds of terrorism" as they were being used for hatching terror conspiracies and execution of crimes.

India 07-Mar-2023

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Gurdaspur, Himanshu Aggarwal urged the media not to reveal the worth of the drugs that the Punjab Police and Border Security Force (BSF) have seized, to the general public. According to DC, "Once the value is made public, young people become motivated to sell narcotics so that they can enjoy a life of luxury." He also said, "I am also asking my public relations men to fan out in villages to inform youngsters about the punishment they might get if they are found to be carrying or selling drugs".

India 07-Mar-2023

According to police sources, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was handed over to the Punjab police on March 7 after a short time period in the custody of the Jaipur police. In order to investigate the involvement of his group in the January 29 G-Club shooting incident, the Jaipur police had brought him on a production warrant from Punjab.

India 07-Mar-2023

Police arrested seven gang members and seized eight motorcycles and six mobile phones in Barnala in Barnala district.

India 07-Mar-2023

Balkaur Singh, the late Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala's father, on March 7, protested outside the Punjab Assembly and called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case of his son's death. Singh also complained that no investigation is happening in his favor.

Australia 07-Mar-2023

According to media reports, the President of Swaminarayan Temple located on Marshall Road in Perth, Australia received a threatening call on March 7. The President of Temple, Vinodbhai Hirani said that he received a call from a man who identified himself as "Gurupdesh Singh," from an American number, who warned, "the Hindus community to support Khalistan or face dire consequences". Notably, the Khalistan supporters recently vandalized the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane on March 4, which was the fifth attempt against Hindu temples in the last two months in Australia.

India 07-Mar-2023

According to reports, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been preparing a draft representation pertaining to the release of the ‘Bandi Singhs’ (Sikh prisoners) that is to be submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, when she visits Amritsar on March 9. According to SGPC general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the visit will be an opportunity to talk with the President about "the issue of release of 'Bandi Singhs,'". In addition, the ad hoc Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee will inform her of the "illegal occupancy" of Sikh shrines and institutions, he added.

India 08-Mar-2023

According to reports, Punjab police started their campaign against the radical group Waris Punjab De, and the arms license of nine of Amritpal Singh's aides were cancelled by the police. According to police sources, the Punjab police are taking up their case with the respective district magistrates and police heads of the state. The Punjab police have also contacted Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) officials as two of Amritpal's nine associates obtained their firearms licenses from J&K.

United States 08-Mar-2023

The United States Department of State Spokesperson, Ned Price on March 8 condemned terrorism in all of its forms including those who resort to violence to achieve their ends, whether they are political or otherwise. When asked about Khalistani activists that are active in North America, he said, "So we condemn terrorism in all of its forms. We condemn terrorism; we condemn violent extremism. We condemn all of those who resort to violence to achieve their ends, whether they are political or otherwise. There is never a justification to resort to violence. Regardless of the motivation, regardless of the perpetrator, we take the threat of terrorism around the world, whether that's to regional peace and security or to our own security."

India 08-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested two intruders, who were trying to enter India by crossing the International Border of Punjab. One man, identified as a Bangladeshi national was arrested when he was intervening on the night of March 8 and 9 in the Rajatal border post area of the Amritsar sector. Another man identified as a Pakistani national was arrested near the Nikka border outpost area of the Gurdaspur sector on March 9.

India 08-Mar-2023

Thousands of people in Gujarat on March 8 received bulk messages and pre-recorded calls, purportedly by the head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurupatwant Singh Pannun, threatening to “storm into the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium” in Ahmadabad in Gujarat. In the pre-recorded voice message, Pannun stated, “People of Gujarat, on 9th March, stay home and stay safe because pro-Khalistan Sikhs are going to storm Narendra Modi cricket stadium and install Khalistani flag. Do not become a victim between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and Indian police”. The messages were aimed at creating panic amongst people ahead of the visit of the prime ministers of India and Australia.

India 08-Mar-2023

Giani Harpreet Singh, the Akal Takht Jathedar, on March 8 expressed his disapproval of the formation of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HSGMC) and accused the Centre of planning to divide the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). He also stated that, "The Sikhs of Haryana have not taken over the reign of HSGMC, but it is the government who has taken its control in reality. The central government knew that major support during the farmer agitation had come from ‘Langar’ (community kitchen) of gurdwaras... The British also adopted this same policy by taking the control of gurdwaras through ‘Mahants’. But Sikhs fought back and freed their gurdwaras,..." He said the SGPC has been “broken” as it is the backbone of the Sikh community. He wondered how a “a country that put efforts to keep its Parliament undivided, did not feel ashamed while dividing the parliament of Sikhs". He then went on to curse the government, saying, " If they have divided the Sikh parliament into two through the Supreme Court, the Almighty would divide such (country’s) Parliament into several pieces...”

India 09-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a drone and recovered weapons including, an AK series rifle, two magazines, and 40 bullets along the International Border (IB) in the Nabi Nagar village in Gurdaspur district on March 9.

India 09-Mar-2023

Police on March 9 arrested a Delhi-based drug peddler, identified as Satish Kumar along with 1 kg of heroin from Dera Bassi in the Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district.

India 09-Mar-2023

Police on March 9 arrested a drug peddling couple, identified as Buti and his wife Rajni along with 10 grams of heroin and 500 intoxicating tablets from Nakodar city in Jalandhar district.

India 09-Mar-2023

Police arrested a drug peddler, identified as Gurprit along with four grams of heroin from Shahkot in Jalandhar district on March 9.

India 09-Mar-2023

On March 9, police arrested a drug peddler, identified as Jagjit Singh with 10 grams of heroin from Lohian Khas in Jalandhar district.

India 09-Mar-2023

Police arrested one person identified as Rohit Kumar alias Manna and recovered arms including an illegal pistol, along with a magazine and six live cartridges near Gazi Gulla road in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district on March 9.

India 09-Mar-2023

Punjab police on March 9 arrested a close aide of Amritpal Singh, identified as Gurinderpal Singh Aujla at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The Jalandhar police were looking for him in a case of allegedly brandishing weapons on social media. Aujla is a United Kingdom (UK)-based NRI (Non-Resident Indian), who was trying to leave the country and travel to UK as per police report.

India 09-Mar-2023

Khanna police on March 9 busted a module of the Lovejeet Kang gang and arrested six of its members along with 13 weapons, 11 magazines, three live cartridges, and two vehicles in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. They were involved in the abduction of people and demanded ransom worth several crores across the state. Lovejeet Kang, currently residing in the United States (US), was booked by the Kapurthala police in January 2023 when he had demanded INR 3 crore from an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) after kidnapping the NRI’s father.

India 09-Mar-2023

The crime branch of the Chandigarh police arrested a drug dealer identified as Amandeep Singh (29) on March 9 from Kapurthala in Kapurthala District. He was earlier arrested by Punjab in a drug seizure case.

India 09-Mar-2023

The pro-Khalistani outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), put up Khalistani posters at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar on March 9. The posters were hung on the Guru Nanak Dev University's walls with the slogan, "Welcome G-20 leaders to Khalistan; Punjab is not India; Khalistan Zindabad." Notably, SFJ, earlier, called for ‘Rail Roko' (impeding trains) all across the state on March 15 and 16 in an attempt to disrupt the sessions of the G20 summit 2023, which is scheduled to take place in Amritsar.

India 09-Mar-2023

A day after the Manikaran incident (Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh), around 100 Punjabi pilgrims protested and shouted pro-Khalistan slogans by blocking the Chandigarh-Manali highway Himachal Pradesh border on March 9. According to reports, the pilgrims brandished swords and clubs, hurled stones at shops and cars, and attacked local people during a fair in Manikaran. Meanwhile, pilgrims also refused to pay the Green Tax at the Manali entry.

India 09-Mar-2023

According to police sources, during the investigation of the murder case of Jagraon electrician Paramjit Singh, police have found the involvement of Bathinda-based gangster Lucky Khokhar alias Denis. He is currently lodged in a jail in Rajasthan after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. Based on the information provided by the shooters arrested in the murder case, Ludhiana police have initiated proceedings to bring Denis on a production warrant for questioning. According to Police, gangster-turned-terrorist Arsh Dalla had assigned Denis to execute the electrician.

India 10-Mar-2023

Nakodar Sadar police arrested a drug peddler, identified as Yadwindar Singh, and recovered 70 grams of opium from his possession in Sidhupur village in Nakodar in Jalandhar district.

India 10-Mar-2023

The Nurmahal police arrested a drug peddler, identified as Indarjit Singh along with 65 intoxicating capsules and 120 tablets in Sanghe Khalsa village in Nurmahal in Jalandhar district.

India 10-Mar-2023

Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese and Indian PM Narendra Modi discussed the latest attacks by Khalistan supporters on Hindu temples in Australia during the bilateral meeting on March 10 in New Delhi. The discussion was held in response to pro-Khalistan extremists vandalizing a number of notable temples in Australian cities like Melbourne and Brisbane. “It is a matter of regret that reports of attacks on temples have come regularly from Australia over the past few weeks. It is natural that such news worries everyone in India, disturbs our mind," said PM Narendra Modi in a joint press conference with Albanese. According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, Albanese assured Modi that the Australian authorities will deal with the matter to assure social stability. “The Prime Minister mentioned to the Prime Minister of Australia that this is something that disrupts the peace and harmony of both our societies and there is a need to take cognizance of the challenge that this represents," said Kwatra.

India 10-Mar-2023

The secretary for information and broadcasting, Apurva Chandra on March 10 stated that at least six foreign-operated YouTube channels that were allegedly promoting pro-Khalistan sentiments were blocked at the instance of the central government during the past ten days. He also said that these channels with Punjabi-language content were trying to stir up trouble in the border state of Punjab.

India 10-Mar-2023

The Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) vice-chancellor Jaspal Singh Sandhu and police on March 10 denied Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s claim that he had raised Khalistan flag at GNDU. A police official investigating the issue said that, “We didn’t find anything with regards to the claims of Pannun; there is much likely possibility of fake videos sent by SFJ to gain popularity in media.” Earlier, ahead of the visit of President Droupadi Murmu, on March 9, Pannun, in a video message, claimed to have put banners eulogizing Khalistan on the walls of GNDU.

Australia 10-Mar-2023

According to reports, Khalistan supporters on March 10 raised pro-Khalistan flags at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Rome Street Parkland, Brisbane, Australia. The report said that few people were seen chanting "Khalistan Zindabaad" slogans with Khalistan flags at Rome Parkland in Brisbane.

India 10-Mar-2023

According to reports, Punjab police have begun acting against people promoting a pro-Khalistan hysteria and campaign on social media and are gradually tightening the noose around Waris Punjab De (WPD) activists. After the Ajnala incident, the Punjab police reportedly designed a plan to weaken Amritpal Singh's roots in Punjab. The first step was to start the process of canceling the arms licenses of WPD activists, followed by the arrest of Gurinderpal Singh who is a close ally of Amritpal Singh. Further action against WPD activists is expected to follow the G-20 summits in Amritsar.

Pakistan 10-Mar-2023

The Pakistani government has permitted the publication of religious books for students from Sikh and Christian minority communities under the supervision of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (PMTA). Anjum James Paul, the chairman of (PMTA), said that it will help minority students to learn about their religion in schools. However, minority groups, including Hindus, Buddhists, Parsees, Kalash, and Baha’is, are still not permitted to print their religious textbooks in Pakistan.

India 11-Mar-2023

Australia's Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese during his visit to New Delhi on March 11 stated that Australia will not tolerate any extremist activities or attacks on places of worship, particularly Hindu temples in Australia. He further assured that "we will take every measure through our security agencies and police to make sure that whoever is guilty of this faces the full force of the law. Australia is a tolerant, multicultural country, thus this activity has no place there”.

India 11-Mar-2023

Inspector General of Police (IG, Ludhiana Zone) Kaustubh Sharma on March 11 disclosed that Lovejeet Kang, a gangster based in the United States (US), along with his accomplices, recruited Punjab youths into their gang using social media platforms. According to him, the gang members would identify financially vulnerable youth and notify Kang, who would offer them financial assistance before recruiting them into his gang.

India 11-Mar-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) recovered approximately 3.05 kg of heroin dropped by drone near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district on March 11. According to reports, the drone was fired by the BSF troops, but it managed to escape back to the Pakistani border.

India 11-Mar-2023

Panthic bodies and activists, led by former militant leader and All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) president Daljit Singh Bittu, on March 11 announced to call a World Sikh Convention on June 28, to liberate the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, from the influence of electoral bodies and revive old Sikh traditions. Bittu said, “The international gathering will be hosted at Anandpur Sahib on Miri-Piri Divas (June 28) this year. The intention is to address the current challenges facing Sikhs around the world today, with a primary focus on coming to a collective resolution on re-establishing panch pardhani (collective) leadership and gurmatta-based decision-making at Akal Takht Sahib”. “Sikh organisations, institutions and representatives will be invited from all over the world to participate in the effort to liberate Akal Takht Sahib from the influence of electoral parties and shift its governance processes in line with panthic tradition and collective decision-making,” he said.

India 12-Mar-2023

A panel formed by the Akal Takht to decide whether the "saroop" (copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib can be brought to protest sites submitted its report on March 12. A spokesperson from the Akal Takht secretariat stated that a decision on the matter will be made public after the meeting of the "Panj Singh Sahiban," or five Sikh high priests, on March 14 at the Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in the Golden Temple complex.

India 12-Mar-2023

Gujarat Police on March 12 arrested two accused, identified as Rahul Kumar Dwivedi and Narendra Kushwaha for allegedly making threats to disrupt a cricket match at the behest of the pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) from Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. During the search, police also seized 11 sim boxes, each of which could hold 300 sim cards, and four routers. Prior to the India-Australia cricket match, which was attended by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, a mass message which warned that a pro-Khalistan group planned to storm the cricket stadium and raise its flag was sent out widely.

India 13-Mar-2023

Police on March 13 arrested an alleged aide of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, identified as Sukhmander Singh in connection with an attempt to murder and robbery case from Amritsar. Karanjit Singh alias Vicky was assaulted and robbed by armed persons on March 5. Police also booked Gurinder Singh Ghali of Moga along with his unknown accomplices in this case.

India 13-Mar-2023

The Valmiki Sevak Sangh (VSS) on March 13 organized a protest march from Bharat Nagar Chowk to the Police Commissioner's office in Ludhiana, demonstrating against the drug epidemic and gang violence prevalent in Punjab.

India 13-Mar-2023

Dal Khalsa sent letters to heads of missions of all 19 countries in Delhi prior to their delegates' visit to Amritsar as part of the G20 summit.

India 13-Mar-2023

Punjab police on March 13 conducted an operation called "OPS Seal-II" as part of the new security arrangements in the state in the wake of the G20 Summit. The operation was executed on the orders of the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, and targeted ten inter-state borders in the state, where all vehicles entering were thoroughly inspected. The primary objective of the operation was to curb the influx of illegal substances, such as drugs, alcohol, weapons, and ammunition, while also monitoring for gang-related and other disruptive activities.

India 13-Mar-2023

The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) arrested two alleged drug peddlers along with 6 kg of opium in two separate cases in Jagraon in Ludhiana district on March 13. The accused were identified as Gurjit Singh alias Geeti, who was found to be carrying 5 kg of opium, and Mann Singh, who had 1 kg of opium in his possession.

India 14-Mar-2023

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill on March 14 stated that the Punjab Police had arrested 11,360 drug traffickers, including 1,628 ‘big fish’ since July 5, 2022. Additionally, the Police have registered 8458 first information reports (FIR) of which 962 are connected to commercial quantity. The police teams have recovered 612.78 Kg of heroin from across the state after carrying out cordon and search operations in drug-affected areas across the state. Furthermore, 147.5 kg of heroin were seized at Gujarat and Maharashtra seaports, bringing the total amount of heroin recovered in just eight months to 760.28 kgs. Along with a large quantity of heroin, the IGP stated that, police also seized a massive haul of opium, 586 kg of ganja, 270 quintals of poppy husk, and 53.73 lakh tablets, capsules, injections, vials of pharmaceutical opioids and INR 10.36 lakh drug money from different parts of the state. The IGP further said that in the last week, the police had arrested 234 drug smugglers and suppliers after registering 189 FIRs, including 22 commercials, and recovered 7.60-Kg heroin, 10.30-Kg opium, 13.87-Kg Ganja, 2.80 quintals of poppy husk, and 59271 tablets, capsules, injections and vials of Pharma opioids besides recovering INR 1.47 lakh drug money from their possession. He added that with 25 more proclaimed offenders (POs) and absconders in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases arrested in the last one week, the total number of arrests reached 749 since the special drive was started on July 5, 2022.

India 14-Mar-2023

The Dal Khalsa decided to hold a Punjab Summit in Amritsar on March 19 parallel to the G20 summit in order to present Punjab's perspective on social, economic, educational, agricultural, human rights, and political matters to the G20 nations. Paramjit Singh Mand, the spokesperson for Dal Khalsa, announced that speakers from diverse Sikh organizations, institutions, farmers' groups, as well as experts on the subject, will be invited to participate in the summit.

India 14-Mar-2023

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) alleged that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) used the Guru Granth Sahib as a "shield" to aid the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in taking over a section of the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi.

India 14-Mar-2023

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has enquired with the Punjab Government regarding the absence of a qualified panel to facilitate the appointment of a permanent Director General of Police (DGP) as the head of the state police. Official sources state that the state government did not provide a response to the MHA's correspondence on the matter.

India 14-Mar-2023

The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on March 14 prohibited the use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the region from March 14–21 due to the presence of VIPs and international delegates associated with the G20 Summit and their mobility. The places where the delegates would be staying and the relevant routes have been declared as red zones, and the flying of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles has been prohibited to increase security and prevent any untoward incident from airborne entities. This prohibition also encompasses the sites where the G20 Education Working Group gatherings will take place.

India 14-Mar-2023

In the wake of a video clip released by the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) of damaging the railway track leading towards Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant at Lehra Mohabbat ahead of the G20 Summit, Punjab police on March 14 carried out a special cordon and search operation in all 28 police districts of the state and conducted searches at various locations and hideouts connected to foreign-based gangsters and their allies. According to the police, more than 300 houses and other shelters were checked during these raids, which included nearly 100 police parties and more than 1,000 police officers.

India 15-Mar-2023

Police arrested four members of the Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Mannu Batta, Aman Kumar, Sanjeev, and Kamaldeep, and recovered three .32 bore pistols, a revolver, and 23 live cartridges from them in Chandigarh on March 15. The suspects used to extort money from club and hotel owners at the behest of Gaurav Patiala alias Lucky and Prince, who are based in Canada.

India 15-Mar-2023

The Punjab government on March 15 claimed that there has been a significant improvement in the law-and-order situation in the border state one year after the government, led by Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, took office. The Punjab government’s spokesperson stated that the law-and-order situation in the border state has witnessed a considerable improvement as majority of criminals and gangsters have been put behind the bar, while, many of them chose to leave the state amidst the strict vigil maintained by Punjab Police on the movement of anti-social elements. According to the official data from March 16, 2022, to March 15, 2023, the Punjab Police have dismantled 26 terror modules with the arrest of 168 terrorists/radicals after recovering 31 rifles, 201 revolvers/pistols, 9 tiffin Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs), 8.72 kg of RDX and other explosives, 11 hand grenades, two sleeves of disposed rocket launchers, 30 drones, and one loaded rocket propelled grenade. Similarly, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), since its formation on April 6, 2022, has succeeded in busting 162 gangster/criminal modules after arresting 582 gangsters/criminals and neutralising five, after recovering 586 weapons, 131 vehicles used in criminal activities. The Punjab Police had also waged a decisive war against drugs which resulted in the arrest of as many as 17568 drug smugglers after registering 13094 FIRs since March 16, 2022, against them. Punjab Police have effectively recovered a record 863.9Kg heroin in just one year.

India 15-Mar-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 15 stated that the state is not experiencing a surge in radicalisation. "In Punjab, social ties are very strong. The current problems Punjab is facing are related to employment, industry, higher education, and health”, said the CM.

Australia 15-Mar-2023

Khalistan supporters organized an unauthorized gathering that obstructed the entrance to the Honorary Consulate of India situated in Brisbane, Australia, resulting in its closure on March 15. According to reports, slogans were raised against Hindus calling them supremacists with ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ during the gathering of Khalistani supporters. According to Sarah L Gates, the Director of Hindu Human Rights, the Indian consulate had to shut down for safety reasons after Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) targeted them with their propaganda. This is not the first instance of Khalistan supporters intimidating the Indian consulate in Brisbane, Australia; on February 21, they raised the Khalistan flag at the consulate's office.

India 15-Mar-2023

The Punjab Prisons Department claimed that the gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s interview that was broadcasted on a television channel on March 14 was not shot inside any prison in the state. Bishnoi, who was arrested in connection with the murder of Punjabi singer-politician Sidhu Moose Wala, is currently lodged in Bathinda jail in Punjab. Punjab Police said, "It has come to notice that a private TV news channel has aired an interview with prisoner Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly from within a jail. There are rumors circulating that the interview was recorded from Bathinda Jail. To be very clear, neither Bathinda jail, where the prisoner is currently kept nor any other jail in Punjab is where this video is from, confirming that all the rumors are baseless.”

India 16-Mar-2023

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the disturbance caused by supporters of Khalistani at the Indian consulate in Brisbane has been brought to the attention of the Australian authorities, and they are expected to take necessary measures in response. He stated, "Consulate was halted for little while. Australian authorities were informed of the issue, and they would need to take appropriate action. Prime Minister (PM) Modi already raised concerns on such issues in their meeting on March 10 when with his counterpart Australian PM. Our teams are in touch".

India 16-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force's (BSF) new Inspector General (IG) for the Punjab frontier, Dr. Atul Fulzele, on March 16, stated that his aim is to check human and drone infiltration from Pakistan to halt the inflow of drugs and weapons.

India 16-Mar-2023

During an interview, Jaswant Singh Thekedar, the Dal Khalsa founder, asserted that the ‘Khalistan referendum’ is a scheme orchestrated by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and is an effort to deceive the public. He emphasized that the so-called referendum has no connection to the Sikh community in India. He said that Pakistan is the real enemy of Khalistan and "some Sikhs are working as tools" in hands of Pakistan government. He also said the people of Punjab are not demanding any referendum. "The referendum you are talking about, those in Punjab do not demand it. It's an organisation 2020, they talk of referendum on the instructions of ISI. Referendum does not mean... if Indian passport holders or Indian citizens want it then it is understandable, but it is not that Canadian, American or British people vote. They do not have any right," he said answering queries. "It is 'pakhand' (sham) to mislead people. People are understanding it a source of income for them," he added. He also stated that he admires the effort done by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for the Sikh community. He added, “The government has worked on major demands, and only a few demands and left to be fulfilled. All will be good if they agree to meet these demands”.

India 16-Mar-2023

Three members of Lawrence Bishnoi's gang, identified as Sonu, Sachin, and Harish were arrested after a brief encounter in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan on March 16. According to police sources, the gang had been trying to extort money from a businessman. Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, purportedly threatened the businessman over the phone before sending two of his aides to his house to extort money. All three were reportedly acting on Anmol Bishnoi's orders.

India 17-Mar-2023

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in an audio message on March 17 threatened to teach the big leaders of the country a lesson and also threw a challenge to Gujarat police. The message, which was pre-recorded and directed to numerous mobile users in Gujarat, contained Pannun's allegation that the Union government's leaders were accountable for the fatalities of Sikh farmers who demonstrated against the new agricultural policies in 2020-2021. The audio message went on to caution that the SFJ would not pardon the government for those casualties.

India 17-Mar-2023

The founder of Dal Khalsa and former pro-Khalistan leader, Jaswant Singh Thekedar exposed Amritpal Singh by saying that he does not know anything about Khalistan and that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is using him as a tool. He also, stated, "He is not a Khalistani, but it is certain that he has earned a lot in the name of Khalistan. His plans will not succeed further."

India 17-Mar-2023

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, during the second part of his interview which was broadcasted on a television network on March 17, allegedly threatened to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan by calling it ‘his main goal’. “I will be a big ‘goonda’ (as you call me) when I kill Salman (for shooting a blackbuck in Rajasthan),” he said. He also claimed that Bishnoi community worships blackbucks. Meanwhile, it was officially declared by the in-charge Director General of Punjab (DGP) Gaurav Yadav that Bishnoi's controversial interview with a TV channel was not conducted from the Bathinda jail's high-security area or any other jail in Punjab.

India 17-Mar-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, organized a special event to welcome G20 representatives at the Golden Temple in Amritsar where the delegates were honored. Meanwhile, the delegates were also apprised of the Sikh history and the maryada (code of conduct) of the Golden Temple that conveys the message of universal communion.

Australia 18-Mar-2023

According to reports, the Pakistani media is openly campaigning for the second phase of ‘Khalistan Referendum’ which is going to take place at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre in Australia on March 19. The pro-Khalistan separatist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is purportedly organizing the voting. An article in Radio Pakistan published on March 18, claimed that more than 50,000 Sikhs cast their ballots in favor of the Khalistan Referendum during the initial round of voting in Melbourne at the end of January 2023.

India 18-Mar-2023

The hearing in the 2005 sedition case filed against Jagtar Singh Hawara, the chief of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) who is currently serving a life sentence for the assassination of former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, has been postponed until April 1. The court in Chandigarh was set to hear arguments regarding the charges on March 18, with Hawara scheduled to appear through a video link. However, it was discovered that he had been relocated to Delhi's Mandoli jail, while the video link created connected with Tihar Jail. The court attempted unsuccessfully to connect with the new facility, leading to the adjournment of the hearing to April 1.

India 18-Mar-2023

Punjab police on March 18 launched a “massive state-wide cordon and search operation” against Amritpal Singh, and arrested a total of 78 members of Waris Punjab De (WPD) from different locations in Punjab. Police also suspended Internet and SMS services across the state till March 19. However, Amritpal Singh managed to escape the police dragnet when his cavalcade was intercepted in the Jalandhar district. According to media reports, police officers from seven different districts chased Amritpal and his accomplices, and surrounded them in the Mehatpur village of the Jalandhar district. Punjab police have also blocked off the route, placed barriers, and are checking all vehicles for Amritpal Singh near the Dharamkot area in Moga district. Later, Punjab police in a statement, said that small arms and ammunition, including a revolver, seven 12-bore rifles, a. 315-bore rifle, and 373 live rounds, were recovered during the crackdown. It also said that WPD members faced four cases for “spreading disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police persons and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duties of public servants”.

India 18-Mar-2023

Meanwhile, several police and paramilitary force were deployed outside of Amritpal's native village Jallupur Khaira in Amritsar district. Notably, this police action comes a day ahead of the start of Amritpal’s “Khalsa Wahir” (a religious procession) from Muktsar district. According to official sources, internet access was shut down as Amritpal’s supporters started spreading inflammatory messages on social media.

India 18-Mar-2023

During Punjab police’s massive crackdown against self-styled Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his outfit Waris Punjab De (WPD) on March 18, in a Facebook Live video, Amritpal Singh's aide claimed that over 100 Punjab Police officials were chasing him out for arrest. In the video that was shared, Amritpal was seen sitting in a vehicle, and one of his aides could be heard saying that police were looking for "Bhai saab" (Amritpal).

India 18-Mar-2023

According to Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), which is closely monitoring the situation in Punjab, some of the funding and logistical support for Amritpal Singh and his outfit Waris Punjab De (WDP) is coming from the terror-gangster-drug smuggling network and, to a certain extent, from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through Pakistan-based Pro-Khalistan Entities (PKEs). As per the UMHA officials, “the main source for terror and radical funding in Punjab is foreign-based PKEs and donors who are collecting and channelising donation from Indian diaspora”. The officials said, "they mostly target places like Gurudwaras where large gatherings of devotees congregate on weekends and on auspicious occasions," adding that some organizations that assert to be fighting for community justice and the rights of convicts are soliciting significant donations in this regard. A high-ranking official in the Punjab state administration stated that funds raised from the Indian diaspora in the name of aiding the underprivileged are being diverted towards assisting jailed terrorists, those acquitted or released on bail or parole for various terrorist crimes, and family members of terrorists, as well as sleeper cells and other anti-national elements. This, according to the official, is a deliberate attempt to revive Sikh militancy and support terrorist and anti-India activities.

India 18-Mar-2023

Pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh on March 18 accused that his son is being targeted by police due to political pressure because he is actively working to eradicate drug use in Punjab. “This action against Amritpal is unjustified. There are drugs in every home. But there is no focus on that issue. If someone is trying to end the drug menace, he is being stopped," he said.

India 18-Mar-2023

On March 18, several members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (Community Justice Front) staged a sit-in at the Sohana chowk in Mohali on the Airport Road in response to police action taken against pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh and his supporters. Some of the youths taking part in the protest had covered their faces and were armed with traditional weapons, swords, and sticks.

India 19-Mar-2023

According to reports, Pakistan's external spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been the driving force behind Amritpal Singh's back to India with the aim of reviving Khalistani terrorism in Punjab. According to the officials, Amritpal Singh was a truck driver in Dubai before the ISI, with the help of Khalistan supporters based outside India, radicalized him so that he could plunge Punjab again into the dark days of terrorism. Amritpal had been openly making statements about declaring secession from India and forming Khalistan. He tried to incite the Sikh youths to resort to armed revolt against the democratically elected government in order to oppose the supposedly discriminatory treatment being mete to achieve the 'ultimate goal' of the formation of 'Khalistan', the officials said.

Canada 19-Mar-2023

The Indian High Commissioner in Canada was forced to postpone an event in British Columbia when Khalistan supporters who protested Punjab police’s crackdown against Amritpal Singh blocked the venue's entrance on March 19. India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma was scheduled to attend a reception organised by the Friends of India & Canada Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia. Prior to the scheduled start time, around 200 protesters, some carrying swords, gathered in front of the Taj Park Convention Centre, preventing the event from proceeding. In response, Maninder Gill, the Foundation's president, expressed his disappointment, stating that "it is a shame if even the High Commissioner cannot be safeguarded in this country."

India 19-Mar-2023

Indian counterterrorism officials on March 19 claimed that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), was trained by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Georgia before returning to India from Dubai, UAE. They further alleged that Amritpal maintained close connections with the pro-Khalistani outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and received funding as part of a broader plan to revive militancy in Punjab. According to an official, “Amritpal Singh was given money as part of a well-orchestrated scheme to resurrect militancy in Punjab while he was living in Dubai, which is a hub for ISI agents. Before his flight to India, ISI sent him to Georgia for training’’. "Amritpal Singh also has ties to SFJ and has even campaigned for its social media activities. Besides, he has links with drug smugglers across the border identified by their pseudo names – Billa, Bilal and Rana,” the official added.

United Kingdom 19-Mar-2023

United Kingdom (UK) based pro-Khalistan activist, Avtar Singh Khanda was arrested for pulling down the Indian flag at the Embassy in London on March 19. According to sources, Avtar Singh Khanda is the son of Kulwant Singh Khukrana who was a terrorist of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).

United Kingdom 19-Mar-2023

Khalistani supporters pulled down the Indian national flag flying atop the Indian High Commission building in London on March 19. While chanting pro-Khalistani slogans and holding Khalistani flags, the protesting group also caused damage to the High Commission building's window. However, no injuries were reported in the incident. Following the event, a man was taken into custody on suspicion of initiating the violent act.

India 19-Mar-2023

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement on March 19, said that India summoned the most senior United Kingdom (UK) diplomat in Delhi after vandalism happened at the Indian High Commission in London and expressed India's strong protest at the activities committed by separatist and extremist forces. The MEA statement said, 'An explanation was demanded for the complete absence of British security that allowed these elements to enter the High Commission premises. In this context, she was reminded of the fundamental responsibilities the UK Government has under the Vienna Convention.’

India 19-Mar-2023

Security agencies raised a red flag on March 19 after they found that Amritpal Singh was stockpiling weapons and training young people to carry out suicide attacks using drug rehabilitation centres and a gurdwara. According to an intelligence dossier, Amritpal Singh was indoctrinating youths to become "khadkoos," or human bombs. Police sources indicated that numerous drug rehabilitation centers run by Waris Punjab De (WPD) and a gurudwara in Amritsar were involved in illegal firearms storage. According to the police sources, several drug rehabilitation centres operated by the WPD and a gurudwara in Amritsar which are involved in the illegal stockpiling of firearms. Young people admitted to the drug rehabilitation centers were reportedly subjected to brainwashing and pressured into the "gun culture." They were being directed to follow the example of slain terrorist Dilawar Singh and act as a human bomb.

Canada 19-Mar-2023

Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, received backlash on Twitter for expressing concern about the Punjab police's extensive crackdown in the state and subsequent suspension of the internet to arrest Khalistan sympathizer Amritpal Singh. Singh appealed to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau to intervene in the situation through his tweets. However, some social media users criticized him for openly supporting a terrorist.

India 19-Mar-2023

At least 21 supporters of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh were arrested for trying to hold a "dharna" (protest) against the police crackdown on Amritpal near Boparai Klan town in Ludhiana on March 19. According to the police, flag marches were also held in Nawanshahr, Dakha, and Sidhwan in Ludhiana.

India 19-Mar-2023

On March 19, the police arrested 17 persons as part of a crackdown against the members of Waris Punjab De (WPD) in the Malwa region of Patiala district. Meanwhile, police dispersed a group of Amritpal's supporters gathered near the Shambhu barrier to block the national highway.

Australia 19-Mar-2023

Pro-Khalistan outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) reportedly organized a ‘Khalistan Referendum 2020’ in Brisbane, Australia on March 19. However, the turnout for the event was reportedly low, with only about 100 attendees present. The editor of Australia Today, Jai Bharadwaj, stated that the organizers originally intended for the event to run from 9 am to 5 pm, but closed it down at 4 pm due to lack of attendance. Even, the majority of gurudwaras turned down the requests for assistance from the referendum organizers.

India 19-Mar-2023

Police, during the massive search operation on March 19, recovered weapons, uniforms and bulletproof jackets marked with the abbreviation ‘AKF’ from pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh’s native village, Jallupur Khera near Rayya in Amritsar district. According to sources, "AKF" supposedly stands for ‘Anandpur Khalsa Force’. The weapons seized from his supporters also bore the same abbreviation. According to Amritsar (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Satinder Singh, this was part of the investigation about the motive behind creating the ‘AKF’. Additionally, it was observed that the entrance gate of Amritpal's residence also had "AKF" written on it.

India 19-Mar-2023

Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on March 19, said that the governments should desist from instilling fear in Punjab for political interests, taking a strong note of the state-wide crackdown by the Punjab Police and central agencies against Waris Punjab De (WPD) head Amritpal Singh and his supporters.

India 19-Mar-2023

Punjab police on March 19 recovered a black SUV (ISUZU) from Salema village in Mehatpur in Jalandhar district, which was being used by Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his aides. Police recovered a 15-bore rifle, 57 rounds, a sword, and two number plates from inside the impounded car. Police claimed that this was the same car from which a video had gone viral on March 18. Police have seized three vehicles so far during the search operation and registered two additional First Information Reports (FIRs) in this connection.

India 19-Mar-2023

Intelligence agencies claimed that while Waris Punjab De (WDP) leader Amritpal Singh was in Dubai, he was in regular contact with Khalistani militant Paramjit Singh Pamma and Lakhbir Singh Rode's brother Jaswant Singh Rode, who is a banned Khalistani operator stationed in Pakistan. The agencies have also obtained information about funds that the treasurer of Amritpal, identified as Basant Singh Daulatpura, received from Pakistan. An intelligence officer said, “The financial analysis revealed that his associate, John Singh, is a prominent member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and actively participated in the activities of Referendum 2020 in the US. Another suspected financier, who is Canada-based, recently sent Rs 1 lakh for Waris Punjab De.” Before returning to India on August 20, 2022, Amritpal spent one-and-a-half months in Georgia, a senior officer said.

United States 19-Mar-2023

A group of pro-Khalistan protesters on March 19 attacked and damaged the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US). As per accounts, the protesters forcefully breached the temporary security barriers that had been erected by the city police and placed two ‘Khalistani’ flags inside the premises of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. The flags were promptly removed by two consulates. Subsequently, a group of angry protesters invaded the consulate's grounds, chanted pro-Khalistan slogans, and vandalized the doors and windows using iron rods. The group also reportedly spray-painted a call to ‘free Amritpal’ on the outer wall of the Indian Consulate. Ajay Bhutoria, a community leader, denounced the attack and stated that this violent act not only poses a threat to the diplomatic ties between the US and India but also disrupts the peace and harmony within the community.

Australia 19-Mar-2023

Khalistan supporters gathered outside the parliament building in Canberra, Australia to protest against the Indian police’s crackdown on Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates in Punjab.

India 19-Mar-2023

The Haryana Police on March 19 arrested a woman, identified Baljit Kaur for reportedly providing shelter to Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), and his associate Papalpreet Singh at her residence in Shahabad in Kurukshetra district of Haryana. The police believe that this arrest implies that Amritpal may have left Punjab.

India 19-Mar-2023

Punjab police arrested the gunman of Amritpal Singh, identified as Tejinder Singh alias Gorkha Baba, from Mangewal village in Ludhiana district.

India 20-Mar-2023

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said that during a meeting with the United States (US) Charge d' Affaires in New Delhi on March 20, India strongly objected to the damage caused to the property of the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and conveyed its protest. The MEA reminded the US government of its fundamental responsibility to safeguard and secure diplomatic representation and urged it to take suitable actions to prevent any future such occurrences. Furthermore, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC also communicated similar concerns to the US State Department.

United States 20-Mar-2023

Indian Americans strongly condemned the attack and demanded that those responsible for it be brought to justice right away. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) remarked, "We are outraged by the entire breakdown of law and order in both London and San Francisco when a few radicalized separatists stormed India's diplomatic offices.”

United Kingdom 20-Mar-2023

The British Conservative MP (Member of Parliament), Bob Blackman on March 20 expressed that the majority of Sikhs living in the United Kingdom (UK) ‘totally reject’ the Khalistani project. He further urged the police to handle separatist groups in the UK effectively. He said, “This is a very small, ultra-small section of the Sikh community. The vast majority of Sikhs in this country absolutely reject the Khalistani project... It's not going to happen as we know...My message is very simple to the police, when this happens, those people need to be arrested & dealt with properly.”

United Kingdom 20-Mar-2023

After pro-Khalistani protestors pulled down India's national flag on March 19, the Indian High Commission in London responded by hoisting an even larger tricolour flag in the building. The officials from the Indian High Commission stated that the attack was unsuccessful, and the new tricolour flag was now flying with even greater grandeur.

India 20-Mar-2023

The Punjab government again extended the suspension on all mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in Punjab as the police continued its manhunt to arrest Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his accomplices. According to an official announcement from the Punjab government, mobile internet services will remain suspended in the region until 12 pm on March 21.

India 20-Mar-2023

Several Twitter accounts that support the Khalistan movement, including those belonging to Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, poet Rupi Kaur associated with United Sikhs, and activist Gurdeep Singh Sahota based in Canada, were suspended in India. The suspension of Jagmeet Singh's account is particularly noteworthy given his reputation for making pro-Khalistan and anti-India statements. This action was taken by the Indian government during a time when there has been an increase in Khalistani-related attacks in western countries.

India 20-Mar-2023

A group of individuals from the Sikh community assembled on March 20 outside the British High Commission in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to voice their opposition to pro-Khalistan separatists who had removed the Indian national flag from the Indian High Commission building in London, United Kingdom (UK). During the protest, the demonstrators chanted the slogan "Bharat humara swabhiman hai" (India is our pride), held up placards, and waved the Tricolour.

India 20-Mar-2023

Punjab Police on March 20 revealed that Amritpal Singh, fugitive pro-Khalistan leader, was attempting to establish a militia known as the Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF) and noted that it had a very strong suspicion that he is being financially backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Sukhchain Singh Gill disclosed that, “The bulletproof jackets and rifles that have been recovered and the gate (of the house) of the chief (Amritpal Singh) had AKF written on them. There was an attempt to form a Jathebandi called ‘Anandpur Khalsa Fauj.” “We have a very strong suspicion of an ISI angle, based on the facts and circumstances that have come to light so far. We also have a very strong suspicion of foreign funding. Going by the circumstances, it seems that ISI is involved and there is foreign funding as well,” he added.

India 20-Mar-2023

According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Sukhchain Singh Gill, 114 individuals have attempted to disturb peace and harmony, of whom 78 were arrested on the first day, 34 on the second day, and two more were apprehended the previous night. Ten weapons were recovered in the operation. Four of the detainees, identified as Daljit Singh Kalsi, Bhagwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh, and Pradhanmantri' Bajeke, have been transferred to the Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, where the National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against them. "Harjeet Singh - the uncle of Amritpal Singh - is also en route to Dibrugarh. He is being taken there," the IGP said.

India 20-Mar-2023

According to official sources, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has encouraged supporters of Khalistan living overseas to stage demonstrations and protests in cities such as London, San Francisco, and Canberra. These actions are part of a larger plan orchestrated by the ISI, which includes recent protests by Khalistan supporters outside the Australian parliament in Canberra, pro-Khalistan activists vandalizing the Indian High Commission in London, and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. According to official sources, ISI agents are operating in various countries and are responsible for coordinating these acts by pro-Khalistan elements. Recent incidents suggest that ISI agents have been actively working to organize protests and acts of vandalism against places of Indian interest by exploiting the religious sentiments of Khalistani elements.

Australia 20-Mar-2023

The police department of Victoria, Australia on March 20 released the photographs of six men, suspected to be involved in the January 29 "Punjab independence referendum" event organized in Melbourne which ended up in fights between Khalistani activists and pro-India demonstrators. Two persons were injured in the violent incident where an Indian flag was also burnt by a group of men at the event. The police department has also requested assistance from the public in investigating the violent incident that occurred at the Khalistan Referendum in Federation Square.

India 21-Mar-2023

The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on March 21 criticized the Punjab government for not yet apprehending Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WDP), and questioned how they could have missed him as they had a sizable police force of 80,000 officers at its disposal. Additionally, the court requested a status report on the operation that commenced on March 18.

India 21-Mar-2023

Punjab Police on March 21 announced that four persons were arrested for helping radical preacher Amritpal Singh in fleeing. The accused were identified as Manpreet Singh alias Manna, Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, and Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja. Many swords, walkie-talkie sets, and a.315 bore rifle were recovered from their possession. According to the preliminary inquiry, they travelled to the Gurudwara Sahib in the Nangal Ambian village in Jalandhar district, where Amritpal Singh changed into a new outfit before they fled on two motorcycles. Police also released four pictures of Amritpal Singh in different attire and urged the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him.

India 21-Mar-2023

According to Sukhchain Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police in Punjab, Amritpal Singh was already charged under the National Security Act (NSA), and the authorities are currently working to apprehend him. Gill also mentioned that Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann is overseeing the situation and keeping in touch with law enforcement officials for regular updates.

India 21-Mar-2023

As per reports, it has been confirmed that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), has connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). However, intelligence agencies are currently working to determine and confirm the specific terrorist organization based in Pakistan that is providing direct support and funding to him. This process is crucial for creating a dossier on Amritpal, according to an insider source.

India 21-Mar-2023

A Punjab Police team reached the Dibrugarh Central Prison in Assam, where four associates of Amritpal are currently detained, for the purpose of questioning them. Among Amritpal's aides, Harjit Singh (his uncle) and Harpreet Singh (his driver) surrendered themselves to the police on March 19. Police have made at least 114 arrests so far in connection with this case.

India 21-Mar-2023

Punjab police indicated that internet services are expected to be partially restored in Punjab today (March 21).

India 21-Mar-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 21 filed its initial charge sheet against twelve individuals in one of three terror-gangster nexus cases that the agency is investigating. The charge sheet accuses the twelve individuals of having ties with pro-Khalistan organizations and conspirators based in Pakistan. The NIA is investigating 10 more people for their alleged role in the terror conspiracy, including plans to eliminate certain leaders, singers, and businessmen to terrorize people, extort money from them and create a sensation. The NIA spokesperson stated that the investigation has uncovered links between the charge-sheeted accused and the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and its operative, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, a listed Individual Terrorist.

India 21-Mar-2023

The Punjab government on March 21 informed the High Court (HC) that they have imposed the National Security Act (NSA) on the fugitive Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. The government disclosed this information in response to the High Court's criticism of their intelligence failure that allowed Amritpal to escape from the police. The HC was hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, seeking the release of Amritpal Singh from alleged police custody.

India 21-Mar-2023

A group of Sikhs from Haryana held a meeting at the Gurudwara Kar Sewa in Karnal on March 21, where they expressed their disapproval of the Punjab police's actions against Waris Punjab De (WDP) leader Amritpal Singh. The group also urged the Punjab government to drop the charges against Amritpal Singh and release those associated with him.

Canada 21-Mar-2023

An Indian-origin journalist, Sameer Kaushal on March 21 posted a video on Twitter in which he alleged that he had been harassed and physically assaulted by a group of pro-Khalistani protesters while he was reporting on the Indian High Commissioner's visit in Surrey, Canada. In his tweet, Kaushal wrote, “I was in #SurreyBC to cover the @HCI_Ottawa Indian High Commissioner’s visit, where a pro-Khalistani group treated the Canadian media like this. Ask your Punjabi-speaking friends or colleagues what derogatory and embarrassing words they are using here.” He also claimed that instead of intervening to stop the offenders, the Surrey RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) repeatedly asked him to leave the area for his own safety, as they were unable to offer him the same level of protection as a taxpayer.

India 21-Mar-2023

Several Sikh leaders have expressed their opinions regarding the act of vandalism and denounced the violence carried out by supporters of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).

India 21-Mar-2023

The Sikh Forum, a New Delhi-based Sikh group expressed concern over the recent developments in Punjab and denounced the activities of a few Khalistan supporters. They asserted that these individuals do not speak for the Sikh community residing in Punjab, other regions of India, or abroad.

India 21-Mar-2023

The Bathinda District Peace Committee, headed by DC Showkat Ahmad Parray, unanimously supported the government’s action against pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh and urged the public to stay vigilant against false information and rumors.

India 21-Mar-2023

The Delhi Police along with the Punjab Police arrested a close associate of Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, identified as Amit Singh from Tilak Vihar in West Delhi, New Delhi on March 21.

India 21-Mar-2023

The banned pro-Khalistan outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on March 21 called for a power plant in Delhi to be shut down as part of a "civil disobedience movement." In a video message to the media, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun stated, "Delhi has started a war with Punjab, and the people of Punjab must counter-attack by targeting Pragati III power plant to shut down Delhi. Amritpal Singh had launched Khalsa Vaheer to propagate Sikhism and motivate the youth to shun drugs. He has done his duty, and now it’s the duty of every Sikh to come out and be the Waris (inheritor) of Punjab.”

United Kingdom 22-Mar-2023

The Indian envoy to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, addressed all Sikhs residing in the United Kingdom (UK), providing an explanation of the ongoing crackdown against Amritpal Singh in Punjab and appealing to them to refrain from believing and spreading unfounded rumors and false information on social media.

United Kingdom 22-Mar-2023

Harman Singh Kapoor, a Sikh restaurant owner in London's Hammersmith area in the United Kingdom (UK), has stated that he was forced to shut down his establishment following an alleged attack on March 22 by pro-Khalistan supporters. According to Kapoor, a group of individuals arrived at his restaurant with "concealed weapons" and began pounding on the glass doors while shouting racial obscenities in Punjabi. The attack occurred after Kapoor, who has a significant social media following of over 30,000 on TikTok, uploaded videos that criticized the Khalistan movement and mocked Amritpal Singh.

India 22-Mar-2023

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on March 22 offered legal assistance to individuals arrested during the crackdown on Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh and denounced the extensive search conducted by Punjab Police for Amritpal Singh as a "conspiracy" and an "extra-constitutional" measure.

India 22-Mar-2023

Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib called for a special meeting of Sikh organizations on March 27 in Amritsar, to discuss the present situation in Punjab. The Jathedar expressed concern over the ongoing arrests of Sikh youth and the implications this has for the people's future. The meeting was called to discuss these issues and to bring together various Sikh organizations.

Pakistan 22-Mar-2023

According to reports, Pakistan has commenced a campaign to promote abandoned sacred sites of Sikh and Hindu heritage by renovating them, with the goal of drawing in pilgrims from India and other nations. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) stated that it has devised a comprehensive strategy to refurbish, maintain, and preserve the Sikh and Hindu religious sites located within Pakistan. As part of this initiative, the ETPB has initiated restoration work at the Prahladpuri Temple, which is situated in the city of Multan in the Punjab province.

India 22-Mar-2023

Dr. Balbir Singh, the Health Minister of Punjab on March 22, informed the State Assembly that the state has approximately 10 lakh drug addicts, which accounts for almost 3% of the total population of 3.17 crore. He stated, “approximately 2.62 lakh addicts are receiving treatment in government de-addiction facilities, and at least 6.12 lakh addicts reside in private rehab facilities, The true number is significantly higher. Many, including intravenous drug users, do not come forward due to social stigma.”

India 22-Mar-2023

In a joint search operation, conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Border Security Force (BSF), the officials recovered 3.040 kg of heroin which was dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Ajnala sector of Amritsar on March 22.

India 22-Mar-2023

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harkrishan Singh on March 22 visited Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar district to question Amritpal Singh's United Kingdom (UK)-based NRI (Non-Resident Indian) wife. It has been claimed that her name was involved in obtaining funds from overseas for Amritpal’s activities and the organization called Waris Punjab De (WPD).

United States 22-Mar-2023

The National Security Council Coordinator for strategic communications at the White House, John Kirby on March 22 condemned the acts of violence against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

India 22-Mar-2023

According to a report, police and intelligence officials in Punjab have been informed that nine organizations operating in six countries, including Pakistan, are responsible for the increased terrorism and violence in the state. Among these organizations, three of them are linked to Pakistan, including the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) led by Ranjeet Singh Neeta, the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) led by Wadhawa Singh Babbar, and the Khalistan Commando Force of Paramjit Singh Panjwar (KCF). The other groups mentioned in the report include Hardeep Singer Nijjar of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) based in Surrey, South East London, Gurjeet Singh Cheema of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) based in Canada, and Gurmeet Singh alias Bagga and Bhupinder Singh Bhind of KZF based in Germany. Additionally, Gursharanvir Singh is based in the UK, Gurjinder Singh in Italy, and Purshottam Singh is stationed in France. Meanwhile, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a notorious organization, is from the United States (US) and poses as a political activist. The report also highlights the significant role played by the Indo-Canadian narcotics syndicate known as the 'Brothers Keepers' gang, which is made up of the Grewal and Dhaliwal clans.

India 22-Mar-2023

Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh on March 22 accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of promoting pro-Khalistan activities in the country. He also mentioned that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), and his associates receive support from the Pakistani intelligence agency. During an interview, the minister stated, “ISI has been at it for decades. Have seen from my time as a bureaucrat how Pakistan always gave them patronage. Had asked my Pakistani counterparts to hand over Khalistanis hiding in Pakistan but they never did.”

United Kingdom 22-Mar-2023

In support of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, a fresh pro-Khalistan protest was held on March 22 at the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK). The protest, which lasted for three hours, turned violent as some of the protesters threw water bottles and smoke flares at the main gate of the Indian High Commission. It is worth noting that the High Commission building had previously been attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters during a related demonstration. Despite this, the Metropolitan Police were able to prevent the protesters from reaching the building this time around.

Canada 23-Mar-2023

Pro-Khalistan supporters on March 23 vandalized a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Hamilton's City Hall in Ontario, Canada. They defaced the statue with paint and anti-India graffiti, including derogatory remarks about Gandhi and an assault on Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. Additionally, they attached a Khalistan flag to the statue's walking stick.

India 23-Mar-2023

The Chhattisgarh police on March 23 arrested four persons for organising a rally in favor of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, in the Raipurm area of Raipur District in Chhattisgarh.

India 23-Mar-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) has lodged grievances with both the Punjab Police and the Centre via social media, alleging instances of hate speech directed towards the Sikh community following the crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) on March 18. According to the SGPC, no action has been taken by the police thus far.

India 23-Mar-2023

Punjab Police on March 23 claimed that they had found video evidence of members of Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF), a private militia formed by Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal, undergoing weapons training. The training was apparently taking place in a riverine area, possibly near Amritpal's hometown of Jallupur Khera in Baba Bakala tehsil of Amritsar. The police spokesperson, Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill, revealed that the footage was discovered on the phone of Amritpal's associate, Tejinder Singh alias Gorkha Baba, who was arrested by the police. The recovered footage included the firing of weapons, the AKF logo, and other sensitive videos that cannot be shared at present. The police believe that the weapons training indicates that Amritpal was preparing for a significant operation. They are currently working with security agencies from various states to track down Amritpal, who was reportedly last seen in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Out of the 207 people arrested in connection with Amritpal, only 30 are believed to be serious offenders, the IG added.

India 23-Mar-2023

According to reports, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly made threats toward the owner of Khun Khun Ji Jewellery in Uttar Pradesh. The owner of the Lucknow-based jewellery store filed a complaint with the local police, stating that an anonymous caller, who used the names of Lawrence Bishnoi and another Punjabi criminal named Goldy Brar (based in Canada), demanded a ransom of INR 30 lakh. The caller warned of dire consequences if the ransom was not paid.

India 23-Mar-2023

Ludhiana commissioner of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu stated that they reviewed all CCTV footage from the national highway and discovered that Amritpal Singh and his accomplice Papalpreet Singh switched two auto-rickshaws to reach Sherpur Chowk in Ludhiana, where they caught a bus. He further added that they are attempting to locate the bus in which they escaped.

India 23-Mar-2023

According to police sources, pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh started a drug de-addiction center at Jallupur Kehra village in Amritsar district in Punjab. The purpose of the center was to attract drug addicts and disgraced ex-servicemen, in order to create a group that could easily be converted into a terrorist organization. Moreover, they were searching for ex-servicemen who had been discharged from the Army due to disciplinary issues, to train them in handling weapons.

India 23-Mar-2023

According to security agencies, Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh was promoting gun culture in Punjab and supporting criminal gangs while disguising himself as a religious preacher. They further claimed that he was backed by foreign entities that were hostile to the interests of India.

India 23-Mar-2023

The Uttarakhand police increased their surveillance efforts to arrest pro-Khalistani separatists Amritpal Singh and his associates as they have posted and circulated flyers in villages along the Nepal border as it is suspected that they may try to flee the country.

India 23-Mar-2023

The Punjab government on March 23 extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts till March 24 noon while lifting the curbs in Moga, Sangrur, Ajnala sub-division in Amritsar and a few areas in Mohali.

Canada 23-Mar-2023

In response to a question from Indo-Canadian MP Iqwinder S Gaheer in the House of Commons on March 23, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, stated that “We are aware of the evolving situation in Punjab and we are following it very closely. We look forward to a return to a more stable situation. And you can always count on the Government of Canada to make sure that we will continue to address the concerns of many members of the community.”

India 24-Mar-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 24 filed a new charge sheet against jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, the alleged architects of the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, and 12 others in connection with its probe into a nexus of north India-based gangsters, Pakistan-backed Khalistani terror groups, and drugs and arms smugglers. The NIA claimed that these gangsters had links with the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and other pro-Khalistan terrorist organizations. NIA further added, "All the 14 accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy to unleash a wave of terror and carry out targeted killings of well-known social and religious leaders, movie stars, singers and businessmen. Besides having links with conspirators in Pakistan, the accused were also in contact with pro-Khalistan elements based in Canada, Nepal and other countries." This is the second charge sheet submitted by the NIA in their investigation into the terrorist-gangster network; the first charge sheet was filed on March 21 against Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, and 11 other gangsters.

India 24-Mar-2023

Based on intelligence inputs which indicated that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), had been spotted at the ISBT bus terminal in New Delhi, police teams from Delhi and Punjab conducted a search operation at Delhi and its borders. There is information that suggests that he may be disguised as a sadhu.

India 24-Mar-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 24 stated that some people were trying to divide the state on sectarian lines but his government was duty-bound to make Punjab a progressive, peaceful and prosperous state by foiling the nefarious designs of the anti-Punjab forces. "We have to make Punjab, Punjab again, not Afghanistan," he remarked.

India 24-Mar-2023

On March 24, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered five Glock 9 mm pistols and 91 rounds of ammunition that had been dropped on the Indian side by a drone from the Indo-Pak border in Punjab.

India 24-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully prevented the smuggling of advanced small arms into Punjab through the use of a drone along the Indo-Pakistan border in the Metla area of Gurdaspur Sector in Gurdaspur district on March 24. After detecting a drone infiltrating into Indian Territory from Pakistan side, the troops fired upon the rogue drone to bring it down. Subsequently, BSF personnel recovered one parcel which was dropped through a drone containing arms and ammunition, which include, five Austria-made semi-automatic Glock Pistols, 10 Pistol magazines and ammunition of two different calibres viz. 9mm (71 rounds) and 20 ammunition with .311 written on it.

India 24-Mar-2023

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) requested the Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, to hasten the process of issuing guidelines for carrying the "saroop" (physical copy) of Guru Granth Sahib in public areas, especially in disputed public places and protest sites. After the Ajnala incident, the Akal Takht formed a subcommittee with 16 members to examine this issue. A meeting was held on March 6 at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib to discuss the matter.

India 24-Mar-2023

According to police source, the arrested gunman of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, Tajinder Singh Gill alias Baba Gorkha, confessed during interrogation that he had met Amritpal Singh through Bikram Singh Khalsa, whom he had encountered during the farmers' protest on the outskirts of Delhi. Baba Gorkha also disclosed that they had established a firing range in Amritpal's native village Jullupur Kheda in Amritsar district and had arranged bulletproof jackets for the newly-formed group Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF). He joined as Amritpal's gunman five months ago and had been posting images and videos of guns on social media without a license to carry a weapon. Furthermore, his mobile phone had images of an ‘AKF’ hologram and Khalistan currency, including a "10 dollar" note, as well as a picture of a Pakistani national's driving license. During the investigation, Baba Gorkha revealed that each AKF member had been assigned a belt number such as AKF 3, AKF 56, and AKF 47, possibly based on their seniority or proximity to Amritpal Singh. The examination of his phone showed that two WhatsApp groups, "AKF" and "Amritpal Tiger Force," were created, and the members of AKF were being paid salaries.

India 24-Mar-2023

According to sources, the Delhi police, under the direction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on March 24 in relation to the destruction carried out by Khalistani demonstrators at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19. The police have reportedly invoked the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and other applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the case.

India 24-Mar-2023

Punjab Police on March 24 released 44 individuals who had been taken into preventive custody during the crackdown on pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh. These individuals were handed over to their families following a promise of good conduct in future. Arpit Shukla, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), stated that the decision to release these individuals was made in the interest of the public and to prevent young people from suffering. The individuals who were released were found to have had a minimal role or were following Amritpal Singh for religious reasons only. Earlier on March 23, Sukhchain Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police (Headquarters), stated that a total of 207 people were detained during the crackdown on Amritpal Singh for allegedly disturbing the peace in the state. Out of these individuals, 30 were implicated in serious crimes, and the others were held under preventive custody. Punjab Police may release 177 individuals from preventive custody.

Canada 24-Mar-2023

An Indian-Canadian TV reporter, Pardeep Bains, reportedly received death threats from Khalistan supporters after some of his guests criticized Amritpal Singh during a television show. Bains claimed that the threats included pictures of his family's home in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab and the location of his studio in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Some of the threats were made via WhatsApp calls, with the numbers appearing to originate from Pakistan and Malaysia. In February 2023, Bains also received a threatening letter which he claimed was from the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).

India 24-Mar-2023

Surinderpal Singh Aujla, the brother of a social media handler for pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, on March 24 filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) requesting that NRI Gurinder Pal alias Gur Aujla, be granted permission to communicate with his relatives.

United Kingdom 25-Mar-2023

A group of Khalistani supporters gathered outside the British parliament in London, United Kingdom (UK) on March 25 to protest against the police actions against fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, as part of similar protests in Canada and the United States (US). The protesters carrying pro-Khalistan flags and banners in support of Amritpal Singh were chanting for the release of Amritpal Singh, who has yet to be arrested by the police.

India 25-Mar-2023

Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, on March 25, urged Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), to surrender himself and cooperate with the police in the investigation in to the cases against him. Amritpal Singh, the head of the WPD, is charged with nine separate first information reports (FIRs) in various offenses.

India 25-Mar-2023

A new CCTV footage purportedly showing Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), surfaced online on March 25. In the video, Amritpal Singh is apparently seen wearing jacket and trousers while speaking on a mobile phone. The footage was reportedly filmed in Patiala in Punjab. However, police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the unverified video clip, which is garnering attention on social media.

India 25-Mar-2023

The Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar has criticized the UK government for failing to fulfill its security responsibilities, following an incident in which a group of pro-Khalistani protesters damaged the Indian High Commission in London and removed the Tricolour flag from the premises. The minister asserted that it is the duty of the host country to safeguard diplomats and ensure that embassy or high commission properties are treated with respect and that these obligations were not fulfilled in this case. He further revealed that discussions have taken place between the Indian and British governments regarding this matter.

United Kingdom 25-Mar-2023

Bob Blackman, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the British Conservative party, requested a ban on the Khalistani group within the United Kingdom (UK). He expressed concern that the country is currently sheltering Khalistani terrorists and has called for a discussion in the government to determine what measures can be taken to hold these individuals accountable and prevent their presence in the country.

India 25-Mar-2023

According to reports, Papalpreet Singh, media advisor of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, was facing three charges of sedition and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) before the Ajnala incident. Papalpreet is said to have shared controversial interviews on a social media channel that he managed to further his cause. He was also one of 20 people arrested by the Amritsar (Rural) police on charges of sedition in connection with the organization of the "Sarbat Khalsa" in Chatiwind during the SAD-BJP government tenure in 2015. Papalpreet had established the Sikh Youth Front and was linked to the Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale) and the extremist group Dal Khalsa. Although he joined SAD (A) in 2017, he resigned from the party within months. The Waris Punjab De (WPD) provided him with a platform to pursue his activities for the "Khalistan" cause, where he was considered Amritpal's right-hand man and mentor.

India 25-Mar-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered seven packets of heroin weighing 7 kg, lying in a field near Wan village in Tarn Taran district on March 25.

India 25-Mar-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered a container containing 810 grams of heroin lying in a field in Bharopal village near the border fence in Amritsar district on March 25.

India 25-Mar-2023

A man received an audio threat message from Khalistani supporters on his phone after he arrived at the Delhi airport from Mumbai. The pre-recorded audio message allegedly contained threats of seizing control of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi and replacing the Indian Tricolour with the Khalistani flag. Furthermore, the message contained profanity directed towards Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Based on the man's complaint, the Delhi Police filed a case on March 25.

India 25-Mar-2023

As per reports from intelligence agencies, Amritpal Singh, the absconding pro-Khalistan preacher and leader of the Waris Punjab De (WPD), allegedly kept his wife captive and subjected her to frequent physical abuse, while also maintaining relationships with multiple other women. The central intelligence agencies further disclosed that Amritpal was leading an extravagant lifestyle in Dubai that was not in line with the tenets of Sikhism, and he was not even an Amritdhari Sikh.

United States 25-Mar-2023

A group of pro-Khalistan protesters on March 25 assembled outside the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., United States (US), shouted obscenities, made direct threats to Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and attempted to provoke acts of aggression. Additionally, a veteran Indian journalist who was present to cover the event was subjected to physical assault and verbal intimidation by the pro-Khalistan demonstrators. Despite these hostile actions, law enforcement authorities acted quickly to prevent damage to the Indian Embassy's property.

India 25-Mar-2023

The Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following an anonymous warning that the Indian flag may be replaced with a Khalistan banner at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the venue for the upcoming high-profile G20 meeting in September. According to police sources, an investigation was initiated after an individual received an audio recording from an unknown number two days ago, which referred to the police crackdown against the radical preacher Amritpal Singh in Punjab.

Nepal 25-Mar-2023

The Indian embassy in Kathmandu on March 25 notified the Nepal government of the possibility that fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh may attempt to enter the country using a counterfeit passport. The embassy sent a note verbale to the department of consular services of Nepal's Foreign Ministry and the Department of Immigration, cautioning them that Singh, who is the subject of an "Look Out Circular" in India, "may attempt to escape through Nepal using an Indian passport or a forged passport from any other nation."

United States 26-Mar-2023

The Indian embassy in Washington on March 26 strongly reacted against a physical attack faced by a Press Trust of India (PTI) journalist, Lalit Jha while covering a demonstration by the Khalistan supporters. The journalist was hit on his left ear with two sticks by pro-Khalistan supporters while he was covering a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian embassy in Washington D.C. on March 25 afternoon.

India 26-Mar-2023

India on March 26 summoned Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay to express its strong protest against the activities of the Khalistan supporters in Canada and also asked for an explanation for breaching the security of the Indian diplomatic mission and consulates last week.

India 26-Mar-2023

According to reports, Police officials and investigative agencies are at odds over the whereabouts of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, even after CCTV footage allegedly showed him wandering in Patiala in Punjab. One faction claims that he is still in Punjab, while another suggests that he has escaped into a district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) that shares porous border with Nepal. They argued that the blurry image of Amritpal was not conclusive evidence but a tactic to mislead the police who were pursuing him.

India 26-Mar-2023

The Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the Punjab police have set free 197 individuals out of the 353 who were arrested under preventive sections of the law on account of apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance in law and order since March 18. The DGP mentioned that apart from 353 persons, 40 persons had been arrested under substantive criminal offences and seven had been detained under the National Security Act. He also said that directions had been issued to all SSPs and Commissioners of Police to ensure that no innocent person was harassed or arrested.

India 26-Mar-2023

Punjab Police on March 26 arrested two wanted criminals and recovered 4 kgs heroin, 2 pistols, 18 live cartridges, INR 2.6 lakh drug money, and a car from them in Tarn Taran district.

India 26-Mar-2023

Balkaur Singh, the father of the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, claimed on March 26 that he had received an email threatening his life. He alleged that "I've received threats on email from Rajasthan saying that I'll be killed soon, so don't take Lawrence Bishnoi's name". The police have registered a case against unidentified individuals who made threats against Singh. Earlier also, Balkaur Singh alleged that he was threatened and said that he would be killed before April 25.

India 26-Mar-2023

The Udham Singh Nagar police in Uttarakhand on March 26 announced that they have identified around 150 followers of the Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh on social media. Police sources said, "Our social media vigilance team has compiled a list of Singh's district-specific followers on social media and is counselling and challaning them. 150 people have been recognized thus far." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand police have increased vigil on the Nepal and Uttar Pradesh (UP) borders after a lookout notice was issued by the Punjab police against Amritpal Singh and his aides.

United States 26-Mar-2023

On March 26, Khalistan supporters organized a demonstration at the renowned Times Square in New York, United States (US) to express support for the fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh. The protesters held a car rally that began at the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center in the Richmond Hill area and concluded at Times Square in the heart of Manhattan under tight security.

India 26-Mar-2023

Some media personnel and government officials on March 26 received pre-recorded threatening calls of the chief of banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Uttarakhand. In the audio message, Pannun threatened to raise Khalistani flags during G-20 summit at Nainital’s Ramnagar and warned Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami against taking action against Sikhs in the state. Pannun said, “G-20 delegates….Ramnagar is not India. Ramnagar is Khalistan. Sikhs for Justice is going to raise Khalistani flags during G-20 summit at Ramnagar, at airports and at railway stations to show and internationalise that Ramnagar will be part of Khalistan once we liberate Punjab from Indian occupation through Khalistan Referendum. And if chief minister Dhami tried to file cases against Sikhs in Uttarakhand, you will be held accountable for each crime you are committing. Message is from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ general counsel.”

India 26-Mar-2023

According to the Sikh coordination panel, which is headed by ex-militant leader Daljit Singh Bittu, the Jathedar is holding a meeting to address the state forces' excesses, but simultaneously requesting protection from these same forces.

India 26-Mar-2023

The Dal Khalsa wrote a letter to the Jathedar with its president Harpal Singh Cheema saying, “Our complaint is that you have shown laxity in fulfilling responsibility twice in the matter of the recent incidents. As the time passes, such decisions become a mere formality and bear no impact.”

India 27-Mar-2023

On March 27, the Border Security Force (BSF) troops stationed along the border in the Rajatal Border Outpost area of Amritsar sector detected a drone intrusion and took action by firing at it. Later, a drone and a bag containing a packet containing 2 kg of heroin and a torch were recovered approximately 700 meters away from the International Border and 350 meters from the border fence.

India 27-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 27 detected the intrusion of another drone near the Attari joint check post. The troops fired at the drone and later found a packet believed to contain 2 kg of heroin at Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar district during a subsequent search in the area.

India 27-Mar-2023

During the night of March 27-28, a drone intrusion was detected by Border Security Force (BSF) troops in the Ramtirath area of the Amritsar sector. A subsequent search operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of three packets containing 3.22 kg of heroin near Bachiwind village in Amritsar district.

India 27-Mar-2023

The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on March 27 served a 24-hour ultimatum on the state government for the release of the detainees.

Philippines 27-Mar-2023

According to an official statement, three suspected members of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), identified Manpreet Singh (23), Amritpal Singh (24), and Arshdeep Singh (26) were arrested in Iloilo in Philippine during a joint operation by the Philippine government agencies this month. Alexander Ramos, the Executive Director of Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), stated on March 27 that heavily armed troops raided an apartment in an exclusive subdivision in the central Philippine city at dawn on March 7 and caught the militants off guard. The suspects, who are also on the Interpol Red Notice watchlist, are believed to have entered the country using fake passports. The authorities are also investigating the alleged connections of the suspects to another banned terrorist group, Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF).

India 27-Mar-2023

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on March 27 criticized the deployment of a substantial number of paramilitary forces in Punjab for the ongoing operation against pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and his supporters. The SAD questioned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's decision, suggesting that the government was exaggerating the separatism issue to conceal its failures.

India 28-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 night fired 55 rounds at a drone that entered Indian territory from the Pakistan side in the Srikaranpur area of Abohar in Fazilka district, ultimately forcing it to retreat.

India 28-Mar-2023

Punjab police on March 28 informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) that they were making progress in the apprehension of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh. However, the petitioner's counsel in the habeas corpus plea, seeking his production, alleged that Amritpal was being held in "illegal detention" at the Shahkot police station in Jalandhar.

India 28-Mar-2023

The general house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 28 appealed to community members to ensure they give their children the second names of Singh and Kaur, saying that not doing so was against the maryada (religious code of conduct).

India 28-Mar-2023

Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 28 alleged that Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh was playing into the hands of the “Badals-controlled” Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) over the crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh.

United States 28-Mar-2023

The United States (US) State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel on March 28 said that the US is committed to protecting diplomatic missions and condemns attacks against journalists. Patel's comments were made in response to a recent incident on March 25, where pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside the Indian embassy in Washington DC and reportedly physically and verbally assaulted an Indian journalist, as seen in social media videos. While the US supports the First Amendment rights of protesters and the exercise of free speech, Patel emphasized that violence or the threat of violence as a means of protest is never acceptable.

India 28-Mar-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 28 recovered two packets containing 2 kg heroin, a Chinese-made pistol, a magazine and eight bullets from border fence near Natha Singh Wala village in Fazilka district. According to BSF, troops fired at the miscreant, but he managed to flee.

India 28-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 seized 2-kg heroin in Hardo Rattan village, 3-kg heroin in Bachiwind and 2.6kg heroin in Muhawa village in Amritsar district.

India 28-Mar-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 seized 2 kg heroin in Natha Singh Wala village of Fazilka district.

India 28-Mar-2023

In a statement to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament) on March 28, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, disclosed that security agencies had detected 28 instances of drone recoveries involved in the smuggling of arms and narcotics along the Pakistan border in Punjab over the last three years, until February 28, 2023. These drones were apprehended while attempting to smuggle over 125kg of heroin, 100 grams of opium, seven pistols/revolvers, one 9mm pistol, 14 magazines, 132 rounds of ammunition, six detonators, and 4.75 kg of other explosives from across the Pakistan border.

India 28-Mar-2023

Police recovered around 100 kg of poppy husk from a car during checking at the Gumjal barrier in Abohar in Fazilka district on March 28.

India 28-Mar-2023

Police on March 28 arrested one person, identified as Jitender and seized 300 kg poppy husk from his car near Dhaba Jhalar village on NH-62 in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 29-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) seized two metal containers carrying about 880 gm of heroin near the International Border (IB) in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on March 29.

India 29-Mar-2023

Officials of State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) seized a drone lying abandoned in fields at the Kanwawali border village in Fazilka district on March 29. No narcotics or arms were seized from the area.

India 29-Mar-2023

As per the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Pakistan’s Balochistan-based Poshani sea shore was used to send a foreign boat “AL Soheli”, which was intercepted on December 28, 2022, for delivering a consignment of arms and drugs in India to fund terrorist gangs of Punjab and north India.

India 29-Mar-2023

The Bhagwant Mann government on March 29 released 348 out of 360 detainees who were detained as part of a crackdown against Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, in an attempt to reach out to Akal Takht. Jaspal Singh, the personal assistant to the Akal Takht Jathedar, stated that a government representative contacted them to inform about the detainees' release. He also claimed that the concerned official promised to release the remaining 12 individuals who were taken into preventive custody under section 107/151 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) soon.

India 29-Mar-2023

Bathinda police on March 29 arrested two members of the Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Inderjit Singh alias Baagh and Gurpreet Singh alias Babba and recovered three .32-bore country-made pistols, two .30-bore country-made pistols and 20 cartridges from their possession from Bibi Wala Chowk in Bathinda District.

India 29-Mar-2023

Police booked three drug peddlers allegedly involved in the smuggling of 2.6-kg heroin found near Muhawa village in the Rajatal area in Amritsar district. According to Police, they have arrested one of the accused, Sewa Singh and raids are being carried out to nab the remaining two associates. Earlier, Border Security Force (BSF) on March 27 recovered 2.6-kg heroin wrapped in yellow adhesive tape and a torch from the bag from Rajatal border outpost area.

India 29-Mar-2023

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on March 29 demanded that the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) apologize to the Sikh community for insulting the Akal Takht. Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, a senior leader of the SAD, also urged the CM to seek forgiveness from the supreme temporal seat for lodging a complaint to remove a tweet from the Akal Takht Jathedar's social media account.

India 29-Mar-2023

In the midst of a police crackdown on Amritpal Singh and his organization Waris Punjab De (WPD), the Khalistan sympathizer appeared in a video on March 29, calling for a 'Sarbat Khalsa' (a congregation of the faithful) on Baisakhi to address concerns related to the Sikh community. Singh also mentioned that he was in high spirits (Chardhi Kala). In the undated video, Amritpal Singh stated that if the Punjab government's intention was solely to apprehend him, they could have come to his residence, and he would have surrendered himself. He claimed the police action against him was an "attack" on the Sikh community. "As far as my arrest is concerned, it is in the hands of God," he said in Punjabi.

India 29-Mar-2023

Meanwhile, some reports have also suggested Amritpal might surrender as the security in Amritsar and Talwandi Sabo area in Bathinda has been tightened.

India 29-Mar-2023

In the midst of speculations that pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh might surrender before Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, a significant police presence was deployed around the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on March 29.

India 29-Mar-2023

The Quami Insaaf Morcha, which is leading a protest for the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail terms in terror-related cases, on March 29 announced that they would organize a march on April 1 and also resume sending 31-member jatha (delegation) to Mohali-Chandigarh border.

India 29-Mar-2023

The Khanna police in Ludhiana district brought two accomplices of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Harminder Singh and Gurbhej Singh on a production warrant on March 29. The accused were lodged in different jails of Punjab after being arrested in the Ajnala violence case.

India 29-Mar-2023

Punjab government on March 29 transferred the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Jalandhar (rural) along with other senior police officers in the district in the aftermath of the crackdown against Amritpal Singh.

India 30-Mar-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 30 stated that the state police were ready to handle any potential situation, including the reported possibility of pro-Khalistani activist Amritpal Singh surrendering at Akal Takht in Amritsar. Punjab CM replied that the police would not engage in torture and would operate within legal boundaries, when asked if Amritpal Singh had set any conditions for his surrender. Meanwhile, the police have deployed drones in a village in Hoshiarpur district, where suspects had left behind their vehicle after a police chase two days prior.

India 30-Mar-2023

The chief of the banned pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, through a pre-recorded phone call, issued a new threat to families with political affiliations and Indian students studying overseas. Pannun warned that their family members studying in the US, Canada, and Europe were at risk and that the SFJ would target them by filing cases against them. He stated that they would be unable to escape, as the group believes that atrocities are being committed against pro-Khalistani families. Pannun claimed that his group had already dismantled Congress and Badals and would now focus on AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), and that they would locate and take legal action against family members abroad, ultimately sending them back to their loved ones.

India 30-Mar-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 30 confiscated INR 7.80 lakh in cash and a vehicle, which were found to be ‘proceeds of terrorism’, in connection with a case involving the recovery of arms and explosives that were smuggled from Pakistan by the banned terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in Haryana in May 2022. The NIA stated that the cash and vehicle were seized under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. On May 5, 2022, police recovered arms and ammunition and arrested four terror operatives in this connection.

India 30-Mar-2023

Anti-Terrorist Front (ATF) president Viresh Shandilya on March 30 burnt a Khalistan flag at Bhagat Singh Chowk in Rohtak district of Haryana. He called Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh “a sleeper cell of Pakistan” and demanded capital punishment for him.

India 30-Mar-2023

Punjab police recovered a toy drone from the outskirts of Amritpal Singh’s village in Amritsar district on March 30.

Australia 30-Mar-2023

Three men were arrested in relation to alleged violence that broke out on January 29 when pro-Khalistani supporters clashed with Indians at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. However, Victoria Police didn't specify whether the three were among the Khalistani backers, who incited violence during a referendum called by the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for the creation of Khalistan. All those charged have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on August 8.

India 30-Mar-2023

The fugitive leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh released an audio message and stated that he is willing to endure any resistance and is not afraid of going to jail or being in police custody. He also mentioned that his health has been deteriorating due to his inability to access food, but he remains resolute. The audio was originally traced back to a Twitter account @theNSYF which is now withheld in India.

India 30-Mar-2023

Gurcharan Singh Garewal, the general secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on March 30 acknowledged that Amritpal Singh had expressed a genuine desire for the Jathedar of Akal Takht to convene a Sarbat Khalsa (a meeting of the entire Sikh community). However, Garewal emphasized that it is solely the Jathedar's decision, after consultation with all Sikh organizations, to call for a Sarbat Khalsa.

India 30-Mar-2023

Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of India, spoke with Tim Barrow, the NSA of the United Kingdom (UK), on March 30 regarding the increased pro-Khalistan activity in the UK. Barrow was en route to Kerala to participate in the G20 Sherpas’ meeting at the time of the conversation.

Canada 30-Mar-2023

During an interview on March 30, Herb Dhaliwal, Canada's first cabinet minister of Indian origin, stated that the majority of Sikhs in Canada do not support the idea of Khalistan. When asked about the recent attention given to pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh in the Canadian media, Dhaliwal responded that the demand for Khalistan comes from a small and insignificant group with their own agenda. He further commented that instead of Khalistan, there is a significant demand for those responsible for the 1984 riots to be held accountable. Dhaliwal said he had raised this issue with former Prime Ministers IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and emphasized that the wounds from the riots still haven't healed and people are seeking answers.

India 30-Mar-2023

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police on March 30 booked Varinder Singh alias Fauji, suspected to be the bodyguard of the fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, under the Arms Act in connection with a gun licence issued to him in Kishtwar district of J&K. The district administration has revoked Varinder Singh's license and will investigate how he, a former army jawan who was dismissed in 2015, obtained the license in 2014 and renewed it in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Varinder Singh was apprehended by the Punjab Police last week, charged with the National Security Act, and is being held in a prison in distant Assam.

United States 30-Mar-2023

According to a lawyer based in Patiala, some pro-Khalistan elements reportedly made a phone call to and verbally harassed Seerat Kaur Mann, the daughter of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann who resides in the United States (US). Seerat Mann has confirmed the incident through a social media post, where she mentioned that she and her brother have been receiving online threats, phone calls, and even faced harassment during meetings held in the gurudwara concerning the current situation in Punjab.

India 31-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force troops on March 31 recovered two stuffed black socks containing three packets of 1.7 kg heroin close to the border fencing near Daoke village in Amritsar district.

India 31-Mar-2023

The Border Security Force troops on March 31 recovered 1 kg of heroin during an area domination patrol near Kalash Havelia village in Tarn Taran district.

India 31-Mar-2023

Indian students studying abroad are reportedly being targeted by Khalistan supporters in response to the nationwide crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his associates.

India 31-Mar-2023

Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, has criticized the Khalistani elements that were targeting the children of Punjab's Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann in response to the police's actions against Amritpal Singh.

India 31-Mar-2023

Reports suggest that the Sikh clergy and intelligentsia are now almost unanimous in their demand for Pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh to surrender himself, in order to "stand by his own words," to protect the individuals who have been arrested solely because of their support for him, and to clear the reputation of the Sikh community and Punjabis. Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale of Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar said that the Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief should appear before the police and say that his supporters should not be booked. “He should tell the police that his supporters should not be harmed. He should say that it was his movement that they were following,” said Baba Ranjit Singh Jasbir Singh Rode, a former Akal Takht Jathedar and nephew of the deceased Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, has also called for Amritpal to surrender. Jasbir Singh stated that Amritpal had previously expressed that he would not go into hiding and was not afraid of being arrested. “Then why is he running away now? He should be offer himself for arrest. He should stand by whatever he has been saying,” he asked.

United Kingdom 31-Mar-2023

As per reports from Pakistani media, the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have initiated legal proceedings at the London High Court (LHC), United Kingdom (UK) against Indian-origin Tory Party's Lord Rami Ranger for making false allegations that they are agents of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and are receiving money from the state of Pakistan for running high-profile Khalistan movement.

India 31-Mar-2023

On March 31, the Punjab Police extended their search for Amritpal Singh to include "deras" and other potential hiding places for the absconding preacher in Hoshiarpur district, where some suspects had abandoned their car following a chase three days prior.

France 31-Mar-2023

An anti-India protest was held in Paris, France by the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee France and European Sikh Organisation to support Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistan leader. The demonstrators strongly criticized the Indian police's crackdown on Amritpal Singh and other leaders of the Khalistan movement. They also expressed their condemnation of the arrest of numerous Sikhs by the Indian police over the past few days for their support of the Khalistan movement. During the protest, they chanted slogans in support of Khalistan and against India and Prime Minister Modi.

India 31-Mar-2023

The president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, along with members and staff, on March 31 organized a demonstration against Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann. They criticized the CM for his statement against Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and called for the withdrawal of cases filed under the National Security Act (NSA) against Sikh youth.

Canada 31-Mar-2023

As per reports, a meeting that took place near Toronto during the summer of 2022 is indicating a growing connection between Pakistan, fugitive Amritpal Singh’s outfit Waris Punjab De (WPD), and prominent Khalistani figures based in Canada. In May 2022, Pakistan's Consul General in Toronto held a meeting with a group that included Daljit Singh Kalsi, who is believed to be associated with Amritpal Singh and is currently being held under the National Security Act after being apprehended in Gurugram.

India 01-Apr-2023

The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime police detained two persons, from a rented house in Uttar Pradesh (UP), for allegedly issuing threatening messages to the public on behalf of a pro-Khalistan group against attending the India-Australia Test cricket match hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8. Several electronic gadgets, including three SIM boxes, were seized by the police during the operation.

India 01-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to raise a formal objection with the Pakistani government concerning the murder of a Sikh merchant in Peshawar, Pakistan on March 31 by an unidentified assailant.

India 01-Apr-2023

Sanjay Raut, an MP (Member of Parliament) belonging to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has lodged a complaint with the police following a death threat he received purportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The sender of the offensive message, who referred to Raut as anti-Hindu, threatened to kill him in the same manner as Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in Delhi.

India 01-Apr-2023

On April 1, the banned terrorist outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), through Facebook and Twitter posts, claimed responsibility for three separate incidents of fire that occurred at the Wazirpur factory in New Delhi, Azma Hotel in Panchkula (Haryana), and Kanpur market (Uttar Pradesh). The Twitter account where the press release was shared has been blocked in India. However, no security agency has yet confirmed the veracity of KLF's claim.

India 02-Apr-2023

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on April 2 declared Jagdeep Singh, a former Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Punjab Police, a proclaimed offender (PO) in a case of alleged disappearance of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar’s mother in 1992.

India 02-Apr-2023

According to reports, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has compiled a list of infamous gangsters who are currently situated in foreign nations. The list encompasses 28 wanted criminals who are charged with offenses such as murder and extortion. At the top of the UMHA's list is Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar. He is believed to be located in the United States (US) and, alongside Lawrence Bishnoi, is thought to have orchestrated the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022. According to the NIA, he is found to have direct links with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Lakhbir Singh alias Landa who is an accused in the RPG attacks in Mohali and Tarn Taran.

Canada 02-Apr-2023

A senior Indian official has stated that India has raised the issue of multiple instances of defacement targeting statues of Mahatma Gandhi with the Canadian government. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa conveyed their apprehension to Global Affairs Canada, the Foreign Ministry of Canada.

India 02-Apr-2023

Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 2 reportedly received a threat in the form of an audio message from the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). In the audio clip, the chief of SFJ, Gurpatwan Singh Pannun threatened the CM “on various counts relating to the Sikh community in Assam”. Pannun said, "This message is for Assam CM Himanta Sarma. Your government is harassing and torturing pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Assam. And also torturing those who are in jail. Listen carefully CM Sarma, the fight is between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and Indian regime. Sarma you do not pray fall to this violence. We are seeking liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation through a peaceful democratic process of Khalistan referendum. Sarma, if your government is going to torture and harass Sikhs, you will be held accountable." It should be noted that after the arrest of eight individuals associated with Waris Punjab De (WPD), led by Amritpal Singh, they were transferred to the Dibrugarh central jail in upper Assam.

India 02-Apr-2023

Reports indicate that the police are currently unable to locate the Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his aide Papalpreet Singh, who have been evading arrest since March 18. Despite conducting searches in possible hideouts over the past five days, the police have been unsuccessful in locating the fugitives. Due to the fact that the two are believed to be traveling on foot, it is suspected that they may be receiving assistance from locals to avoid capture. A high-ranking police official stated that “No villager is providing us any clue or coming forward to inform us about their whereabouts. We are lagging behind because of lack of help from local residents.”

India 02-Apr-2023

Police arrested three persons, identified as Mandeep Singh Manu, Seema Rani and Mangal Singh and recovered 5 gm of heroin and 240 sedative pills from their possession from Seed Farm Colony in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 02-Apr-2023

Police arrested one person, identified as Gurjit Singh, and recovered 15 kg of poppy husk in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 02-Apr-2023

Police arrested two persons, identified as Amit Kumar and Shubham, and recovered 3 kg of poppy husk in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 02-Apr-2023

Police arrested two persons, identified as Jatinder Singh and Jugraj Singh, and recovered 700 gm of opium from them in Amritsar on April 2.

India 02-Apr-2023

The Majitha police arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Manjit Singh and Prince, and seized 55-gm heroin and a computer scale from them near Bajwa Hospital in Amritsar district.

India 02-Apr-2023

Phillaur police arrested two persons, identified as Sandeep Kumar alias Happy and Harpreet alias Shinda and recovered 500 gm of heroin from Garrha village near Phillaur in Jalandhar district.

United Kingdom 02-Apr-2023

According to reports, Avtar Singh Khanda, who is believed to have orchestrated the violent incident at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, leads a dual life in the United Kingdom (UK). There is evidence to suggest that Avtar Singh Khanda alias Azaad who is seeking political asylum in the UK, is actually Ranjodh Singh, the self-proclaimed leader of the designated terrorist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). It is worth noting that Khanda's father, Kulwant Singh Khukrana, was also a KLF terrorist who was killed by security forces in 1991. Reports from both London and New Delhi indicate that it is likely that Khanda, using the alias Ranjodh Singh, is responsible for issuing KLF press statements that accuse the Indian government of committing acts of violence against the Sikh community worldwide. Khanda, who was at the forefront of the March 19 protests in London and is mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Delhi Police regarding the incident. It is also reported that the UK security establishment and police did not take any action at the time. Intelligence sources also indicate that Khanda, who uses the names "Avvtar Singh Azaad" and "Ranjodh Singh" on his Facebook profile, is planning to claim responsibility for future terrorist attacks in India, particularly targeting Punjab. His objective is to radicalize young people in Punjab, as well as in countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, Germany, and Australia, and incite support for the so-called Khalistan movement against India.

India 02-Apr-2023

According to sources, Punjab Police have arrested another accomplice of fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh who has been evading authorities for over 15 days. The individual was arrested for allegedly supplying Amritpal with a mobile phone that was utilized to film footage at religious sites. Sources have revealed that the IP addresses associated with the sharing of these video and audio clips have been traced to various foreign countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, and Dubai.

India 03-Apr-2023

The Paresh Baruah led United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on April 3 termed the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)’s threat to Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma as unfortunate and misunderstood.

India 03-Apr-2023

The External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar on April 3 warned the supporters of Khalistan by emphasizing that India would not tolerate any act of disrespect towards its national flag. He conveyed that India was a responsible and firm nation, unwilling to tolerate any such activities. Jaishankar specifically cited the recent incident in London where protestors pulled down the Indian flag, displayed Khalistani flags, and chanted pro-Khalistani slogans.

India 03-Apr-2023

Jasbir Singh Virk, the national president of Bhartiya Sikh Sangathan (BSS), on April 3 expressed that if advocating for an independent Khalistan might be considered offensive and distressing, then it is equally unconstitutional to turn the country into a ‘Hindu Rashtra’. He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its divisive agenda that disrupts the harmony of the country.

India 03-Apr-2023

On April 3, the state of Punjab informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) that Harjit Singh alias Chacha, a close aide of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, was not held in illegal or wrongful detention.

India 03-Apr-2023

The president of the State Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) Joginder Singh Ugrahan and the general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan on April 3 accused the government of creating a climate of fear in Punjab by blocking internet services in the state, conducting ‘covert’ operations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and using laws such as National Security Act (NSA) against youth. In opposition to the government's actions, protests were held at 22 locations in 17 districts in front of the DC/Tehsil complexes, and marches were organized. The demonstrators presented memorandums to relevant officials to be forwarded to Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.

India 03-Apr-2023

Impreet Singh Bakshi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, on April 3 alleged that he received a call from a Khalistani operative who claimed to be fugitive Khalistani radical preacher Amritpal Singh and threatened him for opposing them on social media for attacking Indian embassies in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. According to Bakshi, the caller warned him to refrain from any anti-Khalistani activities, or else he would be killed. He has filed a case in this connection at the Lajpat Nagar police station in New Delhi.

Canada 04-Apr-2023

A Hindu temple named BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Windsor town in Ontario, Canada, was vandalized and desecrated with spray-painted anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti on April 4 night.

India 04-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 4 recovered roughly 9.5 kg of heroin in the vicinity of Bachiwind village in Amritsar district. BSF officials stated that their troops, stationed at the border, heard a suspicious sound of a flying object (drone) entering Indian territory from Pakistan near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar. Subsequently, the troops fired at the object and conducted a search of the area in which they discovered three large packets wrapped in yellow adhesive tape in the wheat fields close to Bachiwind village in the district.

India 04-Apr-2023

The banned pro-Khalistan group, Sikh For Justice (SFJ) on April 4 offered support to the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), which has been leading an armed campaign since 1979 to establish a sovereign Assam. This came a day after the ULFA-I urged the SFJ not to make any unwarranted comments about Assam. SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, expressed in an open letter addressed to ULFA-I leader Paresh Baruah, their willingness to extend legal assistance and logistical support for the "Assam Independence Referendum."

India 04-Apr-2023

It has been revealed that a Gurudwara in Hoshiarpur allegedly aided the fugitive pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh in eluding the police for the second time near Hoshiarpur on March 28. According to reports, Amritpal had paid obeisance at Nadalon gurdwara a number of times and he was closely associated with its chief Jathedar Gurmeet Singh.

United States 04-Apr-2023

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has put forward a resolution in the United States (US) House of Representatives, proposing that April 14 be designated as National Sikh Day, in order to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of the Sikh community in inspiring and fortifying the citizens of the US.

India 05-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 5 recovered seized five bottles containing approximately 2.638 kg of heroin, on the Indian side of the border fence near Mehandipur village in Tarn Taran district.

India 05-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on April 5 shot down a drone that had entered Indian territory near BOP Pul Moran in the Ajnala sub-division of Amritsar district. Following the incident, the BSF troops conducted a search operation and discovered nine packets of heroin.

India 05-Apr-2023

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on April 5 expressed confidence that the Punjab state government's persistent efforts would lead to justice being served in cases related to sacrilege. He also stated that the nexus of politicians, bureaucrats, and drug smugglers that has adversely affected the state for generations through drug abuse will soon be apprehended and held accountable.

India 05-Apr-2023

According to the Panth Sewak collective, a group of ten Sikh activists, the recent crackdown in Punjab is a joint effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) government in Punjab. The collective claims that this is an attempt to isolate and defame the Sikh community after their “good work during the farmers’ agitation and Covid-19 pandemic”.

India 05-Apr-2023

According to reports, security agencies are closely monitoring the "special gathering" that has been called by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo on April 7 to discuss the role of Sikh and Punjabi journalism, the contribution of Sikh media, and the challenges ahead in the context of the current situation in Punjab. Additionally, the Jathedar has invited the Sikh community to attend the "Baisakhi samagam" from April 12 to April 15 at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.

India 05-Apr-2023

Official sources on April 5 stated that the Delhi Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have arrested almost 300 gangsters and mid-level criminals as part of a seven-month long crackdown on the nexus of north India-based gangsters. The Delhi Police's Special Cell and Crime Branch units have arrested 51 top hardcore operatives of this gangster-terrorist nexus, along with 217 mid-level criminals over the last six to seven months. Additionally, a large number of arms and ammunition, including AK-47s, MP-5s, grenade launchers, and hand grenades, has been seized. The sources further revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the crackdown against the gangsters, including Deepak Boxer, and Pakistan-backed terror groups.

Canada 05-Apr-2023

The president of Friends of Canada and India Foundation in Surrey, Canada, Maninder Gill complained that he was continuously getting death threats from Khalistani radicals after he organised a reception last month in honour of India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa. He wrote a letter to the interim Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), stating that he is being warned that he could face a similar fate as Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was shot dead in Surrey. Gill, who is also a media person, was the principal organiser of the event at a convention centre in Surrey on March 19. However, due to the presence of nearly 200 protesters, some of whom were wielding swords, in front of the venue, the High Commissioner was forced to cancel his attendance.

India 05-Apr-2023

The Dal Khalsa on April 5 announced that it plans to organize a Khalsa March and hold a political conference at Anandpur Sahib on April 13 to observe ‘Khalsa Sajna Divas’. An Ardas ceremony will also be conducted at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, seeking the release of political prisoners. Additionally, the party leaders paid tribute to 13 individuals who lost their lives at a gurudwara in Amritsar on April 13, 1978.

India 06-Apr-2023

Reports indicate that the Sikh community, including the highest Sikh temporal authority, Shri Akal Takht Sahib, did not support fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh's call for Sarbat Khalsa (Sikh assembly). Religious authorities of the Sikh community are displeased with the way Amritpal Singh attempted to impose his demands on the Jathedar (chief) of Shri Akal Takht Sahib. Despite Amritpal's demand to hold a Sarbat Khalsa, the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh did not respond. However, the decision to schedule a Gurmati Sangam from April 12 to 15 implies that there were no intentions to hold the Sarbat Khalsa.

India 06-Apr-2023

Reports suggest that the special investigation team (SIT), established under the guidance of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) to investigate potential links between Punjab police officials and the drug mafia, has not accused any police officer in their three reports.

India 06-Apr-2023

The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, on April 6 urged for the most severe measures to be taken against Khalistani radicals in the United Kingdom (UK). This statement comes after a group of Khalistan supporters seized India's national flag from atop the mission in London and replaced it with separatist flags while shouting pro-Khalistani slogans. The MEA also criticized the UK government's lack of concern for the safety of Indian diplomatic facilities and personnel, and raised serious questions regarding the UK police's response, as the Khalistani extremists involved in the incident remain at large.

India 06-Apr-2023

Patiala police arrested Sahil alias Kala, a gangster linked with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and wanted in connection with the murder of Kabaddi player Dharminder Singh Bhinda, from Bhadson Road in Patiala district. Police also recovered two pistols and 10 live cartridges from his possession. Bhinda who was murdered near Punjabi University in Patiala on April 6, 2022.

India 06-Apr-2023

It has been reported that the Punjab Government, at the request of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has begun to gather information on the properties of 57 individuals accused of being gangsters, terrorists, and members of the banned organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Ferozepur district has the largest number of properties associated with the accused, with 12, while Tarn Taran (11) and Amritsar (10) come in second and third, respectively. Other districts where these properties are suspected to be located include Kapurthala, Moga, Mohali, Fazilka, Muktsar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur.

India 06-Apr-2023

According to police, 19 individuals have been arrested by the Amritsar Rural Police in connection with the Ajnala clash that occurred on February 23. Satinder Singh, the chief of Amritsar Rural Police, stated that the suspects were identified by analyzing videos showing the incident, which involved storming the Ajnala police station and a confrontation with the police that resulted in injuries to several officers. The authorities are still investigating to identify the remaining individuals involved. The majority of those arrested were aggressive and used swords and blunt weapons to break barricades and attack the police. However, as per police sources, more than 30 individuals have been identified by the authorities, and efforts to apprehend them are underway through raids.

India 07-Apr-2023

According to a report published on April 7, Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD) underwent eye surgery in Georgia to resemble the slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, before returning to India in 2022. Sources from the intelligence agency were cited in the report, which also mentioned that Amritpal Singh's associates, who are presently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, disclosed this information. According to Amritpal Singh's associates, he had stayed in Georgia for two months (from June 20, 2022, to August 19, 2022) to undergo eye surgery.

India 07-Apr-2023

Police arrested a man along with his son and daughter, identified as Reemal Das, Rocky and Chhaya allegedly for drug peddling and recovered 75 grams of intoxicant powder from their possession in Nangal in Rupnagar district on April 7.

India 07-Apr-2023

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on April 7 stated that the Sikh community does not desire any conflict with the government but would prefer to engage in discussions to address specific concerns. He mentioned that the community aims for a peaceful resolution to all issues. He questioned why the government could engage in dialogues with the Nagas and Kashmiris but not with the Sikhs. He also pointed out that the Sikhs have been promised several commitments over the past 75 years, none of which have been fulfilled. He emphasized that if their voice is stifled, they will speak out from various places, including Haryana, Bengal, and the United States (US), and that no one can suppress their voice.

India 07-Apr-2023

Punjab Police on April 7 announced the cancellation of all leaves of police personnel until April 14. According to an official letter issued by the Office of the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, all previously approved leaves are now null and void.

India 07-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 7 criticized the Punjab Government for exaggerating their event at Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district. During a speech to a gathering at Takht Damdama Sahib, Akal Takth Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh pointed out that the national media was incorrectly reporting on the event, claiming that Amritpal would be detained at the event.

India 07-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 7 expressed strong disapproval of the inaccurate portrayal of historical facts pertaining to the Sikh community in National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books. Harjinder Singh Dhami, the SGPC chief, alleged that the NCERT had presented ‘deceptive’ information about the Anandpur Sahib Resolution in Chapter 8 (‘Regional Aspirations’) of the Class XII political science book named 'Politics in India Since Independence'.

India 07-Apr-2023

In a video message, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed that Pro-Khalistani Sikhs wrote 'Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad' slogans at Air Force Station, Sirsa, Haryana to tell the G20 countries to highlight "Khalistan movement".

United States 08-Apr-2023

Following the incidents of violence by pro-Khalistan supporters at Indian missions, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's ambassador to the United States (US), emphasized during his keynote speech on April 8 that the Khalsa, which was founded by Guru Gobind Singh on Baisakhi, is a force that unites rather than divides. Singh also suggested that the fundamental principles of the Khalsa should not be overshadowed by the malicious actions of a few individuals who exploit virtual media, in reference to the violent acts carried out by pro-Khalistan supporters in countries such as the US, Canada, United Kingdom (UK), and Australia.

India 08-Apr-2023

On the anniversary of Jugraj Singh Toofan's death, Sikh radicals paid their respects to the Sikh militant.

United States 08-Apr-2023

The American Sikh Council (ASC), which is made up of 74 gurudwaras and Sikh institutions in the United States (US), has raised concerns about the purported targeting and unlawful detention of young Sikh men throughout Punjab since March 18. The organization has called upon various US government departments, as well as independent institutions such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, to take note of the current situation in the state and take necessary measures.

India 08-Apr-2023

The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on April 8 emphasized that the drug problem in Punjab has reached a “dangerous height” and cannot be taken lightly. Justice Vivek Puri reiterated that drug-related offenses must be diligently investigated.

India 08-Apr-2023

A Nihang Sikh, part of the ongoing Quami Insaaf Morcha near YPS Chowk in Mohali, was severely injured after he was attacked by fellow Nihangs with swords following an altercation, near a park in Sector 52, near Mohali in SAS Nagar district on April 8 night. Police have arrested a Nihang Sikh identified as Nihang Mela Singh and booked eight others for attempt-to-murder, rioting, unlawful assembly and criminal conspiracy.

India 09-Apr-2023

Following the release of a video where fugitive pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh called for a "Sarbat Khalsa" (a congregation of the Sikh faithful) on Baisakhi, security measures in Bathinda have been strengthened. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar stated, “We have made elaborate security arrangements. We are here for the convenience of people. We want more and more people to visit the state on Baisakhi. It will send out a positive message that the situation is normal in Punjab. No restrictions have been imposed.”

India 09-Apr-2023

A delegation of lawyers, sent by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has reached Dibrugarh in Assam to take up the cases of the young people jailed there after being arrested in Punjab. The SGPC has assigned the task of providing legal assistance to the group of lawyers, which comprises SGPC member and advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, advocate Mandeep Singh Sidhu, who is the brother of Sandeep (Deep) Singh Sidhu, and lawyer Rohit Sharma.

India 09-Apr-2023

Punjab Police on April 9 arrested an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) identified as Jaswinder Singh Pangli in connection with an investigation into the escape of fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from the Hoshiarpur district. The police also confiscated significant pieces of evidence against him.

India 09-Apr-2023

The Punjab Government on April 9 transferred Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Jails) B Chandra Shekhar just days after ordering an investigation into gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's jailhouse interviews.

India 09-Apr-2023

Police arrested two smugglers, identified as Daljit Singh alias Gudu and Binder Singh and recovered 350 kg of poppy husk kept in 21 bags from their possession at Madhopur Chowk, Fatehgarh Sahib district on April 9.

India 10-Apr-2023

Police on April 10 arrested four associates of Canada-based gangster Devinder Pal Singh alias Gopi, identified as Prajvil Sethi alias Shiv, Deepak Kumar alias Monu, Gurdarshan Singh and Akashdeep Singh Dhaliwal alias Gagan in Moga city in Moga District. Police also recovered two pistols and two motorcycles from the accused who were planning to extort money by issuing threats to a local businessman.

India 10-Apr-2023

Former Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia on April 10 stated that he had recently received at least eight threat calls and had notified the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP).

India 10-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 10 recovered around 1.6 kg of narcotics wrapped in three packets near Gandhu Kilcha village along the International Border (IB) in the Ferozepur District.

India 10-Apr-2023

According to a study by Network Contagion Research Institute, some Khalistan supporters are using automated Twitter accounts to encourage violence and promote acts of vandalism around the world amid rising hostilities between the Indian government and followers of the Sikh religion. The report reveals that these individuals are employing elusive strategies such as deleting tweets afterward and sidestepping suspensions by praising the placement of a "device" rather than a bomb and urging for the "political assassination" of Indian officials. Furthermore, a number of Khalistani supporters are using interconnected networks of accounts to simultaneously disseminate videos and calls to action, outrunning Twitter's limited safety personnel.

United States 10-Apr-2023

The chairman of the Sikh American delegation, Jasdeep Singh on April 10 praised Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's initiatives and credited his efforts to meet the needs of the Sikh community over the past nine years with the decline of the Khalistan movement in the United States (US). According to Singh, there are only a few Khalistanis in the entire US, who give the Sikh community a bad name. The Sikh American delegation, under the leadership of Jasdeep Singh and Kanwaljit Singh Soni, welcomed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit.

India 10-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 10 announced that the Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) had been served a legal notice for supposedly associating the flags and map of the Sikh kingdom led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Sikh princely states with the separatist cause of Khalistan. According to the SGPC, the Khanna SSP has been accused of presenting these flags and map, which were found on the phone of aides of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, as evidence of separatist activities.

India 10-Apr-2023

Punjab Police on April 10 arrested a key member of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Papalpreet Singh from Kathunangal village in Amritsar district. Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill stated that Papalpreet Singh was arrested after multiple police teams carried out a special operation with assistance from the counter-intelligence wing. IG Gill further added that the search operation to locate Papalpreet Singh had been ongoing for three days, initiated by the critical information received regarding his whereabouts.

India 10-Apr-2023

The Indian government denied the reports in the media claiming that India has suspended trade talks with the United Kingdom (UK) following an attack on the Indian high commission by pro-Khalistani extremists. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it said, "We have seen the report claiming India has halted its trade deal with the UK. It is completely baseless."

Nepal 10-Apr-2023

Nepal Police on April 10 sated that they were on alert regarding the possible entry of fugitive pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, days after his inclusion in the country's watchlist. According to the spokesperson of the Nepal Police, Poshraj Pokharaj Pokharel, there has been no indication of Amritpal's entry into Nepal and reports regarding Indian security personnel entering Nepal to locate the pro-Khalistan preacher are unfounded and untrue.

India 10-Apr-2023

Gurpatwan Singh Pannun, the head of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on April 10, announced a reward of INR 100,000 for anyone who would throw a shoe at Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on April 14 for the Bihu celebrations. Pannun sent a pre-recorded message to various journalists in Assam, in which he accused PM Modi of being accountable for the deaths of individuals in Assam and pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Punjab.

India 10-Apr-2023

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video message, claimed that pro-'Khalistan' sympathizers raised 'Khalistan' flag at Mata Sahib Kaur College, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda and wrote a slogan that on 324th Khalsa Sajna Day (Baisakhi) as 'Punjab Hal Khalistan'. Pannun also expressed gratitude towards the girls from the college who participated in raising the flag and writing the slogans.

Australia 10-Apr-2023

There is a poster circulating on social media that states the next Khalistan Referendum voting will take place on June 4 at the General Shabheg Singh Voting Centre in Sydney, Australia.

India 11-Apr-2023

A senior police officer confirmed that they had detained Hardeep Singh alias Deepa, of Dhurkot Charat Singh Wala village on April 11 and sent him to Ludhiana in the custody of the Counter Intelligence wing. He was arrested in the Amritpal case.

United States 11-Apr-2023

The California State Assembly has urged the United States (US) Congress to acknowledge and denounce the anti-Sikh violence that occurred in India in November 1984 as an act of genocide. On March 22, 2023, Assembly member Jasmeet Kaur Bains, the first Sikh elected to the State Assembly, introduced a bill to this effect, which was passed unanimously on April 11.

India 11-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 11 referred Waris Punjab De (WPD) Chief Amritpal Singh as innocent. Bhagwant Singh Sialka, an Executive Member of the SGPC and a prominent lawyer stated that Amritpal Singh and his associates are against the Punjab Government, not against the people. He advised the Punjab Police to cease their actions and pledged to offer legal support to Amritpal Singh and his accomplices.

India 11-Apr-2023

According to reports, former journalist Papalpreet Singh had been operating his own media channel and was serving as media advisor to Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh. In 2007, after the imposition of the death penalty on Jagtar Singh Hawara and Balwant Singh Rajoana, who were convicted of assassinating former Chief Minister Beant Singh, Papalpreet reportedly advocated for the formation of an independent Sikh state. He was also affiliated with the Sikh Youth Front and Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale). Papalpreet gained notoriety during the controversial 2015 Sarbat Khalsa, where he read out a message from imprisoned separatist Narain Singh Chaura, who purportedly had ties to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), an organization associated with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

India 11-Apr-2023

On April 11, Papalpreet Singh, a close aide of fugitive Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, was shifted to the Dibrugarh Central Prison in Assam after being arrested by Punjab police on April 10 in the Kathu Nangal area of Amritsar. Papalpreet was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and, according to the police, was wanted in six other cases.

India 11-Apr-2023

The Punjab government on April 11 informed the High Court (HC) that Daljit Singh Kalsi, who has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA), was assisting Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh in spreading radical ideology and inciting violence against the state to establish a separate Khalistan. The government also clarified that any allegations to the contrary are false and misleading.

India 12-Apr-2023

Police on April 12 arrested four drug smugglers, identified as Manpreet Singh, Jaspal singh alias Gopi, Sukhdev Singh and Dyalvinder Singh and recovered 35 packets of heroin, weighing 36.9 kg from their possession near Lalo Wali village in Fazilka district.

India 12-Apr-2023

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Punjab, Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, has offered a reward of INR 100,000 for anyone who can publicly humiliate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Sikh for Justice (SFJ) organization, by blackening his face and slapping him. Grewal made this declaration on Twitter, stating that it was in response to SFJ's INR 100,000 reward offer for anyone who could throw a shoe at Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on April 14.

India 12-Apr-2023

According to an announcement made by the Punjab Police, individuals who provide information about Amritpal Singh, pro-Khalistani leader who is on the run, will be given a "suitable" reward. The police have assured that the identity of the informant will remain confidential. Posters featuring the picture of Amritpal Singh, have been displayed in various locations, including the Batala railway station.

India 12-Apr-2023

During the fifth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue (HAD) in New Delhi on April 12, the Indian government raised concerns about pro-Khalistani elements exploiting the United Kingdom's (UK) asylum status to engage in terrorist activities in India. The Indian government also urged the British authorities to enhance their monitoring efforts and take ‘appropriate proactive’ measures. The security breach that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London last month was also brought up by the administration.

India 12-Apr-2023

Police on April 12 detained Charanjit Kaur, the mother of pro-Khalistan activist Avtar Singh Khanda, from her residence in Moga in Moga district, and she is expected to be interrogated regarding unlawful hawala money transfers, according to a senior police official. Khanda, who is seeking asylum in the United Kingdom (UK,) was arrested by British authorities for removing the Indian flag at the Indian Embassy in London on March 19. Investigations into the Amritpal Singh case found that Khanda trained him in Dubai to keep the Khalistan movement alive before he (Amritpal) came to India.

India 12-Apr-2023

Meanwhile, it was also reported that pro-Khalistan activist Avtar Singh Khanda’s younger sister was taken into custody from a hospital in Mohali where she was employed as a nurse. However, no further details were available on her detention.

India 12-Apr-2023

Harjinder Singh Dhami, the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), announced that the signature campaign for the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) will end on Baisakhi. He also stated that over 25 lakh forms have been filled out as part of the campaign.

India 12-Apr-2023

Police on April 12 arrested four persons, identified as Manpreet Singh, Jaspal Singh, alias Gopi, Sukhdev Singh and Dyalinder Singh and recovered 36 kg of heroin worth around INR 180 crore from their possession near the Lalowali drain bridge in Fazilka district. According to police, the consignment, smuggled from Pakistan, was to be transported to Amritsar.

India 12-Apr-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 4.5 kg of heroin that was dropped by a drone on the intervening night of April 12-13 near the International Border (IB) of Maharkhewa Mansa village in Fazilka district.

India 13-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on April 13 accused the Punjab government and the police of interfering with the arrangements being made by gurudwaras for ‘Khalsa Sajna Diwas’ (Baisakhi). The Chief of the SGPC stated that the police were imposing arbitrary restrictions on the Sangat (community), and he added that the government's actions were "extremely bad" and could not be condoned.

India 13-Apr-2023

The Dal Khalsa raised the flag of the Sikh Empire in remembrance of Sarkar-e-Khalsa and honored the martyrs of the faith who were shot by the neo-Nirankaris in Amritsar 45 years ago. Jathedar of the Takhat Keshgarh Sahib, Gaini Raghbir Singh, led a prayer for the health and freedom of political prisoners held in Indian jails.

India 13-Apr-2023

A joint team of counter-intelligence and Moga police questioned the mother of Khalistan radical leader Avtar Singh Khanda, Charanjit Kaur for the second consecutive day on April 13.

India 13-Apr-2023

According to sources, the Punjab police are frantically searching for the fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, as they believe he may visit any of the state's gurdwaras, particularly during the Baisakhi period. A significant paramilitary and police force has been stationed near the Golden Temple. Since the night of April 13, police have been inspecting all vehicles on highways and connecting roads in response to rumors that Amritpal may try to travel to Talwandi Sabo during Baisakhi. Police in Punjab and other states are taking every possible measure to locate him, including putting up posters and searching each car and house.

India 13-Apr-2023

Punjab-based Sikh leaders expressed their criticism of the Punjab Government for blocking social media accounts belonging to media outlets in the state.

Pakistan 13-Apr-2023

Reports indicate that Khalistani accounts and websites based in Pakistan are spreading false information about the Indian Army in relation to the firing incident at Bathinda military station.

India 13-Apr-2023

Police on April 13 arrested two men, identified as Hardeep Singh and Kuldip Singh for allegedly harbouring fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from Mehtiana in Hoshiarpur district. According to police, when Amritpal escaped from police after reaching Marnaian village on March 28, he met both the brothers who were loading sand in a tractor-trailer. They allegedly took him to their residence where they provided him with food and clothing.

India 13-Apr-2023

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned pro-Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), shared a 48-second video on social media in which he called on Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army to gather at Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sago on April 14 to support his campaign for a referendum on Khalistan. Pannun indirectly referenced Mao Zedong's tactics for revolution in the video, stating that "there will be no peace in India unless we free Punjab from Indian occupation through the Khalistan referendum." Pannun also attempted to leverage the Bathinda cantonment incident to breathe new life into his struggling movement.

India 14-Apr-2023

Giani Harpreet Singh, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Divas on April 14, urged Sikhs to be "shastradhari" (armed). He criticized the excessive police presence in Talwandi Sabo during Baisakhi and Khalsa Sajna Day. The Jathedar also refuted the notion that Punjab is a state of chaos, saying that people in the region live in peace and harmony. He stated that situations become terrible when there are conflicts between different communities in a state and even worse when there is a confrontation with the government over something.

India 14-Apr-2023

During a Baisakhi conference on April 14 at Talwandi Sabo in the Bathinda district, organized by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), there were reports of slogans being chanted in favor of Khalistan and Amritpal Singh. Simranjit Singh Mann and the leader of SAD (A) expressed concern that Punjabi youth were facing harassment and that there was a deliberate effort to create a climate of fear.

India 14-Apr-2023

Police on April 14 arrested a practicing lawyer, Rajdeep Singh for his alleged links with fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur District.

India 14-Apr-2023

Police on April 14 arrested a man identified as Navdeep Singh and an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) identified Kulwinder Singh for trying to smuggle heroin into the Faridkot jail. The jail authorities seized 4 gm of heroin from their possession.

India 15-Apr-2023

Punjab Police on April 15 arrested a key associate of pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, identified as Joga Singh, who is in-charge of ‘dera’ in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, from Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib district. According to Narinder Bhargav, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the border range, Joga Singh had direct contact with Amritpal Singh, the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD). He facilitated shelter and transportation for the pro-Khalistan leader and his assistant Papalpreet from March 18 to March 28, arranging their stay in Pilibhit before their return to Punjab.

India 15-Apr-2023

The head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has claimed responsibility for the shooting and killing of four soldiers at Bathinda Military Station on April 12. In a video, he has demanded the creation of Khalistan as a separate nation for Punjab to prevent such attacks and warned Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) has also claimed responsibility for the firing at the Bathinda Army Cantt. Ajit Singh, a member of KTF, has issued a letter on letterhead alleging that the Indian Army was responsible for the killing of Sikhs during their attack on the Golden Temple in 1984, and this attack on the Indian Army was an act of vengeance.

India 15-Apr-2023

The Punjab Police on April 15 dismissed the claims made by banned groups such as the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) of being responsible for the killing of four soldiers at Bathinda Military Station on April 12 as "diversionary". The Additional Director General of Police (DGP), Surinderpal Singh Parmar stated that based on the investigations so far, it appears to be an internal issue of the army. The weapon used in the attack, a 5.56 INSAS rifle, was recovered with spent cartridges. Thus, Parmar dismissed the claims made by KTF and SFJ as hollow and intended to garner media attention.

India 15-Apr-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) on April 15 arrested an intruder identified as Ramtali of Tati Usman village in Kasur district of Pakistan from an area close to the Raja Mohtaam outpost along the Indo-Pakistan border in Ferozepur district.

India 15-Apr-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) and police on April 15 arrested three persons, identified as Sandeep Singh Pehalwan, Surinder Sonu and Puneet Kajla, and recovered 12 kg of heroin from them in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 15-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 15 recovered three packets weighing 3.2 kg of heroin that were airdropped by a Pakistani drone near the International Border (IB) in the Bachiwind village in Amritsar district.

New Zealand 15-Apr-2023

According to reports, the Auckland Police have arrested Baltej Singh, a pro-Khalistan activist in New Zealand and the nephew of Satwant Singh, the assassin of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in connection with the recovery of 328 kg of methamphetamine worth close to INR 100 crore in the international market. Baltej Singh is known for organizing anti-India and pro-Khalistan protests and gatherings in New Zealand, and he is also listed as a significant contributor to fundraising efforts for the Khalistan movement.

Pakistan 15-Apr-2023

During the Baisakhi occasion at Sri Panja Sahib near Rawalpindi, Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistan leader based in Pakistan, addressed Indian Sikhs and encouraged them to demand Khalistan. He reportedly compelled the audience to chant "Khalistan Zindabad" and stated that despite being a part of the Shiromani Committee and Delhi Committee, they were still Sikhs and could not openly raise their voices. He expressed a desire for their own country and declared that anyone who is a Guru's Sikh would support his call for ‘Khalistan Zindabad.’

India 16-Apr-2023

A court in Hoshiarpur on April 16 sent a close aide of radical preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, Joga Singh to three-day police remand. He was arrested by police for reportedly providing shelter and other forms of support to Amritpal Singh in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).

India 16-Apr-2023

Reports suggest that the Punjab police on April 16 conducted a search operation at a suspected hideout of Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), in the Rania area of Sirsa district of Haryana. However, the search did not yield any results, and the police had to leave the location empty-handed.

India 16-Apr-2023

According to AK Vidyarthi, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Border Security Force (BSF), in the last month, there have been nearly 10 instances of drone incursions into Indian territory along the Punjab border with Pakistan. However, despite their efforts, BSF soldiers have only managed to capture one of them. To date, the BSF has confiscated 40 kg of heroin and 7 pistols, along with ammunition. According to the DIG, the movement time of drones within Indian territory has been reduced by smugglers and anti-national elements, which has made it challenging for the troops to intercept them. BSF has reported that between March 19 and April 15, there were 10 instances of drones infiltrating Indian territory from the Pakistani side and delivering arms and drugs. Among these occurrences, one black quadcopter (DJI Matrice) was apprehended on March 27 in Rajatal village of the Amritsar district. Interestingly, on March 27, the BSF captured two suspects and seized a drone, a pistol, and 10kg of heroin in four different incidents reported along the India-Pakistan border.

India 16-Apr-2023

Police on April 16 carried out cordon and search operations in various regions of the Tarn Taran district to curb drug and illegal alcohol trafficking. As a result, 35 individuals involved in the production and smuggling of illegal alcohol and drugs were apprehended. Police sources revealed that during the operations, two proclaimed offenders were also arrested. Additionally, a significant quantity of illicit liquor, 1 kg of opium, and 16gm of heroin were confiscated from the Bhikhiwind sub-division, while 795gm of heroin and 300 tablets of intoxicants were seized from the Goindwal sub-division.

India 16-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 16 recovered two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg dropped by a Pakistani drone on the outskirts of Chakwazida village near the International Border (IB) in Fazilka district.

India 16-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF), during a search operation on April 16, recovered a broken propeller of a DJI series quadcopter, and a 5,935 Mah “Made in China” drone battery from near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.

India 17-Apr-2023

Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann on April 17 dismissed Rajjit Singh from the Punjab Police Service (PPS) and instructed a vigilance investigation into his disproportionate assets. The decision was made following reports of a supposed connection between police officers and drug traffickers in the state.

India 17-Apr-2023

The fugitive pro-Khalistani leader and the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, in a message to the media, categorically stated that he wants Khalistan and Khalistan is his ideology, as it will end the suffering of the Sikh people. He stated, “I want Khalistan. Khalistan is my ideology. It is our birthright to think independently. My critics have a right to their opinion and I have mine.” He further mentioned that everyone around him possesses licensed weapons.

India 17-Apr-2023

A day after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to seek the repeal of laws like National Security Act (NSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the radical group Dal Khalsa asked Sukhbir to apologise to all people charged with the same laws when SAD was in power. According to Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh, the SAD-BJP government abused these severe laws against dissenters and opponents from 2007 to 2017, resulting in the arrest of over 200 activists. However, all cases were fabricated and all defendants were ultimately acquitted by the courts.

India 17-Apr-2023

Punjab police arrested two suspects, identified as Gurjant Singh and Nisha Rani allegedly having ties with fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from a house in Sector 89 in Mohali in SAS Nagar district on April 17. Later, the two suspects were taken to an undisclosed location.

United States 17-Apr-2023

The police in California, United States (US) on April 17 arrested 17 Sikh youths for their involvement in mass shootings, including those in gurdwaras. The police also recovered 41 firearms from them. The arrested individuals were identified as Karandeep Singh, Pardeep Singh, Pavittar Veer Singh, Husandeep Singh, Sahajpreet Singh, Harkirat Singh, Tirath Ram, Dharamvir Singh, Jobanjit Singh, Gurvinder Singh, Nitish Kaushal, Gurminder Singh Kang, Devender Singh, Karambir Gill, Rajeev Ranjan, Jobanpreet Singh, and Singh Dhesi. Intelligence officials have reported that these youths were radicalized and manipulated into participating in these crimes in the guise of a religious movement, allowing their handlers to gain criminal cadres and money.

India 17-Apr-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 17 took over the investigation into the violent protest by pro-Khalistan protesters outside the Indian high commission in London on March 19. According to sources, the NIA plans to send a team to the area very soon to investigate a wider conspiracy by pro-Khalistan elements. The Delhi Police, which registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), are currently investigation the case.

India 17-Apr-2023

A row broke out over a video that went viral showing a woman being stopped from entering the Golden Temple because she has the colours of the national flag painted on her face on April 17. According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the sewadar requested that the woman observe the decorum (maryada) of the religious place. The SGPC further declared that it was starting an investigation into the situation and condemned some individuals for purposefully giving the incident a false interpretation.

India 18-Apr-2023

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 18 requested custody of the mobile phones and laptops belonging to two Punjab Police officials from the Chandigarh District Court in order to investigate their alleged involvement with entities engaged in smuggling arms and narcotics from Pakistan.

India 18-Apr-2023

Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on April 18 directed Gaurav Yadav, the head of Punjab Police, to investigate all officers, regardless of their seniority, who may have aided drug trafficking, including those who supported the dismissed inspector, Inderjit Singh. This action is related to the police-drug mafia nexus case.

India 18-Apr-2023

Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the general secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on April 18 responded to the controversy surrounding a video showing a Golden Temple sewadar refusing entry to a woman with the Indian tricolour painted on her face. In a video message, Grewal acknowledged that every place of worship has its own rules that must be followed by sewadars. He also apologized on behalf of the SGPC if any yatri had been mistreated. Grewal expressed his surprise at the negative responses the incident received on Twitter, stating that the Sikh community has always respected the tricolour and that he did not appreciate the incident being linked to Khalistan.

India 18-Apr-2023

Bhagwant Singh Sialka, an attorney and member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on April 18 stated that the Amritsar district magistrate had granted permission for a meeting to take place between the nine prisoners currently detained in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA) and their respective family members.

India 18-Apr-2023

Police on April 18 arrested two persons, identified as Buddu and Emil Bodra along with 18 kg of opium from Khamachon village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

India 18-Apr-2023

According to sources, the state is taking steps to tackle the problem of drones being used in narco-terrorism from across the border by training qualified instructors in drone technology. The Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training has initiated a pilot project to train a group of instructors at the National Skill Training Institute in Kanpur. Initially, these instructors will be deployed to provide training to students at the ITIs situated in Mohali, Lalru, Patiala and Pathankot.

India 18-Apr-2023

Patiala House Court in Delhi on April 18 granted seven days of custody of Lawrence Bishnoi to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror funding to pro-Khalistani outfits-related case.

India 18-Apr-2023

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video on April 18 in which he offered a reward of INR 500,000 to Sarabjit Singh, a Sewadar at the Golden Temple, for stating that Punjab is not a part of India and that the national flag cannot be brought into the temple.

India 19-Apr-2023

Police on April 19 arrested a supporter of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Gurbhej Singh in Amritsar district, in relation to the Ajnala clash that occurred on February 23. During the incident, Amritpal Singh and his armed supporters attacked the Ajnala police station, causing injuries to six police officials. Police have arrested over 20 persons since the crackdown was launched against Amritpal and his supporters on March 18.

United States 19-Apr-2023

Sutter County District Attorney Jennifer Dupre said that 17 individuals were apprehended in California as part of a multi-agency operation against Sikh violence. Among those arrested were two men, identified as Pavittar Singh and Husandeep Singh, wanted for murder in India. Dupre stated in an online news conference that the men are being held without bail, and California authorities will need to seek extradition through international channels. The list of individuals arrested, known as "Operation Broken Sword," was released by Dupre's office.

India 19-Apr-2023

Punjab Police have begun the extradition process for Pavitar Singh and Husandeep, two fugitive gangsters from Gurdaspur and Batala respectively, who were among the 17 Sikhs arrested by US Police. These arrests were made as part of a multi-agency operation related to 11 instances of shootings, including one that occurred at a gurdwara in Sacramento. Pavitar Singh, who was heading the Pavitar-Chaura gang, has been wanted by the Punjab Police in eight criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and smuggling of weapons under the Arms Act. The Pavitar-Chaura gang is a rival of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang.

India 19-Apr-2023

Police recovered four weapons from a Bambiha group Category-A gangster, identified as Daljeet Singh Jeeta who was earlier arrested along with 60 gm of heroin in Faridkot. According to police, he is facing 23 criminal cases in different parts of the state.

India 19-Apr-2023

The J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) has attached property of a terror-financier, identified as Amarbhir Singh alias Gopi Mahal at Ram Tirath Mahal in Amritsar in Punjab. A spokesperson stated that the SIA, along with the assistance of the Punjab Police, carried out the proceedings in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and other reputable individuals from the area.

India 20-Apr-2023

Police on April 20 arrested three persons, identified as Gurpal Singh, Harjot Singh and Jagga Singh, and seized 1,200 kg poppy husk from their possession in Dhanaula in Barnala district. The accused were allegedly taking the drug in a truck.

India 20-Apr-2023

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab chief spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang on April 20 said that due to the political protection of criminals, people’s tax money was misused and it also gave rise to gangsterism. Kang reiterated that those who made prisons ‘safe houses’ for gangsters have now been uncovered and the nexus of some uniformed persons involved in crime and drug trafficking has also been broken by the government. He added that anyone involved in any activity that is harmful to Punjab would face consequences.

India 20-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel intercepted a Pakistani drone near Bhariyal village in Gurdaspur district on April 20. BSF in a statement said, “The drone kept flying inside the Indian border for 5 minutes, during which 3 rounds of firing were done by BSF and an Ilu bomb was also fired, after which the drone flew back to Pakistan.”

India 20-Apr-2023

The wife of pro-Khalistani fugitive Amritpal Singh, Kirandeep Kaur was prevented from boarding a London-bound flight at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar on April 20. Immigration authorities, police, and intelligence officials interrogated her for almost four hours before instructing her to return home with some of her family members who had accompanied her to the airport. Kirandeep, who is a British citizen, married Amritpal in his native village of Jallupur Khera in February 2023. Police had previously interrogated her regarding alleged foreign funding for the Waris Punjab De (WPD) organization, which is led by Amritpal.

India 20-Apr-2023

Daljit Singh Kalsi's wife on April 20 met him in jail and has clarified that her husband is in good health and is being looked after by jail authorities in Assam. “I along with my son met him for one hour. He is being looked after and getting to eat whatever he wishes. He is getting very good treatment,” said Kalsi's wife while interacting with the media in Dibrugarh.

India 20-Apr-2023

The nine supporters of Pro Khalistan leader Amrit Pal Singh, who were lodged at the Dibrugarh central jail in Assam were questioned by a five-member team of Advisory board under National Security Act (NSA). The members arrived at Dibrugarh and had a discussion with detainees on April 19.

India 21-Apr-2023

The Akal Takht on April 21 strongly criticised the interception of Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar on April 20. Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that they consider this act by the authorities unjustified and urged the government to refrain from causing unnecessary panic and to take action against those spreading false information about the Sikh community on social media. Additionally, the Akal Takht has called on the government to take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

India 21-Apr-2023

The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Punjab Police on April 21 recovered 4 kg of heroin while two smugglers managed to flee from the spot after entering into a scuffle with the police in Harike in Tarn Taran district.

India 21-Apr-2023

During his visit to India, Australian Member of Parliament Michael Sukkar denounced the recent acts of vandalism and violence against the Hindu community by Khalistan sympathizers in his country. In his statement, Sukkar, who is a migrant himself with a Lebanese background, emphasized the importance of not bringing domestic issues and conflicts to Australia. He firmly stated that violence and vandalism should not be tolerated under any circumstances and that his stance is very clear on the matter.

United States 21-Apr-2023

According to reports, at least 44 Indian-American organisations condemned the violent acts and destruction by Khalistan elements that have sparked outrage across the country. Operating as "Indian Diaspora Against Hate," many eminent Indian-Americans and organizations from diverse backgrounds have endorsed a letter condemning these assaults. They have appealed to all government officials and law enforcement to take necessary measures to safeguard the Indian-American community.

India 21-Apr-2023

The Dal Khalsa made the decision to conduct an ardas at the Akal Takht on April 29. The group asserted that the current government, led by Narendra Modi, was attempting to portray Sikhs as ‘villains of peace’. “While observing the day, we would reiterate that the Sikhs are neither against peace nor any religion and that they love to take Hindus of Punjab along with them in their struggle for Punjab’s sovereignty,” it said.

India 22-Apr-2023

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 22 stated that there was no Khalistan movement happening in Punjab, and that the government is closely monitoring the circumstances in the state. The Home Minister pointed out that Punjab government had done good work and that the Centre had cooperated.

India 22-Apr-2023

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a media conclave in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on April 22 stated that there is no Khalistan movement in Punjab and that the central government is monitoring the situation closely. He commended the Punjab Government for their diligent efforts and expressed the central government's support towards their work. Shah emphasized that while some individuals may try to stir up trouble, both the state and central governments have effectively tackled the issue.

India 22-Apr-2023

Border Security Force (BSF) troops apprehended a 75-year-old Pakistani national, identified as Hakim Ali, after he crossed over into the Indian territory in the Ferozepur sector on April 22 evening. He was later handed over to the Pakistani authorities.

Canada 22-Apr-2023

It has been reported that during the Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, Canada on April 22, some individuals were seen carrying Khalistani flags.

India 22-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 22 seized 5 kg of narcotics that appears to be dropped by a drone near the International Border in Daoke village in Amritsar district.

India 22-Apr-2023

Police arrested gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria's two associates, identified as Sandeep Kumar alias Ravi Balachoria and Rohit along with six pistols and 25 live cartridges in Ropar in Rupnagar district on April 22.

India 23-Apr-2023

The Khalistani radical preacher and the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, on April 23, was arrested at Sant Khalsa Gurudwara in Rode village in Moga district. The police transported him under heavy protection to the Air Force Station in Bhatinda, from where he was flown to Assam. According to police, he will be lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Later, Punjab Police confirmed via Twitter that they had arrested fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, who was on the run, in Moga. They also appealed to the public to ensure peace and harmony.

India 23-Apr-2023

Tarsem Singh, the father of arrested radical preacher Amritpal Singh claimed that his son was involved in combating the drug problem in the State. Meanwhile, Amritpal's mother, Balwinder Kaur, expressed her admiration for her son's decision to surrender and likened it to the bravery of a warrior. She added that they plan to engage in a legal battle and visit him as soon as possible.

India 23-Apr-2023

According to State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the recent arrest of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, is a significant triumph for the state police. The minister praised the police's 35–36-day operation, which resulted in Amritpal's arrest without any violent altercations or sacrilege incidents. He also stated that anyone who tries to disturb the state's peace will face appropriate consequences. Cheema dismissed claims that Amritpal had surrendered and clarified that he was caught hiding in a local gurdwara by the police. Additionally, he refuted any allegations that negotiations occurred before Amritpal's arrest.

India 23-Apr-2023

The fugitive pro-Khalistan propagator Amritpal Singh was arrested in Rode village located in Moga district on the morning of April 23. The police effectively surrounded him, preventing any chance of escape. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill said that he has been transported to Dibrugarh, Assam. Gill also said, “NSA warrants were issued against Amritpal Singh and these have been executed on Sunday morning. Now, law will take its own course.”

India 23-Apr-2023

A Pakistan drone shot down by the Border Security Force (BSF) earlier was recovered near the international border in Dera Baba Nanak village in Gurdaspur district on April 23.

India 23-Apr-2023

Soon after Amritpal's arrest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP (Member of Parliament) Sanjay Singh praised the Bhagwant Mann administration for their handling of the case, citing Amritpal Singh's arrest as a testament to the Punjab government's maturity. He emphasized that the residents of Punjab will not tolerate any form of abuse of Guru Granth Sahib, referencing the Ajnala incident.

India 23-Apr-2023

Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa, the nephew of slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and former Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, met with Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh before his arrest from Gurdwara Sant Khalsa at Rode village in Moga district on April 23. Jasbir Singh Khalsa stated that he arrived at the gurdwara at around 4am on April 23, and engaged in discussions with Amritpal Singh, where he addressed the gathering of people who had congregated at the gurdwara. Khalsa also noted that Amritpal had explained why he had been in hiding for 35 days and why he was now surrendering, as many youths were being apprehended.

India 23-Apr-2023

Following the arrest of the radical preacher Amritpal Singh, three video clips of him were posted on social media in which he presented his arguments. In two of these videos, he explicitly stated that he had decided to surrender himself after 36 days since the Punjab Police began their operation to capture him. The first video shows Amritpal speaking to a congregation at Gurdwara Sant Khalsa in Rode, Moga, which was built to commemorate slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. In the second video, he can be seen walking around the village, entering a basement, paying his respects to a photo of Bhindranwale, and reciting Chaupai (a Sikh prayer for protection). In the third video, which was shot few hours prior to his arrest, Amritpal declares that he will go to Gurdwara Sant Khalsa, the same gurdwara where he had initiated his journey with the dastarbandi (a turban-tying ceremony to signify taking on a responsibility) to take over Waris Punjab De (WPD). He indicates that he will surrender himself there.

India 23-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) seized two packets of narcotics weighing about 2 kg from Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on April 23.

United Kingdom 24-Apr-2023

According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) plans to travel to London to investigate the pro-Khalistani protests and acts of vandalism that occurred outside the Indian High Commission on March 19. As part of this investigation, the NIA intends to interview several individuals and review CCTV footage captured by cameras installed outside the Commission's premises.

India 24-Apr-2023

Intelligence officials on April 24 stated that the radical separatist Amritpal Singh aimed to establish a new brand of Khalistani separatist identity in Punjab by generating a false sense of alienation and discontentment, especially among the youth. The officials believe that Amritpal's arrival in Punjab is part of a larger scheme by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in collaboration with Khalistani elements in the United Kingdom (UK). Over the last two months, the investigation against members of Waris Punjab De (WPD) revealed imprints of these groups' Europe and United States (US) networks, apparently used as a front by the Pakistan ISI to create a false narrative and fuel separatism.

India 24-Apr-2023

The Punjab Police said that Amritpal Singh's 'provocative' speeches, which he made on social media and at gatherings since arriving in Punjab in September 2022, as the primary reason for invoking the strict National Security Act (NSA) against him. It has been reported that the Punjab Police will include these reasons in the dossier that they plan to present to the state government's advisory board on April 25.

India 24-Apr-2023

It is believed that Jasbir Singh Rode, the former chief of Akal Takht and the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, played a role in the arrest of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh in Moga, as it was reported a day after the arrest. Sources said that Jasbir, after getting the information that Amritpal was planning to surrender at Rodewal Gurdwara, had secretly shared the information with the police.

India 24-Apr-2023

Patiala House Court in Delhi on April 24 granted the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) transit custody of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with the cross-border smuggling case.

India 24-Apr-2023

A Sikh youth, identified as Jasbir Singh (36) was arrested for attempting to desecrate a gurudwara in Morinda in Rupnagar District on April 24. As per reports, Jasbir wore shoes and jumped over the railing of the sanctum sanctorum, then proceeded to attack the priests who were present there.

India 24-Apr-2023

Former Director General of Police (DGP) Shashi Kant has stated that due to harassment and threats he received, he was unable to make public a report about police officers and politicians having connections with drug smugglers. He claimed that the report went missing from government records, and he did not have the authority to release it on his own.

India 24-Apr-2023

Police arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Sikander and Mani along with 70-gram heroin in Doraha in Ludhiana district on April 24. An Assistant Sub-Inspector was seriously injured when he tried to stop them at a naka in Doraha.

India 24-Apr-2023

Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt. Amarinder Singh on April 24 said that Amritpal Singh should have been arrested on the initial day of the crackdown. According to Amarinder, Amritpal should have been taken into custody 30 days earlier, and individuals who have connections with Pakistan or those who attack police stations should have been detained earlier.

United Kingdom 25-Apr-2023

Chris Blackburn, a British political analyst, expressed concern about Dal Khalsa, an organization that is promoting the Khalistan movement and its supporters across Europe. He tweeted, “Dal Khalsa is doing a lot of heavy lifting for the Khalistan movement in Europe. It’s a blatant lie to say they aren’t instrumental to the leadership of the movement. Their open ties to #Pakistan and their radicalism are the issues. Would you agree?” He also shared images of Dal Khalsa events featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who has been observed campaigning with members of Dal Khalsa for the referendum on several occasions.

India 25-Apr-2023

According to Punjab Police’s dossier, the arrested Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh attempted to wage war against the state for Khalistan, even warned Union Home Minister Amit Shah against putting any obstacle to his goal of creating a separate Sikh nation, and gave provocative speeches that promoted enmity among people of different faiths and languages.

India 25-Apr-2023

Two days after arresting pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal from outside a gurudwara in Moga, the Punjab Police on April 25 conducted a special check at gurdwaras, temples and churches to review the security arrangements and make sure that CCTV cameras were installed and working. The review was conducted across all 28 police districts in the state, as per the directive of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

India 25-Apr-2023

Parkash Singh Badal, the patron of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and former Chief Minister of Punjab, died at the age of 95 at Fortis Hospital in Mohali on April 25.

India 25-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) expressed deep condolences on the passing away of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief patron and former five-time Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal.

United Kingdom 25-Apr-2023

In an open letter addressed to United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, 230 Sikh organizations based in the UK have voiced their concerns, as stated by a spokesperson for the Sikh Federation (UK). The organizations have expressed worry over Sunak's recent actions and described them as troubling, given what they perceive as a trend of suspicion towards the British Sikh community by the UK government, allegedly under pressure from the Indian government.

India 25-Apr-2023

Police arrested one person, identified as Sokha along with 1 kg of heroin in his possession near Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district on April 25.

India 25-Apr-2023

Police arrested a woman, identified as Kulwinder Kaur, and recovered 5 grams of heroin from her at a checkpoint in Phagwara in Kapurthala district on April 25.

India 25-Apr-2023

Police arrested two drug peddlers along with 20 grams of heroin in Phagwara in Kapurthala district on April 25.

India 25-Apr-2023

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has got the custody of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with a case of cross-border smuggling of drugs, an official said on April 25.

India 26-Apr-2023

According to a source, the Indian intelligence agencies, along with Dubai police assistance, have tracked down Jasmeet Singh Hakimzada, a suspected drug smuggler based in Dubai who is accused of funding the banned Khalistan Liberation Force's (KLF) operations in Punjab. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a chargesheet against Hakimzada and 11 other individuals two years ago.

United Kingdom 26-Apr-2023

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson commissioned an independent report known as the Bloom Review, which has brought attention to a "small, extremely vocal, and aggressive minority of British Sikhs who can be described as pro-Khalistan extremists." The report analyzes the government's engagement with faith groups in England and calls for a more nuanced understanding of "subversive and sectarian activity" within the Sikh community. The report cautions against certain pro-Khalistan Sikh groups that seek to amplify their influence by lobbying political bodies under the guise of human rights activism, thereby presenting a false image of legitimacy. Additionally, it highlights the use of various aliases by some groups to "subvert the British political order," a tactic historically employed by white supremacist and Islamist terrorist groups. According to the report, the subversive, sectarian, and discriminatory activities of these groups are not representative of the majority of British Sikh communities. However, it recognizes that such activities have negatively impacted these communities, underscoring the need for the government to take measures to address and define such harmful extremism.

India 27-Apr-2023

The Mohali-based special CBI-cum-NIA court issued a proclamation notice for two absconding terrorists, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who are believed to be operating from Canada. The court has directed the accused to appear before it by May 18, and failing to do so will result in proclaimed offender proceedings against them. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had booked them under different sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on October 8, 2021.

India 27-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 27 shot down a drone and seized two packets of narcotics including heroin weighing 2 kg and 170 gm of opium from near the International Border (IB) in Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.

India 27-Apr-2023

The Counter Intelligence sub unit on April 27 arrested three youths, identified as Lavish, Jitender Kala and Kulwinder Kindu along with three pistols, two magazines and live cartridges on the Abohar-Malout road in Abohar in Fazilka district.

India 27-Apr-2023

The family members of the imprisoned youths in Dibrugarh jail, Assam were granted a special appointment arranged by the Dibrugarh jail authorities and Amritsar DC Harpreet Singh Sudan, to meet with their loved ones.

India 27-Apr-2023

In response to an intelligence alert from the banned terror outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), regarding a rail roko protest call, security has been strengthened at the Ludhiana railway station. The Government Railway Police (GRP) has added 41 extra police personnel to increase patrolling and guard vital points. According to the police, SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has called for the protest on April 29 to support Amritpal Singh of Waris Punjab De (WPD), who is presently detained in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA).

India 27-Apr-2023

An individual, identified as Sucha Singh was arrested in connection with an incident of sacrilege reported in Shuor Kalan village in Gurdaspur district. The man has been accused of desecrating the Sri Gutka Sahib, a holy book of the Sikhs.

India 27-Apr-2023

Bhagwant Singh Sialka, who is a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and an advocate, on April 27 alleged that the arrest of pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal and other associates of the Waris Punjab De (WPD) group was a political maneuver intended to generate electoral benefits in the forthcoming by-polls in Punjab.

India 28-Apr-2023

The Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police has issued a warning to the Jail Department, cautioning them of a potential armed attack by notorious gangster and Khalistani terrorist, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, who is suspected to be in Canada, for the release of his accomplices. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Jails), Arun Pal Singh, has communicated with the authorities of various jail authorities in Punjab, including Amritsar Central Jail, to make the necessary arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents. However, Surinder Singh, the Superintendent of Amritsar Central Jail, declined to comment on the matter.

India 28-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 8 kg of narcotics, suspected to have been dropped by a drone near the International Border (IB) on the outskirts of Kakkar village in Amritsar district on April 28.

India 28-Apr-2023

According to his lawyer Bhagwant Singh Siyalka, Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), currently lodged at Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, has affirmed that he is in a state of high spirits behind bars. The extremist leader conveyed a message written in Gurmukhi to Siyalka while in prison, stating that he was in "chardi kala" (high spirits) owing to divine blessings. Amritpal Singh criticized the Punjab government for registering "numerous false cases" against Sikhs, including members of his organization, and appealed to the Khalsa Panth for assistance, requesting the establishment of a competent legal team to handle these cases.

India 28-Apr-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) officials on April 28 wrote a letter to Amritsar Police commissioner Naunihal Singh, urging him to take action against social media accounts disseminating derogatory material concerning the Sikh faith and its spiritual leaders.

India 28-Apr-2023

The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police arrested three persons, identified as Onkar Singh, Sukhjinder Singh and Prabhjot Singh, for their involvement in obtaining and supplying passports using fraudulent information to aid the escape of gangsters and other offenders from the country. Police have seized at least nine passports, besides recovering several photocopies of passports of absconding gangsters prepared using fake particulars.

United Kingdom 28-Apr-2023

Colin Bloom, a faith advisor in the United Kingdom (UK), expressed that the Sikh community in the UK is composed of individuals who are generally kind, hardworking, and generous, describing them as beautiful people. However, he also pointed out that there is a small but vocal minority among them who are involved in pro-Pakistan extremism, and are disproportionately aggressive and threatening. Bloom sees the rise of pro-Khalistan extremism as a significant challenge that the British government needs to address and crack down on. He believes that this small extreme minority is letting down the larger Sikh community. Earlier on April 26, the UK government released a report called "Does Government 'do God'?: An independent review into how government engages with faith", authored by Colin Bloom. The report includes a section that focuses on the concerns of some members of the British Sikh community, who have expressed their worry about a small yet highly vocal group that they feel is attempting to co-opt the Sikh faith to advance a subversive pro-Khalistan agenda.

India 29-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 1.5 kg of heroin from fields near the International Border (IB) in Amritsar sector of Amritsar district on April 29.

India 29-Apr-2023

To commemorate Khalistan Declaration Day, Bhai Daljit Singh issued a statement on April 29.

India 29-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested three drug smugglers, identified as Jobanjot Singh, Bohad Singh and Angrej Singh, who were sent to collect a consignment of heroin by Amritsar-based drug smugglers near the International Border (IB) on April 29. The suspects were found to have made phone calls to numbers in Pakistan and shared their location, but were arrested by BSF personnel.

India 29-Apr-2023

On April 29, members of pro-Khalistan outfit Dal Khalsa gathered at Akal Takht in Amritsar and demanded the formation of Khalistan. They celebrated April 29 as Khalistan Declaration Day and held placards with messages promoting Khalistan. They claimed that Sikhs were promised a sovereign nation in 1947, but India did not fulfil its promise. They insinuated that the demand for Khalistan is a "conflict between Punjab and India". They appealed to the international community to press India to let the people have the right to self-determination. The spokesperson of Dal Khalsa claimed that India wants to solve the political problem in Punjab using armed forces and that they do not want violence. They also claimed that the people of Kashmir and Nagaland should have the right to self-determination.

United Kingdom 29-Apr-2023

According to report, no one showed up for a protest called by Khalistani extremists outside the Indian High Commission office in London on April 29. The protest was against the use of the term "Sikh extremism" in a report submitted by Colin Bloom, an independent faith engagement adviser. Bloom's report emphasized the need for the United Kingdom (UK) government to define and tackle harmful extremism, highlighting the negative effect extremist groups create on Sikh communities. Despite the call for protests on social media, none turned up.

India 30-Apr-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) seized 1 kg of heroin near the International Border in Ferozepur sector in Ferozepur district on April 30.

Canada 30-Apr-2023

Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on April 30 participated in the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Toronto in Canada, after seven years along with some of his Cabinet colleagues and Liberal Party MPs. His presence at the Khalsa Day event in 2017 had irked the Indian government due to the presence of Khalistani flags, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the celebration of a motion terming the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide." This year's celebrations also featured Khalistani flags, but the parade's organisers largely prevented the occasion from being hijacked by separatist Khalistani elements.

United Kingdom 30-Apr-2023

According to a report titled “Does government do God” by the United Kingdom (UK) government, Khalistani groups are proliferating in the UK. The report states that Khalistani groups are found often masquerading as human right groups to avoid public scrutiny. The report further indicates that these groups are getting support from some political figures within the parliament. People interviewed for the report stated that they ‘live in fear’ if they disagree with the ideology of these activists. Additionally, the report includes a recorded testimony of a witness who stated that these groups were trying to brainwash the youth to create divisions and promote hatred in India.

Canada 30-Apr-2023

According to reports, thousands of Sikhs gathered in Downtown Toronto in Canada to celebrate Khalsa Day on April 30. It was the third biggest parade in the city of Toronto. The parade, organized by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council, started at Exhibition Place and ended at Toronto City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square.

United Kingdom 30-Apr-2023

An Indian-origin crime gang leader, Raj Singh alias Rajinder Singh Bassi was sentenced to eight years and ten months in prison by a British court after admitting to drug smuggling, money laundering, and assault charges. The United Kingdom (UK)'s National Crime Agency (NCA) proved that Singh ran an organised crime group with Waqas Iqbal and regularly dealt in Class A drugs and firearms. Singh also assaulted a police officer. Iqbal was sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to similar charges. The duo were intercepted through their communications on the platform EncroChat by the NCA.

India 01-May-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) seized 2.5 kg of heroin that were dropped by a drone from Pakistan in Setha Wala village in Ferozepur district on May 1. The BSF recovered three packets of heroin, two sparkling balls, and a luminous blue LED bulb with battery attached to the consignment. This is the fifth incident of drug seizure in the past five days along the International Border in Punjab.

India 01-May-2023

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), focused on the drug addiction problem in Punjab and neighbouring states, found that more than 95% of respondents believed that politicians were distributing drugs to woo voters and that some leaders were involved in the drug trade. The addicts also talked about a nexus between political leaders, police officials, and drug smugglers. The study also mentioned media reports that had previously exposed the police-drug-politician nexus. The researchers emphasized that it was impossible to break the supply chain of drugs without punishing the major players involved in it.

India 01-May-2023

Police arrested a drug peddler, Lakhwinder Singh following the recovery of 1 kg of heroin from his fields near the barbed fencing at Kilche village in Ferozepur sector in Ferozepur district on May 1.

India 01-May-2023

Police arrested two associates of gangsters Lakhbir Singh Landa and Satnam Singh alias Satta Naushehra, identified as Jobanjit Singh and Joginder Singh alias Rinku in Amritsar on May 1. The arrests were made in connection with a recent shooting incident in Naraingarh area in Punjab. The suspects were acting on the directions of Ravisher Singh, who is currently in Portugal and is an accomplice of Landa and Satta.

Canada 01-May-2023

Satinderjit Singh Brar alias Goldy Brar, a notorious gangster from Punjab and a Canadian fugitive accused of involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and other crimes in India, has been added to Canada's top 25 most wanted criminals list. A statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi said the country’s Be On Look Out (BOLO) Programme, a not-for profit organization that amplifies police fugitive cases to increase public awareness, has updated its list of 25 most wanted criminals on May 1. Brar, who arrived in Canada on a student visa in 2017, is not charged with any criminal offences in Canada, but is under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). There is no reward for his capture, but the RCMP is working closely with Indian law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Brar is believed to be a risk to public safety and has direct links to a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives.

United Kingdom 01-May-2023

The United Kingdom (UK) government-commissioned "Bloom Review" report on how the government should engage with faith groups in England has sparked backlash from British Sikhs and Hindus. The report's chapter on "faith-based extremism" included Sikh extremism and Hindu nationalism alongside Islamist extremism, white supremacy, black nationalism and Buddhist nationalism. The report calls for a more comprehensive understanding of subversive and sectarian Sikh extremist activity in the UK.

India 01-May-2023

Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, who was arrested on April 23 in Punjab’s Moga district after a month-long manhunt, has refused to disclose his sources of money and poses a threat to peace and security, according to officials. He has pledged to fight against drugs and conversions if released but authorities fear he will resume his previous activities. His arrest has raised concerns about a resurgence of militancy in Punjab.

India 02-May-2023

The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 2 arrested two suspected drug smugglers, identified as Harjinder Pal Singh and Lovepreet Singh from near the Kaku Singh Wala border post in Abohar in Fazilka district. According to BSF, they were carrying out a reconnaissance mission to locate a suitable spot to receive a drug shipment from across the border.

India 02-May-2023

The Garhshankar police arrested two smugglers and recovered drugs and liquor from their possession in Hoshiarpur district on May 2.

India 02-May-2023

Tanda police arrested one person, identified as Suraj and seized 58 gm of intoxicating powder from him in Hoshiarpur district on May 2.

India 02-May-2023

Mukerian police arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Sunil Kumar and seized 100 gm of heroin from him in Hoshiarpur district on May 2.

United Kingdom 02-May-2023

The Sikh Group, a UK-based organization, released 'The Sikhs 100' list of influential Sikhs from around the world in various fields. Takht Hazur Sahib Jathedar Giani Kulwant Singh retained the top position, followed by Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami feature at the third and fourth spot, respectively. Other notable names on the list include former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Union Minister Hardeep Puri, and actor Diljit Dosanjh.

India 03-May-2023

Police on May 3 arrested a man, identified as Gaurav Pandit for allegedly posting objectionable comments on social media against Sikh gurus and the community, in Yamunanagar district of Haryana.

United Kingdom 03-May-2023

A Sikh restaurant owner in London, United Kingdom (UK), Harman Singh Kapoor, received threats to his life after posting a video on TikTok against Khalistan movement. Reports indicate that his restaurant was targeted by supporters of Khalistan and he and his family have been repeatedly harassed and intimidated on social media, including receiving death threats. Harman said that his wife and his daughter received rape threats. Despite reporting the incidents to the authorities, Harman and his family continue to experience a sense of insecurity. Harman has accused the police of stating that they can only intervene if physical harm or loss of life occurs.

India 03-May-2023

Two men, who were arrested in March for allegedly sending pro-Khalistan voice messages ahead of the India-Australia cricket match, have been denied bail by a sessions court in Ahmedabad, Gujrat on May 3. The messages threatened to disrupt the match and were sent using a sim box, allegedly by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

India 03-May-2023

The Uttarakhand special task force has discovered that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of banned pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), used a Japanese telecommunications company to make threat calls to recipients in India while sitting in United States (US). The police have written to the company for further action, but are yet to receive a reply. Pannun had made threat calls to police officers, media persons and government employees in the state ahead of the three-day G20 event in Ramnagar near Nainital, a city in Uttarakhand in March.

India 03-May-2023

The Supreme Court (SC) on May 3 denied the commutation of the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist convicted of assassinating former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. The court has directed the Centre to decide on Rajoana's request for compassion. The decision was made by a panel of three judges who had reserved their decision in March 2023, due to the Centre's delayed decision on Rajoana's mercy petition.

India 03-May-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has started the ‘Akhand Path’ to celebrate the 300th birth centenary of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at the Bunga Ramgarhia in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The main event will be held at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall on May 5, which will be attended by Singh Sahibs, Jathedars of Takht Sahibs, heads of various sects and prominent personalities of the Panth.

India 03-May-2023

According to reports, Chinese-made DJI Matrice 300 RTK drones with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities have become a popular tool for Pakistani smugglers to drop drugs, arms, and ammunition in Punjab from across the border. Border Security Force (BSF) officials have seized 10 drones in 2023, with eight being Matrice 300 RTK models. The drones are equipped with high-definition cameras that can live record and take pictures, and up to three payloads can be mounted on them simultaneously. They can also be operated with dual remote controls having an HD screen. At least 30 drone intrusions have been reported at the Punjab border this year, with BSF having captured 22 drones last year. The BSF is hopeful of acquiring an effective anti-drone technology soon to combat the threat.

India 04-May-2023

Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of Amritpal Singh, a Khalistan sympathizer and the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD) who was arrested on April 23 and sent to Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, met him at the prison on May 4. She was accompanied by family members and other WPD activists. Amritpal Singh is among nine of his associates who are also in jail with NSA (The National Security Act) invoked against him and facing multiple FIRs (First Information Report). Discussions about the cases were held between his family members and lawyer, Simranjit Singh.

India 04-May-2023

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on May 4 urged the BJP-led Centre to release Sikh prisoners who have completed their terms in jails across the country as a befitting tribute to late leader Parkash Singh Badal. Dhami made the request during a prayer meeting for Badal, which was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shah paid tribute to Badal and praised him as a true nationalist who always stood with the nation.

India 04-May-2023

According to reports, a man dressed as a Nihang and believed to be a drug addict, identified as Karam Singh committed a sacrilege of a Gutka (a religious text) at Hargobindpur village in Gurdaspur district on May 4.

India 04-May-2023

Punjab police on May 4 arrested 13 persons connected to cross-border smuggling, with links to Pakistani smugglers supported by ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), and seized arms, ammunition, drugs and cash from them from different parts of Punjab. The Deputy Inspector General, Border Range, Narender Bhargav, said that police had arrested 13 smugglers and recovered 6 foreign-made pistols including one .32 bore, two Glocks, and three 30 bore, 7 magazines, 77 live rounds, 4.5 kg heroin and INR 32.5 lakh drug money from their possession. He said the arrest of the gang has not only disrupted the cross-border drug and arms smuggling operation but also prevented potential terrorist incidents in the border state. The seized arms, including Austrian Glocks, were brought into India through drones and traditional smuggling techniques. Most of the suspects were natives of border villages in Punjab.

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