KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
23-Apr-2021
According to reports, Pakistan’s anti India propaganda machinery is now projecting a Muslim in guise of Sikh who has given a call to Sikh community to join hands with Islamist activists against the French people and to boycott the French products in protest against publishing of caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. In a video message which was uploaded on social media on Friday, a turban clad person said that this was the right time to reply to the temerity of French people and the man is also heard saying that he had visited a few shopping malls where he saw ‘boycott' labels attached to the French products. Notably, in the recent past there had been violent protests against France, after French president Emmanuel Macron defended the publication of a caricatures of Prophet Mohammed and pledged to fight the Islamist separation. Meanwhile, the Indian Sikh jatha on visit to Pakistan had to be stopped due to protest by the activists of Islamist body Teherek-i-Labaik Pakistan on April 12. While ensuring support of Sikh community to the Islamist jihadi’s, he said that they should be like Hitler to the French people who dared to publish the blasphemous caricature of Prophet Mohammed. Intelligence sources informed that the person in the provoking video was Qasam Dogar who calls himself Sardar Qasam Dogar Singh and was on the payrolls of ISI like Pakistan’s pro Khalistani leader Gopal Singh Chawla.
21-Apr-2021
According to media reports, the Sikh community in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) of Pakistan is facing troubles as the members of the community are once again receiving calls from extortionists. A local Sikh trader who has a cosmetics shop in the Karkhano Market recently received a call from Afghan numbers asking him to pay ‘charity money’ to the militants. The businessman has received two calls for extortion in a short span of two days and is being threatened with dire consequences if he failed to pay up. The Hayatabad police have opened an inquiry into the case.
20-Apr-2021
Pakistan’s Punjab Government has issued a resolution which defines the Government’s position towards the Sikh community and puts in a strong plea for the maintenance of cordial relations between the Sikhs and the Government.
19-Apr-2021
Sikh pilgrims celebrated the 322nd Baisakhi Mela at Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur. Around 818 Sikhs from India came to border town Kartarpur through the corridor in a procession. Other than India, pilgrims from Pakistan, Dubai, the US and Canada were also participated in the Baisakhi festival.
14-Feb-2021
Six packets of heroin weighing 6.38 kilograms were recovered from the India-Pakistan border in Amritsar District.
11-Feb-2021
The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a drug peddler, identified as Mandeep Singh, near Attari along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan in Amritsar District. During search across the barbed fencing, the personnel recovered 10 packets containing 10.7 kilograms of heroin. When challenged, the BSF men heard sounds cocking of weapons and opened fire in self-defence. Mandeep was injured while his accomplice fled from the spot. During search, the BSF found heroin in a bag.
13-Jan-2021
The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 12 kilograms of heroin, worth INR 600 million in the international market, near India-Pakistan International Border (IB) in Amritsar district. “We seized 12 packets of the contraband near the border fence. The area is manned by 88 Bn, BSF, Amritsar sector. A 13-foot-long PVC pipe was also found there. It was probably used to push packets across the border. No arrest has been made so far,” a BSF official said.
17-Dec-2020
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead two militants near the Attari area along the India-Pakistan International Border (IB) in Amritsar District. The armed Pakistani militants were attempting to infiltrate into the Indian side of the border when they were gunned down. Their identities are yet to be ascertained
05-Dec-2020
The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered five packets of heroin weighing 5.360 kilograms along the Indo-Pakistan border at Ferozepur sector of Ferozepur District.
27-Aug-2020
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) invited Sikh pilgrims from India to offer ''Jyoti Jyot Gurpurab'' prayers at the historic Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Punjab province of Pakistan next month.
26-Aug-2020
In a first, the ‘jyoti jot’ diwas (death anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev would be observed at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, on September 22. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
05-Aug-2020
Some Sikh religious and political leaders in Pakistan came out in the open to exhort the community to ‘help’ militant movements in Kashmir. Messages were delivered to the Pakistani Sikh community on August 5, which is being observed as Youm-i-Istehsal (the day of exploitation) in Pakistan. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSPGC) president Satwant Singh in his video message said that supporting Kashmiris in their “cause” is their duty, which they would continue to perform. He claimed that Kashmiris are being subjected to atrocities and denied their rights. “Sikhs have been helping the oppressed and it is time for the Sikhs to help Kashmiris,” he said.
04-Aug-2020
The Sikh bodies in Pakistani-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Sikh Intellectuals Circle J&K, International Sikh Federation, Sikh Students Federation and Sikh Youths of J&K said that the entire Sikh community had decided to observe 5th August as Siege Day. They demanded restoration of special status of Jammu and Kashmir and release of all Kashmiri political detainees.
28-Jul-2020
According to reports, after the refusal by Canadian government to recognize Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)’s Referendum 2020 campaign, there is likelihood that Pakistan government could also rebuff SFJ to continue with its anti-India agenda from its soil. Pakistan has earlier declined SFJ’s request to hold registration for Referendum 2020 among Indian Sikhs who had gone there with Sikh jatha to celebrate Baisakhi last year (2019). The President of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) Satwant Singh disassociated himself with SFJ, its Referendum 2020 campaign and its legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and said that PSGPC had not received any request to hold any function with regards to Referendum 2020 in any of the gurdwaras. “Let the request come then we will discuss in the meeting and take appropriate decisions”, he said. Another senior Sikh leader from Lahore who didn’t wish to give his name said that “We will not allow SFJ to hold any function or the voters registration for Sikhs of Pakistan, we (Pakistani Sikhs) will not be the part of his personal agenda, even our local Pakistani friends have started asking us whether we will betray with Pakistan for Khalistan”.
28-Jul-2020
Sikhs in Pakistan want the Imran Khan government to deal with those staking claim over the historical Gurdwara Shaheedi Asthan in Lahore at its own level and restore confidence among minorities. Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Satwant Singh said, that “Sikhs across the world are sad to hear the news about Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh. The vision of the Pakistan government, especially Prime Minister Imran Khan, is to promote peace and brotherhood. The incident that happened at Shaheedi Asthan is the act of an individual. There is a plot behind the gurdwara, which is a property of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP). They plan to grab that plot. This is wrong and can’t be tolerated.” Meanwhile, the ETPB, a Pakistan government body under which the PSGPC works, has lodged a complaint against Suhail Butt Attari, who is seen intimidating the Sikh community in Pakistan.
26-Jul-2020
An activist of Dawat-e-Islami (Beraillwi), who is also a caretaker of Mazar of Muslim prophet Hazrat Shah Kaku Chesti in Lahore has threatened the minority Sikh community saying that Pakistan is an Islamic nation that belongs to Muslims. In a video, Sohail Butt, who also runs a shop in Landa Bazar, along with some local activists have occupied the land of Gurudwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh and has threatened Gopal Singh Chawla, the former chief of Pakistan Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (PGPC) who hoisted Shri Nishan Sahib (a Sikh symbol) at the Gurudwara last year. Sohail claims that the land on which Gurudwara Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh and its adjoining 4-5 kanals of Gurudwara land belong to Mazar of Muslim prophet Hazrat Shah Kaku Chesti and adjoining Masjid Shaheed Ganj.
22-Jul-2020
The Baluchistan government handed over a 200-year-old Gurudwara to the Sikh community. The Siri Guru Singh Gurdwara located on Masjid Road in the centre of the city has been used as APWA Government High Girls School for 73 years since the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
16-Jul-2020
Gopal Singh Chawla, a Khalistani activist based in Pakistan, issued a video statement threatening former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh GK for leading the protest outside Pakistan high commission in New Delhi.
13-Jul-2020
According to officials, Pakistan government laid a 16,000 feet artificial turf in the courtyard of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara to facilitate bare-footed pilgrims walk on the marble floor in the scorching heat.
29-Jun-2020
Pakistan reopened the Kartarpur Corridor more than three months after it was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but no Indian pilgrim visited the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. "Pakistan today opened the Kartarpur Corridor. However, no Indian pilgrim visited it,” Evacuee Trust Property Board Deputy (ETPB) Director Imran Khan said.
27-Jun-2020
Pakistan decided to reopen Kartarpur Corridor for all the Sikh pilgrims on June 29, 2020, on the occasion of the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, announced by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Twitter on June 27. He underscored that Pakistan is conveying to the Indian side its readiness to reopen the corridor. The corridor was temporarily closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that necessary precautions are taken, Pakistan has invited India to discuss standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the reopening.
25-Jun-2020
Nankana Sahib Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi’s statement couldn’t be recorded in the Lahore high court once again after the couple reportedly requested to transfer their case to another judge.
21-Jun-2020
Pakistan’s former Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique offended Sikh sentiments by dubbing the great Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a profligate, dacoit and looter. He also leveled allegations of desecrating and looting mosques on Maharaja Ranjit Singh. “Ranjit Singh Ayash was a dacoit looter ruler who openly desecrated Muslim faith mosques and Sufi shrines, looted heavily and forcibly imposed Sikh beliefs. Established oppressive Dogra rule over Kashmir,” reads the English translation of Khawaja Saad Rafique’s tweet.
21-Jun-2020
Reacting to Khawaja Saad Rafique’s derogatory statement on Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Pakistani Sikh leader Gopal Singh Chawla said that Khawaja Saad Rafique was trying to earn political mileage and hide his failures by leveling baseless allegations on the great Sikh ruler. Chawla, while recalling the tenure of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, said that no one got capital punishment during his four decades-long regime.
21-Jun-2020
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Satwant Singh said that, “The words used by the former railway minister are highly objectionable. The Sikh community in Pakistan and the gurdwara management committee strongly condemn these words.”
31-Jul-2023
Sikh Press Association on July 31 announced that the funeral Avtar Singh Khanda, the United Kingdom (UK) based head of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), will take place at Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick in Sandwell, UK on August 5. Khanda's family in India, including his mother Charanjit Kaur and sister Jaspreet Kaur from Moga, Punjab, were unable to repatriate his body to Punjab, and denied visas to travel to the UK for his last rites.
25-Jul-2023
West Midlands police on July 25 confirmed that they are not investigating the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, the United Kingdom (UK) based head of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), as it was not deemed suspicious. Khanda passed away at Birmingham City Hospital, UK on June 15 due to terminal blood cancer. Pro-Khalistan groups had speculated that he was deliberately poisoned, but the hospital confirmed otherwise.
24-Jul-2023
An investigation by the British tabloid The Daily Mail on July 24 revealed that some United Kingdom (UK) lawyers are allegedly ‘coaching’ illegal Indian migrants to fake asylum claims by pretending to be persecuted Khalistanis. The undercover investigation exposed 40 law firms involved in this activity. Several lawyers suggested false narratives of farmers' protests held in India in 2021, Khalistan separatist protests led by Amritpal Singh, and threats from Indian security forces. Meanwhile, in response to the investigation, UK Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak vowed on July 25 to tackle illegal immigration and secure deals with France and Albania for better border control.
23-Jul-2023
India has approved a 'limited diplomatic immunity waiver' for its diplomats in the United Kingdom (UK) concerning the investigation into the pro-Khalistan attack on the Indian mission on March 19. The waiver will apply during the trial stage. Earlier, the London Police requested the immunity waiver for witnesses and complainants at the Indian mission. Indian missions in the United States (US), Canada, and Australia have also faced attacks by pro-Khalistan supporters. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the London attack and has released images of suspects involved in vandalizing the high commission. The Indian government is working with key countries to counter Sikh radicals' network in various Western capitals.
08-Jul-2023
The pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK) on July 8 concluded with a low number of participants. A modest gathering of 30-40 individuals supporting Khalistan was witnessed between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm local time on July 8. The security in the area was beefed up with the UK police calling in additional forces to the spot. The demonstration, organized in response to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, lasted for a shorter duration than planned. Protesters displayed banners blaming India's High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and Consul General in Birmingham, Shashank Vikram for Nijjar's death, along with posters expressing support for Pakistan.
06-Jul-2023
James Cleverly, the foreign secretary of the United Kingdom (UK), on July 6 expressed the UK government's strong disapproval of any direct assaults on the High Commission of India in London, stating that such actions would be deemed entirely unacceptable. He also stated that the UK government has communicated to the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami and the Government of India that ensuring the safety of staff at the High Commission is of utmost importance.
05-Jul-2023
On July 5, a number of anonymous Twitter accounts surfaced, sharing posters created by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which were promoting a "Kill India" rally in London, United Kingdom (UK) on July 8. The posters falsely implicated two Indian diplomats, Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, and Dr. Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India in Birmingham, UK, in the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist and the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Additionally, one of the tweets included a video by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of SFJ, accusing Indian diplomats worldwide of being accountable for Nijjar's murder.
16-Jun-2023
According to Pakistani sources, on June 16, a day after the death of Khalistani separatist Avtar Singh Khanda, the Sikh community in the United Kingdom (UK) demands a full investigation into his death. Khanda was admitted to a Birmingham hospital after complaining of uneasiness and the cause of his death is unclear. Khalsa Aid International's CEO, Ravinder Singh, has urged the UK Police to conduct a thorough investigation and produce a coroner's report regarding the death Khanda. He also said that Khanda's family has also requested a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. The Sikh community doubts the circumstances surrounding his death and requests a probe to ensure it is not politically motivated. Speculation about poisoning has emerged, but facts are yet to be confirmed.
15-Jun-2023
Avatar Singh Khanda alias Ranjodh Singh, a close associate of Amritpal Singh and the head of the London unit of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), died at the Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) on June 15. The cause of his death is yet to be determined but most likely to be blood cancer. Some reports also indicate food poisoning as the cause of his death. Kanda was booked by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the attack on the India High Commission in London and was the mastermind behind the lowering the Indian tricolour at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, 2023. He had allegedly assisted Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD) evade arrest, while he was on the run from the Punjab Police. Khanda was also a close aide of Paramjit Singh Pamma, who is associated with Babbar Khalsa international (BKI). Besides Pamma, he was also working closely with Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in spearheading the secessionist campaign ‘Referendum 2020’. Khanda, is known for his expertise in bomb-making and had a history of involvement with pro-Khalistan activities. He was involved in radicalizing youth, orchestrating the Red Fort violence in 2021 with Deep Sidhu during the farmers' protest.
15-Jun-2023
Meanwhile, the separatist groups, the Sikh Council UK, Dal Khalsa, the Sikh Federation, and Khalsa Aid collectively urged the United Kingdom (UK) government to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic demise of Avtar Singh Khanda. Expressing shock and surprise, they highlighted his good health during the '1984 remembrance rally' at Trafalgar Square on June 4.
12-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 12, released CCTV footage of the incident at the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK) where the Tricolour Flag was pulled down on March 19, 2023. The footage shows protesters waving Khalistani flags and attempting to vandalize the high commission. British police intervened to prevent further access to the building, while the protesters shouted slogans and abused Indian officials. The NIA has appealed to the public for information on the individuals involved.
12-Jun-2023
According to reports, Avatar Singh Khanda, close associate of Amritpal Singh and the head of the London unit of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), was admitted to Birmingham hospital, United Kingdom (UK) after he complained of uneasiness. He is said to be on life support. Khanda, known for his expertise in bomb-making, was the main accused in the vandalism that happened outside the premises of the Indian High Commission in London in March and was allegedly involved in helping Khalistan supporter Amritpal Singh evade arrest by the Punjab Police.
22-May-2023
According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)'s London visit focuses on Avtar Singh Khanda, a key figure in a pro-Khalistan conspiracy. The investigation aims to uncover a larger transnational plot by pro-Khalistan groups to destabilize Punjab and create unrest in India. Khanda, an asylum seeker in the United Kingdom (UK), is suspected of radicalizing and supporting individuals like Amritpal Singh, who is currently detained under the National Security Act. The NIA hopes to gather evidence linking Khanda to the violent acts in the UK and shed light on his connections to banned Khalistani outfits.
22-May-2023
Punjab-origin woman Mandeep Kaur, residing in north London, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison by a United Kingdom (UK) court for her involvement in a large-scale drug supply conspiracy. Following a two-week trial, Kaur was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to possess criminal property.
20-May-2023
According to reports, the British government has not yet located or charged those responsible for the assault on the Indian High Commission in London over two months ago. Around 50 individuals, chanting pro-Khalistan slogans, stormed the building, damaging property and removing the Indian Tricolour on March 19. Despite Indian agencies providing information on seven individuals involved, including known Khalistani activists, no arrests have been made. The delay in action has raised suspicions of intentional inaction, while the Indian government has stationed security guards outside the high commission as a precautionary measure.
19-May-2023
An Indian-origin man among members of a drug smuggling gang was convicted for conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on May 19. Joshpal Singh Kothiria, a driver from Wolverhampton, played a role in supplying the smuggled drugs to Ireland. The operation was busted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK.
11-May-2023
The International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS) has published a report on the Khalistan movement, highlighting its threat to Indian sovereignty, Western countries, and the principles of Sikhism. The report identifies certain organizations as the key propagators of Khalistan ideology, engaging in real-world disruptions and exploiting liberal laws to spread their narrative. The Khalistan movement has been compared to the Muslim Brotherhood in its demand for a state based on a narrowly defined religious doctrine and disregard for democratic principles. The movement is fuelled by funds from Pakistani intelligence and Khalistani sympathizers in the West, posing a serious security concern. The IFFRAS report calls for unified international action to counter extremist narratives and promote a global community that respects territorial sovereignty and religious tolerance.
09-May-2023
Sixteen people, including several of Indian-origin, have been convicted following an investigation into an organised crime group involved in international money laundering and people smuggling in west London in United Kingdom (UK). The group is believed to have smuggled over GBP 42 million in cash out of the UK between 2017 and 2019, with the money believed to have come from the sale of banned drugs and organised immigration crime. The group made hundreds of trips to Dubai during this time.
07-May-2023
A report by Colin Bloom, an Independent Faith Engagement Advisor, reveals that pro-Khalistani activities across the globe are being fuelled by a small group of terrorists and extremists, aided and funded by Pakistan. The Khalistani movement uses the freedom provided in Western nations, especially the United Kingdom (UK), to spread hate and extremism and to coerce moderate Sikhs to support their ideology. The majority of Sikhs and Indians living abroad do not support extremism and the call for a separate Khalistan. The Khalistanis use gurdwaras to spread their messages of hate and extremism and to collect funding for their operations.
06-May-2023
Lord Indarjit Singh, a British Sikh peer, will present King Charles with the Coronation Glove, which symbolizes the Sovereign's role as an advocate and challenger for the protection and honour of the people, during the coronation ceremony. Lord Singh will join other faith leaders in the procession and gift presentation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.