KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Jan-2025
Police on January 17 arrested one individual, identified as Sunny and seized 15 grams of heroin from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
17-Jan-2025
In a submission to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Punjab Government recently outlined its efforts to enhance security across 18 prisons by installing 598 X-ray and security machines, 647 CCTV cameras, body scanners, baggage X-ray machines, and "V-Kavach 2.0" jammers. While the upgrades are reportedly progressing well, delays were attributed to challenges involving the Punjab Police Housing Corporation. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for January 28.
17-Jan-2025
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a press conference in Guwahati, Assam, described the security breach involving Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as a conspiracy to assassinate him. Sarma referenced a sting operation in which Punjab Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhdev Singh allegedly disclosed that the protestors involved were Khalistani supporters, not farmers. According to Sarma, Singh had informed senior officials about the conspiracy on January 2, ahead of the January 5 incident.
17-Jan-2025
According to sources, Chandigarh authorities have intensified security following intelligence about potential bomb attacks on police stations by Khalistani terrorist and member of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia. Enhanced security measures, including checkpoints and constant vigilance, have been implemented as threats typically increase ahead of Republic Day. Passia, operating from the United States (US), coordinates with Pakistan-based handlers to target India.
17-Jan-2025
According to sources, the police are continuing their investigation into the perpetrators behind the hand grenade attack on liquor trader Amandeep Jaintipuria's house in Jaintipur village, Majitha, Amritsar district. Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Passia, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Forensic samples have been sent for analysis, and the police are reviewing CCTV footage while actively pursuing suspects.
17-Jan-2025
Theatres across Punjab on January 17 cancelled screenings of the movie Emergency, starring actor and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut, following widespread protests by Sikh organizations and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC called for a ban on the film, alleging it distorted history and hurt Sikh sentiments. Protests led by the SGPC prompted major cinema chains, including PVR Cinemas in Amritsar, to halt showings. SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Manan welcomed the theatres' decision, stating it prevented further unrest but warned that protests would resume if screenings were reinstated.
17-Jan-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staged a statewide protest on January 17 against the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. SGPC Dharam Parchar Committee member Ajaib Singh Abhiyasi criticized the film for distorting history and misrepresenting Sikhs, particularly in its depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He clarified that Bhindranwale, inaccurately shown negotiating with Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi during the Emergency, only became the chief of the Damdami Taksal in 1977 and had no involvement in such events. The SGPC accused the filmmakers of disregarding Sikh objections, tarnishing the community’s image, and ignoring concerns raised through legal notices regarding objectionable content.
16-Jan-2025
Police on January 16 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Raviratinder Singh alias Ravi and seized 900 grams of heroin along with a .32 bore pistol from his possession, near Dhone Khurd village in Amritsar district. Both the heroin and the pistol were trafficked from Pakistan through a drone.
16-Jan-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on January 16 in Amritsar expressed strong disapproval over the release of actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. Dhami urged Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to impose a ban on the movie in the state and warned of a state-wide protest if the ban is not enforced.
16-Jan-2025
According to reports, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Punjab’s oldest regional party, faces challenges amidst its revival efforts, including a new rival, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), launched by radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, and Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassin Beant Singh. The new party, citing SAD’s deviation from its panthic path, has raised concerns about further fragmentation of the political landscape. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who resigned last year, remains a dominant figure and is expected to contest for leadership again. Despite its declining electoral fortunes, SAD leaders emphasise the party’s legacy, while Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and other leaders have wished the new party well but warned against sowing division.
16-Jan-2025
The Mohali Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on January 16 submitted a challan against nine individuals, including Punjab police constable Gurmeet Singh, along with eight others, under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, at a local court in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused were involved in the drug trade.
16-Jan-2025
Outgoing United States (US) Ambassador Eric Garcetti, in an interview with The Times of India on January 16, commended the Indian investigation into the murder-for-hire plot involving Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, calling it a positive step towards accountability and systemic reforms. He highlighted tangible outcomes of US-India cooperation, discussed trade and tariff issues, and emphasized the strong relationship between Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, while also addressing human rights and geopolitical challenges during his tenure.
16-Jan-2025
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on January 16 issued a threat video aimed at disrupting Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The video featured a pro-Khalistan activist raising anti-national slogans at India Gate and hoisting the Khalistan flag at Delhi Junction Railway Station. Pannun claimed that Khalistan squads were stationed to carry out the plans, prompting intensified security measures by the Delhi Police and other security agencies.
16-Jan-2025
The recent Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) announcement recommended legal action against an individual allegedly involved in a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York, United States (US) in 2023. The UMHA statement emphasized India’s commitment to ensuring accountability, adhering to due process, and distancing the government from the accused, Vikash Yadav, labelling him a rogue element. This move aligns with US demands for systemic reforms and aims to safeguard future bilateral relations ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on January 20.
16-Jan-2025
According to sources, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has advised the Delhi Police not to include Punjab Police personnel in the security detail of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal while he is in New Delhi. This recommendation follows Punjab Police intelligence inputs about a potential threat to Kejriwal from pro-Khalistani elements. The inputs suggest that two unidentified individuals from Punjab, tasked with the attack, may have already entered Delhi. In response, the Delhi Police has enhanced Kejriwal’s Z-plus security, which comprises approximately 60 personnel.
15-Jan-2025
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 15 announced that the high-powered enquiry committee, established in November 2023 to investigate organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and drug peddlers, has submitted its report. The enquiry, prompted by leads from the United States (US), recommended swift legal action against an individual with prior criminal links. It also outlined systemic improvements to enhance India’s security response. The investigation followed allegations by the US Department of Justice against former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) official Vikash Yadav and businessman Nikhil Gupta for their alleged roles in a failed 2023 plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.
15-Jan-2025
Tarn Taran Police on January 15 dismantled a Pakistan-backed drug trafficking cartel, arresting the kingpin, Rashpal Singh, and seizing 5 kg of heroin from his possession in Bhai Ladhu village, Tarn Taran district. Police confirmed that Rashpal was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, using drones to smuggle drugs across the border.
15-Jan-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 15 recovered heroin gross weight of 8.560 kg containing around 15 small packets, from fields near Balharwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
15-Jan-2025
The Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) on January 15 arrested Gurpreet Singh Teetu, the brother of an aide to international drug kingpin Akshay Chhabra, and seized 1.2 kg of heroin from his possession near Radha Swami Road in Ludhiana district. Gurpreet, linked to a global drug network, reportedly continued smuggling operations even after his brother Sandeep Singh's arrest in 2022 for trafficking over 20 kg of heroin. Authorities are investigating his ties to Chhabra's syndicate, which is responsible for smuggling over 1,400 kg of heroin, with further arrests expected.
15-Jan-2025
Police on January 15 arrested two key aides of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, identified as Balraj Singh and Pawan Kumar, following an encounter, and seized four illegal weapons, including a .32 bore pistol with 12 cartridges and a 9 mm pistol with one cartridge from their possession, near Wadala Chowk in Jalandhar district. Acting on a tip-off, the police tracked the duo, who were planning a major crime in the city. During the attempted arrest, Balraj fired at the police and injured himself in the exchange, while Pawan was apprehended while attempting to flee. Both individuals had multiple criminal cases pending against them.
15-Jan-2025
On January 15, three men on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the house of former Zila Parishad chairman, the late Rajinder Kumar alias Pappu Jaintipuria, at Jaintipur village in Majitha, Amritsar district. No injuries were reported as the family was away at the time. Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia claimed responsibility for the attack. The family had reportedly been receiving threats from foreign-based gangsters, including from Passia's group, which has been active in the region.
15-Jan-2025
Sources reveal that a security review of former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has been initiated following intelligence inputs about a Khalistani extremist outfit’s plot to assassinate him. Kejriwal, who is under Z-Plus security, is protected by a multi-layered team of Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel. The plot, reportedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), aims to disrupt law and order. Kejriwal has previously faced threats from Indian Mujahideen and has been a target of physical attacks. The banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) had also targeted him in the past.
15-Jan-2025
Former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal stated on January 15 in New Delhi that 'God will save me' amid intelligence reports of a pro-Khalistan assassination plot allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Reports suggest a three-member hit squad has been dispatched to target him. Kejriwal’s Z+ security, comprising a 63-member team, is under review as Delhi Police heighten vigilance during the election campaign.
15-Jan-2025
Police on January 15 arrested two members of the criminal gang run by designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa and Gurdev Singh Jaisa, identified as Avtar Singh and Amarbir Singh, and seized five pistols, 13 live rounds, and a snatched car from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused, involved in robbery and extortion cases, had fired at complainant Ekamdeep Singh Brar on January 8 to steal his car. Earlier, on January 7, they had joined a farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border and snatched a bike after firing at a person on the Rajpura-Ambala highway.
14-Jan-2025
Radical Sikh leaders and supporters of jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh launched a new regional political party, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), on January 14 during the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Amritpal, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, was appointed as the party's 'chief sewadar.' A five-member executive committee and a seven-member recruitment panel were established to oversee operations and membership drives ahead of elections on Baisakhi. The party's stated goals include reviving Sikh principles, addressing Punjab's demographic concerns, and combating drug issues.