KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
02-Jan-2025
Tasrem Singh, father of Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, on January 2 announced plans to launch a political party in Punjab during the Maghi Mela on January 14 in Sri Muktsar Sahib. He will lead the party until Amritpal's release from prison, with the name and agenda to be unveiled in the presence of the Sikh Sangat.
02-Jan-2025
Leaders of Sikh organisations, including Sikh Youth Federation (SYF)-Bhindranwala, Dal Khalsa, and Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar (SAD-A), on January 2 honoured the families of three Punjab youths killed in the December 23 encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh (UP), at Gurdwara Nanaksar in Kalanuar, Haryana. Alleging the encounter was staged, they contested police claims linking the youths to a grenade attack and Khalistani leaders abroad. The families asserted their innocence, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has demanded a judicial inquiry.
02-Jan-2025
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), in its recent annual report, noted a decline in counter-terrorist operations in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) since 2018, with 338 security personnel killed in 676 encounters up to March 2024. The report highlighted improved security, reduced stone pelting, and developmental initiatives, including measures to curb cross-border infiltration, providing 5,720 Kashmiri migrants with government jobs, and financial aid for displaced families under PMDP-2015. Efforts to engage youth and enhance services for migrants were also emphasized.
02-Jan-2025
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar on January 2 flagged off an awareness rally under Operation ‘Sampark’ at DAV College in Amritsar, Punjab, emphasizing public involvement in combating drug abuse. He highlighted the Punjab Police’s significant narcotics seizures, including 129 kg of heroin in 2024, and encouraged individuals to raise awareness and report drug traffickers. Participants pledged to contribute to creating a drug-free society as the rally passed through key city areas before returning to the college.
02-Jan-2025
Jalandhar Rural Police on January 2 arrested four gangsters, identified as Jagjit Singh alias Grewal alias Lovely, Sukhpal Singh alias Sukha, Sunny alias Sunny Deol and Raman Kumar, and seized stolen mobile phones and a motorcycle from their possession, in Phillaur in Jalandhar district. The gang, comprised of drug addicts, targeted victims in Phillaur city and along the main highway using sharp weapons, and has been linked to seven robbery cases traced so far.
02-Jan-2025
Indian gangsters are expanding their reach internationally, with fugitive Goldy Brar claiming responsibility for the beheading of Ajay Rana in Russia and the murder of Sunil Yadav in California, United States (US), both alleged informers. The ongoing rivalry between the Bishnoi-Goldy Brar and Bambiha-Lucky Patiala gangs has led to over 20 murders since 2016. The recent acquittal of Neeraj Chaska in the Gurlal Brar murder case, due to a hostile witness, has further intensified tensions. In response, Punjab Police, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IG) Dr. Sukhchain Singh, are preparing decisive actions against these international criminal networks.
02-Jan-2025
Moga police on January 2 arrested two youths, identified as Harmandeep Singh and Deshdeep Singh and seized 1 kg of opium from their possession, near Moga in Moga district.
02-Jan-2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 2 ruled that appeals filed by accused persons with an inordinate delay in cases involving offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) cannot be entertained. The Division Bench, referencing its previous judgment in "Navish Kumar vs. the State of Punjab," emphasized that appeals beyond the statutory time limit are legally untenable. The court also set aside a prior order that had condoned a delay of 706 days in filing the appeal, stressing the importance of judicial consistency and discipline.The Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 2 ruled that appeals filed by accused persons with an inordinate delay in cases involving offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) cannot be entertained. The Division Bench, referencing its previous judgment in "Navish Kumar vs. the State of Punjab," emphasized that appeals beyond the statutory time limit are legally untenable. The court also set aside a prior order that had condoned a delay of 706 days in filing the appeal, stressing the importance of judicial consistency and discipline.
01-Jan-2025
Jalandhar Rural Police on January 1 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Amarjit Singh alias Pappu and Jaswinder Kaur alias Binder, and seized 250 narcotic pills (Alprazolam IP-0.5), 5 kg of crushed poppy husk, INR 35,000 drug money, and a motorcycle from their possession, in Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
01-Jan-2025
In 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully thwarted numerous cross-border smuggling operations along the India-Pakistan border, particularly in the Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts, which emerged as key hotspots. The BSF intercepted 286 drones, with 87 interceptions in the Ferozepur sector, and seized 70.99 kg of heroin, nine firearms, and 158 rounds of ammunition. The force also arrested nine Indian and eight Pakistani nationals. In addition to security operations, the BSF conducted outreach activities, including a 491 km cycle rally to raise awareness about drug abuse and organized 23 medical camps.
01-Jan-2025
Hardline Sikh groups on January 1 praised the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) decision to reverse its December 9 resolution excommunicating ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura, who had attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Leaders criticized the SGPC for initially acting under pressure to appease the SAD and hailed the reversal as a victory for the Sikh community.
01-Jan-2025
On January 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh at his residence in New Delhi, discussing the contributions of Sikhs and paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Sahibzaades. PM Modi praised Diljit’s global success and humility, describing him as an inspiration for the nation. Diljit, in turn, commended the Prime Minister’s leadership and was deeply moved by his personal reflections on family and faith. PM Modi also shared insights about the restoration of a historic Gurdwara in Kutch, Gujarat, highlighting the importance of preserving Sikh heritage. The meeting reflected mutual admiration for each other’s journeys and contributions.
01-Jan-2025
On January 1, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, presenting him with a bouquet. A video shared on social media captured their brief interaction. Dosanjh is currently touring India for his music concerts.
01-Jan-2025
On January 1, Inspector General of Police (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill in Chandigarh highlighted Punjab Police's 2024 achievements: solving 100% of high-profile crimes, arresting 66 terrorists, and busting 12 terror modules. Key recoveries included 1,099 kg heroin, 991 kg opium, and INR 14.73 crore in drug money, with 531 properties worth INR 335 crore forfeited. The Anti-Gangster Task Force dismantled 198 modules, arrested 559 gangsters, and seized 482 weapons. In cybercrime, 374 FIRs were filed, INR 73.34 crore in fraud recovered, and 7,500 harmful URLs blocked. Punjab Police also recruited 4,657 personnel and achieved a 15.74% reduction in road fatalities under the Sadak Surakhya Force initiative.
31-Dec-2024
On December 31, an individual identified as Nasar Pathan threatened to carry out a blast at Mahakumbh-2025, aiming to kill 1,000 devotees, via a social media post, prompting the Mela police register a First Information Report (FIR) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP). This marked the second threat to Mahakumbh in two weeks, following a video released by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Security measures, including round-the-clock patrolling, have been intensified.
31-Dec-2024
On December 31, a resolution by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the encounter in Uttar Pradesh (UP) that resulted in the deaths of three Khalistani terrorists. The SGPC alleged that the encounter appeared to deliberately target Punjab's youth and demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. The resolution was passed during an executive committee meeting.
31-Dec-2024
On December 31, the Executive Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) rejected its earlier resolution from December 9, which had called for the excommunication of Narain Singh Chaura from the Panth. Chaura, an ex-militant, had attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal in Amritsar. The original resolution was passed following the incident, but in a meeting chaired by SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, the committee decided to revoke the excommunication decision.
31-Dec-2024
Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill in Chandigarh, on December 31, revealed that in 2024, the Punjab Police had successfully busted 12 terror modules, arrested 66 terrorists, and recovered significant amounts of weapons and explosives, including 2 rifles, 76 pistols/revolvers, 2 tiffin IEDs, 4 hand grenades, 758 grams of RDX, and 257 drones. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) dismantled 198 gangster modules, resulting in 559 arrests, the seizure of 482 weapons, 102 vehicles, 7 kg heroin, and INR 2.14 crore in drug money. Additionally, the police reported the recovery of 1,099 kg heroin, 991 kg opium, 414 quintals of poppy husk, 2.94 lakh pharma opioids, and INR 14.73 crore in drug money from smugglers. Advanced AI-based CCTV systems were also deployed in 8 central jails, with plans for a new high-security jail near Ludhiana.
31-Dec-2024
In 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a 100% conviction rate, securing convictions for 68 accused in 25 cases decided by special courts. The agency arrested 210 individuals across 80 cases, with 28 individuals linked to Left-wing extremism and 18 connected to northeast insurgency. Additionally, the NIA conducted 662 raids nationwide, charge-sheeted 408 accused, and attached 137 properties worth INR 19.57 crore.
31-Dec-2024
Police on December 31 arrested two smugglers, identified as Vijay and Malkiat, and seized 30 kg of poppy husk from their possession near Narayanpura village in Abohar in Fazilka district. The duo admitted to smuggling the poppy husk from Rajasthan for retail distribution in rural areas.
31-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Commissionerate police on December 31 arrested four drug peddlers, identified as Karan alias Kana, Prem Singh, Rohit and Jabanpreet Singh alias Jagdeep Singh and seized 1 kg of heroin along with their Verna (PB07-BF-0015) from their possession, near Focal Point in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
31-Dec-2024
According to official sources, opioid (pharmaceutical drug) addiction in Punjab spiked over threefold in 2024, with the police seizing 2.94 crore pharma opioid units, a sharp increase from 83.17 lakh last year. However, heroin seizures saw a slight decline to 1,099 kg from 1,161 kg in 2023, attributed to a reduced supply from Afghanistan following the Taliban's heroin ban. Despite this, police registered fewer NDPS Act FIRs (8,935 vs 10,786) and made fewer arrests of smugglers (12,255 vs 14,951). In a significant move, the police forfeited 550 properties tied to drug trafficking and credited the transfer of 200 key smugglers to a Bathinda jail's zero-mobile network area for disrupting trafficking networks.
30-Dec-2024
On December 30, an audio clip surfaced featuring a conversation in which a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Goldy Brar, threatened Punjab’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bikram Singh Brar for deploying informers against the gang. In his reaction, DSP Brar dismissed the threats, asserting that the police will continue to take lawful actions and emphasized Goldy Brar's involvement in criminal and terror activities, including the 2022 Mohali RPG attack.
30-Dec-2024
On December 30, a state-wide bandh called by kisan unions in support of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who had been on a hunger strike for 35 days demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops, resulted in a complete halt of road and rail traffic across Punjab. The bandh, which lasted from 7 am to 4 pm, saw significant disruptions, with key roads and toll plazas blocked, affecting daily life in the Malwa, Doaba, and Majha regions.
30-Dec-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on December 30 in Chandigarh that all eight bomb blast cases targeting police installations in the state have been solved, with fourteen members of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) arrested. The attacks were orchestrated by terror modules linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and handlers based in the United States (US), Canada, and Europe, involving the use of grenades and RDX. The ISI-backed BKI module was operated by Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey, with mastermind Abhijot Singh among those apprehended.