KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
05-Sep-2024
On September 5, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before the Akal Takht in Amritsar to submit his explanation letter, following the edict of the highest Sikh temporal authority. The Akal Takht had earlier declared Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and former Sikh ministers 'tankhaiya' for mistakes committed during the party's 2007-2017 rule, requiring them to provide explanations. Majithia stated that he would accept whatever order is issued.
05-Sep-2024
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood on September 5 announced that Interpol issued 100 red corner notices in 2023 at India's request, the highest ever in a single year, while speaking at the 10th Interpol Liaison Officers’ Conference in New Delhi. Sood highlighted that 29 wanted criminals were extradited to India in 2023 with Interpol's assistance. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border crimes in the digital age.
05-Sep-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 5 filed its first charge sheet, naming UK national Inderpal Singh Gaba, in connection with the twin attacks on the Indian High Commission in London, which occurred in 2023. The attacks, organized by Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, were allegedly in retaliation for the Punjab Police's actions against Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh.
05-Sep-2024
In response to the rising abuse of Pregabalin, or ‘ghoda’, in rural areas of Punjab, authorities have imposed a ban on formulations exceeding 75 mg. In 2024 alone, Punjab Police seized around 3 crore intoxicant tablets and capsules, including restricted drugs like Codeine and Tramadol. The crackdown follows a shift in drug preferences due to the high cost of other substances, with Pregabalin becoming a popular alternative because of its low cost and easy availability.
04-Sep-2024
Police on September 4 recovered five pistols and several magazines from a bag abandoned by two unidentified youths near Tehna village in Faridkot district. The suspects, who were riding an e-rickshaw, fled when approached by police, dropping the bag. A case has been filed against the unknown individuals, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to track them down.
04-Sep-2024
Punjab Police revealed that during a recent operation, they arrested two individuals, identified as Harpreet Singh and Lovepreet Singh, and seized four Glock 19 pistols, including one marked 'Made for NATO Army,' along with four magazines, seven live cartridges, and INR 4.8 lakhs in hawala money from their car in Sheron village, Sangrur district, Punjab. It was disclosed that Harpreet had connections with a Pakistan-based smuggler involved in arms and drug trafficking via drones. This seizure highlights a concerning trend of U.S.-made and NATO-grade weapons, left behind in Afghanistan, infiltrating India's conflict zones and posing serious security threats.
04-Sep-2024
Police on September 4 arrested a man, identified as Krishan Kumar, and seized 43,000 intoxicating pills from his possession near Kanech village in Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
According to sources, rising anti-Khalistan sentiments are challenging the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) across Europe, the United States (US), and Canada, reflecting a shift within the Sikh diaspora as pro-India Sikhs unite against divisive extremism. The recent incident in Italy, where Gurudwara Committees firmly opposed SFJ activists, is part of a broader global trend rejecting separatist rhetoric in favour of peace and stronger ties with India. This movement marks a new chapter for the Sikh community, focused on unity and progress.
04-Sep-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a statement, condemned the construction of a pandal replicating the Golden Temple for Ganpati Utsav in Pune, Maharashtra, stating that it hurts Sikh sentiments. Dhami emphasized that Harmandar Sahib cannot be replicated and called for greater awareness of Sikh traditions. The SGPC is sending a team to investigate the matter.
04-Sep-2024
On September 4, the anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib was celebrated with traditional fervour in Amritsar, Punjab. A grand 'nagar kirtan' procession marked the occasion, commemorating the completion of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and its first installation at the Golden Temple.
04-Sep-2024
Ladhowal police on September 4 arrested two individuals, Deedar Singh and Chandan Sharma, and seized 15 grams of heroin, a weighing scale, and their car near Talwandi Kalan village in Ludhiana West, Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
Sahnewal police on September 4 arrested an individual, Kishan Kumar, and seized 43,000 tablets of banned Tramadol and Clovidol 100, along with a Mahindra Bolero, near Kanech village in Ludhiana East, Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
Amritsar (Rural) police on September 4 arrested five individuals, Gurinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Sumandeep Singh, and Sharanpreet, busting a gang that extorted large sums from traders, commission agents, and others by posing as gangsters, and seized INR 1.50 lakh extorted from a local registered medical practitioner, along with a bike and an SUV, near Bhinder village in Amritsar district.
03-Sep-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on September 3 arrested two drug peddlers, Uttampal Singh and Navtej Singh, and seized 506 grams of heroin smuggled from Pakistan via drones, near Muhawa village in Amritsar district. The suspects were apprehended after a police patrol chased them, and their motorcycle slipped, leading to the recovery of the heroin.
03-Sep-2024
According to sources, Indian officials suspect that some young temporary residents from India are participating in pro-Khalistan protests in Canada to bolster their refugee claims. They believe several youths have been taking selfies at separatist rallies, following advice from immigration firms that are using the "Khalistan card" to file asylum requests. Recent protests have also honoured militants like Dilawar Babbar, raising further concerns amid a surge in asylum claims from Indian nationals.
03-Sep-2024
According to sources, with Sukhbir Singh Badal declared 'tankhaiya' by Sikh high priests, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has welcomed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh's call for restraint regarding politically motivated statements on the issue under religious consideration. The SAD has urged its leaders and spokespersons to adhere to these directions and avoid public debates on the matter.
03-Sep-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate on September 3 arrested Kannu Gujjar, a key associate of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and seized eight pistols, 55 live cartridges, and eight magazines from his possession after an encounter near Hamilton Tower on 66ft Road in Jalandhar district. Gujjar confessed that the gang was planning a major crime and attempted to escape custody by firing at the police before being shot and injured.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested an individual, identified as Baljit Singh and seized 5,500 intoxicating tablets from his possession, near Balluana village in Abohar in Fazilka district.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Ankit and Amandeep Singh, and seized 60 grams of heroin from their possession in Jalandhar, Jalandhar district.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Gagandeep Singh and seized 60 grams of heroin from his possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
03-Sep-2024
Police on September 3 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Ruldu and seized 10 grams of heroin from his possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
02-Sep-2024
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently postponed the release of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency, citing concerns over religious sentiments and sensitive content. Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), objected to the film's portrayal of Khalistani separatist and militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. They argued that the film could incite communal tensions and misrepresent the Sikh community, leading to a delay in certification.
02-Sep-2024
The Akal Takht, the highest Sikh authority, declared Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal "tankhaiya" for violating the Sikh religious code during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister from 2007 to 2017. Badal was summoned to appear before the Akal Takht for atonement. Although he accepted the ruling, he remains SAD president, and his refusal to resign could further damage his political standing. Historically, being declared "tankhaiya" has had a negative impact on the political careers of Sikh leaders.
02-Sep-2024
On September 3, a woman from a well-off family was found dead from a drug overdose in Dakoha, Jalandhar district, Punjab. Her partner, also an addict, had died the previous day, on September 2.
01-Sep-2024
On September 1, Sukhraj Singh, son of one of the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing victims, announced his independent candidacy for the Gidderbaha assembly bypoll in Gidderbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Singh, whose father was killed during a protest against a sacrilege incident, criticized successive governments for failing to deliver justice and expressed his intent to hold them accountable directly in the assembly.