KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Aug-2024
A suspected Pakistani intruder was shot dead by the Border Security Force (BSF) while attempting to infiltrate India across the International Border near Dal village in Patti, Tarn Taran district on August 12. The BSF, on high alert ahead of Independence Day, observed the intruder’s suspicious movement and intercepted him. When the intruder advanced, the BSF neutralized him on the spot, thwarting the infiltration attempt.
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 intercepted a truck, arrested an individual identified as Gurtajinder Singh Pintu, and seized 150 kg of poppy husk from his possession in Malerkotla district.
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 arrested two individuals, identified as Imran Khan Kaka and Mohammad Anish, and seized 20,000 habit-forming tablets in Gattu Wala Khooh village in Malerkotla district.
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Kamla and Jagiro, and seized 5 grams of heroin from their possession in Goraya, Jalandhar district. Kamla was initially arrested on August 11 and, during interrogation, revealed that she obtained the heroin from Jagiro, who was subsequently arrested on August 12. Both individuals have prior drug-related criminal records and are facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with further investigations underway to uncover their connections to larger trafficking networks.
12-Aug-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar (SAD-A) and Dal Khalsa are set to participate in protests in Hoshiarpur on August 13 and Tarn Taran on August 15, against the central government’s alleged injustices towards Sikhs. Dal Khalsa's 'Freedom March' on August 13 will commemorate Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Dal Khalsa founder Gajinder Singh. Both parties plan to mobilize hundreds of activists for these demonstrations.
12-Aug-2024
In the past week, twenty Afghan Sikhs have been granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, in New Delhi. This marks progress for many who had been living in India on long-term visas or awaiting citizenship under the 1955 Act. The CAA, which eases the citizenship process for non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, has accelerated approvals by removing state government involvement. Over 400 Afghan Sikhs have applied through a camp set up to assist with the new process.
12-Aug-2024
Punjab Police on August 12 arrested Mukul Mishra, a suspect wanted in the murder of Nangal-based Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Bagga, in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Bagga was shot dead on April 13, 2024, by two assailants, and Mishra is accused of facilitating the payment for the weapons used in the crime. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is overseeing the case, and Mishra is also wanted in another criminal case in Ludhiana.
12-Aug-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya, a critic of the Trudeau government’s stance on pro-Khalistani elements, met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on August 12 in New Delhi. Arya highlighted the importance of the Canada-India relationship and urged for stronger action against extremist activities in Canada. Jaishankar has previously criticized Canada for accommodating individuals advocating violence and terrorism against India.
11-Aug-2024
On August 11, an individual identified as Gajinder Singh died from a drug overdose in Bathinda, Punjab. The police arrested four suspects, identified as Gurdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Kamaljit Kaur, and Ranjit Kaur, in connection with the case.
11-Aug-2024
Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, expressed condolences on August 11 over the death of Paramjit Singh Khalsa, a senior leader of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) and a supporter of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during his Dharam Yudh Morcha.
11-Aug-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on August 11 arrested an individual identified as Joban Singh alias Dhillon and seized 500 grams of heroin and 1.16 kg of opium from his possession in Gharinda village in Amritsar district. The arrest followed a tip-off about Dhillon's involvement in large-scale drug smuggling.
11-Aug-2024
The Khuikhera police on August 11 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Karandeep Singh Karni, and seized 1,350 pregabalin capsules (300 mg each) and a stolen bike from his possession in Khuikhera village, Abohar in Fazilka district. According to the police, Karni was using the unnumbered stolen bike for his operations.
10-Aug-2024
Ludhiana Police on August 10 arrested an individual identified as Sunny alias Rambo and seized 153 grams of heroin from his possession in Himmat Singh Nagar in Ludhiana district. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered, and the police plan to obtain his remand to further investigate and dismantle the drug supply chain.
10-Aug-2024
According to a senior police official investigating the Landa gang and its operations, Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa remains a major threat, actively extorting money and supplying arms and drugs across Punjab. Despite the arrest of his brother Tarsem Singh and numerous raids, Landa, who operates the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), continues to evade capture with support from both international and local accomplices. With a substantial reward offered for information on his whereabouts, the police are intensifying efforts to dismantle his network.
10-Aug-2024
Tarsem Singh, brother of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, was recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his role in the RPG attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in 2022. Singh, linked to banned Khalistani terror groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), and Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), was found to have facilitated terror funding and logistics for these attacks. His arrest followed a red corner notice issued by Interpol and a non-bailable warrant from an NIA special court.
10-Aug-2024
On August 10, in a joint operation with central agencies, Punjab Police arrested Simranjot Singh Sandhu, an international drug smuggler and the kingpin of the 487 kg cocaine smuggling case, in Bhaloor village, Moga district. Sandhu played a significant role in drug trafficking between India, Europe, and South America, smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and hashish. After being sentenced in Germany in 2022, he fled to Dubai and then to India, evading arrest across multiple locations, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan.
09-Aug-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 9 successfully extradited Tarsem Singh, the brother of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa and a key Pro-Khalistan Element (PKE) associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to New Delhi. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the NIA and Interpol, facilitated the return. Singh, wanted for his involvement in rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks and terror funding, had an Interpol Red Notice issued against him. He is linked to major terror networks and faces charges related to smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and funding terrorist activities in India. Singh's extradition is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism and organized crime linked to Khalistan movements.
09-Aug-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on August 9 dismissed a plea challenging the election of jailed radical Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab. The petitioner argued that Singh, who had stated he did not owe allegiance to the Constitution of India, was not qualified under Article 84 of the Constitution. The Court advised the petitioner to pursue an election petition and noted that Singh's eligibility was subject to procedural and evidential considerations.
09-Aug-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on August 9 changed the color of the Nishan Sahib in the Golden Temple complex from kesri to basanti, in accordance with an edict from the Akal Takht. This decision followed a resolution by Sikh clergy to align with the Panth Parwanit Sikh Rehat Maryada, which permits either basanti or surmai colours.
09-Aug-2024
A recent video featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has raised significant concern by suggesting that India is the next target for balkanization following political unrest in Bangladesh. Pannun's comments, which align with narratives historically promoted by Pakistan, highlight a broader agenda to destabilize India through internal fragmentation. This rhetoric, reflecting both historical and contemporary attempts to weaken India, underscores the need for vigilance and a unified response from the Indian government and civil society to counter such divisive propaganda.
09-Aug-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier Chief Inspector General (IG) Atul Fulzele on August 9, while speaking to reporters in Jalandhar district, announced significant security enhancements along the Punjab-Jammu border, including increased manpower and extensive CCTV coverage. This move follows a surge in terrorist activities in Jammu, which has resulted in numerous casualties. He also stated that the BSF is addressing the rising issue of cross-border smuggling via drones, focusing on tracing and intercepting these unmanned aerial vehicles, and that a heightened security alert has been issued ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
09-Aug-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) is offering International English Language Testing System (IELTS) coaching to 50 youngsters from five villages on the Indo-Pak border in Punjab to help steer them away from drug abuse. This initiative, part of the 'Vibrant Village Program,' provides free coaching and transport, targeting youth from landless farming families. Funded by Union government resources, the BSF plans to start a second course for those with degrees or diplomas. Over half of the initial participants were girls, and three successfully passed the exam.
09-Aug-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier Chief Inspector General (IG) Atul Fulzele, while speaking to reporters in Jalandhar on August 9, reported that the latest drones from Pakistan are smaller, can fly up to 1 km high, and are harder to detect. He also revealed that these new drones, identified as Chinese Mavic models, have a reduced payload capacity and are almost silent. Since January 1, the BSF has seized 137 drones, 28 weapons, and over 160 kg of heroin.
09-Aug-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 9 successfully arrested Tarsem Singh, the brother of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, and a key Pro-Khalistan Element (PKE) associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), after his extradition from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to New Delhi. Singh, linked to terror funding and criminal activities, was arrested following a red corner notice and a non-bailable warrant. This arrest marks a significant step in the NIA's ongoing efforts against various proscribed terrorist organizations operating in India.
09-Aug-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) team of Jalandhar (Rural) police on August 9 uncovered an inter-state opium racket and arrested three individuals, identified as Usma Khan, Junaid Ansari Ahmid, and Adarsh Kumar, seizing 2 kg of opium from their possession in Lambra village in Jalandhar district. According to the police, the suspects are linked to a broader network operating between Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh (UP), with the seized opium intended for further distribution.