KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
11-Jan-2024
Members of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM), comprising radical Sikhs, farmer union leaders, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) workers, on January 11 organized a massive protest march from Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib in Patiala and proceeded to Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. The demonstrators, led by 'Panj Piaras,' demanded the immediate release of Sikhs held in jails despite completing their sentences, accusing the Union Government of discriminatory treatment.
11-Jan-2024
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, in a recent interview, highlighted a contrast between India's relations with the United States (US) and Canada. He stated that the US does not tolerate extremist activities in the name of freedom of speech, unlike Canada. Jaishankar pointed out that the US takes a firmer position on the misuse of freedoms, while Canada has, at times, openly interfered in Indian politics. These comments come amid strained ties with Canada, following accusations by Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau linking India to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim dismissed as "absurd" by India. The minister emphasized the impact of Khalistani forces in Canadian politics on bilateral relations.
11-Jan-2024
Canada's High Commissioner to India, Cameron Mackay, during a seminar in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, stated on January 11 that despite recent tensions, the strategic interests of India and Canada are "absolutely aligned." Mackay emphasized the continuation of bilateral trade and investment relationships, highlighting that over 100 Indian companies are investing in Canada, and there are 600 Canadian companies present in India. He urged a focus on business-to-business ties, emphasizing that business relations remain unaffected by the diplomatic row between the two countries.
11-Jan-2024
Police on January 11 arrested two individuals identified as Akashdeep Singh and William Masih and seized 1.5 kg of heroin along with a bike from their possession near Jhanjhoti village in Ajnala tehsil, Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the heroin was likely smuggled using a drone from Pakistan, orchestrated by a Netherlands-based drug peddler named Lovely, who has connections to Pakistan-based smugglers. Lovely's involvement in the illegal drug trade is being reported for the first time, and further investigations are underway to arrest their accomplice Najar Masih alias Naja.
10-Jan-2024
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on January 10 destroyed 19 kg of seized heroin in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab. Eleven cases, including ten heroin and one charas case, were disposed of, with the Border Security Force (BSF) playing a crucial role in the seizures and joint investigations.
10-Jan-2024
According to sources, India has decided not to resume Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Canada due to unresolved issues related to Khalistani activities.
10-Jan-2024
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Czech Republic PM Petr Fiala held a bilateral meeting on January 10 during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The leaders discussed various sectors, including automobiles, climate change, and defence, committing to elevating India-Czechia relations in innovative sectors to a Strategic Partnership on Innovation, as stated in a joint statement. Notably, the joint statement did not address the case of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, currently detained in the Czech Republic and accused by United States (US) authorities of involvement in a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
10-Jan-2024
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on January 10 extended an invitation to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh for the inauguration of the Ram Temple, scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The invitation was delivered by representatives of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an affiliate of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to the Takht secretariat.
10-Jan-2024
The Mansa chief judicial magistrate expedited the judicial process related to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala by committing a third supplementary charge sheet to the sessions court within two weeks. The charge sheet was filed by the special investigation team (SIT), which names gangster Sachin Thapan as a key conspirator.
10-Jan-2024
Police on January 10 arrested a woman identified as Usha Rani alias Manjit Kaur, and seized 44.50 grams of heroin from her possession in Ferozepur district. The heroin was recovered from her private parts during a frisking procedure at the jail when she visited her husband, Balwinder Singh.
10-Jan-2024
Police on January 10 arrested four highway robbers identified as Satnam Singh, Shiva, Rahul, and Satinder Singh and seized a .32 pistol, over a dozen live cartridges, and two Maruti Brezza cars from their possession in Adampur, Jalandhar district. The gang, hailing from Amritsar district, targeted victims on national highways, committing multiple robberies at gunpoint. Two other members are still on the run.
10-Jan-2024
Comrade Joseph alias Darshan Pal, a senior leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) involved in the 2020-21 farmers' protest, has been expelled by the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) for alleged anti-party and factional activities. The statement from the Maoist outfit also implicates Comrade Sanjeet alias Arjun Prasad Singh, and highlights their connection to the expelled central committee member, Comrade Balraj. The revelation of Darshan Pal's long-standing membership in the banned outfit raises concerns about Naxalism in Punjab.
10-Jan-2024
Protesters, including family members of alleged drug smuggler Sandeep Singh, who was killed in an encounter on January 9, blocked the old Talwandi Bhai-Zira Road, accusing the Special Task Force (STF) team of a 'fake' encounter, near Zira in Ferozepur district.
10-Jan-2024
In a joint operation, Delhi Police's Crime Branch and Special Cell on January 10 arrested a wanted criminal identified as Pratham Anand alias Tushar, from Zikapur in the Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district of Punjab. Anand had been evading arrest for four years and was a proclaimed offender in 10 cases, with involvement in 30 criminal cases. The arrest was carried out based on intelligence that Anand, associated with the Sanju Meharban gang, was hiding in Zirakpur near Chandigarh.
09-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 9 intercepted a drone, and in the early hours of January 10, they recovered two bags containing small packets of heroin, each weighing around 3 kg (totaling 6 kg of heroin), from near Majar Jamsher Pattan Dhani village in Fazilka district.
09-Jan-2024
According to reports, trade talks between Canada and India remain stalled, prompting the Indo-Canadian chambers of commerce to launch missions aimed at improving economic ties. The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) plans a delegation visit from January 29 to February 9, to bridge the gap and enhance trade relationships.
09-Jan-2024
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on January 9 asserted that Congress leader Jagdish Tytler instigated a mob during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, as part of its final arguments on the framing of charges against the Congress leader in the case in New Delhi. The CBI agency presented statements from four eyewitnesses before Special Judge Rakesh Sayal, indicating Tytler's involvement at the scene where three individuals were killed. Tytler is charged with rioting and murder, among other offenses. The CBI claimed that Tytler incited the mob at Gurdwara Pul Bangash, leading to the burning of the religious site and the death of three individuals. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on January 22.
09-Jan-2024
The Punjab Police's efforts to crack down on repeat drug traffickers through the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act have faced hindrances due to delays in granting sanctions by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice in Punjab. Approximately 60 proposals for the preventive detention of drug offenders, sent by the police, remain uncleared. Concerns about potential misuse and legal repercussions are cited as reasons for the delay. This delay raises questions about the effectiveness of the crackdown on drug trafficking in Punjab.
09-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 9 arrested one person, identified as Harpreet Singh and seized 1.50 kg of heroin and INR 3 lakh cash from his possession in the Mochi Bazar area of Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations revealed the involvement of Mandeep Singh, residing in the United States (US), who directed Harpreet to receive heroin from an unidentified person.
09-Jan-2024
Two wanted drug smugglers, identified as Sandeep Singh alias Soni and Sukhbir Singh alias Gora, were killed, and their accomplice Anmol Preet Singh alias Mola was injured in an encounter between the Special Task Force (STF) team at Talwandi Bhai road near Zira in the Ferozepur district on January 9. The police seized a consignment of heroin and arms from their possession. The incident unfolded when the STF attempted to intercept their car as the smugglers were en route to a drug deal in Zira, and they opened fire at the police. One STF head constable was also injured during the exchange of fire.
09-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on January 9 introduced a dress code for 'granthis' and 'raagis' serving in the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras. The dress code, in line with Sikh rehat maryada, emphasizes simplicity and traditional attire. SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the directive aims to address complaints about individuals modifying traditional clothing during 'Gurbani kirtan' performances in gurdwaras, ensuring adherence to Sikh traditions during religious duties.
09-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on January 9 recovered a packet containing 515 grams of heroin along with a drone, near Dal village in Tarn Taran. The recovered drone was a quadcopter -Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic, made in China.
08-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Harjinder Singh Dhami, Dhami on January 8 released the report of the inquiry committee of the SGPC, which states that Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann, who oversees the home department, is considered the main culprit responsible for the November 2023 police firing and the violation of Sikh religious conduct at Gurdwara Akal Bunga in Sultanpur Lodhi, Amritsar. The report alleges unnecessary police firing without warning disrupted an Akhand Path, and government officials, under pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) state government, did not cooperate with the inquiry.
08-Jan-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, through a video message on January 8 called for the shutdown of airports from Amritsar in Punjab to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh (UP) ahead of the January 22 Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), also urged Muslims to oppose the ceremony and carve out 'Urduistan' from India. Threatening global consequences, he called for Muslims to protest the event, which will be attended by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
08-Jan-2024
Nihang leader Baba Harjit Singh Rasulpur, on January 8, announced his plans to offer 'langar seva' to devotees worldwide who will be arriving for the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (UP) on January 22. Two trucks loaded with ration and essentials were dispatched from Chandigarh on January 8. Singh emphasized his forefathers' devotion to Lord Ram and expressed his view that the temple's construction is a victory for both Sanatan and Sikhism. He aims to celebrate the occasion by providing langar for everyone. Additionally, he will oversee the stay of dignitaries attending the Satsang in Ayodhya, with langar services commencing on January 14. This initiative aligns with Sikh traditions, promoting equality and unity.