KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
05-Dec-2023
Punjab recorded the highest number of drug overdose deaths in India in 2022, with 144 fatalities, according to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report. Additionally, the state registered the third-highest number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with 12,442 cases. Punjab also reported the third-highest number of deaths in the country, with 90 fatalities attributed to the consumption of illicit or spurious liquor.
04-Dec-2023
The Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States (US), Jonathan Finer, met with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on December 4 in New Delhi. This marked the first meeting between Indian and US officials since US federal prosecutors accused an Indian official of plotting to kill a Khalistan separatist in the US. The visit included consultations with Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, focusing on a mid-term review of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). The Deputy NSAs expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaborations in areas such as semiconductors, quantum, AI, and defence innovation. They affirmed their commitment to expanding iCET to include biotechnology, critical minerals, digital connectivity, and advanced materials. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of easing regulations to facilitate high-tech collaborations and technology transfer.
04-Dec-2023
The Counter Intelligence (CI) unit of Bathinda Police on December 4 arrested two unidentified operatives of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for writing pro-Khalistan slogans in various places in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, in Bathinda in Punjab. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the arrests and mentioned that further investigation is underway.
04-Dec-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 4 intercepted and recovered a drone, along with a hold and release mechanism, from fields near Chan Kalan village in the Amritsar district.
04-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on December 4, in a joint search operation, recovered 300 grams of heroin in a plastic bottle with a ring and luminous stick attached to it on the outskirts of Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district.
03-Dec-2023
On December 3, an 'ardas' (prayer) for the release of Bandi Singhs and Waris Punjab De (WPD) head, Amritpal Singh, was held at Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo in the Bathinda district of Punjab. Amritpal Singh's mother expressed concerns about the unjust treatment of those who have completed their jail terms, calling for the release of individuals in Dibrugarh and other jails.
03-Dec-2023
Three people identified as Phool Chand, Arjinder Singh, and Harry were arrested on December 3 for writing pro-Khalistan slogans near Mata Chintpurni Temple in Himachal Pradesh's Una district, from Dhesiya and Surja villages in Jalandhar district of Punjab. The individuals received financial incentives, with INR 25,000 deposited from a foreign source, and further investigation is ongoing.
03-Dec-2023
According to reports, India is confronted with the challenge of skilfully managing its relations with the United States (US) following an incident where its Ambassador to the US was heckled by Khalistani supporters, and an Indian government employee, Nikhil Gupta, was implicated in an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has deemed the allegations concerning and contrary to government policy, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough examination of the matter. Diplomats and experts are recommending a careful and measured response to these incidents to ensure the maintenance of strong ties with the US.
03-Dec-2023
According to reports, an opium supplier based in Rajasthan is utilizing social media platforms to promise doorstep delivery of contraband. The supplier shares videos of opium preparation, which have been viewed by thousands. Undeterred by the law, the supplier quotes prices and provides delivery details through Facebook Messenger, demanding upfront payment for home delivery. Additionally, several Facebook pages have emerged, showcasing country-made weapons for sale. Taking note of this trend, the Ludhiana police emphasize the role of social media in facilitating illegal activities. The cyber wing is actively monitoring such profiles for verification and potential crackdowns.
03-Dec-2023
Jagtar Singh Tara, serving a life sentence for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, on December 3, was granted two hours of parole to attend his niece's wedding at the gurdwara in Dekwala village in Rupnagar district of Punjab. The Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed the 'in-custody parole.'
03-Dec-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on December 3 stated that the SGPC has decided not to withdraw the mercy petition for Balwant Singh Rajoana, seeking the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment. The SGPC executive appealed to Rajoana to abandon his hunger strike in Patiala jail.
02-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 2 recovered two Glock pistols made in Austria on the outskirts of Khalra village in Tarn Taran district.
02-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police’s special task force (STF) on December 2 arrested four unidentified drug smugglers and seized a small quantity of heroin and a Quadcopter DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from a house in Pakho Ke Talli village in Gurdaspur district.
02-Dec-2023
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on December 2 objected to the Pakistan Government's plan to allocate 60% of the historic Gurdwara Nankana Sahib's land to another trust. The land was originally donated by Rai Bular Bhatti, a contemporary of Guru Nanak Dev, for the Gurdwara. Dhami expressed deep concern, stating that Bhatti's descendants had informed them of the decision and urged Pakistan to preserve gurdwara properties.
02-Dec-2023
According to reports, juvenile crime rates are on the rise in India, with a notable increase in gang involvement among young individuals. Law enforcement attributes this trend to gangs exploiting vulnerable youth through peer pressure and socio-economic challenges. Recent police efforts have uncovered international crime syndicates, led by figures like Goldy Brar, recruiting juveniles for extortion and organized criminal activities. The syndicates target wealthy individuals, using juveniles for surveillance and intimidation. Meanwhile, there is a concerning surge in juvenile crimes reported nationally, with a focus on murder cases, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address the issue.
01-Dec-2023
The Union government defended its decision on December 1 to extend the Border Security Force (BSF) jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 to 50 km along the Indo-Pak border. The government cited concurrent jurisdiction and clarified that local police powers were not deprived. The Punjab Government, alleging a parallel jurisdiction impinging on state powers, argued that the exercise of authority was unreasonable. The Supreme Court, acknowledging Punjab's concerns, scheduled further hearings for January 2024, urging the parties to collaborate on the issues involved.
01-Dec-2023
The border district of Punjab is witnessing a concerning transformation in the narcotics landscape as drones from Pakistan deliver black tar heroin into agricultural fields near the international border. The rise of heroin, facilitated by drones, has replaced traditional narcotics like opium and poppy husk, leading to a surge in addiction among the region's youth. Official reports suggest that for every kilogram seized, a substantial amount goes unnoticed, posing a significant challenge to authorities in curbing the influx and distribution of heroin.
01-Dec-2023
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Amritsar Commissionerate police on December 1, arrested two operatives of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang along with their key associate, identified as Sarthak, Anmol Sharma, and Alatmis, and seized a car from their possession. Sarthak and Anmol were arrested from Zirakpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, and Alatmis was arrested from Samana in the Patiala district of Punjab.
01-Dec-2023
Jagtar Singh Hawara, serving a life sentence for the assassination of former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, was acquitted on December 1 in a case registered 18 years ago for charges of waging war against the nation by a local court in Chandigarh. The prosecution failed to prove the allegations, which included planning to wage war, conspiracy, and collecting arms for the formation of Khalistan.
01-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), on December 1, during a search operation, recovered a Chinese-made drone on the outskirts of Khalra village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic, a Made in China model.
01-Dec-2023
Sikh organizations worldwide have denounced the heckling of the Indian Ambassador to the United States (US), Taranjit Singh Sandhu, by a group of Khalistan sympathizers at a gurudwara in New York, US. Sikhs of America emphasized that gurudwaras are places of worship and should be free from personal political views, urging strict action against the miscreants. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DGMC) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the incident, stating that it tarnished the Sikh community's image. Ambassador Sandhu, a representative of the Sikh community on foreign soil, received support, with calls for gurdwaras to remain free from political disputes.
01-Dec-2023
The proposed site for the Sikh Museum and Heritage Centre in Kurukshetra, Haryana, has been changed due to opposition from local residents.
01-Dec-2023
According to reports, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director William Burns visited New Delhi in early August to discuss the alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US uncovered a conspiracy involving an Indian national hiring a hitman to assassinate Pannun, with the alleged involvement of an Indian government official.
30-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Harjinder Singh Dhami, on November 30 urged the Indian government to decide on the mercy petitions and release of Sikh prisoners, including death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana, in Amritsar, Punjab. Rajoana had written to the SGPC seeking the withdrawal of a mercy petition filed in 2012, threatening a hunger strike if not done by December 5.
30-Nov-2023
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on November 30, while addressing the media in New Delhi, expressed concern over the United States (US) federal prosecutors' accusations against an Indian intelligence official allegedly involved in a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Bagchi stated that the matter goes against the Indian government's policy, emphasizing the seriousness of the nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremism at an international level.