KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Nov-2023
Gokul Setia, the 34-year-old grandson of former Haryana Home Minister Laxman Das Arora, approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court expressing concerns about threats to his life from the Bambiha group in Chandigarh. He sought directions from the court for security measures for his family. Setia, a politician from Sirsa, cited information from the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) about a plot targeting him. He had previously received security after Punjab Police acknowledged the threat in February.
12-Nov-2023
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on November 12 instructed Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) officials to expedite the decision on Balwant Singh Rajoana's mercy plea. Rajoana, a death row convict in the assassination case of former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, had earlier urged the Akal Takht to direct Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to withdraw the mercy plea, threatening a hunger strike.
12-Nov-2023
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on November 12, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, called for unity among Sikh organizations to secure the release of individuals who have served their prison terms (Bandi Singhs). He emphasized the lack of government efforts in this regard.
11-Nov-2023
On November 11, the eve of Bandi Chhor Divas, Sikh Youth of Punjab activists held prayers at Sachkhand Darbar Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab, praying for the well-being, high spirits, and freedom of the Bandi Singhs. They carried placards with pictures of Jaggi Johal, Sandeep Singh Sunny, and Amritpal Singh, urging their release. The youth organization vowed to continue their democratic struggle against what they perceived as the government's injustice towards Sikh political prisoners, emphasizing the prisoners' right to be released after completing their sentences.
11-Nov-2023
According to sources, Pakistani smugglers are utilizing sophisticated drones to transport narcotics into India, leading to the recovery of 82 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 593 drone sightings along the India-Pakistan border since 2019 by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police. Central agencies suspect that these UAVs are used to finance and supply weapons to pro-Khalistan entities on the Indian side. Recent seizures include substantial quantities of heroin, RDX, IEDs, firearms, and cash. The Indian security establishment alleges a nexus between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), narco-terrorism networks, and cross-border linkages, with evidence pointing to their collaboration.
11-Nov-2023
Members of the 1984 Sikh Katle Aam Peerat Welfare Society, having failed to meet Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on November 11, met Akal Takht Jathedar Raghbir Singh in Amritsar, Punjab. They urged the Jathedar to press the government for their demands, including increasing widow pensions to INR 10,000 per month, 5% job reservation for anti-Sikh riot victims, and the allocation of booths and houses, as directed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
11-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) is receiving support from residents, especially farmers, in combating drug smuggling along the India-Pakistan border, according to Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, the Special Director General of BSF's Western Command. An awareness campaign initiated by the force in Punjab's border areas has yielded positive results, with local residents, particularly farmers, providing information about suspicious contraband activities.
11-Nov-2023
Police on November 11 arrested three drug peddlers, identified as Jobanjit Singh alias Joban, Lovepreet Singh alias Love and Gurjant Singh, and seized 51 grams of heroin along with two electronic scales and a motorcycle from their possession in Chheharta in Amritsar district.
10-Nov-2023
The Lucknow Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (LGPC) on November 10 denounced the terror threat on flights made by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. They expressed concerns that Pannun may be serving divisive political interests, contending that his rhetoric aims to tarnish the reputation of Sikhs globally, despite their commendable contributions through sewa (selfless service).
10-Nov-2023
On November 10, during the 2+2 ministerial meeting in New Delhi, India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra expressed serious concerns to the United States (US) about the heightened activities of pro-Khalistani extremists in Canada.
10-Nov-2023
During his meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on November 10, United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged India to collaborate with Canada's investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Blinken emphasized the importance of both nations working together to address differences during the 2+2 summit between the US and India.
10-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on November 10, filed a third charge sheet at a Delhi court in the case related to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror network. The charge sheet names Darman Singh alias Darmanjot Kahlon, Parveen Wadhwa alias Prince, Yudhvir Singh alias Sadhu, and Vikas Singh. It includes details about the accused individuals' involvement in terror-related activities. The total number of accused persons charged in the case has now reached 21.
10-Nov-2023
Police on November 10 arrested three associates of the Bambiha gang, identified as Jagjeet Singh, Anmol Singh and Manpreet Singh, and seized two illegal weapons, including a .32-bore pistol and a .30-bore pistol, apart from 10 live cartridges and a motorcycle from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The arrested individuals were working on the instructions of gangster Lucky Patial, operating the gang from Armenia.
10-Nov-2023
According to reports, the United Kingdom's (UK) decision to add India to its 'safe states' list and restrict asylum rights for illegal migrants is not expected to significantly impact the Doaba region in Punjab, known for extensive migration. Travel agents note that the trend of seeking asylum in the UK has decreased over the years, with the United States (US) and Canada becoming preferred options. Recent data shows a higher number of Indians crossing the US borders illegally compared to those seeking refuge in the UK.
10-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 10 recovered a Chinese-made drone from the compound of a house in Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district, based on specific information during a search operation.
10-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 10 filed a supplementary charge sheet in the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) case before a special court in Delhi, implicating individuals identified as Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amrik Singh, both of whom were deported from the Philippines. The charge sheet also named Jassa Singh and Gagandeep Singh alias Mithi. According to the charge sheet, the Canada-based gangster and Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, along with Manpreet Singh, orchestrated recruitment, targeted killings, and extortion to raise funds for KTF. Investigations revealed a systematic channeling of extortion funds abroad, primarily aimed at fuelling terrorist activities in India. KTF operatives were found to be involved in arms and explosives smuggling through drones.
09-Nov-2023
The chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, while speaking to CTV News, denied making violent threats to travellers, attributing it to an Indian disinformation campaign. However, Canadian authorities remain tight-lipped, investigating online threats without confirming any action. Pannun had earlier issued threats urging travellers not to fly on Air India on November 19, 2023.
09-Nov-2023
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, on November 9 strongly condemned the threats against Air India flights made by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and emphasized India's commitment to urging foreign governments to deny space to such elements.
09-Nov-2023
Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, on November 9 instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to expedite efforts for the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana and other Sikhs imprisoned after completing their sentences, in Amritsar, Punjab. He emphasized the implementation of the Panj Singh Sahibs' 2012 directive, urging the SGPC to mobilize Sikh organizations, Sangat, and various sects to strategize and work towards the release. Giani Raghbir Singh criticized the government for not meeting the constitutional demands during a signature campaign for Rajoana's release and called for swift action to address Sikh sentiments. The SGPC's campaign, seeking the release of Sikh political prisoners known as 'Bandi Singhs,' has faced obstacles, as its signature campaign with 26 lakh global signatories has not resulted in an audience with the President of India.
09-Nov-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on November 9 expressed 'grave concern' over the interview of alleged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi by a news channel in Chandigarh. The court emphasized the need to identify and take action against the officers who permitted or facilitated the interview.
08-Nov-2023
According to sources, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invoked emergency powers to block apps, websites, and social media accounts affiliated with UK-based Punjab Politics TV, linked to the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The action was taken in response to intelligence inputs indicating attempts to disrupt public order during state assembly elections. It was executed under IT Rules due to content promoting communal disharmony and separatism, posing threats to India's sovereignty and public order. The government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the nation's information environment and preventing actions that undermine sovereignty.
08-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 8 froze assets worth INR 1,34,12,000 belonging to Amritpal Singh, a charge-sheeted accused in a case involving the recovery of 102.784 kg of heroin valued at approximately INR 700 crores in Amritsar, Punjab. The case, initially registered by Indian Customs, revealed a smuggling network orchestrated by Dubai-based accused Shahid Ahmed, involving Afghan-based co-accused Nazir Ahmed Qani and Delhi-based accused Razi Haider Zaidi.
08-Nov-2023
Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, on November 8 directed all Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to develop an Action Plan against organized crime, drug trafficking, and stubble burning via a video conference meeting. During the meeting, the DGP emphasized collaboration with the Civil Administration to prevent stubble burning, which necessitates daily meetings with District Magistrates.
08-Nov-2023
Harjinder Singh Dhami on November 8 was elected as president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the third consecutive term in Amritsar. During the election session, Dhami secured 118 out of 137 votes, with the opposition candidate, Balbir Singh Ghunas, receiving 17 votes.
08-Nov-2023
The general house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 8 passed resolutions in Amritsar, Punjab, urging India and Canada to improve relations amid a diplomatic row. The resolution on India-Canada relations expressed concern about the hate propaganda faced by Sikhs and Punjabis, calling for serious consideration from both governments. The SGPC also addressed issues such as the release of Sikh prisoners, opposition to the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, and the simplification of voter registration processes.