KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
21-Sep-2023
The Punjab & Haryana High Court (HC) on September 21 expressed concern over the increasing death rate due to drug overdose and directed authorities to take necessary actions, based on a report presented by the Punjab government before it, which reported 266 deaths in the state from April 2020 to March 2023 due to drug overdoses.
21-Sep-2023
The Ferozepur Police arrested three individuals, identified as Baljinder Kumar, Sajan, and Samual, and seized eight pistols and six rounds from their possession in Bajidpur village in Ferozepur district on September 21. The investigation revealed that Samual had travelled to Khandwa village in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where he acquired eight illegal weapons based on information provided by Amandeep and Vishal, who are currently in Ferozepur Central Jail. Another accomplice, Rajinder Kumar, was involved in providing funds for these weapons but remains at large.
21-Sep-2023
Punjab gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar's gang claimed responsibility for the killing of gangster Sukhdool Singh alias Sukha Duneke, on September 21 in Winnipeg, Manitoba province, Canada, in a social media post. In the same post, Bishnoi also alleged that Sukha Duneke was responsible for three murders in Punjab, those of Gurlal Brar, Sandeep Nangal Ambian, and Vicky Middukhera. However, these claims have not yet been confirmed by any investigating agencies.
21-Sep-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 21 released pictures of 10 individuals accused of being involved in the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States, in March 2023. The agency is soliciting information from the public to assist in identifying and apprehending these suspects. The attack included pro-Khalistani entities trespassing into the consulate, attempting to set it on fire, raising Khalistani flags, damaging the building, and assaulting officials. The NIA registered the case in June and conducted an investigation in San Francisco, US, in August.
21-Sep-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and Member of Parliament (MP), Sukhbir Singh Badal, had a meeting with Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah in New Delhi on September 21. He conveyed concerns from Punjabis in Canada regarding the strained India-Canada relations and emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the situation to address the growing panic among the Indian-origin community in Canada.
21-Sep-2023
The assistant of Bijayanat Jay Panda, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national vice president, on September 21 received a threatening call, which referenced the murder of Odisha Minister Naba Das, in New Delhi. Panda filed a complaint with the Delhi police for investigation. The threat followed Panda's tweet suggesting an online referendum on Quebec independence in response to Canada's support for pro-Khalistan separatists and proposing a reciprocal approach in supporting Quebec's independence movement.
21-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 21 launched a major operation to crack down on gangs associated with gangster Goldy Brar, in Punjab. This action follows the release of names by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) of over 50 individuals who are either based in India or have fled to Canada or other nations. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tarsem Masih, raids were conducted at more than 1,000 locations in Punjab to apprehend these gang members, with the directive from Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to eliminate gangster-related elements from the state. Multiple areas, particularly in the Tarn Taran district, are currently being targeted in these raids.
21-Sep-2023
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau in Parliament on September 21. He alleged that money from Canadians involved in the narcotics trade in Punjab is being funnelled into Trudeau's party, leading him to make statements against India. Bittu expressed support for India's foreign policy stance and condemned Trudeau's comments linking Indian agents to the killing of a Canadian Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He also mentioned the presence of wanted individuals from Punjab in Canada and criticized Canada for providing refuge to them.
21-Sep-2023
The Government of India on September 21 issued an advisory to private television channels, urging them to avoid interviewing individuals linked to terrorism. The advisory was issued after a private channel invited Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). This advisory comes amid strained relations between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The advisory highlights the need to adhere to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) (CTN) Act and Article 19 (2) of the Constitution to safeguard India's sovereignty, integrity, and security.
21-Sep-2023
According to sources, several individuals involved in criminal and terrorist activities in India have sought refuge in Canada since the late 1980s. Among them are Tehal Singh Tut, Gurwant Singh alias Gurpratap alias Bath, Malkiat Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, and Gurjit Singh, all of whom fled to Canada using fake passports. Additionally, seven most-wanted gangsters, including Sukha Duneke (now deceased), Goldy Brar, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, Charanjit Singh alias Rinku Randhawa, Rurpinder Singh alias Baba Dalla, Ramandeep Singh alias Rama Judge, and Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, have been operating from Canada, engaging in criminal and anti-India activities. Some of them have been radicalized by the Pakistan-based mastermind Harvinder Singh alias Rinda. Canada has recognized Goldy Brar as a threat to peace in the country, and several other gangsters of Punjabi origin are also among the 25 most wanted gangsters in Canada.
21-Sep-2023
Gangster Sukhdool Singh alias Sukha Duneke, who was shot dead on September 21 in Winnipeg, Canada, received no mourning in his Duneke village in Moga district of Punjab. His family members in Canada remained tight-lipped, with his mother and sister settled there, while his paternal uncles live in the village in Punjab. Sukha came from a prosperous farming family, owned 15 acres of land, and had left India in 2017 using a fake passport, leaving behind several pending cases against him, including over 20 at the time of his death.
20-Sep-2023
India on September 20 issued travel advisories to its citizens. India's travel advisory advises all Indian nationals in Canada and those considering travel to be extremely cautious due to the increasing presence of anti-India activities, politically-tolerated hate crimes, and criminal violence. It further notes that threats have been directed at Indian diplomats and members of the Indian community who oppose anti-India activities. Indian students and nationals in Canada were urged to be cautious due to deteriorating security conditions, with the advisory also emphasizing that students must register with the Indian high commission or consulates for emergency communication.
20-Sep-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 20 released details of 43 most-wanted criminals, many of whom are associated with gangster-terror networks having links to Canada or the Khalistan movement. The NIA posters featured pictures and names of individuals such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Jasdeep Singh, Kala Jatheri alias Sandeep, Virender Pratap alias Kala Rana, and Joginder Singh. Other individuals on the list include Rajesh Kumar, alias Raju Mota, Raj Kumar alias Raju Basodi, Anil Chippi, Mohammad Shahbaz, Goldy Brar, Ansari, Sachin Thapan Bishnoi, Anmol Bishnoi, Vikramjit Singh alias Vikram Brar, Darman Singh alias Darmanjot Kahlon, Arshdeep Singh Gill, Surender Singh alias Chiku, Dalip Kumar alias Bhola, Parveen Wadhwa alias Prince, Yudhveer Singh, Vikas Singh, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, Gaurav Patyal alias Saurav Thakur, Sukhpreet Singh alias Budda, Amit Dagar, Kaushal Choudhary, Asif Khan, Naveen Dabas alias Naveen Bali, Chhotu Ram alias Bhat, Jagseer Singh alias Jagga, Sunil Balvan alias Tillu Tajpuria, Bhupinder Singh alias Bhupi Rana, Sandeep alias Bandar, Sukhdool Singh, Gurpinder Singh, Neerai alias Pandi, Daler Singh, Dinesh Sharma, Manprit Singh Peeta, Hariom alias Titu, Harpreet, Lakhveer Singh, Irfan alias Chhenu Pehalwan, and Sunny Dagar.
20-Sep-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 20 announced a reward of INR 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the listed Khalistani terrorists Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, and Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. Additionally, a reward of INR 5 lakh was announced for information leading to the arrest of three associates of these terrorists, Parminder Singh Kaira alias Pattu, Satnam Singh alias Satbir Singh alias Satta, and Yadvinder Singh alias Yadda. This announcement is part of NIA's intensified efforts to apprehend Khalistani terrorists who are promoting the activities of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
20-Sep-2023
The online ticketing platform BookMyShow on September 20 announced the cancellation of the upcoming India tour of Shubhneet Singh, a Canadian singer-rapper alias Shubh. This decision followed a significant social media outcry demanding the cancellation of his shows due to accusations of his association with Khalistani groups.
20-Sep-2023
According to an insider source, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly receiving inaccurate information from Canadian intelligence agencies concerning the Khalistan issue. This misleading information is contributing to the strained relationship between the two nations.
20-Sep-2023
The United States (US) ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, at an event held at the Ananta Centre in New Delhi, on September 20 expressed his significant concern regarding the allegations levelled against India by Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau and stressed the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation. He also urged the Indian government to collaborate with this investigation.
20-Sep-2023
According to senior officials, following a meeting of senior foreign ministry and national security officials on September 20 in New Delhi, the Indian government is likely to respond to the allegations made against India by Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau by requesting that Canada provide evidence to substantiate its claims. India is also expected to offer cooperation in the investigation based on the evidence presented and to reach out to its Western allies to refute the allegations while highlighting Canada's tolerance of separatists. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is likely to clarify India's stance during his upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly and a possible bilateral visit to Washington, D.C. in the United States (US).
20-Sep-2023
Chief Judicial Magistrate's court, on September 20, granted bail to Shamsher Singh, who was convicted of assassinating former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, in Chandigarh. This decision follows the release on bail of two other convicts, Lakhwinder Singh and Gurmeet Singh, in compliance with a Punjab and Haryana High Court order.
20-Sep-2023
A Delhi court on September 20 acquitted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in a case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, citing the 'benefit of doubt.' The court also acquitted two other accused individuals, Ved Prakash Pial and Brahmanand Gupta, due to the prosecution's failure to prove charges of murder and rioting against them. The case involved the killing of Sikh man Surjit Singh during the riots in Sultanpuri. Sajjan Kumar is currently serving time in Tihar jail after being convicted in another case connected to the same riots.
20-Sep-2023
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) vice-president Baijayant Panda, in New Delhi, on September 20 made a tongue-in-cheek remark suggesting that India should facilitate an online referendum on Quebec independence as a gesture of gratitude for Canada allowing Khalistani separatists to operate on its soil. The Quebec independence movement seeks autonomy for Quebec from Canada and, while it has encountered resistance, it remains a significant issue in Canadian politics. Trudeau's support for Khalistani sympathizers has strained India-Canada relations, and his declining popularity in Canada is a concern for his government's stability. Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province in Canada with a history of advocating for independence.
19-Sep-2023
Amritsar Police on September 19 busted a cross-border heroin smuggling module based in Pakistan, arresting one of its members, Gurjit Singh along with INR 13.5 lakh in drug money, 850 grams of heroin, and a car in Cheecha village in Amritsar district. Investigations revealed that the operation was orchestrated by jailed drug smuggler Gurwinder Singh alias Mehak, from Kapurthala Central Jail. Gurjit admitted to smuggling approximately 40 kg of heroin in the past month. He received heroin supplies from an unidentified source in Pakistan and transported them through various means, including the riverine route and drones. Gurjit also confessed to collaborating with Pakistani smugglers and using hawala networks to transfer proceeds, raising concerns of potential terror funding.
19-Sep-2023
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on September 19 rejected the allegations by the Canadian Prime Minister (PM), Justin Trudeau, regarding India’s involvement in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. The MEA labelled these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated," emphasizing India's commitment to the rule of law. India also expressed concerns about Canada's sheltering of Khalistani terrorists and urged Canada to take legal action against anti-India elements operating on its soil. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) in India had banned KTF, citing its intent to revive terrorism in Punjab and challenge India's territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty. Furthermore, an Interpol Red Corner Notice had been issued against Nijjar in 2016. In 2018, local Surrey police briefly placed Nijjar under house arrest due to suspicions of his involvement in terrorism, but he was subsequently released.
19-Sep-2023
According to reports, Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and the murder of the deceased Khalistani terrorist and chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have posed a significant diplomatic challenge for India. The issue of Khalistan has long strained bilateral relations, and the current situation has the potential to impact India-Canada ties and trade. Moreover, there is concern about the reputational cost on the global stage for India. Trudeau has called for India's cooperation in the investigation, but India has not yet responded to this request. Responses from strategic partners like the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Australia will depend on the quality of evidence presented regarding the allegations. Trudeau's upcoming meetings in New York and the exchange of information will be closely watched, while India awaits further details and considers the potential impact on its international standing.
19-Sep-2023
Trade talks between India and Canada have been disrupted due to Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of a Khalistani separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has the potential to boost two-way trade by up to USD 6.5 billion. Canada is a significant foreign investor in India, with Canadian pension funds heavily invested in Indian markets. The deteriorating relations could also have economic implications for Sikh families in India's Punjab state who have relatives in Canada and rely on remittances. Additionally, India is the largest source of international students in Canada, contributing significantly to the education sector.