KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
11-Jul-2023
Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on July 11 arrested a key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Randhir Singh alias Commando alias Fauji and recovered a pistol and ten live cartridges from him in an unspecified location in Punjab. According to Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, Singh had been assigned by his handlers to target specific individuals and assist in the escape of a jailed associate during court appearances. With this arrest, potential sensational crimes in Punjab and Haryana have been averted.
11-Jul-2023
Delhi Police’s Special Cell on July 11 arrested a gangster, identified as Rohit Sharma alias Anna, and recovered a 32-bore pistol and 4 live cartridges from him
11-Jul-2023
The United States (US) Ambassador Eric Garcetti, on July 11 met with Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and national security. The meeting aimed to build upon the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US. The discussion gains significance in light of recent attacks by pro-Khalistan activists on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, US.
11-Jul-2023
Two members of the Bambiha gang, identified as Surinder Lal alias Rahul and Surinder Pal, were arrested by the Faridkot police after an encounter near Bir Sikhan Wala village Kot Kapura Tehsil in Faridkot district of Punjab on July 11. During the encounter, one of the criminals sustained a gunshot injury in the leg. According to Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harjeet Singh, the arrested individuals were involved in an extortion racket and linked to a recent firing incident in Jaitu town in Faridkot district of Punjab. They were acting on the instructions of gangster Deepak Maan, another member of the Bambiha gang known for making extortion threats in the area.
11-Jul-2023
The Amritsar Police on July 11 arrested three gangsters, identified as Paramdilip Singh alias Pamma alias Sukhchain Singh, Abhishek Mahajan, and Sonu Goswam and recovered Two 9-mm and .32 bore pistols, a motorcycle, a jammer and a mobile phone from Kosi Kalan area in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh (UP). According to police, the accused were getting financial and other aid from two Australia-based entities, who were identified as Ankush Kumar, alias Bahman, and Rittik Rally.
10-Jul-2023
According to sources, Indian security officials suspect that Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the slain Khalistani terrorist, was involved in the killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik, an ex-Khalistani who was accused of masterminding the 1985 Air India bombing. Nijjar had an alliance with Punjab gangster Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, who fled to Canada and worked as a muscleman for Nijjar. Both Nijjar and Malik were targeted in gangland-style killings, highlighting the involvement of Canadian gangsters, many of whom are from the Punjabi diaspora. The presence of gangsters and the turning of a blind eye to Khalistani activities in Canada by local authorities due to vote bank politics pose a danger of Khalistan gaining traction there. The narco-terror nexus involving Punjab gangsters and Khalistani elements in Canada exacerbates the situation, the report added.
10-Jul-2023
Amritpal Singh, a Pro-Khalistan activist and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), along with Harjit Singh, Sarabjeet Singh Kalsi, and Varinder Singh Fauji, on July 10 approached Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) to challenge the order by the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner (DC) that denied them the right to consult and be defended by a lawyer of their choice.
10-Jul-2023
Giani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht on July 10, in Amritsar, expressed significant worry about the flood-like conditions in the state of Punjab. He has called upon the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and all Sikh organizations to provide assistance to the individuals affected by the heavy rains.
09-Jul-2023
In a joint operation, the Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) on July 9 recovered a Pakistani drone from Kakkar village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district. The recovered drone is an assembled Quadcopter.
09-Jul-2023
Former Indian Ambassador Anil Trigunayat on July 9 highlighted that the low turnout at the anti-India rallies is a setback for Khalistani extremists and separatists who have been making threats against Indian diplomats and engaging in anti-India activities. He urged foreign countries to prohibit seditious activities if they intend to uphold a strategic partnership and maintain a special relationship with India.
09-Jul-2023
Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), on July 9 issued a statement alleging the misuse of her photographs to create fake profiles on social media platforms. She expressed concern that these fraudulent accounts are disseminating false information and promoting hatred and conflict.
08-Jul-2023
On July 8, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh kick-started a campaign against drugs from Roungla village in Patiala tehsil of Patiala district.
08-Jul-2023
Three gangsters, identified as Manraj Singh, Navjot Singh and Ravinder Singh were arrested by the police following an encounter in Bhilowal village near Chabbewal town in Hoshiarpur district on July 8. The police recovered three 7.65 mm pistols from the arrested suspects, who were allegedly working for Balwinder Singh alias Binder, residing in the United States (US).
08-Jul-2023
The executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on July 8, rejected the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) put forth by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Central Government. The SGPC has formed a sub-committee consisting of Sikh intellectuals, historians, scholars, and lawyers to examine the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and after an initial review, the sub-committee has disapproved of the proposed code.
08-Jul-2023
India requested enhanced security measures for 11 missions and consulates located in Australia, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Europe due to potential threats arising from planned Pro-Khalistani rallies on July 8. Although no incidents were reported during the scheduled protests, India continues to prioritize strong security measures to address future threats. Indian missions in various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, the US, and the UK, have been placed on high alert. Specific missions in London (UK), Frankfurt (Germany), New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Washington DC in the US, as well as Vancouver and Ottawa in Canada, have also been notified.
07-Jul-2023
The Border Security Forces (BSF) on July 7 successfully intercepted a Pakistani drone that violated Indian airspace near Pallopati village in Tarn Taran sector, in Tarn Taran district. The BSF successfully recovered the drone - a Quadcopter of model - DJI Matrice 350 RTK series – which was suspected to be carrying narcotics.
07-Jul-2023
According to reports, growing concerns arise as pro-Khalistan separatists plan rallies targeting Indian diplomatic missions and diplomats in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia. Indian officials have engaged in discussions with counterparts in these countries to enhance security measures. The alarming nature of the threats, including attacks, arson attempts, and vandalism, highlights an escalation in separatist activity overseas. It is crucial for the concerned countries to prioritize the protection of Indian diplomatic interests, investigate, and prevent potential acts of violence. Cooperation, information sharing, and discussions on solutions are essential to address the rising violence by these groups.
07-Jul-2023
At a meeting held in Hyderabad on June 7, the Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval urged his United Kingdom (UK) counterpart, Sir Tim Barrow, to take strong public action, such as deportation or legal prosecution, against pro-Khalistan extremist elements who have threatened Indian officials. The concerns arose after posters for the rallies singled out Indian diplomats in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the United States (US) as targets, which were uploaded on Twitter. Both countries have agreed to collaborate closely on counterterrorism, terror financing, and counter-radicalization.
07-Jul-2023
Intelligence sources expressed growing concern over the increasing collaboration between Khalistani groups and gangsters in the United Kingdom (UK). According to these sources, there is a noticeable trend where gangsters are becoming part of the terrorist ecosystem and are being utilized by terror groups to target vulnerable locations. Sources reveal that gangsters are operating on behalf of terrorist groups in Dubai, Pakistan, and Khalistani groups in the UK. According to investigations conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and federal agencies, Khalistani groups like the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) have established connections with gangsters such as Arsh Dalla, Goldy Brar, and Lawrence Bishnoi. These groups have been involved in targeted killings, including the killing of Pradeep Kumar, a follower of Dera Sacha Sauda. Gangsters have fled to countries like Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, and Australia, where they plan and finance criminal activities using methods like Hawala and extortion. Federal agencies have conducted raids, filed cases against Hawala operators, and targeted various individuals and entities involved in financing, weapons supply, logistics, and social media management. It has been revealed that funds collected for gurdwaras and langars are being diverted towards criminal activities. Young individuals born after 1984 are being utilized for these operations, with handlers based in the UK or Pakistan.
07-Jul-2023
National Sikh conclave which was held on July 7 in Delhi, formed an 11-member committee to engage with the government regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to protect Sikh rights and practices. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President Harmit Singh Kalka and DSGMC general secretary Jagdip Singh Kahlon emphasized the need to review the UCC draft before deciding to support or oppose it.
07-Jul-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 7 acknowledged the severity of the drug problem in Punjab and Haryana, emphasizing the need for strong action against it as youth are increasingly becoming victims.
07-Jul-2023
Police arrested a woman, identified as Gurdeep Kaur along with 73 grams of intoxicants during a routine checking operation near Kalewal Lallian village in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab on July 7.
07-Jul-2023
The Model Town police arrested two smugglers, identified as Pawan Kumar Handa and Avinash Kumar alias Abhi, and seized 650 intoxicating pills from them near Model Town in Hoshiarpur district on July 7.
07-Jul-2023
Bullowal police arrested a person, identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Kaka, and recovered 27 grams of intoxicant powder from him near Bulhowal village in Hoshiarpur district on July 7.
07-Jul-2023
The police arrested Raja alias Rahul, a proclaimed offender (PO) wanted in a case of drug peddling registered in 2019, who was absconding for the past six days near Mohalla Bhag Wala village in Jalandhar district.