KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
16-Jun-2023
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on June 16 instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over cases related to pro-Khalistan protests at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, United States (US), and the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada. The move follows previous directives to the NIA to investigate similar Khalistani protests in London, United Kingdom (UK), which revealed a potential connection with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The NIA had questioned Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh and associates in Dibrugarh jail in Assam over the London incident. The UMHA suspects that these protests in Canada, the UK, and the US may have been coordinated. The protests involved anti-India slogans, the display of Khalistani flags, and the throwing of grenades at the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, resulting in injuries to an Assistant Consular Officer. The NIA is expected to file fresh cases and conduct a comprehensive investigation into these incidents.
16-Jun-2023
The Nakodar Sardar Police on June 16, recommended Omkar Nath’s, a follower of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, arms licence for cancellation citing concerns of potential involvement in anti-social activities. The recommendation comes after verifying Nath's arms license and confirming his sympathy towards the ideology of Waris Punjab De (WPD). Nath owns a revolver, and his license is valid until June 2026.
16-Jun-2023
Acting Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh was resigned from the post and Giani Raghbir Singh was appointed as the new Jathedar on June 16. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee held on June 16. While the exact reasons for his resignation are unclear, reports suggest criticism from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for attending an engagement ceremony of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha may have played a role.
16-Jun-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on June 16, was granted visas for 205 pilgrims to travel to Pakistan in observance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary. The pilgrims are scheduled to leave on June 21 and will participate in events at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore.
16-Jun-2023
A member of the Davinder Bambiha gang, Jaswant Singh alias Jassa Hoshiarpuria, was arrested by the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police on June 16 from Tipra village near Banur, Panchkula district of Himachal Pradesh. One pistol along with five live cartridges were recovered from the accused. Preliminary investigations suggest that Jaswant Singh was involved in criminal activities targeting the Punjabi music industry, including extortion and posting threatening messages on social media.
15-Jun-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has called an emergency meeting on June 16 in Amritsar, and the agenda is rumoured to be either the appointment of a regular Jathedar for Akal Takht or finding a replacement for the current Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh. Giani Harpreet Singh has been holding the officiating charge since October 2018 and has been vocal about Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) deviation from Sikh affairs.
15-Jun-2023
Punjab Police on June 15 dismantled an international narco-terror module connected to Jammu and Kashmir by arresting five members of the module, identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Sajan, Rahul, Nikhil Kumar and Neeraj Jaswal of Amritsar, and Daljit Singh during a barricading operation near Naka Babri bypass in Gurdaspur district. The Police recovered INR 40-lakh drug money, 15 gm of heroin, one glock pistol along with its two magazines and eight live rounds, a pistol of .32 bore along with its magazine and 20 live rounds, four rounds of .11 bore, a Swift car, and a motorcycle.
15-Jun-2023
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, criticized Canada's stance on terrorism and human rights violations, suggesting it was driven by vote-bank politics rather than genuine concern. He referred to a recent Sikh rally in Canada where separatist sentiments and violence against India were displayed. Jaishankar highlighted the issue of providing space to extremists and separatists, urging Canada, the UK, and Australia to learn from history and avoid accommodating such elements.
15-Jun-2023
A Mohali court has allowed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to examine accused Nishan Singh of Tarn Taran and Amandeep Singh alias Sonu of Amritsar, in Faridkot and Sangrur jails in connection with the RPG attack on the Punjab Police’ Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali on May 9, 2022. The court directed the superintendents of both jails to allow NIA officials to examine the duo and provide appropriate place and facilities in that regard.
14-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 14 seized 2.6 kg of heroin on the outskirts of Maboke Village in Ferozepur district of Punjab.
14-Jun-2023
In a joint operation on June 14 by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, a drone was recovered around 9 am, on the outskirts of Dal village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. The recovered drone is a Quadcopter of model DJI Matrice 300 RTK series
14-Jun-2023
Three members of Waris Punjab De (WDP), Bhagwant Singh, Basant Singh and Kulwant Singh Rauke, on June 14 filed a petition in Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) challenging the charges under the National Security Act (NSA) filed against them by the Punjab Government.
14-Jun-2023
On June 14, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) shared photos of individuals believed to be involved in the violent demonstration at the Indian High Commission in London in March, orchestrated by Khalistan supporters. This action followed the NIA's release of CCTV footage the previous day, which depicted the moments leading up to the attack on the high commission by protesters aligned with the pro-Khalistani movement.
13-Jun-2023
According to sources, Amritpal Singh, the arrested leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), suffers from schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and also takes Fludac tablet. Sources also said that Amritpal has remained tight-lipped during interrogation by the police. Police are looking for Bikramjit Tarun Rathi, a close associate of Amritpal and the treasurer of WPD. Investigators are focusing on tracing the money trail connected to his separatist activities, suspecting funding from Sikh religious organizations and abroad. Additionally, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has questioned Amritpal and his associates regarding their involvement in the Khalistan-related violence outside the Indian High Commission in London. Sources also revealed that Amritpal was aided by one Nimrat Bajwa, a Sirsa-based businessman before his arrest. Punjab police is also inquiring about his whereabouts.
13-Jun-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in a charge sheet filed on March 25 against Canada-based Satinder Singh alias Goldy Brar and jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the details of which are emerging now, has linked Khalistanis and Gangsters to Nabha and Bargari Cases. According to the charge sheet, the Bargari agitation in 2015 and the Nabha jailbreak in 2016 brought together gangsters and Khalistanis in North India. The Jailbreak had led to the escape of terrorists Harminder Singh alias Mintoo , the chief of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and Kashmir Singh Galwandi (a KLF terrorist) and four gangsters. The NIA claims that this alliance, facilitated by Pakistan's spy agency, created a network involved in high-profile killings, drug smuggling, and arms trafficking. The Charge sheet also reveals that now deceased chief of KLF Harmeet Singh alias PhD was approached by gangster Dharminder Singh alias Gugn seeking weapons. Gugni supplied weapons to Hardeep Singh alias Shera and Ramandeep Singh alias Canadian, who carried out targeted killings. Their victims included Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja (vice president of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), Punjab, Shiv Sena leaders Durga Das Gupta and Amit Sharma, RSS leader Ravinder Gosain, and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda. The charge sheet also reveals connections between Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) leaders and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which spanned multiple states and facilitated criminal activities and the movement of funds. The investigation highlights the interplay between terrorism, organized crime, and foreign support, with funds being sent to countries like Canada, the US, Thailand, and Australia.
13-Jun-2023
Sarbat Khalsa-designated acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Dhian Singh Mand, on June 13 extended an invitation to Giani Harpreet Singh, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) appointed acting Jathedar, to come together for the betterment of the Sikh community. Mand expressed concern over divisions and the deteriorating state of Sikh leadership. In his letter, he emphasized the need to rise above differences and work unitedly.
13-Jun-2023
The Commissioner of Police (CP) Mandeep Singh Sidhu on June 13 revealed that the Police Commissionerate in Ludhiana has been undertaking a sustained campaign against drugs, gangsters and criminals. This campaign has led to the arrest of 519 smugglers in 405 cases registered under various sections of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of nearly 1 tonne of contraband, including 642 kg of poppy husk, 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 7 grams of LSD, and 14.5 kg of heroin. Other drugs seized include 243 kg of ganja, 51 kg of opium, 2 kg of hashish, and 25 grams of cocaine. The Police Commissionerate also arrested 158 wanted gangsters from 46 gangs, solved 75 cases, and cracked down on heinous crimes, including murder, kidnapping, and abduction. Additionally, they apprehended 256 proclaimed offenders and recovered stolen property worth Rs 11 crore, including 640 stolen vehicles, 1566 mobile phones, 3kg gold ornaments,2kg silver jewellery and 1.25 crore cash. The operation also targeted illegal gambling, resulting in the arrest of 354 gamblers and the seizure of Rs 41 lakh in cash.The police also arrested 347 liquor smugglers in 219 cases, seizing 76 liters of illicit liquor, 18,028 liters of liquor, 1,647 liters of beer, and 17,050 liters of lahan.
13-Jun-2023
Police on June 13 arrested a smuggler, identified as Gujral Singh, and recovered 6 kg heroin worth INR 3 crore from his possession in Kapurthala district.
13-Jun-2023
Police arrested two drug peddlers, Manoj Kumar and Raj Kumar alias Bardania along with 240 intoxicant tablets and 110 intoxicant capsules in Kapurthala district.
13-Jun-2023
The Khana police on June 13 arrested one suspected arms supplier, identified as Gagandeep Singh in Barnala district of Punjab. Police recovered three .32 bore pistols, one .32 bore revolver, and one country-made .315 bore weapon based on his disclosure. He was already facing trial in 39 cases, including two murder and fourteen attempt to murder charges. Gagandeep is believed to have connections with gangsters in different states and was involved in supplying weapons in Punjab.
12-Jun-2023
Documents have emerged exposing Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)'s involvement in plotting an attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders in New Delhi. The plan involved the participation of a Canada-based terrorist named Arshdeep and another associate affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It has been revealed that the ISI has established a dedicated desk called 'K2' to pursue their objectives related to "Kashmir and Khalistan".
12-Jun-2023
A Delhi court on June 12 rejected the transit remand request of two alleged operatives of the banned terrorist group Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) by Punjab Police. The court deemed the application to be belated, stating that it was filed late- at 11:55 am, it would not be possible to produce the accused before the Punjab court before 5 pm on the same day. The accused, Amritpal Singh alias Ammy, and Amrik Singh, allegedly associated with Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Dhalla, are already in judicial custody in a case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Punjab Police sought their remand in an extortion case registered in Jagraon, Punjab.
12-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on June 12 recovered a Pakistani drone near a Gurudwara in Shaidpur Kalan village in the Amritsar district. The drone was identified as a Quadcopter of model DJI Matrice 300 RTK series and was found in a broken condition based on specific intelligence inputs.
12-Jun-2023
Inspector General of Police (IGP)- Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill on June 12 disclosed that since the launch of their anti-drug smuggling operation in July 5, 2022, the Punjab Police have made significant progress in their anti-drug smuggling operations, resulting in the arrest of 14,952 drug smugglers and the seizure of 1,135.25 kg of heroin. They have registered 11,147 FIRs, including 1,313 related to commercial quantities of drugs. Cordon and search operations, as well as checkpoints, have been instrumental in seizing heroin within the state, while additional seizures of heroin have been made at seaports in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The police have also confiscated 731 kg opium, 840.76 kg ganja, 350.40 quintal of poppy husk, 62.49 lakh tablets/capsules/injections/vials of pharma opioids, cash of INR 11.83 crores from the drug smugglers during these 11 months. The IGP said that the police continue their efforts to combat the drug menace and have initiated measures to forfeit the properties of arrested drug smugglers.
12-Jun-2023
The Punjab Police's Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on June 12 arrested a close associate of gangster Goldy Brar, identified as Harpreet Singh Bhau of Dhapai village in Faridkot, Punjab in connection with the murder of Dera follower Pardeep Singh. Bhau is the twin brother of an accused in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. According to police, Bhau had been absconding since the killing of Pardeep Singh at his shop in Kotkapura town of Faridkot on November 10, 2022. Police have so far arrested 14 persons, including six assailants, in the case.