KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
25-May-2023
Police arrested two youths, identified as Gurinder Singh and Ranjan Singh and recovered 14 grams of heroin from them in Mohali on May 25.
25-May-2023
A Facebook post from gangster Davinder Bambiha on May 25 claimed responsibility for the killing of gangster Jarnail Singh in Amritsar. The post alleges Jarnail's links to other gangsters and states that he was not part of the Gopi Ghanshampuria gang. Jarnail, a member of the Gopi Ghanshampuria gang according to the police, was shot dead by four assailants in his village. The investigation into the motive behind Jarnail's murder is ongoing.
25-May-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and his immediate family members have been provided 'Z-plus' category security cover by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) following a threat assessment report. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be responsible for the CM's security, with a team of 55 armed personnel assigned to the task.
25-May-2023
The Sadar police arrested two individuals, identified as Sukhmandeep Singh and Jagsir Singh, and seized 500 gm of opium from them on Thandewala Road in Muktsar in Sri Muktsar Sahib district on May 25.
24-May-2023
According to reports, the recent arrest of Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, a drug smuggler who used drones to fetch drugs from Pakistan, has raised concerns among security agencies about the practice of 'reverse drone sorties'. Smugglers purchase drones from New Delhi and send them to Pakistan to collect drugs, displaying their audacity in carrying out such activities. Lakha, arrested in Amritsar, claimed it was his first time using a drone, but the police suspected otherwise. This incident reignites worries after a previous case of drone sorties for drug smuggling was busted in 2020.
24-May-2023
Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik seeks support from Akal Takht Jathedar for wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. She met with Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and shared the reasons for the protest and the demands of the wrestlers. Malik requested an appeal from the Sikh community to gather more support. Jathedar Harpreet Singh urged the Central Government to take the wrestlers' demands seriously.
24-May-2023
A gangster, identified as Jarnail Singh was shot dead by four armed assailants in broad daylight at Sathiala village in Beas sub-division, Amritsar district on May 24. Jarnail was out on bail at the time of the incident. The police suspect gang rivalry or personal enmity as possible motives for the killing.
24-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 24 apprehended a Pakistani intruder named Mohammad Sohail in Amritsar sector in Amritsar. Sohail was caught entering Indian territory without any documents.
24-May-2023
According to reports, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) attempts to activate a narco-terror network in Punjab, India using drones and sea routes. Recent interceptions of drones carrying narcotics on the Punjab border highlight the preference for this method of smuggling. The rise in drone activity has prompted the involvement of locals and the implementation of security measures, such as Village Defence Committees. The Punjab Police emphasizes the need for coordination and proactive policing to counter this emerging threat, including the installation of CCTV cameras in border villages.
24-May-2023
According to reports, Punjab has become a leader in combating rogue drones and smuggling activities, outperforming Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) urged J&K's security grid to learn from Punjab's anti-drone mechanisms. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Army's strategies were praised during a meeting attended by top officials. Punjab's success can be attributed to experimental anti-drone devices, expert officers, and improved coordination with Punjab Police.
23-May-2023
The special task force (STF) of Punjab Police on May 23 arrested a wanted accused, identified as Lakbhir Singh alias Lakha along with a Chinese-made drone, 1.6 kg of heroin, a pistol, and a rifle in Amritsar. Lakbhir Singh confessed to smuggling drugs and weapons and revealed his connections with Pakistani smugglers. The drone was used for bringing goods from Pakistan.
23-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on May 23 left for London to investigate a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian High Commission on March 19. One staffer was allegedly attacked and the mission's property was damaged in the incident. The Indian government raised concerns about the misuse of UK's asylum status by pro-Khalistan elements during the India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue. The NIA team will gather CCTV footage, examine the crime scene, and record statements from senior officials. The attack is believed to have a terror link involving Pakistan's ISI, prompting the transfer of the case from Delhi Police to NIA.
23-May-2023
According to reports, in an attempt to disrupt the G20 Summit in Srinagar, Pakistani terror outfits, pro-Khalistan entities, and Canadian leaders were found to be creating anti-India sentiments to influence global leaders. The United Jihad Council (UJC) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) held a meeting, led by Syed Salahuddin and Hizbul Mujahideen leaders, to highlight the "Kashmir issue" before the international community. Separatist leaders and Pakistan-based lobbyists used social media platforms and fake accounts to shape global opinion. Pro-Khalistan entities in the UK and Canada also aimed to exert political pressure against the summit. Despite these efforts, the stringent security measures in place have prevented any reported incidents.
23-May-2023
Charge sheet was filed against Amritpal Singh's associates, in a case against Amritpal Singh, by Khilchian Police in the Baba Bakala court in Amritsar district on May 23. The next court appearance for the individuals is scheduled for May 29.
23-May-2023
For the first time in the last 10 years, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) has not sent any visa requests to the Pakistan embassy for Jathas that visit the neighbouring country to observe the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of Sikhs. Pakistan has been denying visas to SGPC-planned jathas due to a dispute over the Nanakshahi calendar. The SGPC observes the martyrdom day according to the amended calendar, while the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee follows the 2003 version.
23-May-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on May 23 announced that open tenders will be called for the telecast of 'gurbani' (sacred hymns) from the Golden Temple. This comes in response to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's criticism of exclusive rights being granted to one TV channel for the telecast. Dhami stated that a five-member committee has been formed to decide the terms and conditions of the telecast.
23-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 23 offered INR 10 lakh reward for Kashmir Singh Galwaddi, a suspected associate of Canada-based gangster Arshdeep Singh Dhalla. Galwaddi is accused of involvement in terrorist activities and has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA has also released two photos of Kashmir Singh.
23-May-2023
On May 23, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a fifth Pakistani drone on the Punjab border in the last four days. These drones were found to have alleged narcotics attached to them
23-May-2023
The Special Task Force (STF) on May 23 arrested a drug and arms smuggler, identified as Lakhbir Singh alias Lakha along with a drone, 1.6 kg of heroin, and weapons in Amritsar district. Lakhbir Singh is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Ludhiana court blast case.
23-May-2023
Pro-Khalistan leader and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief, Amritpal Singh, along with his nine associates, was interrogated by National Security Agency (NSA) officers in Dibrugarh jail, Assam on May 23. Singh has been in custody since April 23 after being arrested in Punjab. The NSA officers questioned Singh and his associates separately for more than two hours.
22-May-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on May 22 revealed his top 10 targets and future plans to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), aiding them in preventing potential murders, robberies, and extortion cases. Bishnoi disclosed his involvement in college politics and admitted to killing several individuals over the past decade. His targets included Bollywood actor Salman Khan, Sidhu Moosewala's manager, and various rival gang members. The NIA also discovered Bishnoi's extortion activities while imprisoned in Bharatpur and Faridkot jails, spanning across Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Delhi.
22-May-2023
Gurdeep Singh Khera, a former militant and terror convict, was admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, Punjab, after experiencing severe chest pain on May 22. Khera has been in jail since 1990 under the TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) and is serving a life sentence in two cases.
22-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 22 revealed that it suspects Lawrence Bishnoi's gun may have been used in the killing of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother. Bishnoi confessed to targeting Bollywood actor Salman Khan and Sidhu Moosewala's manager as part of his plan.
22-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 22 shot down a Pakistani drone carrying drugs and recovered 3.3 kg of heroin near border in Amritsar in Punjab. The incident occurred during an operation conducted by the BSF troops, resulting in the successful interception and destruction of the drone.
22-May-2023
Gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a prime accused in the killing of Punjab singer Sidhu Moose Wala, was granted 7-day remand, in relation to a drug case, by a local court in Amritsar on May 22.