KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
10-Sep-2023
Delhi Police, deployed in and around New Delhi during the G20 Summit, have been equipped with graffiti remover to erase objectionable slogans, including pro-Khalistani content, if found near the locations of G20 heads. This move comes in response to information that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), allocated USD 100,000 to encourage supporters to write pro-Khalistani slogans and raise Khalistan flags near the G20 head locations. The Special Branch of Delhi Police issued an alert to all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) about these plans and urged vigilance to prevent such activities during the summit.
10-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 10 conducted Operation 'SEAL-4' in collaboration with four neighboring states- Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir. They arrested 64 individuals and seized 667 grams of heroin, two pistols along with ammunition, 35 kg of poppy husk, INR 1.48 lakh in cash, 40 grams of smack, 9275 bottles of licit liquor, 170 bottles of illicit liquor, and 17 vehicles. Additionally, they filed 49 First Information Reports (FIRs). The operation was conducted between 8 am and 2 pm and involved strong checkpoints at inter-state boundaries in 10 border districts.
10-Sep-2023
Jarnail Dass, a key accused in the murder of Dayal Dass, a dera head, died on September 10 at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot in Faridkot district. Jarnail Dass had been in judicial lock-up since September 2 and was admitted to the hospital due to breathing difficulties. The murder case had been surrounded by controversy, with allegations of bribery involving police officials and accusations against several high-ranking officers. Dayal Dass was shot on November 7, 2019, and the investigation faced challenges due to allegations of bribery and irregularities in the case.
09-Sep-2023
A member of an anti-drug action committee, Jasvir Singh, was allegedly killed on September 9, by two bike-borne assailants in Sidhana village in Bathinda district of Punjab. He was attacked with an iron rod when he attempted to stop the bikers during his night patrol. Two suspects have reportedly been arrested in connection with the murder. Anti-drug action committees in various Punjab villages are actively involved in monitoring and preventing drug smuggling.
09-Sep-2023
Whistleblower Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was recently released from Muktsar jail on September 9, called for a 'Jan Aandolan' against drugs at the campus of the district administration complex (DAC) in Mansa, Mansa district. He attended the cremation of Jasvir Singh, a drug awareness committee member, and later joined the protest in Mansa, vowing to continue his fight against synthetic drugs and police corruption while demanding action against drug suppliers, including some police officers.
09-Sep-2023
As India prepares to host the G-20 summit, concerns arise about orchestrated online campaigns led by Pakistan and the Khalistani network to spread anti-India sentiments and disrupt summit preparations. These efforts involve the use of bot accounts and misleading content. Some foreign entities such as the Indian American Muslim Council and the New Democratic Party of Canada also expressed their opposition.
09-Sep-2023
During the G20 summit, on September 9, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held discussions in New Delhi, emphasizing the need to strengthen the modern partnership between the two nations in areas such as defense technology, trade, and innovation. The leaders expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation in various sectors under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on international and regional issues. Additionally, India raised concerns about the growing Sikh radicalism in the UK, a matter that Sunak had addressed before his visit to India.
09-Sep-2023
In preparation for the ongoing G-20 Summit in New Delhi, the Punjab Police have heightened security measures across the state, as directed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. This includes flag marches in sensitive areas of all 28 police districts, covering 228 sensitive locations. Additionally, cordon and search operations were conducted at railway stations and bus stands. Over 1,500 police personnel were involved in checking over 3,660 individuals at 159 bus stands and 131 railway stations, with some suspicious persons apprehended for questioning to ensure a peaceful environment during the summit.
09-Sep-2023
The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, released on September 9 in New Delhi, condemned terrorism 'in all its forms and manifestations,' including xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance. It recognized the commitment of all religions to peace and emphasized the need for international cooperation to deny terrorist groups safe haven and financial, material, or political support. The declaration also expressed concern about the illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons, addressing India-specific concerns regarding the flow of small arms into Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. Additionally, it highlighted the risks associated with virtual assets and reiterated support for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF's) standards and initiatives in this regard.
09-Sep-2023
According to the Punjab Police, gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt, has emerged as a significant player in drug trafficking operations originating from Pakistan. Jatt, who has successfully evaded capture since his escape from police custody in January 2020, is facing multiple criminal charges, including murder and attempted murder. It is believed that he is orchestrating a major drug smuggling operation in collaboration with Pakistani smugglers. Recently, the Amritsar-rural police arrested an individual named Harpreet Singh on September 6, in possession of 15 kg of heroin, which was part of Jatt's drug consignment. Police are actively pursuing Jatt, who is considered the primary kingpin of the drug trade in the region.
09-Sep-2023
Police on September 9 arrested five criminals and recovered a large quantity of drugs from their possession, near Navi Nagar village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. The criminals were arrested after a two-hour-long encounter. The police had been pursuing these individuals, who had multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against them, for several weeks. Acting on a tip-off about their presence at a bhog ceremony, the police followed them, leading to the encounter.
08-Sep-2023
Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on September 8 arrested an individual identified as Pritam Singh and recovered 15 kilograms of heroin and a tractor-trolley from his possession near Dhani Kharas Wali village in Fazilka district. The heroin was recovered hidden under wheat straws in the tractor-trolley, in which Pritam was travelling, along with his wife Kushalia Bai and son-in-law Gurmit Singh. While Pritam was arrested during an inspection at a checkpoint, Kushalia and Gurmit escaped.
08-Sep-2023
Various Sikh organizations in Jammu and Kashmir held an emergency meeting on September 8 to express concerns about what they perceive as neglect and 'step-motherly treatment' of the Sikh community by the Central Government, in Jammu and Kashmir. They particularly highlighted their exclusion from participating in the G20 summit held in New Delhi, where they were unable to present their grievances. The Sikh groups called for fair representation and recognition of their community's interests on both national and international platforms.
08-Sep-2023
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak, while addressing the Khalistan issue hours after his arrival in New Delhi for the G20 Summit on September 8, emphasized that the UK does not condone any type of extremism or violence. He underscored the UK's close collaboration with the Indian government, specifically to address Pro-Khalistan Extremism (PKE). He highlighted recent discussions between security ministers, joint working groups, and intelligence sharing to eradicate such violent extremism, emphasizing the UK's zero-tolerance policy.
08-Sep-2023
Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGFT) of Punjab Police on September 8 arrested three aides of Khalistani gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, identified as Sukhmanjot Singh alias Sukhman Brar, Jaskaran Singh alias Jassi Lodhipur and Jograj Singh alias Joga, and recovered three foreign-made sophisticated pistols of .32 bore from their possession. Sukhman was arrested from Indo-Nepal border, while he was attempting to escape to Nepal, and the other two were arrested in Gurugram, Haryana. According to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the trio were planning to escape to Nepal using fake passports.
08-Sep-2023
Security was significantly heightened in New Delhi on September 8, in anticipation of the G20 summit due to concerns about potential disruptions by groups such as Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a banned Khalistani terror organization. While no specific terror threats have been reported, intelligence suggests the possibility of flash protests or cyberattacks. The police have been prepared to handle various scenarios, including identifying protesters with slogans on their clothing, and 50,000 security personnel, K9 units, and mounted police have been deployed. Security measures have been extended to cover the conference venue, hotels, borders, and even the Yamuna River, where boat patrols are conducted.
08-Sep-2023
According to reports, drug traffickers from Pakistan are changing their tactics by sending larger consignments of narcotics, ranging from 15 kg to 70 kg, into the Indian state of Punjab via the riverine areas of the Ravi and Sutlej. Fazilka has become a hotspot for these attempts, with a recent surge in drug seizures. Smugglers are using the expanded span of the Sutlej River due to the monsoon season to push bigger quantities of drugs hidden in tractor tubes. Drones are also being employed for smaller payloads, but the risks and penalties for those caught remain high.
08-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 8 conducted raids at suspected hideouts of associates and active supporters of gangsters across the state between 7 am to 11 am under the supervision of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. The raids were done at 822 places across 28 districts, by over 350 police teams comprising about 2,000 personnel. These raids targeted suspected hideouts of associates and active supporters of gangsters. The operation followed the questioning of individuals arrested during previous operations, resulting in several detentions and the seizure of incriminating material.
08-Sep-2023
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on September 8 convicted three former Punjab Police officials identified as Dharam Singh, Gurdev Singh and Surinder Singh, for conspiracy, murder, and fabrication of records in a 1992 police encounter case involving the killing of three youths, Harjit Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, and Jaspinder Singh, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) district in Punjab. The quantum of the sentence is to be pronounced on September 14.
07-Sep-2023
According to reports, a deliberate disinformation campaign is underway on social media amidst India’s hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. This campaign is orchestrated by individuals associated with Pakistan and Khalistani groups, with the aim of undermining India's presidency of the G20 Summit. The disinformation includes false claims, fake news, and support for Khalistan, posing a challenge to India's efforts to lead an inclusive, action-oriented G20 summit. Also, this anti-India campaign involves foreign organizations such as the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the New Democratic Party (NDP).
07-Sep-2023
Punjab Police on September 7 arrested an alleged drug trafficker, identified as Malkait Singh alias Kali and recovered 9 kilograms of heroin from his possession from near Boparai Canal Bridge near Goraya Jalandhar district. According to Jalandhar Rural's Senior Superintendent of Police, Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar, Malkait Singh reportedly had connections with a Pakistan-based drug smuggler Haider Ali, and had allegedly sent three swimmers to Pakistan to retrieve a 50 kg heroin consignment through a riverine route. The Police had previously seized 22.5 kg of heroin, bringing the total amount recovered to 31.5 kg. Police teams are actively searching for the remaining drug smugglers.
07-Sep-2023
According to reports, cross-border drug smuggling poses a serious challenge along Punjab's borders, involving land, water, and air routes. The use of drones, river routes, and land-based trafficking has increased, placing strain on security forces like the Border Security Force (BSF). The drug problem in Punjab has spilled over into Himachal Pradesh (HP). Drug trafficking is particularly common in the Malwa, Majha, and Doaba regions, leading to issues of drug addiction among the youth. While law enforcement agencies are making efforts to combat smuggling, the problem of demand and supply persists. Punjab has also witnessed a significant number of drug overdose deaths, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
07-Sep-2023
On September 7, a confidential letter authored by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Ferozepur in Punjab, surfaced, accusing certain police colleagues, including a Station House Officer (SHO) and Sub-Inspector (SI), of shielding drug smugglers. The DSP alleges that these officers have ties to drug peddlers and gangsters, hindering the government's anti-drug efforts. The letter also claims that police officials have tipped off traffickers about impending raids, enabling them to evade capture. An investigation is underway to assess the allegations, and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty, according to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Hillori.
06-Sep-2023
A Delhi court has scheduled a hearing for September 11 regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, which involves Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler as one of the accused. The case pertains to the Pul Bangash killings that occurred in the aftermath of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.
06-Sep-2023
Punjab police, on September 6, busted a major trans-border narcotics smuggling ring by arresting a drug smuggler identified as Harpreet Singh and recovering 15 kilograms of heroin and a Hyundai Grand i-10 car from his possession in New Ranjitpura in Amritsar district. Following his arrest, four associates of Harpreet, identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Guggu alias Haddi, Rahul Singh, and Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt, were nominated by the police, according to the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. Harpreet was arrested following a tip-off provided by a village defense committee (VDC) constituted by the Punjab Police in border villages to apprehend drug smugglers.