KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
07-Sep-2024
According to sources, nearly five months after the firing outside Salman Khan’s Bandra residence, Mumbai police have yet to gain access to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently held at Sabarmati prison in Gujarat. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ (UMHA) restriction on his movement under Section 268 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has prevented the police from obtaining his custody. The police aim to interrogate Bishnoi to understand his gang's operations, as he remains a key suspect in the attack claimed by his gang. Attempts to secure his custody have been unsuccessful so far, with restrictions set to lift in August 2024.
07-Sep-2024
Raj Singh, founder of Sikh Helpline, raised concerns in a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on September 7 about the upcoming film Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut. He criticized the film's portrayal of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as historically inaccurate and offensive, claiming it falsely depicts him as colluding with Indira Gandhi for political gain. Singh urged the CBFC to review the film with Sikh experts, edit the offensive content, and ensure future films accurately represent all communities to maintain peace and harmony in society.
07-Sep-2024
The Haryana Sikh Ekta Dal (HSED) is set to convene on September 8 in Chandigarh to unite Sikhs across political and caste lines, advocating for a law against sacrilege, the release of Bandi Singhs, and improved representation of Sikhs in Haryana's electoral process. They will also call for the removal of political interference in the state's Gurdwara body, elections for the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), and the formation of SITs to investigate religious hate crimes. The group has urged political parties to address these issues in their manifestos ahead of the assembly polls.
07-Sep-2024
In a joint operation with Border Security Force (BSF) troops, Punjab Police on September 7 busted a trans-border drug module by arresting four smugglers, identified as Kuldeep Singh, Kirpal Singh, Jatinder Singh, and Gurpreet Singh, and seized 5.54 kg of heroin from their possession in Sahowal village, Ajnala, Amritsar district. The arrests followed a BSF tip-off about a suspected drone drop from Pakistan.
06-Sep-2024
According to a report by The Print, two-thirds of Afghan Sikhs who fled to India after the Taliban takeover in 2021 have now resettled in Canada, with private sponsors and Sikh foundations assisting in their relocation. Out of 350 refugees, approximately 230 have successfully moved to Canada, while others await their visas. The Khalsa Diwan Welfare Society in Delhi has coordinated this process, and organizations like the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation have provided support through stipends and amenities for one year. Many Afghan Sikhs continue to work menial jobs in India while awaiting resettlement.
06-Sep-2024
Punjabi actor Gippy Grewal called for a Sikh representative on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure accurate depictions of the Sikh community and its religious aspects in films. This appeal follows the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) push for Sikh representation, particularly after delays in clearing Kangana Ranaut's controversial film Emergency. Gippy emphasized the need for specialized knowledge to review religious nuances in films and shared his own practice of obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from religious authorities for his projects.
06-Sep-2024
The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) recently released its tenth report in the "State of the Panth" series, titled Caste & Race, which explores caste and race issues from a Sikh perspective. Based on a global survey of Sikhs, the report highlights that the majority view Sikhism as inherently anti-caste and anti-racist. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Harinder Singh, SikhRI’s Senior Fellow, stated that the report emphasizes the disconnect between Sikh ideals and practices regarding caste and race. He called for renewed efforts within the Sikh community to align more closely with the Gurus' teachings on equality, stressing the importance of both individual and institutional action to address these social issues.
06-Sep-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of the Mohali police on September 6 arrested two men, identified as Channpreet Singh and Harpal Singh, and seized 30 grams of heroin from their possession in Kharar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
06-Sep-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on September 6 arrested three drug peddlers, identified as Lovepreet Singh, Jasbir Singh, and Jaskaran Singh, and seized 2.7 kg of heroin from their possession in Dhariwal village, Ajnala, Amritsar district. The police stated that the heroin was likely smuggled via drones from Pakistan, and shifting police checkpoints led to the recovery. The suspects are currently under police remand, and their properties will be identified and frozen.
06-Sep-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on September 6 launched a probe into an extortion case involving Portugal-based gangster Manpreet Singh alias Mann Ghanshampuria, and his accomplice Jobanjit Singh, who demanded INR 50 lakh from a local resident with threats of violence in Amritsar district, Punjab. This case is part of a broader pattern of intimidation by the gang, which includes recent extortion threats and shootings. Earlier arrests related to the gang led to the seizure of weapons, mobile phones, a vehicle, and INR 18,000 in cash. The gang is also wanted for various criminal activities, including a fatal shooting in Lakhowal village, Ajnala, Amritsar district.
05-Sep-2024
The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) staff of Mohali police on September 5 arrested three individuals, identified as Amandeep Singh, Harmandeep Singh, and Gursevak Singh, and seized 80 grams of heroin from their possession in Kharar in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
05-Sep-2024
Police on September 5 arrested one person, identified as Rama Singh and seized 200 grams of heroin from his possession, in Janta Colony in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
05-Sep-2024
Ludhiana police on September 5 arrested an individual, identified as Mohit and seized 150 grams of heroin from his possession, in Vijay Nagar in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
05-Sep-2024
The Indian government on September 5 repatriated 14 Pakistani prisoners, including two juveniles, after they completed their sentences, at the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar district, Punjab. Six were released from Central Jail Amritsar, while eight were freed from a jail in Gujarat. Most of the prisoners were fishermen who had inadvertently crossed into Indian waters, with some urging both governments to expedite the release of detained fishermen. Among those repatriated were four cross-border smugglers arrested for drug and arms possession.
05-Sep-2024
Mandeep Singh Sidhu, brother of the late Waris Punjab De (WPD) founder Deep Sidhu, may contest the Gidderbaha Assembly bypoll following the announcement by Faridkot Member of Parliament (MP) Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa of his candidacy on August 30. Sidhu is currently in discussions with Panthic organizations to consolidate support behind a unified candidate and prevent vote division. The family of radical Khalistani preacher and jailed MP Amritpal Singh also supports Sidhu's potential candidacy.
05-Sep-2024
On September 5, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before the Akal Takht in Amritsar to submit his explanation letter, following the edict of the highest Sikh temporal authority. The Akal Takht had earlier declared Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and former Sikh ministers 'tankhaiya' for mistakes committed during the party's 2007-2017 rule, requiring them to provide explanations. Majithia stated that he would accept whatever order is issued.
05-Sep-2024
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Praveen Sood on September 5 announced that Interpol issued 100 red corner notices in 2023 at India's request, the highest ever in a single year, while speaking at the 10th Interpol Liaison Officers’ Conference in New Delhi. Sood highlighted that 29 wanted criminals were extradited to India in 2023 with Interpol's assistance. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border crimes in the digital age.
05-Sep-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 5 filed its first charge sheet, naming UK national Inderpal Singh Gaba, in connection with the twin attacks on the Indian High Commission in London, which occurred in 2023. The attacks, organized by Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, were allegedly in retaliation for the Punjab Police's actions against Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh.
05-Sep-2024
In response to the rising abuse of Pregabalin, or ‘ghoda’, in rural areas of Punjab, authorities have imposed a ban on formulations exceeding 75 mg. In 2024 alone, Punjab Police seized around 3 crore intoxicant tablets and capsules, including restricted drugs like Codeine and Tramadol. The crackdown follows a shift in drug preferences due to the high cost of other substances, with Pregabalin becoming a popular alternative because of its low cost and easy availability.
04-Sep-2024
Police on September 4 recovered five pistols and several magazines from a bag abandoned by two unidentified youths near Tehna village in Faridkot district. The suspects, who were riding an e-rickshaw, fled when approached by police, dropping the bag. A case has been filed against the unknown individuals, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to track them down.
04-Sep-2024
Punjab Police revealed that during a recent operation, they arrested two individuals, identified as Harpreet Singh and Lovepreet Singh, and seized four Glock 19 pistols, including one marked 'Made for NATO Army,' along with four magazines, seven live cartridges, and INR 4.8 lakhs in hawala money from their car in Sheron village, Sangrur district, Punjab. It was disclosed that Harpreet had connections with a Pakistan-based smuggler involved in arms and drug trafficking via drones. This seizure highlights a concerning trend of U.S.-made and NATO-grade weapons, left behind in Afghanistan, infiltrating India's conflict zones and posing serious security threats.
04-Sep-2024
Police on September 4 arrested a man, identified as Krishan Kumar, and seized 43,000 intoxicating pills from his possession near Kanech village in Ludhiana district.
04-Sep-2024
According to sources, rising anti-Khalistan sentiments are challenging the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) across Europe, the United States (US), and Canada, reflecting a shift within the Sikh diaspora as pro-India Sikhs unite against divisive extremism. The recent incident in Italy, where Gurudwara Committees firmly opposed SFJ activists, is part of a broader global trend rejecting separatist rhetoric in favour of peace and stronger ties with India. This movement marks a new chapter for the Sikh community, focused on unity and progress.
04-Sep-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a statement, condemned the construction of a pandal replicating the Golden Temple for Ganpati Utsav in Pune, Maharashtra, stating that it hurts Sikh sentiments. Dhami emphasized that Harmandar Sahib cannot be replicated and called for greater awareness of Sikh traditions. The SGPC is sending a team to investigate the matter.
04-Sep-2024
On September 4, the anniversary of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib was celebrated with traditional fervour in Amritsar, Punjab. A grand 'nagar kirtan' procession marked the occasion, commemorating the completion of the holy Guru Granth Sahib and its first installation at the Golden Temple.