KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
06-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), in a statement on June 6, censured actor-turned-Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut for her remarks about rising terrorism in Punjab, calling them objectionable. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that Ranaut's comments, following an argument with a Punjabi Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security personnel at Chandigarh airport, reflected an anti-Punjab mentality. Dhami demanded an unbiased CISF investigation into the incident to ensure justice.
06-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on June 6 at nine locations in the districts of Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab linked to associates of designated terrorist Goldy Brar in connection with an extortion and firing case. During the raids, incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized. The NIA also appealed to the public for information through the numbers 0172-2682901 or mobile number 7743002947 for Telegram/WhatsApp, emphasizing that informers' identities would be kept confidential.
06-Jun-2024
Actress and Member of Parliament (MP) elect Kangana Ranaut issued a video statement on June 6 on social media site X, reassuring her safety after reports emerged of a confrontation at Chandigarh airport, where a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guard allegedly slapped the actress. Kangana recounted being hit and verbally abused by the guard, who cited support for the farmers' protest as her motive. A source suggested that Kangana was slapped for pushing security personnel during a disagreement over her phone during security check.
06-Jun-2024
According to reports, Khalistani preacher and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail, can only be released if both the state government and the Centre recommend his release. The Punjab Government and the Centre previously recommended extension based on fresh evidence, but details on whether the detention will end or be extended remain unclear. Despite winning the Lok Sabha election from Khadoor Sahib, questions arise on how Amritpal will take oath as an MP while in jail, with the possibility of re-arrest due to multiple FIRs against him in the state.
06-Jun-2024
In the aftermath of the parliamentary elections, the issue of jailed candidates winning seats has come to the forefront after two such candidates, including Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh, emerged victorious. The constitutional and legal framework allows jailed candidates to take the oath as Members of Parliament but mandates seeking permission from the relevant court. While the Constitution doesn't explicitly disqualify imprisoned individuals from taking the oath, judicial discretion plays a crucial role in determining their participation in parliamentary proceedings.
06-Jun-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-political) and Kisan Majdoor Morcha (KMM) on June 6 expressed concern over potential punitive measures against CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur, hailing from Mahiwal village in Kapurthala district, Punjab, and warned against adverse actions. The unions demanded a dope test on Kangana Ranaut and cautioned of protests if Kaur's family faced harassment or if she faced punitive actions. Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee's general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed support for Kaur's family and threatened protests if they faced any trouble.
05-Jun-2024
The electoral victories of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib, and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, highlight voters’ disenchantment with mainstream parties. Traditional parties in Punjab faced discredit due to issues such as mounting debt, corruption, farmers’ distress, drug abuse, and overseas migration. Both Singh and Khalsa, who contested as independents, won against major party candidates. Their sudden prominence raises concerns, especially given Punjab's insurgency-prone history and its border with Pakistan.
05-Jun-2024
On June 5 in Dibrugarh, Assam, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, the lawyer of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) and winner of the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, Amritpal Singh, outlined a legal strategy emphasizing the pursuit of bail for Amritpal, expressing confidence that public support would compel both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments to grant relief.
05-Jun-2024
Activists from Dal Khalsa participated in a protest remembrance march on June 5, on the eve of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, in Amritsar, Punjab.
05-Jun-2024
Sarabjit Singh Khalsa won the Faridkot parliamentary seat as an independent candidate amid a resurgence of Panthic politics in Punjab, alongside jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. Sarabjit’s campaign, bolstered by Sikh community support, focused on repaying the 'debt' for his father Beant Singh's assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, aiming to prioritize issues like the death penalty for sacrilege in Parliament. His victory coincided with the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star.
05-Jun-2024
Forty years after Operation Blue Star, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) INR 1,000-crore damages suit against the Union government remains unresolved. Despite efforts for an out-of-court settlement, including a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2023, no progress has been made. The SGPC continues its legal battle, with court proceedings ongoing and dialogue options open.
05-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on June 5 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Balwinder Singh and Baldev Singh and seized INR 1,97,14,650, one laptop, three smartphones, and two keypad phones from their possession in Kakkar village, Amritsar district. Further investigation is underway, with more details awaited.
05-Jun-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on June 5 criticized Punjab for failing to ensure the presence of police officials as prosecution witnesses in drug cases, despite assurances from the state's police chief. Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul emphasized that apologies and future compliance assurances are no longer acceptable, urging concrete steps and accountability. The criticism arose as Justice Kaul granted bail to an accused in a 2022 drug case.
05-Jun-2024
The police on June 5 busted a racket involved in smuggling drugs and mobile phones inside Amritsar Central Jail, arresting eight persons and seizing 149 grams of opium, INR 8,400 in drug money, a forged ID card with fake signatures of the jail superintendent, along with two mobile phones, in Amritsar district.
05-Jun-2024
The victory of independent candidate Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, in Faridkot, Punjab, has prompted mainstream political parties to recognize their oversight of the sacrilege incidents of 2015 during this election. Khalsa vowed to raise the issue vigorously in Parliament, emphasizing the lack of justice delivery despite its political exploitation. The neglect of the sacrilege incidents by mainstream parties stirred public discontent, leading to Khalsa's unexpected success and highlighting unresolved grievances within the community.
05-Jun-2024
In the 2024 parliamentary elections in Punjab, the Congress emerged victorious, securing seven out of 13 seats, including Amritsar (GS Aujla), Jalandhar (Charanjit Singh Channi), and Patiala (Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi). Two notable radicals who won include Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, both advocating for justice regarding sacrilege incidents. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured only three seats, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) managed to win Bathinda (Harsimrat Kaur Badal). Despite being lodged in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Amritpal Singh's victory raises concerns due to his pro-Khalistan stance. The elections also saw voters electing the Congress alongside radical leaders, reflecting a complex political landscape in Punjab.
05-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet on June 5 before the NIA Special Court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, against Canada-based gangster Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar and 11 others for their alleged involvement in the killing of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in 2023. Accused Rohit Godara was identified as the mastermind behind the murder conspiracy, along with Goldy Brar and others. Two assailants, Rohit Rathore and Nitin, were provided with pistols along with several rounds and magazines to carry out the attack as part of the conspiracy. Brar, a deputy of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is wanted for organizing various criminal activities, including targeted killings and smuggling weapons and drugs. The probe uncovered a terrorist gangster syndicate behind Gogamedi's killing, with two others also killed on the same day and Gogamedi's gunman injured. Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the conspiracy, while four others, including gangsters Mahendra Kumar, Ravataram Swami alias Rohit Godara, and Virendra Charan, remain absconding.
05-Jun-2024
On June 5, 2024, the Sikh Sangat and the Gurdwara Management Committee of Gurdwara Attari Sahib Sultanwind held a Panthic Diwan in Amritsar, Punjab, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Teeja Ghallughara. Sikhs gathered to honor the martyrs and reflect on the future of the Panth.
04-Jun-2024
Jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, won the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab by a margin of 197,120 votes. Singh, who contested as an Independent candidate from jail, received 404,430 votes, defeating Congress leader Kulbir Singh Zira, who garnered 207,310 votes. Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, expressed gratitude for the support and hopes for his son's release, emphasizing that the victory brings blessings and a potential return home.
04-Jun-2024
According to reports, the victory of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency has brought relief to him and his 41 jailed aides. Despite his previous Khalistani activism, his election campaign focused on drug addiction and the release of Sikh prisoners, avoiding separatist rhetoric. His parents led the campaign, garnering support, especially among the youth, without invoking Khalistan. Singh remains jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) with 12 pending cases.
04-Jun-2024
The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab resulted in two surprising wins: jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, and the elder son of Beant Singh, one of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot. Both won as independent candidates, with Amritpal defeating Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira by 1,97,120 votes and Khalsa beating Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) Karamjit Singh Anmol by 70,053 votes. Their campaigns focused on local grievances and justice issues, resonating strongly with voters.
04-Jun-2024
The likely wins of Independents—jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa—in Punjab's Lok Sabha elections reflect deep-rooted issues such as unresolved grievances, economic distress, and discontent with traditional parties. Both candidates' campaigns focused on pressing local issues like drug addiction and historical injustices, resonating with voters seeking change and justice.
04-Jun-2024
Though Punjab voted against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), farmer groups are worried about societal polarization due to the victory of independents Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa. Farmers believe that decisive action on issues like drug abuse and price rise by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could have led to victories for Congress and AAP. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Pavel Kussa suggested that the fundamentalists’ wins benefit the BJP's Hindutva agenda, while dissatisfaction with AAP's inaction drove votes toward fundamentalists.
03-Jun-2024
The Bareilly police on June 3 booked five members of two gurdwara management committees—identified as Malik Singh Kalra, Gurdeep Singh Bagga, Harnam Singh, Rajendra Singh Jani, and Hardeep Singh Nimma—after posters of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, along with Amrik Singh and General Subeg Singh, were put up at the Sikh shrines at Model Town and Janakpuri gurdwaras in Bareilly, in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, during the ongoing Balidan Diwas (Martyr’s Day) of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots being observed from June 1-6. The posters were removed following police intervention, and the investigation is ongoing.
03-Jun-2024
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, a military operation carried out in June 1984 to flush out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The operation led to significant civilian and soldier casualties, extensive damage to the Golden Temple, and triggered a series of political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots, deeply affecting India's political landscape and relations with the Sikh community.