KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
25-Sep-2023
According to sources, India has initiated a coordinated effort among its top intelligence and security agencies. A joint meeting involving the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) is scheduled for October 5–6 in New Delhi in response to escalating Khalistani activities in Canada and the recent diplomatic dispute with the country. The meeting aims to strategize and plan significant actions to counter Khalistani terrorist activities.
25-Sep-2023
Indian security agencies have uncovered a nexus between Khalistani extremists, Pakistani terrorists, and Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), involved in the targeted killings of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders in Punjab. Two individuals, Naushad and Jagjit Singh, who were arrested by the Delhi Police, confessed to their involvement in a murder at the behest of gangster-turned-Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, and a handler from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit named Suhail. The killers also revealed a plot to target top RSS and Hindu leaders opposed to Khalistani extremists in Punjab, orchestrated by Arshdeep Singh Dala with support from the ISI and LeT.
25-Sep-2023
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on September 25 issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Singh is believed to be hiding in Pakistan and is wanted by India on various charges, including criminal conspiracy and murder. This notice comes amid a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada over Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's claim of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which India has dismissed as 'absurd' and 'motivated.'
25-Sep-2023
According to a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in March 2023, the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is reportedly attempting to relocate its key members and operatives abroad with the assistance of Pro-Khalistan Elements (PKEs) established in various countries. This has given rise to a symbiotic network between terrorists and gangsters, wherein gangsters provide shooters for targeted killings in exchange for access to sophisticated weapons from across the border. The BKI operates in several countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and Pakistan, and receives support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The agency also mentions links between the BKI and gangster syndicates such as D Company, led by Dawood Ibrahim.
25-Sep-2023
The 30-day ultimatum given to Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) chief Ranjeet Singh Neeta by the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) to surrender ended on September 25. An action to attach his property in Jammu and Kashmir has been initiated under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Ranjeet Neeta is believed to be operating from Pakistan with the backing of Pakistan's intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He is wanted in multiple acts of terrorism and conspiracies in the Punjab-Jammu region, including bombings and explosions in various incidents.
25-Sep-2023
According to sources, Indian security agencies have reportedly approached their Canadian counterparts regarding the presence of Khalistani elements in Canada. However, the Canadian government has been reluctant to take action, citing the absence of an institutionalized mechanism for intelligence sharing. Recent Indian intelligence reports have identified Canadian nationals allegedly linked to proscribed organizations like the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). These individuals, including Gurjit Singh Cheema, Gurjinder Singh Pannun, and Gurpreet Singh Brar, are accused of various activities related to supporting and radicalizing individuals associated with these groups in India.
25-Sep-2023
According to sources, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is currently under investigation in approximately 20 criminal cases by Indian law enforcement agencies. Designated as an "individual terrorist" by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) in 2020, Pannun has a history of cases dating back to 1990. These cases involve allegations related to pro-Khalistan activities, sedition, seditious communication, and accusations of inciting gangsters and youth in Punjab to engage in anti-India activities. Recently, Pannun publicly issued threats against Indian diplomats and government officials, and he urged Canadian Hindus to leave Canada, accusing them of siding with India.
25-Sep-2023
Punjab Police conducted search operations at 48 locations targeting Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa and his associates in Ferozepur district on September 25. The crackdown comes after an extortion incident and is part of a broader effort to apprehend these individuals.
25-Sep-2023
According to reports, drug smuggling attempts from Pakistan via drones have been frequent in the border region of Punjab, with over 250 drone sightings this year (2023), showing a significant increase compared to previous years. The Border Security Force (BSF) has been actively intercepting and addressing such drone activities, including the recovery of drones used for smuggling.
24-Sep-2023
An Indian intelligence dossier highlights the involvement of individuals in the Khalistan terror network operating in Canada. It focuses on Mandeep Singh Dhaliwal's radicalization and training for terrorist activities in India. Mandeep was introduced to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar through Gajinder Singh, the chief of Dal Khalsa based in Pakistan. Nijjar played a key role in his radicalization and provided arms training. Moninder Singh Bual, linked to Khalistani outfits, and Parvkar Singh Dulai, a controversial figure with ties to Khalistani elements, are also mentioned in the dossier. Parry Dulai, along with Bual and Satinder Pal Singh Gill, formed the Sikh Liberation Front (SLF) to support the Khalistani movement, and Canadian authorities added his name to the no-fly list due to alleged terrorist-related activities.
24-Sep-2023
United Hindu Front (UHF) working president and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jai Bhagwan Goyal criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a protest held by UHF at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on September 24. Goyal suggested that if Trudeau supports Khalistanis, he should consider the possibility of breaking up a part of Canada to create a new Khalistan. The UHF organized this protest to express their concerns about Trudeau's alleged support for anti-India Khalistanis and Canada's interference in India's internal affairs.
24-Sep-2023
According to sources, India is reportedly cancelling the registration of more than a dozen Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders due to their involvement in pro-Khalistan activities and anti-India propaganda. This action comes in the wake of visa service suspensions at Indian missions in Canada, Canada's reduction of diplomatic staff in India, and the expulsion of diplomats, all occurring amid strained relations between India and Canada.
24-Sep-2023
According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to seize the properties of 19 Khalistani terrorists, including individuals based in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other countries, under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The NIA's list includes the following individuals: Paramjeet Singh Pamma, based in the UK; Wadhva Singh alias Babbar Chacha, based in Pakistan; Kulwant Singh Muthada, based in the UK; JS Dhaliwal, based in the US; Sukhpal Singh, based in the UK; Harpreet Singh alias Rana Singh, based in the US; Sarabjeet Singh Benoor, based in the UK; Kulwant Singh alias Kanta, based in the UK; Harjhap Singh alias Jappi Singh, based in the US; Ranjit Singh Neeta, based in Pakistan; Gurmeet Singh alias Bagga Baba; Gurpreet Singh alias Baghi, based in the UK; Jasmeet Singh Hakeemzada, a drug smuggler based in Dubai, UAE; Gurjant Singh Dhillon, based in Australia; Lakhbir Singh Rode, based in Canada; Amardeep Singh Purewal, based in the US; Jatinder Singh Grewal, based in Canada; Dupinder Singh, based in the UK; and S. Himmat Singh, based in the US.
24-Sep-2023
Khalistani separatist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun stated that India is alarmed by the Khalistan Referendum's success, after India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 23 confiscated land and part of a house belonging to him. He also asserted that the asset seizures and ‘false cases’ would not deter the Khalistan Referendum movement, which he referred to as Sikhs' ‘Surgical Strike’ against India, with the aim of freeing Punjab and establishing the Democratic Republic of Khalistan (DRK).
24-Sep-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on September 24, arrested two individuals identified as Jagpreet Singh and Surinder Singh and recovered 12 kg of heroin and INR 19.3 lakh from their possession, from near Chaura Kalan village in Gurdaspur district. Three suspects were spotted riding a motorcycle and behaving suspiciously. Subsequently, two of them were apprehended while attempting to flee a checkpoint. The police are currently searching for the third suspect.
23-Sep-2023
According to sources, Patiala Police suspect the involvement of 'sleeper cells' within prisons and have written to the Jail Department to investigate the connection between Amrik Singh and the terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. They are looking into how Amrik managed to escape in 2022 and repeatedly obtain cell phones within the jail. The police have confirmed that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) sent two AK-47 rifles and ammunition, while Amrik provided them with a 140-page report on an Army camp in Himachal Pradesh (HP).
23-Sep-2023
According to sources, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar obtained Canadian citizenship through questionable means, which enabled him to evade Interpol Red Corner Notices (RCN). He travelled to Thailand to assist another Khalistani terrorist, Jagtar Singh Tara, who was later arrested and deported, but Nijjar's Canadian citizenship allowed him to escape arrest.
23-Sep-2023
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) wing of the Punjab Police on September 23 registered a First Information Report (FIR), based on a tip-off against 32 individuals, eighteen of them are Pakistani nationals, for allegedly running a cross-border drug smuggling network using drones and riverine routes along the Punjab border. The individuals have been identified as Arif, Asif, Sadiq, Chaudhary Akram, Haidar, Rustam, Mirza, Nasir, Imran Shah, Imtiaz, Mia, Bilal, Mnesha, Bhola Sandhu, Abdul Hamid Bagga, Jawed, Aslam, and Shera, all of whom are Pakistani nationals. Additionally, Kinderbir Singh alias Sunny Dial, Gurjant Singh alias Bholu, Rajesh Kumar alias Sonu Khatri, Satnam Singh, Gurlal Singh, Talveer Bedi, Randeep Singh alias Romi, Vinodh Kumar alias Lucky, Navpreet Singh alias Nav Bhullar, and Akshey Chhabra, Vinay Agarwal, Naveen Bhatia, Lovejeet Singh, and Manjit Singh are also involved. It is suspected that the proceeds from the smuggled drugs are being sent to Pakistan and Afghanistan via Dubai to fund anti-India operations and sleeper cells in Punjab. The accused are interconnected in running this smuggling network, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend those in India involved in the operation.
23-Sep-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 23 confiscated land and a portion of a house belonging to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in Khanoti village in Amritsar district of Punjab and Chandigarh. The properties confiscated include a 46-kanal (5.7-acre) agricultural land in Khankot village and a one-fourth share of a house in Sector 15/C area of Chandigarh. Pannun, who has been on the NIA’s radar since 2019, was designated as an ‘individual terrorist’ by the Government of India on July 1, 2020. while the SFJ was declared an ‘unlawful association’ by the Government on July 10, 2019.
23-Sep-2023
According to a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Canada-based Khalistani leaders and gangsters reportedly used money generated in India through activities like extortion and smuggling to fund violent acts and invest in various ventures. The NIA uncovered 13 instances from 2019 to 2021 when gangster Lawrence Bishnoi sent sums ranging from INR 5 lakh to INR 60 lakh to Canada and Thailand using hawala channels. Bishnoi, through his associate Satwinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, had close ties with Canada-based Khalistani groups, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) leader Lakhbir Singh alias Landa. These funds were invested in activities such as purchasing yachts, financing movies, and organizing the Canadian Premier League in Canada. Additionally, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang invested money in nightclubs and bars in Thailand.
23-Sep-2023
According to reports, several Punjabi singers and artists, including Sidhu Moose Wala, Shubhneet Singh alias Shubh, Jazzy B, Hard Kaur, and Diljit Dosanjh, have come under scrutiny for their perceived support for the Khalistan cause. Some have faced criticism for sharing distorted maps of India or making references to Khalistani leaders like Bhindranwale. This has led to controversies and cancellations of their engagements, as their music and social media posts are seen as promoting anti-India sentiments and sectarian supremacy. The trend of Punjabi artists expressing pro-Khalistan views has raised concerns, particularly within the Indian diaspora.
23-Sep-2023
According to reports, Punjabi students invest INR 68,000 crore per year for education in Canada. Canada has become a top choice for Punjabi students due to its flexible education policies, work opportunities, and post-graduation immigration options. In 2022, Canada approved 226,450 visas under the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with a significant number of students coming from Punjab. Around 3.4 lakh Punjabi students are currently studying in Canada, with nearly 60% of all Indian students in Canada being of Punjabi origin.
23-Sep-2023
Since September 11, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mohali, Punjab, has reportedly been hearing a case involving the attachment of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's house in his native village of Bharsingpura in Jalandhar district. The case is related to a 2021 incident in which priest Kamaldeep Sharma was shot at. Nijjar, along with three others, faces charges under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Notices regarding the case have been posted outside Nijjar's house multiple times since October 2021, and the NIA has also conducted raids on the property.
23-Sep-2023
According to reports, the nexus between Indo-Canadian gangsters and Khalistani separatists has persisted for decades, with gangsters often evading Indian law enforcement by seeking refuge in Canada. Notorious figures such as Goldy Brar and Arsh Dalla, among others, have been involved in various criminal activities, including weapons smuggling and drug trafficking. Some gangsters, like Goldy Brar, are believed to continue operating their gangs from Canada, recruiting new members and authorizing criminal activities. This nexus has raised concerns about the intersection of organized crime and Sikh extremism on Canadian soil, with certain gang members receiving financial support from pro-Khalistan leaders.
23-Sep-2023
According to intelligence reports, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar played a significant role in training, financing, and operating his outfit and individuals on Canadian soil. Nijjar received training in Pakistan with the assistance of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and maintained links with other Khalistani leaders. He organized arms training camps in Canada, instructed individuals in firearm use, and allegedly sent people to India for targeted killings and attacks.