KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
05-Jun-2023
A 26-year-old man identified as Shubham Sidhu alias Ganju of Ambedkar Colony, arrested for drug possession died in Ludhiana Central Jail under mysterious circumstances after being in custody for nine days on June 5.
05-Jun-2023
Dal Khalsa, a radical Sikh outfit, organized a "remembrance parade" on the eve of the Operation Blue Star anniversary (June 1984) in Amritsar on June 5. The march started from Burj Akali Phoola Singh and culminated at Darbar Sahib. The march included Khalistani flags and images depicting the damaged Akal Takht and Sikh fighters. The group also called for a shutdown in Amritsar on June 6, which they declared as Khalistan Day.
05-Jun-2023
Elder brother of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Harjit Singh Rode, revealed in an interview conducted some time ago, to The Statesman, that Bhindranwale never advocated for Khalistan, contrary to popular belief. Rode explains that Bhindranwale's primary goal was the implementation of the Anandpur Sahib resolution, which called for greater autonomy for Punjab. He clarifies that Bhindranwale wanted Punjab to have control over various subjects while remaining part of India.
05-Jun-2023
Investigations by security agencies have uncovered the use of foreign-based associates by Khalistani terrorists and gangsters in Punjab to evade direct communication and connect with each other. Pro-Khalistani activists are utilizing virtual numbers, temporary mails, and IPs based in Pakistan and the US to spread propaganda through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Twitter has emerged as a preferred tool for Khalistan propaganda, with tweets originating from India, Pakistan, and elsewhere following incidents like the Ludhiana court blast. Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp are also being used, along with the use of virtual numbers and VPNs to hide digital footprints.
04-Jun-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a Pakistani drone and seized 3.2 kg of heroin attached to it from near Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district on June 4. The smugglers were using a black coloured quadcopter, DJI Matrice 300-RTK.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a tragic event in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is being used by certain political entities to further their own agendas, disregarding the solemnity of the occasion. Instead of reflecting on the loss and pain caused by the operation, some radical Sikh bodies and political parties like Simranjit Singh Mann-led Shiromani Akali Dal (A) and Dal Khalsa are promoting separatist ideologies, instilling fear and hindering the healing process. Their actions undermine the true spirit of remembrance and reconciliation that this anniversary should embody.
04-Jun-2023
According to reports, night domination operations conducted by the Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) along the Indo-Pak border have proven effective in thwarting cross-border drug trafficking and smuggling of contraband. In a recent joint operation, 5.2 kg of heroin was seized in the intervening night between June 3 and 4. The operations cover a stretch of approximately 100km, involving five police stations and patrols led by officers. Patrolling teams led by a gazetted officer and two SHOs monitor the area 2-5 km inside the border fence. Village defence committees and vigilant community members also play a crucial role in alerting the police about suspicious activities, including drone movements and subsequent arrests of persons who come to collect the drone consignments.
03-Jun-2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 3 held a meeting with senior members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to discuss various issues related to the Sikh body. The SGPC delegation raised concerns about the functioning of gurdwaras and requested the inclusion of gurdwaras under the management of the SGPC board. They argued that such inclusion would help streamline the management of gurdwaras.
03-Jun-2023
Former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Bibi Jagir Kaur on June 3 announced the formation of the Shiromani Akali Panth Board to free panthik institutions from the dominance of a single family, without explicitly naming Sukhbir Badal and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The Panth Board aims to contest SGPC elections, make it an autonomous body, and ensure the appointment of the Akal Takht jathedar. Kaur criticized the SAD's control over the SGPC, expressed concerns about its decline, and highlighted the need to protect Sikh heritage and release Sikh prisoners.
03-Jun-2023
Ludhiana police, along with Border Security Force (BSF) and railway police, on June 3 conducted intensive checking at the city railway station during the 'Ghallughara Week' (Operation Bluestar anniversary) for heightened vigilance. Led by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police (ADCP) Rupinder Kaur Sran, police teams checked passengers' belongings, verified ID proofs, and frisked suspicious individuals.
03-Jun-2023
Khanna police conducted surprise checks at various locations to curb the movement of anti-social elements in Ludhiana district. Instructions were issued to prevent the display of anti-national graffiti, flags, or posters on government buildings or public places.
03-Jun-2023
Following the incident of a Khalistan flag being hoisted at the Moga bus stand, increased security measures were implemented in Ahmedgarh in Sangrur district. Ahmedgarh Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Davinder Sandhu said beat officers have been advised to remain more vigilant.
03-Jun-2023
Ahead of Ghalughara day on June 6, the Dal Khalsa's Facebook and Twitter accounts were disabled on June 3. Senior activist Kanwarpal Singh criticized the timing of the move. Earlier, the Dal Khalsa announced plans for a march in remembrance of Ghalughara on June 5 and called for a shutdown in Amritsar on June 6.
03-Jun-2023
A hoax bomb call near the Golden Temple in Amritsar in the early hours of June 3, ahead of the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, prompted heightened alertness from the Punjab Police. After receiving a call at 1:05 am claiming that four bombs were planted near the Golden Temple, a large-scale search operation was conducted. Later, the caller, identified as Gagandeep Singh (19) from the Majith Mandi area, was arrested despite no suspicious items being found.
03-Jun-2023
In a joint operation between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, a packet of 5.5 kg heroin was seized after being dropped by a drone in the fields near Rai village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on June 3.
03-Jun-2023
Security Forces arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Hoshiar Singh and Gurpreet Singh and recovered over 9 kilograms of heroin from them, in two separate operations in Amritsar and Fasilka districts on June 3.
02-Jun-2023
Ludhiana police increase surveillance during ‘Ghallughara Week’ the anniversary of June 1984 Operation Bluestar. Police are monitoring individuals/vehicles and social media to prevent incitement. Special instructions aim to ensure security and prevent religious animosity. Special Director-General of Police (DGP) Ishwar Singh has held a meeting to discuss security measures.
02-Jun-2023
Police in Punjab's border districts have increased security measures ahead of the anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Concerns over potential disruptions and threats from Khalistani elements and cross-border intrusions have prompted the deployment of additional forces. Police are intensifying intelligence gathering, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and conducting flag marches to counter any potential harm or chaos. Sikh For Justice (SFJ) and Dal Khalsa have called for gatherings and shop closures, adding to the security concerns.
02-Jun-2023
In response to three low-intensity blasts near the Golden Temple (on May 6, May 8, and May 10), the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has tightened security measures. Fifty high-resolution CCTVs are being installed, along with scanners at entrances and dedicated women personnel for checking.
01-Jun-2023
In a collaborative effort, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Polices’ Counter Intelligence (CI) unit arrested two individuals and seized 2.5 kg of heroin near the International Border (IB) in Chak Khiwa village of Jalalabad in Fazilka district on June 1. One of the accused was identified as Jaswinder Singh alias Gindu. Police alleged the accused has connections with Pakistani smugglers and drugs were dropped on the Indian side of the border by drones operated from Pakistan.
01-Jun-2023
Unidentified individuals painted "Khalistan Zindabad" slogans on a wall at Moga city's bus stand in Moga district on the intervening night of June 1 and 2. CCTV footage revealed two people exiting the bus stand around 1:30 am on June 2. Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) J Elanchezhian stated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against unknown individuals under sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Moga City police station.
01-Jun-2023
Police on June 1 conducted raid in Bhiwandi in Thane district of Maharashtra and recovered four SIM boxes related to an investigation into threatening messages sent on behalf of a pro-Khalistan group. Two individuals, Mashid Khan and Mohammad Shahid Alam, both residents of Bhiwandi, have been identified as the accused in the case. They are expected to be brought to Ahmedabad, and further raids are ongoing in Bhiwandi. This is the third seizure in connection to the case, with the previous two made in March in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the arrest of two individuals who released bulk calls and audio-video messages warning against attending the India-Australia Test cricket match at Narendra Modi stadium on March 8.
01-Jun-2023
In preparation for the 39th anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’, Khalistani separatists have announced a complete shutdown, prompting the deployment of two companies of paramilitary forces and 5,000 Punjab Police personnel in Amritsar. Rapid Action Force (RAF) units and Punjab Police’s anti-riot forces will be present, with additional personnel from neighbouring districts.
01-Jun-2023
on June 1, the death anniversary of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) militant, Mehanga Singh Babbar, who was first to be gunned down by the security forces during the operation on June 1, was observed by the Hawara Committee in collaboration with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and other outfits at Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib situation in complex of the Central Sikh shrine.
01-Jun-2023
Surendranagar police arrested three individuals associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's network, identified as Akshay Bishnoi, Ankit Kankkad alias Bishnoi and Vikram Jadeja along with 176 grams of mephedrone with a street value of Rs 17.81 lakh in Gujarat. The suspects, including a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol Bishnoi, were arrested during a police operation.