KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
20-Sep-2023
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) vice-president Baijayant Panda, in New Delhi, on September 20 made a tongue-in-cheek remark suggesting that India should facilitate an online referendum on Quebec independence as a gesture of gratitude for Canada allowing Khalistani separatists to operate on its soil. The Quebec independence movement seeks autonomy for Quebec from Canada and, while it has encountered resistance, it remains a significant issue in Canadian politics. Trudeau's support for Khalistani sympathizers has strained India-Canada relations, and his declining popularity in Canada is a concern for his government's stability. Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province in Canada with a history of advocating for independence.
19-Sep-2023
Amritsar Police on September 19 busted a cross-border heroin smuggling module based in Pakistan, arresting one of its members, Gurjit Singh along with INR 13.5 lakh in drug money, 850 grams of heroin, and a car in Cheecha village in Amritsar district. Investigations revealed that the operation was orchestrated by jailed drug smuggler Gurwinder Singh alias Mehak, from Kapurthala Central Jail. Gurjit admitted to smuggling approximately 40 kg of heroin in the past month. He received heroin supplies from an unidentified source in Pakistan and transported them through various means, including the riverine route and drones. Gurjit also confessed to collaborating with Pakistani smugglers and using hawala networks to transfer proceeds, raising concerns of potential terror funding.
19-Sep-2023
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on September 19 rejected the allegations by the Canadian Prime Minister (PM), Justin Trudeau, regarding India’s involvement in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. The MEA labelled these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated," emphasizing India's commitment to the rule of law. India also expressed concerns about Canada's sheltering of Khalistani terrorists and urged Canada to take legal action against anti-India elements operating on its soil. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) in India had banned KTF, citing its intent to revive terrorism in Punjab and challenge India's territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty. Furthermore, an Interpol Red Corner Notice had been issued against Nijjar in 2016. In 2018, local Surrey police briefly placed Nijjar under house arrest due to suspicions of his involvement in terrorism, but he was subsequently released.
19-Sep-2023
According to reports, Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and the murder of the deceased Khalistani terrorist and chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have posed a significant diplomatic challenge for India. The issue of Khalistan has long strained bilateral relations, and the current situation has the potential to impact India-Canada ties and trade. Moreover, there is concern about the reputational cost on the global stage for India. Trudeau has called for India's cooperation in the investigation, but India has not yet responded to this request. Responses from strategic partners like the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Australia will depend on the quality of evidence presented regarding the allegations. Trudeau's upcoming meetings in New York and the exchange of information will be closely watched, while India awaits further details and considers the potential impact on its international standing.
19-Sep-2023
Trade talks between India and Canada have been disrupted due to Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of a Khalistani separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has the potential to boost two-way trade by up to USD 6.5 billion. Canada is a significant foreign investor in India, with Canadian pension funds heavily invested in Indian markets. The deteriorating relations could also have economic implications for Sikh families in India's Punjab state who have relatives in Canada and rely on remittances. Additionally, India is the largest source of international students in Canada, contributing significantly to the education sector.
19-Sep-2023
The deceased Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was wanted by both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Punjab Police in multiple cases. He had close links to the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Nijjar had been living in Canada since 1997 with a forged passport, working as a plumber, and leading a gurdwara committee. In July 2020, he was designated as an individual terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act due to his social media activities promoting insurrection and attempts to create disharmony in India. The NIA had offered a reward of INR 10 lakh for his arrest, linking him to conspiracy and fundraising for terrorist activities.
19-Sep-2023
On September 19, an electronics company withdrew its sponsorship of the upcoming concert in India by Canada-based Punjabi singer Shubneet Singh, citing his alleged support for Khalistan. This decision came in the wake of Singh's earlier posting of a distorted map of India on his Instagram account, which omitted Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab and sparked outrage. The company, boAt, stated that it is a proud Indian brand and withdrew its sponsorship in response to the singer's remarks.
19-Sep-2023
Former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Amarinder Singh on September 19 criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his allegations against the Indian government regarding the death of Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Singh called Trudeau's claims baseless and accused him of playing to the vote gallery with his statements. During Trudeau's 2018 visit to India, Singh had raised the Khalistan issue and provided Trudeau with a list of alleged Canada-based operatives involved in terrorist activities. Trudeau assured that Canada did not support separatist movements and would look into concerns about militancy.
19-Sep-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 19 held a meeting to discuss the possibility of postponing its scheduled visit to Canada next month. This upcoming visit is a part of the investigation into the attack on the Indian High Commission in Canada, which is allegedly carried out by pro-Khalistan activists. During the meeting, NIA officials also deliberated on the procedure for extraditing Arshdeep Singh Gill, a designated terrorist associated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), who is currently based in Canada.
19-Sep-2023
According to sources, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is now under scrutiny by security agencies due to the killings of several pro-Khalistani terrorists. Pannun faces 22 criminal cases in Punjab, including sedition charges, and operates from Canada. Despite SFJ being banned in India since 2019 and Pannun being declared a terrorist, Western countries have allowed him to conduct these activities, citing freedom of expression. Pannun's role in recent developments, including the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada, is being questioned.
19-Sep-2023
Foreign Policy expert Robinder Sachdev on September 19 observed that it's unlikely Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau will change his approach on the Khalistan issue, which may lead to a setback in India-Canada relations. Sachdev also expressed concerns about Canada raising baseless allegations on the international stage, which could potentially harm India's image and bilateral relations.
19-Sep-2023
India on September 19 summoned Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay to inform him of the Indian government's decision to expel Canadian diplomat Olivier Sylvestre, the chief of the Canadian intelligence agency in India, in New Delhi. This action is in response to Canada's expulsion of Pavan Kumar Rai, the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), on September 18 in Ottawa, Canada.
19-Sep-2023
The leaders of the radical Sikh organization Dal Khalsa, while addressing a press conference in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on September 19, expressed their long-standing belief that Indian intelligence agencies were responsible for the murders of Khalistani leaders on foreign soil. They cited Canada's recent statement confirming Indian agency involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar as further validation of their belief. Spokesperson Paramjit Singh Mand called on Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to address Canada's accusations in the Lok Sabha. He suggested that India should cooperate with Canada's investigation rather than recalling its expelled diplomat, who is believed to be a cover agent of RAW. Additionally, Mand urged Pakistan to conduct an impartial investigation into the murders of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, asserting that the same mastermind was behind both killings.
19-Sep-2023
According to sources, the deceased Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whose killing has sparked a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, fled India in 1997 under the alias 'Ravi Sharma,' using a fake passport. He faced allegations of involvement in several terror-related incidents and targeted killings in Punjab. Nijjar's name appeared on the most-wanted list provided by then-Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau in 2018. His activities and affiliations with Khalistani terror outfits like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) had drawn the attention of Indian authorities.
19-Sep-2023
India has accused Canada of being a haven for wanted criminals, including gangsters, radicals, drug smugglers, and terrorists, based on Punjab Police cases and intelligence reports. Seven notorious gangsters, some of whom are classified as A-category criminals, have reportedly sought refuge in Canada and collaborated with radical organizations. The Indian government has consistently urged Canada not to allow such individuals to exploit Canadian territory for criminal and terrorist activities against India. India has persistently sought the deportation of individuals on the most-wanted list, which features individuals like Goldy Brar, Sundeep Singh Sidhu, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, Sarabjit Singh Walia, Gurwant Singh Bath, Gurpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh Pannun, Charanjit Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Gurpinder Singh, Satnam Singh, and his aides Jaswinder Singh & Parminder Singh.
19-Sep-2023
Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal, in a video statement on September 19, expressed concern about recent developments concerning the Sikh community in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK). He highlighted incidents such as anti-India graffiti attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, inquiries into the arrest of Jagtar Singh Johal in the UK, and the competition between Indian and Khalistan flags abroad. SGPC expressed worry over these developments and urged Sikhs to address the labelling of Sikhs as separatists or terrorists.
19-Sep-2023
According to sources, Pavan Kumar Rai, the Indian diplomat expelled by Canada amid tensions over the killing of the Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, boasts a distinguished track record from his service in the Punjab Police. As an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1997 batch in the Punjab cadre, he achieved recognition during his tenure as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Tarn Taran, particularly for his efforts in probing a drug case involving a local politician. Rai continued to garner accolades during his subsequent posting as the Jalandhar SSP, where he apprehended the son of a powerful vigilance bureau SSP involved in a diamond heist. His integrity was further evidenced in a high-profile suicide case investigation in Amritsar, leading to the conviction of senior officers. Rai, known for his professionalism and effectiveness, has previously served in Dubai and currently holds the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in Punjab. He is regarded as an exemplary police officer among his batchmates and seniors in the Punjab Police.
19-Sep-2023
According to reports, Canada's swift action in expelling an Indian diplomat following Prime Minister (PM) Trudeau's statement about a 'potential link' between Indian government agents and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar contrasts with its handling of the Air India bombing in 1985. The Air India bombing investigation was marred by errors and incompetence, resulting in denied justice for the victims. Now, Canada must provide irrefutable evidence if it claims Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing and should refrain from jumping to conclusions. New Delhi's expulsion of a Canadian diplomat in response represents a necessary firm stance to ensure that Canada rectifies its actions.
19-Sep-2023
Police on September 19 arrested three individuals identified as Sukhbir Singh, Hardeep Singh, and Jagjit Singh in Dala village, Moga district, in connection with the murder of Baljinder Dala, the Congress Ajitwal block president. According to sources, the motive behind the murder is believed to be a result of a personal feud.
18-Sep-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, in an interview held on September 18 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, emphasized the need for countries, especially democracies, to exercise responsibility when dealing with forces that spread vitriol against other nations from their soil. He expressed concerns about countries like Canada allowing activities that directly impact India, specifically referring to Khalistani activities. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi had previously raised concerns with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau about extremist groups in Canada involved in anti-India activities, but Trudeau defended the freedom of expression within the Canadian diaspora. This comes as the banned terror Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced a rescheduled Khalistan referendum on October 29 in Canada.
18-Sep-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Member of Parliament (MP) Harsimrat Kaur Badal, on September 18, in New Delhi, called for unanimous condemnation of the 1984 Sikh riots. She described it as a shocking instance where the Congress government in independent India stooped to the level of killing an entire community. She emphasized the need for Parliament to collectively condemn the 1984 Sikh genocide and pay homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru known for defending religious freedom.
18-Sep-2023
A local Congress party leader, Baljinder Singh Balli, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants at his residence in Dala village in Moga district on September 18. Baljinder Singh was the Congress party’s Ajitgarh block chief, and the entire incident of the killing was captured on CCTV. Hours later, Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, claimed responsibility for the murder on Facebook. Dalla accused Balli of ruining his future and mentioned a personal vendetta related to his mother's police custody, indicating a motive for the killing. Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa and Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring strongly condemned the incident.
18-Sep-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on September 18 filed a plea before a special court in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, asking the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to refrain from using terms like "terrorist" and "gangster" for him without sufficient evidence. Bishnoi is currently in jail for a drug smuggling case investigated by the NIA.
18-Sep-2023
Police on September 18 arrested five individuals, identified as Kashmir Singh, Swaran Singh alias Chapar, Amandeep Singh, Rahul and Atul and recovered 6 kilograms of heroin along with INR 7 lakh cash from their possession near Ramidi bridge in Kapurthala district. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajpal Singh Sandhu, Sukhdev Singh alias Sebi transported the heroin from Delhi and then distributed it to two brothers named Rahul and Atul. The brothers were allegedly planning to pass the heroin to the other three individuals. Police are making efforts to apprehend Sukhdev, who remains at large.
18-Sep-2023
Rajasthan Police on September 18 confirmed that Monu Manesar, a recently arrested cow vigilante, had expressed his desire to join gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang during a video chat that took place about a year ago. This conversation occurred while Bishnoi was in Punjab police custody for his alleged involvement in a murder case.