Extremism Updates

08-Jan-2025

Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan Chairman Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi sent a legal notice on January 8 to Tariq Majeed, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore and a retired Pakistan armed forces veteran, demanding INR 50 crore in damages and an unconditional apology. The notice accuses Majeed of defaming Qureshi by alleging he received foreign funding and labeling freedom fighter Bhagat Singh as a "criminal." Qureshi, described in the notice as a patriot working to improve India-Pakistan relations, denied taking foreign funds and referenced Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's praise for Bhagat Singh to refute Majeed's remarks.


07-Jan-2025

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on January 7 congratulated Pakistan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pannun urged Pakistan to support the Sikh community's demand for Khalistan, drawing parallels to Pakistan’s advocacy for Kashmir’s self-determination. He claimed that Pakistan's UNSC position could amplify global dialogue on self-determination and commended its stance on Kashmir as a precedent.


31-Dec-2024

A report by The Washington Post on December 31 alleged that India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has carried out a covert assassination program targeting six individuals in Pakistan since 2021. The operations reportedly relied on local intermediaries and informal financial networks to maintain deniability. While the missions in Pakistan were deemed successful, similar attempts in Western nations, including on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, were reportedly thwarted by advanced counterintelligence measures. The report drew comparisons between RAW's tactics and those of Israel's Mossad, amid public accusations from Pakistan and consistent denials by India.


24-Dec-2024

The Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), a pro-Khalistan militant organization led by Ranjeet Singh alias Neeta, operates in coordination with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to pursue its goal of establishing a sovereign Khalistan state. Banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and in the European Union, KZF has been involved in attacks on public transport, police facilities, and religious leaders in India and abroad. Neeta, declared a terrorist in 2020, is linked to cross-border arms smuggling and faces an Interpol Red Corner Notice.


06-Dec-2024

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on December 6 registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sikh journalist Harmeet Singh, accusing him of spreading misleading propaganda against state institutions. The FIR alleges that his posts covering the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests incited violence and terrorism. Harmeet has denied the accusations, citing a lack of evidence and claiming he is being targeted as a minority journalist.


14-Nov-2024

Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Secretary Fareed Iqbal, Additional Secretary Shrines Saifullah Khokhar, and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Ramesh Singh Arora on November 14 welcomed over 2,550 Sikh pilgrims from India at the Wagah Border. The pilgrims arrived in Pakistan to participate in the festivities celebrating the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, with the main event scheduled at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan.


10-Nov-2024

According to intelligence sources, the financially struggling Pakistan government has directed the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) to centralise all religious donations ahead of the 555th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev. As part of this move, the PSGPC has reportedly removed donation boxes and billboards from other Sikh organizations, including karsewa groups, at prominent gurdwaras like Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Punjab Sahib, ensuring that all donations are now routed through PSGPC-designated boxes.


30-Oct-2024

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, on October 30 in Lahore, announced a waiver on visa fees for Sikh pilgrims from the United States (US), Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK).


23-Oct-2024

A spokesperson for the Punjab government in Pakistan announced on October 23 that Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a distribution of PKR 10,000 to 2,200 Sikh and Hindu families in the province as part of a 'festival card' initiative ahead of Guru Nanak's birth anniversary and Diwali. This financial aid aims to support the celebration of these religious festivals, with special arrangements being made for foreign pilgrims visiting for Guru Nanak Dev's 555th birth anniversary. The government has outlined plans for transport, accommodation, and food services to ensure a smooth experience for the pilgrims.


22-Oct-2024

India and Pakistan on October 22 extended the validity of their agreement on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for another five years, ensuring uninterrupted access for Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. India also urged Pakistan to waive the USD 20 service charge imposed on each pilgrim. Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar confirmed the renewal and reaffirmed the government's commitment to facilitating Sikh pilgrims' access to their holy sites.


07-Oct-2024

Ramesh Singh Arora, the first Sikh provincial minister of Pakistan’s Punjab, announced on October 7 that a significant number of Sikh diaspora members are expected to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev's 555th birth anniversary celebrations. He attributed this to friendly policies, streamlined visa facilitation, and development projects at gurdwaras. Arora, who also heads the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), noted that over 15,000 Sikh pilgrims are anticipated, with overall attendance expected to exceed 60,000.


30-Sep-2024

The government of Pakistan’s Punjab province, along with Punjab's first Sikh minister, Ramesh Singh Arora, on September 30 in Lahore, advised Indian Sikhs visiting the country to carry US dollars instead of Indian currency due to complaints of unfair exchange rates. The advisory was issued following multiple reports of exploitation. Arora also urged Indian Sikhs not to pay extra fees to group leaders during their visits for religious festivities, including the upcoming 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 14.


22-Sep-2024

The two-day commemoration of the 485th Joti Jot anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji concluded at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan on September 22. The event featured a Nagar Kirtan procession to the India-Pakistan border, the unveiling of a statue of Bhai Mardana, and the sowing of seeds under the "Kheti Sahib" initiative.


01-Sep-2024

Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjab’s Sikh Minority Affairs Minister in Pakistan, on September 1 launched a PKR 88-crore project aimed at enhancing religious tourism by upgrading facilities at gurdwaras in Punjab Province. The initiative includes constructing 100 rooms at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib and renovating other key gurdwaras to attract global Sikh pilgrims. Arora emphasized the project's completion by November 2025 to coincide with Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary celebrations. The government is also setting up botanical gardens and initiating karsewas to further enhance the appeal of these sacred sites.


10-Aug-2024

On August 11, Pakistan’s Sikhs and Hindus decided to observe 'National Minority Day' to highlight issues such as untouchability, attacks, and discrimination against them in Pakistan. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) pledged its support to raise these concerns. Pakistani rights activist Imran Chatha called for accountability for those harming minority communities, while Jaskaran Singh Sidhu of Gurdwara Babe Di Ber announced meetings with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Punjab Province Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to seek enhanced safety and security.


03-Aug-2024

According to sources, Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan have launched a campaign to amend the Succession Act of 1925, arguing that it unfairly limits inheritance rights for their communities, particularly for women. Prof. Kalyan Singh Kalyan emphasized that the Act, originally designed for Christians, fails to ensure equal inheritance rights for Sikhs and Hindus. Pushpa Kumari from the Human Rights Commission (HRC) noted that the current law often results in property being transferred to male relatives rather than daughters, underscoring the need for legal reform to address these inequalities.


27-Jul-2024

The Punjab provincial government in Pakistan recently approved the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar Rules 2024, marking a historic first in the implementation of such legislation. Engaged Sikh couples are eagerly seeking to be the first to register their marriages under the newly enacted Sikh Marriage Act of 2024. This new Act allows for the official registration of Sikh marriages, a significant change from the previous practice of only recording marriages in gurdwaras.


24-Jul-2024

The Cabinet of the Pakistan government introduced visa-on-arrival privileges on July 24 for Sikhs holding passports from countries other than India and waived visa fees for travelers from 126 nations. This initiative aims to boost tourism and generate revenue, specifically targeting Sikh pilgrims visiting historic gurdwaras in Pakistan.


19-Jul-2024

According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Hindu population in Pakistan increased from 3.5 million in 2017 to 3.8 million in 2023, although their share of the total population decreased from 1.73% to 1.61%. The Christian population grew from 2.6 million to 3.3 million, while the Sikh and Parsi populations were 15,998 and 2,348, respectively. Pakistan's total population rose from 207.68 million in 2017 to 240.46 million in 2023.


15-Jul-2024

According to sources, only two of the five Sikh hardliners from India's list of 20 most-wanted men, who were released after the 2001 Parliament House attack, remain alive and are believed to be hiding in Pakistan under government patronage. Wadhawan Singh Babbar, over 70 years old, leads the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and is involved in the Punjab insurgency, wanted for numerous serious crimes. Ranjit Singh Neeta, leader of another terror outfit, Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), faces charges including murder and arms smuggling. Recent intelligence suggests Pakistan may be reviving its "bleed India" strategy, marked by military ambushes in Jammu and sightings of suspicious individuals near border districts.


14-Jul-2024

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs and President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, highlighted efforts to reclaim lands belonging to minority worship places in Punjab province, Pakistan, following the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He praised recent actions reclaiming the pond at Gurdwara Babe Di Beri in Sialkot from illegal occupants, which had been under land mafia control for 77 years.


10-Jul-2024

According to sources, there is an alleged plot within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to replace Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjab's first Sikh minister and current president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), with a Christian minister in Pakistan's Minority Affairs Office, a position historically held by a Christian. Critics, including a faction within PML-N, accuse Arora of misconduct and have called for his dismissal to restore the position to a Christian.


09-Jul-2024

Kartarpur Management Unit Deputy Secretary Saifullah Khokhar stated on July 9 that Pakistan has completed the 420-meter-long bridge at the Kartarpur Corridor zero line, overcoming a two-and-a-half-year delay. The completion prepares the bridge for use pending the finalization of a 10-feet section on the Indian side. Initiated to provide a flood-resistant route to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib for Sikh pilgrims, the project, costing PKR 4.53 million, was funded by Pakistan's Public Development Fund with construction by the Frontier Works Organisation and National Engineering Services Pakistan.


09-Jul-2024

Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal apologised for his controversial remarks about Arshdeep Singh’s Sikh religion on live TV, acknowledging his mistake in an interview.


03-Jul-2024

Khalistani terrorist Gajinder Singh, who led the group that hijacked an Indian Airlines aircraft to Lahore in 1981 and was one of the most-wanted persons in the records of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), passed away at the age of 73 after a brief illness in Lahore, Pakistan, on July 3. He was the founder of the separatist organization Dal Khalsa and had spent 14 years in a Pakistani prison for the hijacking. Since his release in 1995, Gajinder had been living in exile. After the terror attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, the UMHA released a list of 20 people to Pakistan for extradition, with Gajinder being one of them.


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09-Jan-2025

British Sikh Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi on January 9 renewed his demand in the House of Commons for an independent inquiry into the Margaret Thatcher-led Conservative government’s alleged involvement in Operation Blue Star, in London in the United Kingdom (UK). Commons Leader Lucy Powell acknowledged the concerns and promised further ministerial updates.


31-Dec-2024

On December 31, pro-Khalistani protesters gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), chanting controversial slogans such as "Kill Modi politics" and advocating for an independent Khalistan state. The demonstration, which was captured in a viral video, showed protesters waving Khalistani flags.


28-Dec-2024

According to a report by MailOnline, a Sikh Indian family comprising Gurbakhsh Singh (72), Ardet Kaur (68), Guljeet Singh (43), and Kawaljeet Kaur (37) has been charged with multiple immigration offences in the United Kingdom (UK). The family is accused of posing as Afghans to claim asylum after entering the UK on December 23, 2023. Allegations state that they falsely identified as Afghan nationals despite having their previous visa applications as Indians refused. The accused pleaded not guilty at Croydon Magistrates' Court and opted for a jury trial, scheduled to commence at Croydon Crown Court on January 2, 2025.


24-Dec-2024

Rhian Shillabeer, Communications Officer for the Directorate of Defence Communications at the United Kingdom's (UK) Ministry of Defence, on December 24, refuted claims made by the Punjab Police regarding British Army soldier Jagjeet Singh alias Fateh Singh Baaghi, being involved in terrorist activities in India. Shillabeer clarified that no individual by that name was currently serving in the British Army and added that the photograph released by Punjab Police did not correspond to the name provided. Despite this, Punjab Police stood by their investigation, asserting its credibility and stating that the issue would be formally addressed with British authorities through official channels.


10-Dec-2024

In a letter dated December 10, British Security Minister Dan Jarvis assured British Sikhs that the government would not tolerate intimidation or harm by foreign powers, following complaints of alleged targeting by the Indian government. Jarvis urged India to cooperate with Canadian authorities regarding the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and the rule of law.


10-Dec-2024

According to a report by The Guardian, United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis, in a letter dated December 10, assured the Sikh Federation of protection against alleged intimidation attributed to the Indian government, emphasizing that threats from any foreign power would not be tolerated. Jarvis also called on India to cooperate with Canadian authorities in the investigation into the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.


08-Dec-2024

According to sources, the British government, under the influence of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), revoked the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honours previously awarded to prominent British-Indian figures Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot. Both criticised the decision as an attack on free speech, with Ranger attributing it to his opposition to Khalistanis and his criticism of the BBC’s controversial documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The revocation was reportedly decided by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Forfeiture Committee under the Cabinet Office.


07-Dec-2024

On December 7, British-Indian businessman Rami Ranger criticized the United Kingdom (UK) Forfeiture Committee’s decision to strip him of his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), calling it unjust. Ranger, an outspoken critic of Khalistani separatists, announced plans to challenge the decision legally, arguing that it undermines free speech and sets a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that his contributions to British business and community cohesion, which led to the award, should not be overshadowed by past controversies that had already been addressed.


06-Dec-2024

On December 6, King Charles III, acting on the recommendation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stripped two British Indians, Raminder Singh Ranger and Anil Kumar Bhanot, of their honours in London, United Kingdom (UK). Ranger, a Conservative Party member, had his title revoked due to controversial remarks about Khalistan separatists and criticism of the BBC’s documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhanot, a trustee of the Hindu Council UK, lost his honour over allegations of Islamophobia linked to his social media posts concerning violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.


04-Dec-2024

The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on December 4 launched a provocative “Kill Modi Politics” campaign, featuring banners with "Kill Modi Politics" and "Wanted" posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar displayed at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in West Bromwich, West Midlands, UK. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun accused the Indian government of using Hindu temples worldwide to promote Hindutva ideology and recruit spies to monitor pro-Khalistan Sikhs. SFJ UK coordinator Dupinderjit Singh alleged that Indian diplomats were targeting Paramjeet Singh Pamma, a Khalistan Referendum Coordinator, and building intelligence networks against pro-Khalistan activists.


04-Dec-2024

United Kingdom (UK) Labour Member of Parliament Preet Kaur Gill on December 4 successfully introduced the Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill in the House of Commons, London. The bill aims to formally recognize Sikh and Jewish communities as ethnic categories for data collection by public bodies, addressing gaps in service delivery. Gill cited examples such as higher pandemic mortality rates among these groups and the lack of adequate data for tailored services. The bill passed its first reading, with the second reading scheduled for March 7, 2025.


03-Dec-2024

Lord Meghnad Desai, a life peer in the British House of Lords and former Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP), explained in an interview with Hindustan Times that India perceives the Khalistan movement—supported by some members of the Sikh diaspora in Canada—as a threat to its unity, rooted in the trauma of partition and historical Sikh grievances. Desai emphasized the need for India to adopt a more measured approach to the issue and suggested dialogue, potentially mediated by a neutral third party such as the United Kingdom (UK) or Australia, to resolve the standoff and safeguard long-term bilateral relations.


26-Nov-2024

On November 26, several United Kingdom (UK) lawmakers, including Preet Kaur Gill, Jas Athwal, Harpreet Uppal, and Parbinder Kaur, attended a Gurpurab event in the Houses of Parliament, London, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs. The APPG is linked to the Sikh Federation, a pro-Khalistan party associated with the banned Khalistani terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). The event has sparked concerns over the UK Labour government's stance on Khalistani extremism, potentially straining India-UK relations amid critical Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.


22-Nov-2024

Lord Meghnad Desai, former Labour Party member in the United Kingdom (UK), criticized London's "outdated view" on Khalistan in an interview with Hindustan Times. He warned that this stance threatens India's unity and undermines UK-India relations.


05-Nov-2024

According to The Birmingham Dispatch, Member of Parliament (MP) Preet Gill recently apologized after threatening to report the newspaper to police over an article raising concerns about the Guru Nanak Gurdwara (GNG) in Smethwick, UK, where portraits of Babbar Khalsa members are displayed. Gill initially accused the newspaper of bias, harassment, and accepting “underhand payments” for the story. The National Secular Society criticized her actions, stressing that elected officials should uphold free speech and not suppress journalistic inquiry into religious organizations.


31-Oct-2024

On October 31, a memorial event was held at Centenary Square in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), to honour the victims of the anti-Sikh riots that took place 40 years ago. Attendees lit candles and shared poignant testimonies from survivors, reflecting on the emotional toll of the violence that followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.


30-Oct-2024

Gurpreet Singh Johal, brother of Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, recently met with United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London, expressing optimism about his sibling's situation following their discussion. Jagtar Singh Johal is currently detained in Tihar Jail in New Delhi on charges related to terrorism and conspiracy.


16-Oct-2024

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office on October 16 expressed 'full confidence' in Canada’s judicial process amidst the diplomatic crisis between India and Canada over the alleged involvement of Indian officials in the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in London. The UK joined New Zealand and Australia, all members of the Five Eyes alliance, in supporting Canada. The Five Eyes, which includes the United States (US), Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, remain closely aligned. On October 15, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Winston Peters also voiced concerns, supporting the rule of law and urging respect for legal processes. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of respecting national sovereignty.


06-Oct-2024

A recent episode of Gurdwara Miri Piri on MATV highlighted contentious issues within the Sikh diaspora, particularly regarding Khalistani separatist groups like Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The discussion critiqued the exploitation of Sikh identity for political and financial gain, emphasizing the need for unity and dignity within the community. The presenters condemned the inflammatory rhetoric of separatists and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and genuine activism. They called on the diaspora to reclaim Sikh heritage, rooted in the values of selfless service, honest living, and meditation, while rejecting divisiveness and promoting inclusivity.


01-Oct-2024

A recent discussion on the United Kingdom (UK)-based MATV program Gurdwara MiriPiri highlighted deepening divisions within the pro-Khalistan diaspora. The program exposed contradictions, factionalism, and opportunism among key figures, questioning their alignment with Indian political leaders like Rahul Gandhi and the movement’s erasure of Sikh roots in Lahore. The anchors concluded that the Khalistan movement is increasingly fragmented and lacks genuine support.


20-Sep-2024

In a September 20 broadcast on United Kingdom (UK)-based MATV, the Gurdwara MiriPiri program strongly condemned Pakistan-sponsored pro-Khalistan elements, particularly Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The anchors criticized Pannun's legal actions against India as publicity stunts, questioned his alignment with Pakistani interests, and pointed out his neglect of key Sikh issues. They called for greater financial transparency, more support for the families of Sikh martyrs, and condemned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) silence on religious matters, stressing the importance of preserving Sikh identity.


20-Aug-2024

Birmingham Crown Court on August 20 sentenced a 10-member drug smuggling gang, including Indian-origin men, to prison terms ranging from two to 16 years in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Among them, Maninder Dosanjh received 16 years and eight months, while Amandeep Rishi was sentenced to 11 years and two months for their roles in smuggling cocaine and money laundering. The gang, arrested in July 2020, used frozen chicken consignments to transport drugs and was caught with 400 kg of cocaine and GBP 1.6 million in cash. They communicated via the now-shutdown Encrochat platform.


28-Jul-2024

United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament (MP) Jeevun Sandher, during an interview with PTI in London, expressed his commitment to restoring trust in politics and strengthening ties with India. Sandher, representing Loughborough, emphasized the importance of the UK-India partnership and outlined his priorities, including boosting local economic prosperity through clean energy and reducing crime, among other things.


25-Jul-2024

On July 25, protests erupted after a motion recognizing the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide was withdrawn at the Slough Borough Council meeting in Slough, United Kingdom (UK). The motion, proposed by Independent Councillor Sabia Akram, sought to condemn recent killings of Sikh activists and demand justice for victims of the 1984 violence. The withdrawal followed objections from Council Leader Dexter Smith, who cited concerns about community cohesion and divisiveness.


23-Jul-2024

United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to begin a two-day visit to India on July 24, marking the first high-level engagement between the two countries since Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer's Labour government took office. Key discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will focus on the long-pending India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) and concerns over pro-Khalistan activities in the UK.


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