KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
16-Jan-2025
The Mohali Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on January 16 submitted a challan against nine individuals, including Punjab police constable Gurmeet Singh, along with eight others, under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, at a local court in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused were involved in the drug trade.
16-Jan-2025
Outgoing United States (US) Ambassador Eric Garcetti, in an interview with The Times of India on January 16, commended the Indian investigation into the murder-for-hire plot involving Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, calling it a positive step towards accountability and systemic reforms. He highlighted tangible outcomes of US-India cooperation, discussed trade and tariff issues, and emphasized the strong relationship between Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, while also addressing human rights and geopolitical challenges during his tenure.
16-Jan-2025
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on January 16 issued a threat video aimed at disrupting Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The video featured a pro-Khalistan activist raising anti-national slogans at India Gate and hoisting the Khalistan flag at Delhi Junction Railway Station. Pannun claimed that Khalistan squads were stationed to carry out the plans, prompting intensified security measures by the Delhi Police and other security agencies.
16-Jan-2025
The recent Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) announcement recommended legal action against an individual allegedly involved in a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in New York, United States (US) in 2023. The UMHA statement emphasized India’s commitment to ensuring accountability, adhering to due process, and distancing the government from the accused, Vikash Yadav, labelling him a rogue element. This move aligns with US demands for systemic reforms and aims to safeguard future bilateral relations ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on January 20.
16-Jan-2025
According to sources, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has advised the Delhi Police not to include Punjab Police personnel in the security detail of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal while he is in New Delhi. This recommendation follows Punjab Police intelligence inputs about a potential threat to Kejriwal from pro-Khalistani elements. The inputs suggest that two unidentified individuals from Punjab, tasked with the attack, may have already entered Delhi. In response, the Delhi Police has enhanced Kejriwal’s Z-plus security, which comprises approximately 60 personnel.
15-Jan-2025
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 15 announced that the high-powered enquiry committee, established in November 2023 to investigate organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and drug peddlers, has submitted its report. The enquiry, prompted by leads from the United States (US), recommended swift legal action against an individual with prior criminal links. It also outlined systemic improvements to enhance India’s security response. The investigation followed allegations by the US Department of Justice against former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) official Vikash Yadav and businessman Nikhil Gupta for their alleged roles in a failed 2023 plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.
15-Jan-2025
Tarn Taran Police on January 15 dismantled a Pakistan-backed drug trafficking cartel, arresting the kingpin, Rashpal Singh, and seizing 5 kg of heroin from his possession in Bhai Ladhu village, Tarn Taran district. Police confirmed that Rashpal was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, using drones to smuggle drugs across the border.
15-Jan-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 15 recovered heroin gross weight of 8.560 kg containing around 15 small packets, from fields near Balharwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
15-Jan-2025
The Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) on January 15 arrested Gurpreet Singh Teetu, the brother of an aide to international drug kingpin Akshay Chhabra, and seized 1.2 kg of heroin from his possession near Radha Swami Road in Ludhiana district. Gurpreet, linked to a global drug network, reportedly continued smuggling operations even after his brother Sandeep Singh's arrest in 2022 for trafficking over 20 kg of heroin. Authorities are investigating his ties to Chhabra's syndicate, which is responsible for smuggling over 1,400 kg of heroin, with further arrests expected.
15-Jan-2025
Police on January 15 arrested two key aides of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, identified as Balraj Singh and Pawan Kumar, following an encounter, and seized four illegal weapons, including a .32 bore pistol with 12 cartridges and a 9 mm pistol with one cartridge from their possession, near Wadala Chowk in Jalandhar district. Acting on a tip-off, the police tracked the duo, who were planning a major crime in the city. During the attempted arrest, Balraj fired at the police and injured himself in the exchange, while Pawan was apprehended while attempting to flee. Both individuals had multiple criminal cases pending against them.
15-Jan-2025
On January 15, three men on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the house of former Zila Parishad chairman, the late Rajinder Kumar alias Pappu Jaintipuria, at Jaintipur village in Majitha, Amritsar district. No injuries were reported as the family was away at the time. Gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia claimed responsibility for the attack. The family had reportedly been receiving threats from foreign-based gangsters, including from Passia's group, which has been active in the region.
15-Jan-2025
Sources reveal that a security review of former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has been initiated following intelligence inputs about a Khalistani extremist outfit’s plot to assassinate him. Kejriwal, who is under Z-Plus security, is protected by a multi-layered team of Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel. The plot, reportedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), aims to disrupt law and order. Kejriwal has previously faced threats from Indian Mujahideen and has been a target of physical attacks. The banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) had also targeted him in the past.
15-Jan-2025
Former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal stated on January 15 in New Delhi that 'God will save me' amid intelligence reports of a pro-Khalistan assassination plot allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Reports suggest a three-member hit squad has been dispatched to target him. Kejriwal’s Z+ security, comprising a 63-member team, is under review as Delhi Police heighten vigilance during the election campaign.
15-Jan-2025
Police on January 15 arrested two members of the criminal gang run by designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa and Gurdev Singh Jaisa, identified as Avtar Singh and Amarbir Singh, and seized five pistols, 13 live rounds, and a snatched car from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused, involved in robbery and extortion cases, had fired at complainant Ekamdeep Singh Brar on January 8 to steal his car. Earlier, on January 7, they had joined a farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border and snatched a bike after firing at a person on the Rajpura-Ambala highway.
14-Jan-2025
Radical Sikh leaders and supporters of jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh launched a new regional political party, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), on January 14 during the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Amritpal, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, was appointed as the party's 'chief sewadar.' A five-member executive committee and a seven-member recruitment panel were established to oversee operations and membership drives ahead of elections on Baisakhi. The party's stated goals include reviving Sikh principles, addressing Punjab's demographic concerns, and combating drug issues.
14-Jan-2025
Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on January 14 vowed to make sacrifices for the Panth and Punjab, urging the Sikh community to reconnect with SAD during a rally at the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Acknowledging past mistakes, he apologised to the Akal Takht over sacrilege controversies and accepted its punishment. Sukhbir also criticised jailed Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, accusing him of inciting violence and endangering Punjab’s youth.
14-Jan-2025
Sikh passengers flying internationally from Amritsar and Delhi airports have raised concerns over being barred from carrying kirpans and khanda necklaces, despite their small size. United States (US)-based traveller Prabhpreet Singh reported being asked to remove a tiny kirpan during a flight from Amritsar, a first in his decade of international travel. Amritsar Airport officials clarified that the restrictions are in line with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines, which prohibit carrying kirpans or metallic items on international flights. Only the government can review or amend these regulations.
14-Jan-2025
A Delhi court will resume hearing arguments on January 28 in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler. The case involves the murder of three Sikhs at Gurdwara Pul Bangash, with a witness alleging that Tytler instigated the mob. Charges of murder and rioting were framed against him in September 2024. Tytler, on anticipatory bail since 2023, is prohibited from tampering with evidence or leaving the country without permission.
13-Jan-2025
Punjab Police, in an official statement on January 13, cancelled all officers' leaves in the state until January 27 in preparation for Republic Day. All previously approved leaves were also revoked. Police will be on high alert during this period and have initiated cordon and search operations targeting criminals and anti-social elements.
13-Jan-2025
Al Jazeera English’s documentary, The Khalistan Assassinations, alleges Indian officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Samant Goel, were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The film highlights Nijjar's advocacy for Khalistan, his 2024 terrorist designation by India, and the diplomatic fallout after his killing. It also claims Indian intelligence’s role in a failed assassination attempt on Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States (US), raising concerns over India’s alleged transnational actions.
13-Jan-2025
Supporters of jailed Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh anticipate 15,000 attendees at the Maghi Mela in Sri Muktsar Sahib for the announcement of a new Panthic political party. The party, spearheaded by Amritpal and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Indira Gandhi's assassin Beant Singh, is claimed by Khalsa to signify a transformative moment in Punjab's political history.
13-Jan-2025
On January 13, a blast occurred in Jujhar Singh Nagar, a residential area in Amritsar district, prompting police to cordon off the site and restrict media access. Authorities stated that investigations are underway, exploring all possible angles, including a potential terror link. Forensic teams are analysing the incident to determine the nature of the explosion.
12-Jan-2025
According to Delhi Police sources, Sunil Yadav, a suspected drug smuggler from Punjab and operator of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang's narcotics network, was killed in Stockton, California, on December 23. Contrary to claims by Lawrence Bishnoi's aides Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar, his death was not revenge for Ankit Bhadu's killing but stemmed from suspicions that Yadav was attempting to form a parallel organization within the gang.
12-Jan-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on January 12 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 548 grams and a pistol near Tendiwala village in Ferozepur district. The consignment, attached to an iron hook, is suspected to have been dropped by a drone.
12-Jan-2025
Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Tripathi on January 12 arrested two unidentified drug peddlers and seized some banned pills, capsules and poppy husk from their possession, at a rickshaw stand near Kotkapura Road in Sri Muktsar Sahib district.