KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
09-Dec-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) Rohtak on December 9 arrested two criminals linked to the Bhau gang, identified as Jasbir and Sahil, and seized two firearms from their possession after a brief encounter near the Titoli bypass in Rohtak district, Haryana. The criminals opened fire on the police, injuring two officers, though they were protected by bulletproof vests. The duo, who were injured in the crossfire, have been admitted to PGIMS Rohtak for treatment.
08-Dec-2024
On December 8, agitating farmers suspended their march to Delhi after Haryana security forces used teargas and water cannons to disperse them at the Punjab-Haryana border near Shambhu in Patiala district, Punjab. Despite initial gestures such as offering tea and flower petals, the situation escalated into a confrontation. The farmers, demanding legal Minimum Support Price, debt waivers, and other reforms, plan to determine their next course of action on December 9.
08-Dec-2024
On December 8, Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh faced protests from Bajrang Dal during his concert in Indore over allegations of anti-national remarks and support for Khalistan. Despite demands for its cancellation, the event proceeded as planned. In response to critics, Diljit quoted Rahat Indori’s iconic poetry: "Agar khilaaf hain hone do, jaan thodi hai. Yeh sab dhuan hai, asmaan thodi hai. Sabhi ka khoon hai shaamil yahan ki mitti mein, Kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai."
08-Dec-2024
Police on December 8 arrested two women, identified as Sona and Simmi and seized 105 grams of heroin from their possession near Lakhowal road area near Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
08-Dec-2024
A court on December 8 extended the police custody of Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Sukhbir Singh Badal, in Amritsar in Punjab.
08-Dec-2024
Reports indicate that the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal highlights concerns over resurfacing secessionist sentiments in Punjab, although a return to the pro-Khalistan extremism of the past appears unlikely. Factors such as the emergence of figures like Amritpal Singh Sandhu and Simranjit Singh Mann, along with unresolved grievances from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, have contributed to renewed tensions. The weakening of established political alliances and leadership, coupled with internal party vulnerabilities, has further destabilized the political landscape. Effective leadership and coordinated efforts between state and central governments are crucial to preventing a recurrence of past unrest.
07-Dec-2024
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, on December 7 justified former militant Narayan Singh Chaura’s alleged attempt to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Bittu characterized Chaura’s actions as an emotional response to perceived blasphemy and urged the SAD to support his release.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, Head Constable Manbir Singh and Punjab Home Guards Jawan Gurwinder Singh, members of a Chabal police party, were injured while attempting to arrest Balwinder Singh Doni and Gopal Singh Gopala, suspects involved in drug trade, in the Pakka Qilha locality of Chabal town, Tarn Taran district.
07-Dec-2024
The Sadar Police on December 7 arrested Bajid Ali, an accused on bail in drug smuggling cases, and his accomplice Suraj, seizing 1.5 kg of opium from their possession in Purana Naru Nangal village, Hoshiarpur district.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, Navi Mumbai Police registered a case against two men, identified as Happy Singh and Jaspal Singh, along with a gang of 10 others, for assaulting Sikh bhajan singer Lakhwinder Surjit Singh in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The victim claimed the attack was retaliation for his support of Bhupinder Singh’s family, following Bhupinder’s 2016 murder. The assailants reportedly intercepted Lakhwinder’s vehicle, assaulted him with weapons, and coerced him into recording a video renouncing ties with Bhupinder Singh’s family.
07-Dec-2024
According to sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 12,300 kg of narcotics between January and October 2024. Of this, 96% (11,866 kg) was recovered along the eastern India-Bangladesh border, while only 432 kg was seized at the western India-Pakistan border. Additionally, 257 drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were downed along the western border, and 194 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended at the Indo-Bangladesh border during the same period.
07-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Police on December 7 announced an intensified investigation into former Khalistan militant Narain Singh Chaura’s alleged attempt to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. The police have been questioning Chaura’s sons, Jagjit Singh Bajwa and Baljinder Singh Bajwa, to uncover the motive and conspiracy behind the plot.
07-Dec-2024
The Punjab Police on December 7 attached properties belonging to members of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), identified as Inderjit Singh Bajwa and Ranjodh Singh alias Baba, in connection with the Batala shootout case. The shootout, which occurred on June 24, 2023, injured Shiv Sena leader Rajiv Mahajan and his relatives. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by Bajwa and Baba to avenge the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, a section of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, urging him to excommunicate former militant Narain Singh Chaura for attempting to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
07-Dec-2024
The banned pro-Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced a travel budget of INR 25 lakh to facilitate Sikh farmers to “seize the Indian Parliament” on December 13, coinciding with the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Farmers are protesting in the capital for various demands, including a farm loan waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases etc.
07-Dec-2024
Top intelligence sources have described the banned terrorist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)'s call for farmers to “Seize Indian Parliament” on December 13 as "unwarranted" and a form of "foreign interference" that the Canadian government should address. The outfit has allocated INR 25 lakh for the protest, which coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. According to the sources, SFJ chief and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is receiving funds for every post against India and is now attempting to intervene in various matters.
07-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Rural Police on December 7 arrested eight individuals, identified as Kushal, Jatinder Singh, Hina, Jaspinder Singh, Surinder Singh, Jagjivan Lal, Suraj, and his wife Simran and seized 504 narcotic pills, 47 grams of opium, INR 1,500 in drug money, three motorcycles, and one luxury car from their possession in Phillaur, Jalandhar district.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, a clash between two groups of convicts at Kapurthala Central Jail left four inmates injured. One critically injured inmate, Simranjeet Singh, was referred to Amritsar Medical College, while the others were treated at Kapurthala Civil Hospital. The altercation, which occurred around 8 p.m. in barrack 3/3, involved the use of sharp iron rods and was reportedly triggered by an old rivalry.
06-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Rural Police on December 6 arrested three individuals, identified as Makha Singh, Sajjan Singh, and William Masih and seized 5 kg of heroin along with a revolver from their possession near Ajnala in Amritsar district. Their accomplices, Harpal Singh alias Bhala and Gursewak Singh alias Sewak, managed to flee.
06-Dec-2024
The Special Cell of Delhi Police on December 6 arrested two shooters of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Narender and Abhishek, following a shootout in Rohini, North West Delhi.
06-Dec-2024
According to sources, Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant arrested for attempting to assassinate former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, was active during the Punjab militancy. He admitted to receiving firearms training in Pakistan and claimed to have bribed the Punjab Police in 1997 to evade custody. As the founder of the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Chaura has been associated with various separatist groups and radical ideologies. He has also authored books on Sikh history and militant activities.
06-Dec-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on December 6 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a plea by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar seeking suspension of his sentence in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Khokhar, currently serving a life sentence, requested furlough citing his age, disability, and health issues. His plea was previously rejected by jail authorities. Khokhar has also challenged the high court's 2018 order upholding his conviction.
06-Dec-2024
Preliminary police investigations suggest that former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple, acted alone. Chaura, currently in a three-day police remand, fired at Badal from close range but missed, before being subdued by plainclothes policemen. A 9mm pistol was recovered from him, and authorities are investigating its origin. Police are also probing potential motivations for the attack, possibly tied to Badal's recent religious penance.
06-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Police Commissionerate on December 6 announced the arrest of 10 individuals, including four operatives backed by Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, United States (US) based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Pashia, Jeevan Fauji and Jashanpreet Singh, and seized a hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, one .32 bore pistol and a drone from their possession, from Amritsar in Amritsar district.
06-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 562 grams from fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district on December 6.