KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
14-Aug-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh cautioned against misinformation regarding the Nishan Sahib colour code on August 14 in Amritsar. He clarified that the recent directive, stipulating the use of either Basanti or Surmai colours for the Nishan Sahib, aligns with the 1936 Sikh code of conduct. The resolution aims to restore traditional practices and address confusion, rather than introduce a new colour code.
14-Aug-2024
On August 14, ahead of Independence Day (August 15), the intelligence department and police were placed on high alert due to threats of a fidayeen attack in Delhi or Punjab. Recent intelligence suggested that terrorists from Jammu might target major cities with explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Enhanced security measures, including 25,000 police personnel and AI-enabled surveillance, have been implemented for the Independence Day events, with particular focus on the Red Fort and other high-profile locations.
14-Aug-2024
In his Independence Day message on August 14, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria highlighted the challenges Punjab faces from Pakistan, which he described as waging a proxy war by sending drugs and weapons to disrupt India. He emphasized the need for collective action against such threats, including joint operations by Central and State forces, the installation of AI-enabled cameras, and the use of anti-drone technology.
14-Aug-2024
Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on August 14 prevented major criminal activities by arresting five individuals, identified as Sunil Bhandari alias Nata, Rahul Bhandari, Varinder Singh, Karan, and Amandeep Singh and recovered three .30 calibre Chinese pistols, two .32 calibre pistols, 40 cartridges, a Mahindra XUV 700, and an Innova Crysta near the National Highway in Rajpura in Patiala district. The accused are linked to several heinous crimes, including recent killings in Ferozepur, and further investigations are underway.
13-Aug-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on August 13 intercepted and recovered 538 grams of heroin along with a drone near Pacharian village in Ferozepur district. The recovered drone model was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
13-Aug-2024
In a joint operation on August 13, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Punjab Police arrested notorious drug smuggler, identified as Balwinder Singh alias Billa Havelian, in Gurdaspur in Gurdaspur district. Billa was detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act and will be held in Dibrugarh jail in Assam for a year without bail. Billa has extensive ties to Pakistan-based drug syndicates, faces charges related to heroin smuggling and counterfeit currency, and was previously out on bail.
13-Aug-2024
On August 13, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Jalandhar convicted drug dealer Ranjit Singh Kandola, alias Raja Kandola, and his wife on money laundering charges. Raja Kandola was sentenced to nine years in prison, while his wife, Rajwant Kaur, received a three-year sentence. The case stems from a 2012 drug seizure and allegations that Kandola was involved in a major drug manufacturing and smuggling operation.
13-Aug-2024
The Chief Judicial Magistrate in Chandigarh on August 13 granted bail to Gurmeet Singh, a convict in the Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh assassination case. Gurmeet Singh, who has served over 27 years in prison, was granted bail pending a decision on his premature release application. His legal team cited a January 2023 Punjab and Haryana High Court order allowing bail for convicts who have completed life sentences while permanent release decisions are still pending.
13-Aug-2024
A delegation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) led by its president Harjinder Singh Dhami on August 13 met with Justice (retired) SS Saron, the chief commissioner for gurdwara elections, in Chandigarh. They urged him to ensure transparent voter registration for the SGPC elections, citing concerns that rules are being ignored and registration is occurring without proper verification.
12-Aug-2024
A suspected Pakistani intruder was shot dead by the Border Security Force (BSF) while attempting to infiltrate India across the International Border near Dal village in Patti, Tarn Taran district on August 12. The BSF, on high alert ahead of Independence Day, observed the intruder’s suspicious movement and intercepted him. When the intruder advanced, the BSF neutralized him on the spot, thwarting the infiltration attempt.
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 intercepted a truck, arrested an individual identified as Gurtajinder Singh Pintu, and seized 150 kg of poppy husk from his possession in Malerkotla district.
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 arrested two individuals, identified as Imran Khan Kaka and Mohammad Anish, and seized 20,000 habit-forming tablets in Gattu Wala Khooh village in Malerkotla district.
12-Aug-2024
Police on August 12 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Kamla and Jagiro, and seized 5 grams of heroin from their possession in Goraya, Jalandhar district. Kamla was initially arrested on August 11 and, during interrogation, revealed that she obtained the heroin from Jagiro, who was subsequently arrested on August 12. Both individuals have prior drug-related criminal records and are facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with further investigations underway to uncover their connections to larger trafficking networks.
12-Aug-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar (SAD-A) and Dal Khalsa are set to participate in protests in Hoshiarpur on August 13 and Tarn Taran on August 15, against the central government’s alleged injustices towards Sikhs. Dal Khalsa's 'Freedom March' on August 13 will commemorate Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Dal Khalsa founder Gajinder Singh. Both parties plan to mobilize hundreds of activists for these demonstrations.
12-Aug-2024
In the past week, twenty Afghan Sikhs have been granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, in New Delhi. This marks progress for many who had been living in India on long-term visas or awaiting citizenship under the 1955 Act. The CAA, which eases the citizenship process for non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, has accelerated approvals by removing state government involvement. Over 400 Afghan Sikhs have applied through a camp set up to assist with the new process.
12-Aug-2024
Punjab Police on August 12 arrested Mukul Mishra, a suspect wanted in the murder of Nangal-based Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Bagga, in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Bagga was shot dead on April 13, 2024, by two assailants, and Mishra is accused of facilitating the payment for the weapons used in the crime. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is overseeing the case, and Mishra is also wanted in another criminal case in Ludhiana.
12-Aug-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya, a critic of the Trudeau government’s stance on pro-Khalistani elements, met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on August 12 in New Delhi. Arya highlighted the importance of the Canada-India relationship and urged for stronger action against extremist activities in Canada. Jaishankar has previously criticized Canada for accommodating individuals advocating violence and terrorism against India.
11-Aug-2024
On August 11, an individual identified as Gajinder Singh died from a drug overdose in Bathinda, Punjab. The police arrested four suspects, identified as Gurdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Kamaljit Kaur, and Ranjit Kaur, in connection with the case.
11-Aug-2024
Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, expressed condolences on August 11 over the death of Paramjit Singh Khalsa, a senior leader of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) and a supporter of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during his Dharam Yudh Morcha.
11-Aug-2024
Amritsar (Rural) Police on August 11 arrested an individual identified as Joban Singh alias Dhillon and seized 500 grams of heroin and 1.16 kg of opium from his possession in Gharinda village in Amritsar district. The arrest followed a tip-off about Dhillon's involvement in large-scale drug smuggling.
11-Aug-2024
The Khuikhera police on August 11 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Karandeep Singh Karni, and seized 1,350 pregabalin capsules (300 mg each) and a stolen bike from his possession in Khuikhera village, Abohar in Fazilka district. According to the police, Karni was using the unnumbered stolen bike for his operations.
10-Aug-2024
Ludhiana Police on August 10 arrested an individual identified as Sunny alias Rambo and seized 153 grams of heroin from his possession in Himmat Singh Nagar in Ludhiana district. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered, and the police plan to obtain his remand to further investigate and dismantle the drug supply chain.
10-Aug-2024
According to a senior police official investigating the Landa gang and its operations, Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa remains a major threat, actively extorting money and supplying arms and drugs across Punjab. Despite the arrest of his brother Tarsem Singh and numerous raids, Landa, who operates the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), continues to evade capture with support from both international and local accomplices. With a substantial reward offered for information on his whereabouts, the police are intensifying efforts to dismantle his network.
10-Aug-2024
Tarsem Singh, brother of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, was recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his role in the RPG attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in 2022. Singh, linked to banned Khalistani terror groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), and Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), was found to have facilitated terror funding and logistics for these attacks. His arrest followed a red corner notice issued by Interpol and a non-bailable warrant from an NIA special court.
10-Aug-2024
On August 10, in a joint operation with central agencies, Punjab Police arrested Simranjot Singh Sandhu, an international drug smuggler and the kingpin of the 487 kg cocaine smuggling case, in Bhaloor village, Moga district. Sandhu played a significant role in drug trafficking between India, Europe, and South America, smuggling large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and hashish. After being sentenced in Germany in 2022, he fled to Dubai and then to India, evading arrest across multiple locations, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan.