KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
26-Mar-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal emphasized on March 26 that SAD prioritizes principles over politics and is rooted in Punjab's values and the Khalsa Panth. He cited Sardar Parkash Singh Badal's resistance against the Emergency as an example of SAD's commitment to principles. Badal asserted that SAD's focus is on Punjab's interests, particularly those of Sikhs and farmers, rather than political gains or numbers. He underlines SAD's regional character and its commitment to serving Punjab's people, emphasizing its long-standing history as a movement rather than just a political entity
26-Mar-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, while addressing a gathering on the concluding day of the three-day Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, Punjab, on March 26, denounced the reinvocation of the National Security Act (NSA) against Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and his associates. He defended Amritpal and his associates, stating that they took up arms emotionally for their rights and religion.
26-Mar-2024
According to police data, in 2023, Ludhiana City railway station in Ludhiana district saw a significant rise in drug seizures compared to 2022, with the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of GRP confiscated 98 kg of ganja, 58 kg of opium, and 27 kg of poppy husk, along with 14,400 intoxicating pills including Lomotil, Alprazolam, and Tramadol, as well as 60 bottles of banned cough syrup. The CIA also seized seven pistols, a live cartridge, a magazine, and five knives in 2023. As of 2024, it has recovered 21 kg of opium and one country-made pistol. Despite facing staff shortages, the CIA managed to seize contraband primarily smuggled from other states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Bihar.
26-Mar-2024
A drug smuggler identified as Sucha Singh was killed on March 26 during a police encounter when a raid was being conducted at his residence in Mewa Miani village, Dasuya tehsil, Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. The police also seized a rifle and sharp-edged weapons from his house. During the raid, Sucha opened fire on the raiding team, injuring Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Satnam Singh and Constable Gurinder Singh. In self-defence, the police shot Sucha, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The police also arrested Sucha’s wife, Jasvir Kaur, sons Satnam Singh and Prabhdeep Singh, and another peddler identified as Santokh Singh, indicating family involvement in the drug trade.
26-Mar-2024
Police on March 26 arrested two individuals, identified as Gurraj Singh and Raghubir Singh and seized 400 grams of heroin and a car from their possession in Duggan village in Sangrur district. Based on information obtained during their interrogation, the police also arrested another individual, identified as Ajay Singh.
26-Mar-2024
Police on March 26 arrested two women, identified as Harpreet Kaur and Navdeep Kaur and seized 705 grams of heroin, INR 29,500, and a two-wheeler from their possession in Sangrur district. After their interrogation, the police arrested Baljinder Singh, while another identified suspect, Amardeep Sekhawat, remains at large.
25-Mar-2024
Punjab Police on March 25 busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket by arresting 12 unidentified persons and seizing 4 kg of heroin and INR 3 lakh in drug money in Amritsar district. The smuggling module was allegedly led by Malaysia-based top smuggler Ranjeet Singh alias Cheeta, who is linked to previous major drug hauls, including the 2019 seizure of 532 kg of heroin at Attari International Check Post in Punjab. Drones were reportedly used by the module to transport drugs from Pakistan into Tarn Taran district. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further connections and make additional arrests in the case.
25-Mar-2024
Police on March 25 arrested Satnam Singh and Gurdeep Singh and seized 220 kg of poppy husk from their possession at Malerkotla-Raikot Road near Malerkotla in Malerkotla district. The duo were smuggling poppy husk, hiding it in a turmeric consignment.
25-Mar-2024
In preparation for the Lok Sabha election, police in Malerkotla district have intensified crackdowns against anti-social elements. This includes identifying crime hotspots, upgrading police infrastructure, and implementing proactive measures. Suspected drug peddlers and habitual offenders have been warned to leave the district or face stern action. Recent operations led by senior police officials targeted villages identified for illegal activities, signaling a heightened effort to maintain peace and security during the election period.
25-Mar-2024
The chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, alleged via a video message on March 25 that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had received USD 16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022. Pannun also claimed that Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal purportedly offered to secure the release of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar in exchange for funds. According to Pannun, Kejriwal made this promise during a 2014 meeting in New York, United States (US). This accusation follows Pannun's earlier claim in January 2024 that Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann had accepted USD 6 million in donations from Khalistan supporters.
25-Mar-2024
According to reports, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which has faced electoral setbacks, aims to revive its fortunes by refocusing on Sikh-centric issues ahead of the general election. Emphasizing its commitment to Sikh interests, the party vows to prioritize panth issues, farmer welfare, and the release of Sikh prisoners. This strategic move aims to bolster the party's appeal among Sikhs and Punjabis, with experts suggesting that such a stance could help SAD regain lost ground and reinforce its credibility within the community.
25-Mar-2024
The leader of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on March 25 issued a threat to Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal, claiming Khalistanis in Tihar jail would hold him accountable for not fulfilling promises. Pannun, via a video message, accused Arvind Kejriwal of accepting USD 16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022, alleging that Kejriwal promised to secure the release of Sikh extremist Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar in exchange for funds. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) denied the allegations.
24-Mar-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate police on March 24 announced that they had arrested four members of arms and drug smuggling racket backed by Canada based gangster and Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, identified as Gurpreet Singh, Abhishek alias Bholu, Ramandeep Singh, Jagroop Singh and seized 8 pistols and 14 cartridges 11 magazines, a car and a motorcycle in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
24-Mar-2024
Police on March 24 arrested a courier worker and a member of arms and drug smuggling racket backed by gangster and Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, identified as Gagandeep Singh and seized 2 kg of opium from his possession in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. This operation is part of a larger operation targeting Landa's interstate weapon smuggling network, which has resulted in the seizure of 25 weapons and 29 kg of opium so far.
24-Mar-2024
The Nawanshahr police on March 24 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Harsimranjeet Singh and Amandeep Singh and seized 12 grams of heroin, two syringes and a car from their possession at a naka (checkpoint) near Kathgarh village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
24-Mar-2024
Dal Khalsa working president Paramjit Singh Mand, on March 24 at the monthly meeting of young activists of Dal Khalsa in Hoshiarpur district, questioned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal regarding the degradation of Sikh politics, following the SAD core committee's decision to prioritize principles over politics in Punjab. Mand criticized the Badal-led SAD for prioritizing power over principles and accused the Badal family of controlling the SAD and subjugating the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) since the passing of Akali stalwart Gurcharan Singh Tohra.
23-Mar-2024
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, while speaking at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Singapore (NUS) in Singapore on March 23, highlighted the need to address the issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. He emphasized India's stance against terrorism and criticized Pakistan for using it as a tool of statecraft. He affirmed India's commitment to confronting the issue head-on and stated that dialogue with Pakistan has been minimal due to their reaction to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
23-Mar-2024
According to ABC News, Indian authorities conducted searches at the family home of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Punjab shortly before his alleged murder in Surrey, Canada. The searches, involving uniformed police and intelligence agencies, raised suspicions among locals. Despite Canada's accusations and ongoing tensions, the Indian government denies any involvement in Nijjar's killing, emphasizing the need for evidence, which Canada has failed to provide until now.
23-Mar-2024
Dal Khalsa on March 23 rejected India's probe findings regarding its alleged involvement in a plot to kill Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States (US). Dal Khalsa demanded an independent investigation by US authorities and urged India to hand over any implicated former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official for criminal proceedings in a US court.
23-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint operation on March 23 recovered 2 kg of heroin and a drone from farming fields adjacent to Nanak Nagar village in Fazilka district.
23-Mar-2024
Police on March 23 arrested a woman smuggler, identified as Parminder Kaur and seized 1.8 kg of poppy husk and INR 35,000 drug money from her possession in Samrala in Ludhiana district. Three accomplices, identified as Balwinder Singh alias Bindri, Prince, and Sameer alias Mota, are still at large.
23-Mar-2024
Police on March 23 arrested three drug smugglers identified as Rinku, Mehar Singh and Jagmal Singh and seized 22 grams of heroin and a car from their possession, at a naka (checkpoint) near Khanna in Ludhiana district.
23-Mar-2024
Based on information from Village Defence Committee (VDC) member of Neshta village, the Amritsar rural police on March 23 recovered a drone from farming fields near Neshta village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 model.
23-Mar-2024
Police seized a drone from farming fields near Atalgarh village in Amritsar district on March 23. The drone was a quadcopter DJI Matrice 300 RTK model.
22-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted the movement of a drone on March 22 and recovered it the following morning, on March 23, from fields adjacent to Mehandipur village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a DJI Matrice Model-300 RTK model.