KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Feb-2024
A viral video, shared by a user on February 17, depicts a Sikh man allegedly threatening the life of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, garnering over 6 lakh views and 15,000 likes. In the video, the man claims that in the coming years, PM Modi might be killed. The authenticity of the video and the speaker's identity remain unverified. The threat evokes historical tensions, reminiscent of the assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards after Operation Blue Star.
17-Feb-2024
The police on February 17 recovered several electronic gadgets from the cells of National Security Act detainees, including members of the pro-Khalistani group Waris Punjab De (WPD) and its leader Amritpal Singh, in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. Confiscated items included smartphones, pen drives, and Bluetooth devices. Additional security measures, such as installing extra CCTV cameras, were implemented.
17-Feb-2024
On February 17, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pargat Singh raised concerns about hate propaganda targeting Sikhs amid ongoing farmers' protests, through posts on the social media site X. Sahney urged Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah to ban social media accounts promoting hate speech. He highlighted screenshots of handles calling for a repeat of the 1984 Sikh genocide. MLA Pargat Singh criticized the Punjab government and police for not taking action against such accounts, while pro-farm social media accounts faced suspension by the central government.
17-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on February 17 recovered 440 gm of heroin from farming fields near Bharopal Village in Amritsar district.
17-Feb-2024
The police on February 17 arrested two men, Sukhdeep Singh and Mahinder Singh, for making extortion calls to a local businessman, posing as aides of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and demanding INR 30 lakh from him, in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in Punjab.
16-Feb-2024
Police on February 23 arrested three sharpshooters of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Rohit alias Laddu, Mohit, and Siddharth and seized three pistols, two live cartridges, two empty cartridges, a mobile phone, and a car from their possession after a brief exchange of fire in Alipur, North Delhi district in Delhi.
16-Feb-2024
Amritsar rural police, on February 16, busted a major drug syndicate being operated from Dubai by arresting five peddlers identified as Sarwan Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Vishal Singh, Harmeet Singh, and Hari Singh along with 4.4 kg of heroin, a .32 bore pistol along with 5 bullets, two cars, a tractor, and INR 3.8 lakh in drug money from their possession in Gharinda, Amritsar district. The investigation also uncovered a significant hawala racket, revealing several financial transactions across different locations. The syndicate's operations were linked to Bantu of Mehta, who operated from Dubai. The arrests were made following the interrogation of two initial drug smugglers, Sarwan Singh and Sukhdev Singh, with the police seizing 2 kg of heroin from their possession. This was followed by the arrest of Vishal Singh, with the police seizing 900 gm of heroin and INR 3.8 lakh in drug money from his possession. Subsequently, Harmeet Singh and Hari Singh were arrested, with the police seizing 1.5 kg of heroin, a .32 bore pistol along with 5 bullets, and a tractor from their possession.
16-Feb-2024
According to sources, it was revealed that gangster Rajan Bhatti’s association with Punjab-based drug smugglers began during his incarceration in New Delhi's Tihar Jail, where he came in contact with them. Upon his release in April 2023, Bhatti engaged in heroin smuggling facilitated by his contacts in Uganda, with shipments originating from Afghanistan and processed in East African countries like Kenya and Uganda. The heroin, sold at lower prices in Punjab, was distributed locally, with proceeds laundered through hawala channels. Bhatti's network also extended to illegal arms procurement, as evidenced by a recent weapons consignment arranged by associates from Madhya Pradesh (MP).
16-Feb-2024
The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government objected to the Centre's invocation of special powers under the British-era Telegraph Act of 1886 to ban mobile internet in Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab from February 12 to 16, citing a public emergency and law-and-order concerns based on Intelligence Bureau (IB) reports. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on February 15, protested during a meeting with Union ministers, asserting that the Centre had bypassed the state government's authority. While the Centre claimed no obligation to inform the state, Punjab officials highlighted the rare instance of the Union government issuing internet suspension orders outside Delhi. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) issued orders on February 12, invoking the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services rules, affecting specific areas in the mentioned districts, with a brief ban in Bathinda, Mansa, and Barnala.
16-Feb-2024
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on February 16 raided the house of international drug smuggler Akshay Chhabra and seized five of his vehicles, worth around RUB 44.50 million, near Dugri in Ludhiana district. These vehicles were allegedly purchased with drug money. Earlier, on November 15, 2022, the NCB Chandigarh team had recovered a staggering 20,326 kg of heroin from Chhabra. This latest raid underscores the authorities' ongoing efforts to crack down on drug trafficking networks operating within the region.
15-Feb-2024
After two days of confrontation, the situation at the Shambhu border between protesting farmers and Haryana Police remained relatively calm on February 15, near Shambhu village in Patiala district of Punjab. No attempts were made by farmers to enter Haryana, leading to a decrease in tension. Farmers continued to camp at the border, delaying their march towards Delhi as they awaited the outcome of meetings between their leaders and Union ministers.
15-Feb-2024
Police on February 15 arrested three persons identified as Lovpreet Singh, Sher Singh Shera and Jajbir Singh and seized 310 gm of heroin from their possession, in Van Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran district.
15-Feb-2024
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on February 15 urged the Prime Minister to intervene and address farmers' demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP), in Chandigarh. The ministers—Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai—are set to meet with farmers to discuss their grievances.
15-Feb-2024
Lakha Sidhana, a former gangster turned pro-Khalistan activist, was spotted at Delhi's farmer protest sites, urging defiance against police barricades. With a history of criminal activity and political involvement, Sidhana's presence has heightened security concerns, given his pending cases and prior association with militant groups. In his statements, he accused the government of exploiting farmers and called for regime change, raising fears of violence amidst the already tense protests against new agricultural laws.
15-Feb-2024
A video circulating on social media shows an alleged farmer expressing fervent anti-Indian sentiments amidst the ongoing farmer protests in India. In the video, the farmer passionately appeals to the international community for intervention, citing perceived injustices and sacrifices made by Punjabis. He can be seen stating, 'We appeal to the international community to intervene. We don't want to live with these people (Indians).' Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Manohar Khattar has criticized the farmers' methods, particularly their planned march towards Delhi, likening it to an army offensive. Despite resistance, predominantly Punjab farmers remain steadfast at border points, awaiting the Centre's proposals before deciding on their next move, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the protests.
15-Feb-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announced on February 15 that its offices and educational institutions would remain closed on February 16 in solidarity with the Bharat Bandh (shutdown) called by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and farmers' unions of India. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami emphasized the significance of farmers in the country's economy, urging the government to promptly address their demands to preserve farming culture and ensure farmers' well-being.
15-Feb-2024
On February 15, Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), strongly condemned the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee's (HSGMC) violation of etiquette at historic Gurdwaras. He highlighted police accommodation in Guru Ghars during the farmers' protests, alleging alcohol and drug consumption by officers, which hurt Sikh sentiments. Dhami warned against government influence on Gurdwara Committees and called for the protection of sacred places from arbitrary actions. He appealed to Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to address these incidents promptly.
15-Feb-2024
Police on February 15 arrested two unidentified opium smugglers and seized 1 kg of opium from their possession in Kanal in Bathinda in Bathinda district. The court ordered the accused to be remanded into police custody for 2 days.
15-Feb-2024
An internet ban has been imposed in three Punjab districts - Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib - until February 16, amidst intermittent shelling and tear gas at the Shambhu border near Shambhu village in Patiala district in Punjab. The agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), seeks Minimum Support Price (MSP) laws and other farmer-centric reforms, while security measures, including the use of Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), are heightened at protest sites.
14-Feb-2024
Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, denounced the portrayal of farmers with false narratives during a press conference in New Delhi on February 14. He rebutted allegations of affiliations with Khalistan, left-wing, or political parties, asserting that farmers agitate irrespective of political ties. Pandher urged the Prime Minister to enact legislation guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) and criticized accusations of expanding demands, emphasizing consistency in their objectives and willingness for dialogue.
14-Feb-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Punjab Police on February 14 arrested two drug peddlers identified as Vikash and Honey and seized over 1 kg of heroin from their possession in Chheharta in Amritsar district. Further investigation revealed their involvement in drug trafficking in the Chheharta area, prompting ongoing raids to arrest their suppliers.
14-Feb-2024
According to sources, on February 14, the second day of the 'Dilli Chalo' protest, approximately 50 farmers were injured by rubber bullets and tear gas fired by Haryana Police at Shambhu border near Shambhu village in Patiala district. Additionally, 12 farmers were injured at Khanauri in Sangrur district. The Punjab Government activated medical teams and ambulances, pledging to cover the treatment costs for the injured. Union leaders emphasized the need for dialogue with the government while highlighting the tense atmosphere hindering discussions.
14-Feb-2024
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Special Task Force (STF) on February 14 arrested a key figure involved in procuring illegal firearms from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on behalf of the notorious Vicky Tyagi gang, identified as Vinay Tyagi, from near Mawana Bus Stand in Meerut district in UP. Vinay disclosed that Rakshit Tyagi, Vicky's son, was his associate and managed to escape arrest. Vinay admitted to supplying weapons to Rakshit, underscoring Rakshit's pivotal role.
13-Feb-2024
According to sources, at least 13 individuals, including journalists, suffered severe injuries as the Haryana Police fired tear gas shells to prevent protesting farmers from forcibly entering Haryana via the Shambhu border near Shambhu village in the Patiala district of Punjab. Additionally, over 10 security personnel were injured due to stone-throwing by the farmers.
13-Feb-2024
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur on February 13 stated that the government has done more for the farm sector than the UPA government and remains open to further discussions despite the breakdown of talks with farmers in Chandigarh. He also emphasized the need for broader discussions on new farmer issues and reiterated the government's commitment to farmer welfare. Thakur pointed out a significant increase in the agriculture budget under the Modi government, from INR 27,662 crore in 2013-14 to over INR 1.25 lakh crore presently. He highlighted initiatives such as the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and crop insurance benefits. Thakur also emphasized the government's investment in irrigation schemes and stressed the importance of comprehensive dialogue to address farmer concerns.