KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
13-Feb-2024
On February 13, a viral video surfaced, depicting a supposed protester from the farmers' protest advocating for Khalistan and expressing a willingness to join Pakistan. This has led to accusations of radical separatist infiltration in the ongoing farmers' protest in India.
13-Feb-2024
Haryana Police used tear gas and drones to disperse farmers advancing towards Delhi. Despite a meeting with Union ministers yielding no results, farmers remain determined to continue their 'Delhi Chalo' march, intensifying pressure on the government. The presence of diverse motivations within the protest movement and potential radical elements advocating for separatist causes has prompted widespread discussion.
13-Feb-2024
Police on February 13 arrested an individual named Adil Manzoor Langoo for killing two migrant workers from Punjab in Srinagar on February 7, from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigations revealed that Langoo, who was in contact with a handler in Pakistan, conspired to commit the crime. The victims, Amritpal Singh and Rohit Masih, were targeted in a terrorist attack claimed by ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’, a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Langoo was provided with the weapon by his handler, further motivating the attack.
13-Feb-2024
Police on February 13 seized 520 grams of heroin from fields behind a house in Daoke village in Amritsar district, following a tip-off. The villagers aided in the operation. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered against unidentified individuals.
12-Feb-2024
Police on February 12 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Sarwan Singh and Sukhdev Singh and seized 2 kg of heroin from their possession at a checkpoint near Defence Drain Bridge in Gharindi village in Amritsar district. They were apprehended while transporting the heroin in a white Alto car, allegedly obtained from Pakistan via drones. The suspects attempted to evade capture, but their car overturned during a police chase. Both were injured and taken to the hospital before being detained.
12-Feb-2024
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), released a video on February 12 urging Indian farmers to seize Delhi and hoist Khalistan flags. This action has intensified concerns about radical infiltration within the ongoing protest movement. In the video, Pannun specifically calls for placing Khalistan flags on the chest and house of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Furthermore, he attempts to fuel the Khalistani movement by invoking the names of deceased youth from Punjab who were victims of terrorism. Pannun’s call to action highlights the efforts to hijack the farmers’ protest for separatist agendas.
12-Feb-2024
The "Dilli Chalo" protest by farmers is set to begin on the morning of February 13 despite heavy deployment of forces, as negotiations between farmer leaders and Union ministers failed.
12-Feb-2024
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on February 12 busted an international drug racket operating across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Dubai, with the arrest of nine unidentified people, including three Mexicans, and seized more than 15 kg of methamphetamine (ICE), 9 kg of pseudoephedrine and other chemicals from their possession, in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. An advocate from Mohali is identified as the prime suspect, with reports suggesting that the cartel ran a laboratory-like facility in Ludhiana for preparing drugs. Earlier, on February 9, had carried out a raid at a local gym and had arrested the owner Gurmail Singh alias Garry and had seized equipment valued at INR 37 lakh. The gym was reportedly operated by a member of the drug syndicate, identified as Akshay Chhabra.
12-Feb-2024
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit plans his sixth visit to the border districts of Punjab from February 20 onwards to address concerns related to drug and weapon smuggling from Pakistan. His agenda includes meetings with central and state officials to review progress and tackle new challenges in border security, infrastructure, and combating smuggling. Purohit aims to enhance coordination between agencies, engage local residents, and strengthen Village Defence Committees (VDCs) to gather ground-level insights and address border issues effectively.
12-Feb-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) of Ludhiana Range on February 12 arrested a Nigerian drug peddler, identified as Frank Chubaeji and seized 260 gm of methamphetamine (ICE) from his possession in the Daba area of Ludhiana district. He had a history of drug-related arrests and was declared a proclaimed offender by the court. Additionally, he acted as a liaison between Punjab-based peddlers and suppliers in New Delhi.
11-Feb-2024
According to sources, young men from lower-income families are frequently targeted for involvement in spreading pro-Khalistan propaganda across several States — Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and even Delhi. Exploiting their desperation for financial stability or better prospects abroad, handlers promise monetary rewards or job opportunities in countries like the United States (US) or Canada. However, investigations have revealed a pattern of exploitation, with individuals often left empty-handed after risking legal repercussions. The banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has been implicated in orchestrating such schemes, utilising social media and connections abroad to recruit gullible individuals for their separatist agendas. Despite promises of rewards and opportunities, these individuals often find themselves caught in the legal net, with little to show for their involvement except disillusionment and disappointment.
11-Feb-2024
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi on February 11 released commemorative and currency coins on the bicentennial birth anniversary of Sikh philanthropist Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji, in New Delhi.
11-Feb-2024
Youth Sikh preacher Harvinder Singh Jamshedpuri, on February 11, stated that he strongly opposes government intervention in Sikh Takht Sahibs, emphasising the sanctity of religious sites and the need for community-led management during an address in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. He urged Gurudwara management in Jamshedpur to resolve internal matters internally. Additionally, he called upon Central Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (CGPC) Pradhan, Sardar Bhagwan Singh, to address Sikh community issues without government involvement, all while adhering to the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
11-Feb-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) on February 11 busted a drug supply chain with the arrest of four persons identified as Jagdev Singh alias Jagga, Harpreet Singh alias Jassi, Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi, and Harinder Singh alias Harry, and seized 3.48 kg of heroin and 310 gm of ICE (Methamphetamine) from their possession, near GNE College on Gill Road in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. The accused sourced drugs from a Nigerian national in New Delhi and distributed them to addicts in Punjab.
11-Feb-2024
The Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation on February 11, arrested a smuggler identified as Sukhchain Singh and seized 1 kg of heroin from his possession near Chhanga Rai Hithar village in Firozpur district. The police revealed that information was received about Sukhchain Singh and Mangal Singh receiving heroin consignments from Pakistani smugglers, leading to the arrest of Sukhchain Singh. Upon interrogation, Sukhchain revealed the location of two 500 gm heroin consignments hidden in a field along the international border, subsequently recovered by the authorities.
11-Feb-2024
Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint operation on February 11 recovered 500 gm of heroin and a drone, from fields near Awan Basau village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a Quadcopter model DJI Mavic 3 Classic manufactured in China.
11-Feb-2024
The city-1 police on February 11 arrested two persons, identified as Laddi and Kamaldeep and seized 50 gm of heroin from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district, while one accomplice Shobha Singh remains at large. According to the Police, the trio were allegedly involved in smuggling heroin into Punjab, and selling it at high rates for profit.
11-Feb-2024
Haryana authorities have fortified the state's border with Punjab at Shambhu near Ambala district ahead of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13. They have deployed concrete blocks, sandbags, and anti-riot vehicles. Similar arrangements have been made in Jind and Fatehabad districts, with concrete blocks and spike strips placed on roads to thwart the march. Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven districts, including Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Jind, from February 11 to 13. The farmers, demanding a minimum support price (MSP) guarantee and other reforms, plan to head to Delhi from various borders, including Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind, and Dabwali. Districts like Ambala and Kaithal have imposed Section 144, while Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal criticized the Haryana government's efforts to deter the farmers' movement, emphasizing their readiness for dialogue with the Centre.
11-Feb-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on February 11 criticized the Haryana government for creating a border 'between Punjab and India' by fortifying the state's border with Punjab ahead of the farmers' 'Dilli Chalo' march, comparing it to the border with Pakistan. The border sealing includes concrete blocks, sandbags, barbed wire, and anti-riot vehicles at Shambhu near Ambala, with similar arrangements in Jind and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. The farmers' unions plan to march to Delhi on February 13 to press for minimum support price (MSP) and other demands.
11-Feb-2024
The Sikh group Dal Khalsa has voiced opposition to the awarding of the Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister (PM) Narasimha Rao, citing his alleged involvement as a 'prime suspect' in the 1984 Delhi massacre of Sikhs during his tenure as the Union Home Minister (UHM). Additionally, they criticized the honouring of LK Advani, who had previously labeled the Anandpur Sahib Resolution as a 'separatist document.'
10-Feb-2024
Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, reaffirmed Australia's respect for India's sovereignty and condemned the actions of Khalistani supporters in an interview with NDTV in New Delhi. She stated that their protests hold no status and emphasized the importance of a democratic society where all individuals feel safe and respected.
10-Feb-2024
Anti-Gangster Task Force team of Rajasthan Police on February 10 arrested two active operatives of Lawrence Bishnoi, Rohit Godara and Vikram Gurjar alias Vikram Bamarda gang, identified as Boduram Gurjar and Bunty Gurjar and seized two illegal pistols, three magazines, two cartridges of 7.65 mm, five cartridges of 12 bore from their possession, in Sikar in Sikar district in Rajasthan. Their accomplice Sardar Gurjar and Rajkumar Gurjar managed to escaped, and efforts are underway to arrest them.
10-Feb-2024
Rajan Bhatti, a close associate of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, who was arrested on February 9 after an encounter, was sent to a five-day police remand on February 10, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. Bhatti was wanted for multiple criminal cases including targeted killings and drug smuggling, with connections to Punjab-origin suppliers in Uganda, and faces charges in Punjab and Chandigarh, where he had previously evaded police custody multiple times.
10-Feb-2024
Punjab Member of Parliament (MP) Vikramjit Singh Sahney on February 10 urged the Central government to prioritize deploying anti-drone technology to combat drug addiction among the youth. He emphasized the need to address the connections between Pakistani drug suppliers, youth recruitment in border areas, and drug mafias in Indian jails. Sahney highlighted the serious concern of drugs being infiltrated via drones across the India-Pakistan border and called for stringent measures, tighter control over drug availability, and enhanced support for rehabilitation centers to effectively tackle the drug menace. He also commended the efforts of both the Central and Punjab governments in establishing anti-narcotics task forces and special operation cells to combat drug trafficking and smuggling.
10-Feb-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 10, urged the government to confer the Bharat Ratna on party stalwart Master Tara Singh, citing his unparalleled contribution to India's freedom and the retention of West Punjab within India. Badal emphasized that Tara Singh's efforts were crucial in preventing the loss of territories, including Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, to Pakistan. Additionally, Badal highlighted Tara Singh's fearless struggle to keep areas from United Punjab to Delhi as part of India, thereby preventing Muhammad Ali Jinnah's ambitions for Pakistan's expansion.