KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Jan-2024
In 2023, along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, Border Security Force (BSF) troops detected and downed 107 drones. They seized 442.395 kg of heroin, 23 weapons, and 505 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, they neutralized three Pakistani intruders and apprehended 23 Pakistani nationals, 14 Bangladeshi nationals, and 95 Indian suspects, including 35 smugglers. The troops also displayed a humanitarian approach by handing over 12 Pakistani nationals who inadvertently crossed the border.
01-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on January 1 recovered a packet containing around 480 grams of heroin, wrapped in a yellow adhesive tape, on the outskirts of L S Wala Village in Ferozepur district.
01-Jan-2024
An 18-year-old alleged drug addict, identified as Navdeep Singh, was beaten to death at a de-addiction centre in Patto Hira Singh village in Moga district, and the police arrested 10 Nihangs on January 1 in connection with the murder. The Taruna Dal of Nihangs operated the unauthorized rehabilitation centre. Navdeep was taken to the centre by Nihangs, allegedly harassed, and severely beaten when attempting to leave. One Nihang, Sukhpal Singh, alias Sukha Nihang, has been named in the case. The police are investigating the case to identify the other suspects.
31-Dec-2023
Khanna Police on December 31 arrested three individuals identified as Abhishek Shahi, Akashdeep Singh and Sagar Thakur, and seized 260 grams of heroin from their possession, at a post check post near PUNSUP godown in Doraha in Ludhiana district.
31-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in India employs women constables, known as "mahila praharis," who play a crucial role in patrolling and guarding the Indo-Pak international border. These women undergo rigorous training in weapons handling, drills, and self-defence techniques before being deployed at borders in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Despite facing challenges like ceasefire violations, they work shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts, demonstrating unity in diversity. The BSF emphasizes equal opportunities, dignity, and a congenial working atmosphere for women, breaking stereotypes and promoting women empowerment.
31-Dec-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified 43 Khalistan supporters allegedly involved in attacks on the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US), as revealed by the NIA spokesperson. The NIA conducted over 50 raids to uncover the conspiracy behind these attacks, utilizing innovative investigative methods, including crowd-sourcing. Meanwhile, the agency arrested 625 individuals in 2023, marking a nearly 28% increase compared to 2022. The overall conviction rate for the NIA in 2023 was 94.70%, reflecting its effectiveness in investigations and prosecutions.
31-Dec-2023
According to sources within the police, juvenile crime rates are surging in India. Notorious criminals such as Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and Goldy Brar operate from abroad, contributing to the rise. Gangs actively target vulnerable youths, taking advantage of their susceptibility to peer pressure, socio-economic challenges, and a lack of positive role models. The recruitment of juveniles from rural areas and their involvement in crimes, ranging from petty theft to assault and drug-related activities, has become a significant concern for law enforcement agencies. Efforts are being intensified to unravel the recruitment tactics and address the growing influence of local and international gangs.
31-Dec-2023
According to intelligence sources, Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, a designated terrorist with 33 criminal cases against him, is currently operating a narco-terror-gangster network from Canada, with support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Landa's group focuses on target killings, attacks on government establishments, and drug smuggling. He is affiliated with the Khalistani terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and is a notable partner of Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. Landa has been involved in various criminal activities, including murder, extortion, kidnapping, and arms and drug smuggling.
31-Dec-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a remarkable conviction rate of 94.70% in 2023, making 625 arrests and attaching assets worth around INR 56 crore. The agency focused on cracking down on the nexus between pro-Khalistan operatives, gangsters, and drug smugglers, as well as conducting operations against modules linked to the Islamic State (IS) and other banned terror outfits. The NIA registered 68 cases, including 'jihadi terror' cases, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), and attacks on Indian missions abroad. Innovative methods, such as crowd sourcing, were employed, leading to the identification of 43 suspects. The agency conducted over 1,000 searches, raids, and attached 240 properties with a total value of INR 55.90 crore. Arrests made upon deportation and extradition demonstrated the NIA's commitment to pursuing offenders across international borders. The agency also focused on human trafficking cases and declared six individuals as 'individual terrorists' in 2023.
31-Dec-2023
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kondal on December 31 stated that in 2023, Khanna Police made significant strides against crime. They arrested 91 suspects under the Arms Act, dismantling inter-state arms smuggling rackets, including those operated by jail inmates. Notably, they solved 99% of murders and 40 out of 47 kidnapping cases. Substantial drug seizures included 54kg of opium, and property worth INR 5.97 crore from drug smugglers was frozen. Additionally, the police arrested 120 gamblers, recovering INR 11.45 lakh, and busted an international extortion and targeted-killing module with links to the terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorists.
31-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 31 busted a cross-border drug and arms smuggling racket being operated by a United States (US)-based smuggler, Manpreet alias Mannu Mahawa, with the arrest of its two key operatives identified as Sandeep Singh alias Laddi and Roshan and seized 19 kg of heroin, INR 23 lakh in drug money, seven pistols (including one 9mm Glock, three .30 bore pistols, and three .32 bore pistols), along with Pakistan-stamped ammunition, a currency counting machine, drone equipment (including a remote controller and spare fans), and a Hyundai Verna car (PB06BB4064) from their possession in Amritsar district. The arrested individuals were smuggling heroin from Pakistan and distributing it across the state. Further investigations are underway to trace financial links and freeze assets.
31-Dec-2023
In 2023, major concerns in Gurdaspur included the persistent issue of Pakistani drones smuggling narcotics into Dorangla in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, leading to a surge in heroin use among the youth. The Border Security Force’s (BSF) efforts, including anti-drone measures, provided temporary relief, but drone activities resumed after their dismantling.
30-Dec-2023
According to sources, Canadian law enforcement agencies are unlikely to find concrete evidence supporting Prime Minister (PM) Trudeau's claim that the killers of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar were directed by the Indian government. Observers suggest Nijjar's murder may be linked to local criminal gangs or a business dispute rather than state involvement. Canada has not shared any proof with India to support its allegation. Speculation circulates that officials close to Trudeau might resort to physical torture to coerce confessions and save face for the PM. Two suspects in Nijjar's killing are reportedly under close monitoring, and possible arrests are expected in the coming weeks.
30-Dec-2023
The Dal Khalsa, a Sikh organization, expressed concern over the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict in a statement issued to the media on December 30, highlighting its devastating impact on Gaza's population. They urged the international community to break its silence and intervene to end hostilities. The organization praised South Africa for approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel's bombardment of Gaza. The Dal Khalsa called for a resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for a balanced role by powerful nations and urging a focus on human rights and values in political decisions.
30-Dec-2023
Police on December 30 arrested two brothers, identified as Gurdeep Singh alias Vicky and Harpreet Singh alias Ricky, for threatening residents who had apprehended a snatcher, and seized an illegal pistol along with seven live cartridges from their possession near Sarabha Nagar in Ludhiana district. The brothers warned the residents to release the culprit or face gunfire. The snatcher, Jatinder Singh, managed to escape. Harpreet already had a previous case related to drug peddling.
30-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on December 30 recovered 523 grams of heroin and a drone on the outskirts of Mari Kamboke village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was identified as a made-in-China Quadcopter, Model-DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
30-Dec-2023
Muktsar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhagirath Singh Meena on December 30 revealed that, in its campaign against drugs, the district police in Muktsar arrested 627 individuals under 468 cases of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2023. Additionally, 971 seminars were organized to raise awareness about de-addiction. The police also reported the seizure of nearly 31 kg of opium, 7.34 quintals of poppy husk, over 76,500 sedative pills, and 6.695 kg of heroin. Furthermore, properties worth approximately INR 5 crore, belonging to 11 drug smugglers, were confiscated, and 431 individuals were arrested under the Excise Act.
29-Dec-2023
Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation, with Punjab Police, on December 29 recovered a drone from the outskirts of village Pallopati in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone is a quadcopter, model: DJI Mavic 3 Classic, made in China.
29-Dec-2023
Police on December 29 arrested a truck driver identified as Budh Raj and seized 204 kg of poppy husk from his possession, near Chak Kala Singh Wala village in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. The Police intercepted his truck on December 28, where 12 bags of poppy husk were discovered in the truck.
29-Dec-2023
In a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on December 29, Canada-based gangster and Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) leader Lakhbir Singh Landa has been declared an 'individual terrorist' under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Landa, associated with several pro-Khalistan elements, fled to Canada in 2017. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of five BKI operatives, including Landa, wanted for terrorist activities, murder, drug smuggling, and aiming to disrupt peace in Punjab.
29-Dec-2023
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, during a press briefing in New Delhi on December 29, stated that India lacks information on reports suggesting Canadian authorities are close to arresting two men linked to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The Globe and Mail had earlier reported that the suspects, under police surveillance, are expected to be arrested in the coming weeks.
29-Dec-2023
The All-India Conference of Director/Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur, Rajasthan, scheduled from January 5 to 7, is set to address emerging cyber threats posed by national state actors, challenges presented by AI tools like ChatGPT, fraudulent identity issues, and concerns related to banned Khalistani outfits. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is expected to attend the conference, focusing on topics such as the C-Rad initiative, border management challenges, inter-state coordination, and prison infrastructure. The event, hosted by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), aims to facilitate discussions on internal security, crime, and law and order challenges among state and central agencies.
29-Dec-2023
According to sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) are considering relocating the security fence closer to the International Border (IB) with Pakistan in Punjab and parts of the Jammu region. The move aims to address agrarian challenges by allowing farmers access to their lands, protecting crops from wild boars originating from Pakistan. Additionally, the realignment aims to curb drone-mediated smuggling operations, with the BSF incorporating advanced technology for enhanced border surveillance. The proposal has garnered support from the Punjab Border Area Kisan Union.
28-Dec-2023
Police on December 28 arrested a woman identified as Kulwant Kaur and seized 4 kg of heroin from her possession in Maajimian village in Amritsar district. Her accomplice, Sucha Singh, managed to escape, prompting ongoing police raids for his arrest. The seizure and arrests were made during a police patrolling operation, and investigations are underway to determine the source and network involved in the narcotics racket.
28-Dec-2023
On December 28, a consignment comprising 2,503 plastic crates of apples from Afghanistan, concealing 33.92 kg of heroin-soaked paper sheets, was seized at the Integrated Check Post in Attari, Amritsar district. The operation was prompted by intelligence inputs from the Crime Branch of Delhi Police and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The seizure was made under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, highlighting efforts to curb drug trafficking through unconventional means.