KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
27-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint search operation, on December 27 recovered a drone near Mari Kamboke village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a Quadcopter, model - DJI Mavic 3 classic, made in China.
27-Dec-2023
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, at the year-end media briefing in Chandigarh on December 27 stated that Punjab Police achieved a record drug seizure, confiscating 1,161 kg of heroin in 2023. He also mentioned that during the year (till December 26), 14,951 drug smugglers were arrested, including 2,424 major offenders, with 10,786 FIRs registered. Additionally, authorities recovered 795 kg of opium, 403 quintals of poppy husk, and 83.17 lakh tablets, capsules, injections, and vials of pharma opioids. The police also seized drug money amounting to INR 13.67 crore and confiscated 294 properties worth INR 127 crore, targeting major smugglers. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in 2023, arrested 482 gangsters and criminals, dismantling 188 gangster/criminal modules while recovering 519 weapons, 102 vehicles used in criminal activities, 4.5 kg of heroin, and INR 71.08 lakhs in drug money.
27-Dec-2023
Divulging details on the action against terrorists, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, said on December 27 that in 2023, Punjab’s Internal Security has busted 13 terror modules with the arrest of 67 terrorists. The operations resulted in the recovery of two rifles, 55 revolvers/pistols, two tiffin Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 2.14 Kg RDX, and other explosives, along with two hand grenades and 111 drones. A total of 303 drone sightings were recorded this year, reflecting the growing challenges in maintaining security.
27-Dec-2023
On December 27, the Punjab Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a fourth charge sheet at the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Mansa district regarding the murder case of singer-turned-politician Sidhu Moose Wala. The charge sheet names gangster Sachin Thapan alias Sachin Bishnoi, as a key conspirator. Sachin, the nephew of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was detained in Azerbaijan in 2022, extradited to India in August 2023, and is currently in the custody of the Delhi Special Cell. He is accused of conspiring to kill Moose Wala and managing logistics for the murder.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint search operation, on December 26 recovered two black-coloured bags of heroin weighing 4.177 kg on the outskirts of Jodhawala village in Fazilka district. The packets were attached with illuminated strips and rings, indicating a potential drone drop.
26-Dec-2023
According to sources, Khalistani terrorists are exploiting advanced technology, using encrypted communication and virtual tools to evade traditional investigative methods. Intelligence reports revealed a strategy that involves virtual numbers, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and social media for operational secrecy and global propaganda. The digital subterfuge extends to domestic networks, establishing connections with gangsters, narcotraffickers, and arms suppliers. India faces a critical choice, requiring enhanced cyber intelligence, collaboration with tech companies, and strict regulations to counter the evolving threat. Global unity and concerted efforts are essential to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure thriving in the shadows of the web.
26-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on December 26 issued a fresh threat via a video statement, urging Muslims in Uttar Pradesh (UP) to target Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his planned roadshow in Ayodhya on December 30. Pannun also expressed support for terrorists in Kashmir, aligning himself with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence’s (ISI) “K2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) desk”. Earlier, he had issued a threat to attack the new Parliament building in response to an alleged assassination attempt, contributing to heightened security concerns.
26-Dec-2023
According to sources, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and Lucky Patyal, affiliated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and already declared as terrorists, currently pose a significant challenge to law enforcement. Despite National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids, their influence in Delhi-NCR has persisted, leading to recent encounters between their henchmen and the Delhi Police. Key associates, such as Dinesh Sharma and Neeraj Pandit, are handling financial matters and coordinating between gangs supporting Arsh Dalla. Affiliated gangs in Gurugram, Haryana, led by Kaushal Chaudhary and Hariom Titu, are engaging in extortion and other illegal activities for income. Despite Arsh Dalla's base being in Canada, his well-connected network in Delhi-NCR is posing challenges for law enforcement, involving organized and anti-national crimes.
26-Dec-2023
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while speaking at a 'Veer Bal Diwas' event in New Delhi on December 26, stated that Sikh gurus have imparted teachings encouraging Indians to live for the glory of their land, serving as inspiration for national development. PM Modi also emphasized the global remembrance of the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, with commemorative programs held in countries such as the United States (US), Australia, and New Zealand.
26-Dec-2023
During the 'Veer Bal Diwas' celebration in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh (AP) on December 26, Union Minister of State for Railways & Textile Darshana Vikram Jardosh emphasized the importance of remembering the supreme sacrifices made by the Sikh community in safeguarding India. She urged the people to carry forward the courageous acts of the Sikh community to inspire younger generations.
26-Dec-2023
United Sikhs on December 26 organized the second edition of 'Itihas Naal Galwakri,' dedicated to the lives and sacrifice of Sahibzadey, as part of the ongoing Galwakri campaign at Gurdwara Sri Singh Sabha in Model Gram, Ludhiana, Ludhiana district.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 26 recovered four packets of heroin weighing 2.090 kg from a farmhouse on the outskirts of Jodhawala village in Fazilka district. The operation, based on specific information, was prompted by the presence of illuminated strips attached to the packets, suggesting a potential drone drop.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) announced on December 26 that it seized heroin consignments worth INR 2,500 crore on the Punjab-Pakistan border in 2023, with approximately 500 kg of heroin confiscated. The BSF also shot down or recovered 100 Pakistani drones attempting to smuggle narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory. The BSF credited its three-pronged strategy for curtailing the drug supply, raising awareness against drug abuse, and empowering youth for meaningful employment opportunities. The BSF celebrated this accomplishment and apprehended 75 smugglers in the bordering districts of Punjab. The increased drug seizures and drone interceptions suggest a well-established intelligence network and heightened vigilance by the BSF.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 26 recovered a packet containing 2.19 kg of heroin from fields adjacent to Metla village in Gurdaspur district.
26-Dec-2023
Julio Ribeiro, a retired Indian police officer and Padma Bhushan recipient, expressed uncertainty about the revival of the Khalistan issue in Punjab while speaking at an event in Panaji, Goa, on December 26. He emphasized that the people of Punjab are not interested in Khalistan.
25-Dec-2023
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, in Amritsar on December 25, instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to pressure the Punjab government to investigate the 1992 disappearance of acting Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke, as revealed in a report by the Punjab Human Rights Organization (PHRO).
25-Dec-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on December 25 announced plans to establish party units in states with Sikh populations as part of its strategy to refocus on its core 'panthic' agenda ahead of the upcoming general elections. SAD President Sukhbir Badal emphasized the need for Sikh unity and criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.
25-Dec-2023
According to official sources, Pakistan-based cross-border drug operatives have intensified efforts to smuggle drugs, narcotics, and firearms into India, with over 100 drones intercepted by the Border Security Force (BSF) in 2023 alone. The increased use of cheaper Chinese-made drones has resulted in a surge in drone intrusions. Seizures of heroin have reached a record-breaking 500 kg in Punjab this year, posing a growing challenge for the Indian BSF. In response, the BSF is implementing measures such as installing CCTV cameras and developing a standard operating system to counter the threat posed by drones.
25-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 25 recovered 434 grams of heroin, dropped by drone, near Ranian village in Amritsar district.
24-Dec-2023
The Sangrur police on December 24 registered 14 cases and arrested 15 individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for drug-related offences in various locations in Sangur district in Punjab.
24-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 24 arrested three unidentified drug smugglers and seized 525 grams of heroin dropped by a Pakistani drone from their possession near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
24-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 24 dismantled an interstate network engaged in illegal opioid manufacturing and supply, coordinated by Major Singh from Goindwal Sahib Jail in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, operating out of pharmaceutical factories in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Gujarat. The investigation commenced with the arrest of a local drug peddler, Prince Kumar, last month. Based on disclosures, the police arrested Baljinder Singh, Akash Singh, Surjit Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Mohar Singh, Sachin Kumar, Yogesh Kumar Rinku, Manish, Rekha, and Akash. After the arrests, a joint operation by Punjab Police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Gujarat led to a raid on Gloss Pharmaceuticals in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, resulting in the recovery of 14,72,220 intoxicant tablets/capsules. Additionally, 18,000 intoxicant tablets were seized from Akash's possession in Agra, UP.
24-Dec-2023
An investigation by The Indian Express revealed that the Punjab Police have booked individuals for "smoking heroin" based solely on observation, leading to concerns about a focus on end users rather than major drug trade operators. Out of 11,156 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 2,804 cases involved minor drug seizures, while only 275 were major. The trend has been attributed to a change in focus following Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann’s promise to rid the state of drugs. Critics argue for rehabilitation rather than arrests, citing personal rivalries and political motivations behind some cases.
24-Dec-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced via a post on social media site X on December 24 that he has withdrawn the decision to sound mourning notes on the martyrdom day of Chotta Sahibzadas. This decision was made following opposition from Sikh bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Earlier, the Akal Takht had also directed the CM to roll back the decision, stating that it was against the spirit. The martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's younger sons is considered an event of respect, not grief. The SGPC emphasized that the CM should pay respect to the Sahibzadas' martyrdom in line with Gurmat principles rather than introducing a mournful element.
23-Dec-2023
Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chief of the National Commission for Minorities on December 23 met members of the 1984 Sikh Riot Victims’ Welfare Society in Dugri area in Ludhiana in Punjab, where the society handed him a memorandum of demands.