KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
22-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 22 intercepted a drone, and during the subsequent joint search operation with Punjab Police, recovered a packet containing 540 grams of heroin from fields near Ranian village in Amritsar district.
22-Dec-2023
The Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) on December 22 made public a 1999 report on the alleged forced disappearance and murder of Gurdev Singh Kaunke, the acting Akal Takht Jathedar appointed by Sarbat Khalsa in 1992. The report suggests that Kaunke was likely killed by the police, highlighting inconsistencies in the police version and the promotion of a constable involved. The report also recommends a case against the then Station House Officer (SHO), Gurmeet Singh, for illegal detention and falsification of records.
22-Dec-2023
According to reports, the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs, known as "nasheeli goliyaan," is on the rise in Punjab, constituting almost 25% of the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between April 2022 and February 2023. These easily accessible and budget-friendly pills have become the drug of choice, particularly in areas away from the International Border where heroin is prevalent. The surge in pill abuse may indicate a constriction in the heroin supply. The Punjab government has taken measures to curb the sale of certain capsules, but addicts are finding new alternatives, contributing to the complexity of the issue.
21-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 21 intercepted a drone and recovered 530 grams of heroin near Pakka Chisti village in Fazilka district.
21-Dec-2023
The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, stated in New Delhi on December 21 that India has been granted consular access by the Czech Republic to Indian national Nikhil Gupta on three occasions since his arrest on June 30 and the MEA is providing necessary assistance to him. Gupta faces allegations of plotting the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
21-Dec-2023
According to senior police sources, terrorist financiers associated with the Khalistan movement employ diverse methods, including hawala channels, drone deliveries, and the utilization of gangster networks in Punjab and Kashmir. These findings stem from investigations conducted by the Punjab Police. The Amritsar-Akhnoor sector has witnessed increased drone activity by Pakistan-based groups, and recent revelations have exposed hawala channels linked to the import-export business. Terrorist groups in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) are reportedly utilizing official banking systems and hawala to transfer small amounts of funds to support targeted killings, promote the Khalistan movement, and assist sympathizers. Gangsters in Punjab are also diverting extortion money to fund terror activities. The Kashmir to Khalistan (K2K) formula is highlighted as a parallel in the context of terror funding in both regions.
21-Dec-2023
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, in Amritsar on December 21 expressed concern over Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah's statement in the Indian Parliament regarding Sikh prisoners, emphasizing that the human rights of Sikh prisoners, incarcerated for three decades, should not be ignored. Dhami asserted that Sikhs already feel a lack of justice and that the government should remember the significant sacrifices made by Sikhs for India's freedom. He urged the government to implement its 2019 notification approving the release of Sikh prisoners and called for a dialogue on the matter.
21-Dec-2023
The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) staff of Mohali police on December 21 arrested two gangsters, identified as Brij Pal and Pardeep Kumar alias Shetty, associated with the Prince Rana gang, who were reportedly planning to attack a property dealer or realtor in Daun village, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Both gangsters were injured in a shootout with the CIA staff and were subsequently admitted to Mohali Civil Hospital. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to curb criminal activities in the region.
21-Dec-2023
The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) staff on December 21 arrested two gangsters, identified as Charanjit Singh alias Raju and Parminder Singh alias Prince after a brief encounter near Thatha village in Tarn Taran district. During a police encounter on the Amritsar-Khem Karan Road, they opened fire when signalled to stop, leading to police retaliation. Charanjit Singh sustained a leg injury and was subsequently admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.
21-Dec-2023
The Ludhiana rural police recently arrested three individuals involved in an extortion and drug-peddling racket, revealing connections with Davinderpal Singh Gopi, a Canada-based handler. Originally from Moga, Gopi allegedly directed the trio to fire gunshots outside a businessman's house in Dakha for extortion purposes. The police are investigating Gopi's contacts in Canada, suspecting ties with other gangsters of Punjab origin. With multiple cases against him, Gopi is believed to have fled India through illegal means, prompting authorities to probe his activities abroad.
21-Dec-2023
The Police on December 21 arrested a member of the Jitender Gogi gang, identified as Karan Thapa and seized a .32-bore pistol from his possession, after a brief exchange of fire with the police in Mukhmail Pur village in North West Delhi. Thapa was involved in extorting money from local businesses on the instructions of Yogesh alias Tunda, a notorious gangster currently in Tihar Jail. The police had earlier apprehended another gang member, Sushil Kumar, who revealed information about Thapa and Harsh alias Chintu.
21-Dec-2023
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in New Delhi on December 21 stated that India's position on terrorism concerns remains consistent in its dialogue with Canada. Bagchi, responded to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's comments about a "tonal shift" in India's stance on alleged extra-territorial assassinations. Bagchi also emphasized the issue of space given to terrorists, separatists, and anti-Indian elements in Canada, urging action against those misusing freedom of speech.
21-Dec-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on December 21 expressed solidarity with terrorists responsible for ambushing an Indian Army vehicle in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Pannun declared himself the spokesperson of the Kashmir-Khalistan Referendum Front, attributing the attack to India's alleged violence against Kashmiris.
20-Dec-2023
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, in an interview with Financial Times, responded to allegations of an Indian assassination plot in the United States (US), stating that he would investigate any evidence but downplayed its impact on US-India ties. PM Modi also emphasized India's commitment to the rule of law, expressed concern about extremist groups abroad, and highlighted the strong bipartisan support for the US-India relationship.
20-Dec-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Member of Parliament (MP) Simranjit Singh Mann on December 20 expressed concern that the proposed legislations lack provisions for the National Security Advisor (NSA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) director, and Intelligence Bureau (IB) director during a debate in the Parliament in New Delhi. Mann, known for his pro-Khalistan views, argued for parliamentary oversight to prevent unchecked actions by the NSA. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra dismissed Mann's mention of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, stating the lack of evidence.
20-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on December 20 recovered a drone on the outskirts of Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district. The drone, identified as a Quadcopter Model DJI Mavic Classic 3, was manufactured in China.
20-Dec-2023
The Jalandhar District and Sessions Court, on December 20, acquitted the main accused, Ranjit Singh alias Raja Kandola, and 13 others in the INR 200-crore ICE (crystal methamphetamine, a party drug) peddling case lodged on June 1, 2012, due to discrepancies in the investigation.
20-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 20 recovered 2.718 Kg of heroin and a drone from the fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a Quadcopter - DJI Matrice RTK 300, made in China.
19-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on December 19 recovered 1 kg of heroin and 2 drones near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district.
19-Dec-2023
An arrested gangster identified as Amritpal Singh was killed in a shootout with Punjab Police on December 19 while being transported to Jandiala Guru in Amritsar district for the recovery of 2 kg of heroin and a pistol. During the operation, Amritpal attempted to escape and fired at the police, injuring them. In retaliation, the police shot him, and he later succumbed to his injuries. Police seized the 2 kg of heroin and the pistol along with .30-bore caliber cartridges.
19-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on December 19 intercepted and recovered a drone from near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a Quadcopter Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic, Made in China.
19-Dec-2023
Special Task Force (STF) recently booked Akshay Chhabra, a kingpin of an international drug syndicate, previously busted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for running a drug racket from Ludhiana Central Jail, in Ludhiana district. The STF also seized a cell phone used by Chhabra to contact clients.
19-Dec-2023
Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, on December 19, addressed the issue of youth falling victim to drug menaces in Punjab, emphasizing the need for anti-drug committees in villages to protect the youth from drug peddlers while speaking at a camp organized at Jatana Uncha village in Fatehgarh Sahib district. District officials briefed the governor on measures taken to ensure the benefits of Central Government schemes reach the grassroots level.
19-Dec-2023
Bathinda police on December 19 launched raids at drug hotspots in the district as part of their continued anti-drug campaign and arrested 32 individuals and impounded 27 vehicles from Bir Talab, Dhobiana Basti, and Kheta Singh Basti areas in Bathinda district. These locations were identified by the police as hubs for drug trade and harbouring anti-social elements.
18-Dec-2023
According to reports, the Punjab Police have been utilizing sports events to deter youth from drug abuse, organizing 340 events at the district level since December 1. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav emphasized the importance of engaging youth in sports to channel their energy positively. Despite Punjab having the highest number of drug smuggling cases in the country, the police hope that promoting physical activities will help discover hidden talents and inspire youth to lead a healthier lifestyle. The sports initiative has garnered positive responses, with participants ranging from six to over 70 years old, reflecting the Punjabi spirit and resilience.