KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
13-Dec-2023
A major security breach occurred in the Indian Parliament on December 13, as two men entered the lower house, Lok Sabha, and hurled smoke canisters, causing commotion until Members of Parliament (MPs) and security guards apprehended them. The incident followed a threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had warned of an attack on or before December 13 in a video posted on social media. Pannun, who is also the chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has a history of making inflammatory statements against India. Although no direct links to Pannun have been established, the security breach coincided with his recent threat.
13-Dec-2023
Punjab Police's anti-gangster task force (AGTF) on December 13 shot gangster Karanjit Singh alias Jassa Happowal, in both legs during an attempted escape in Zikapur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Karanjit, associated with Pakistan-based gangster-turned-Khalistan terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu, was involved in six murder cases. The AGTF had brought him on a production warrant to investigate an attempted murder case. During the operation to recover a hidden weapon, Karanjit attempted to flee, prompting the AGTF to shoot him. He is now hospitalized in critical condition.
13-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on December 13 announced INR 10 lakh in legal aid for 'rebels' involved in the major security breach that occurred in the Indian Parliament in New Delhi. Pannun stated that the incident marked the beginning of voter registration for the Khalistan Referendum, suggesting a continued disruption to parliamentary proceedings.
13-Dec-2023
Australian envoy Philip Green, while speaking at an event organised by the Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi, on December 13 expressed concerns about "alleged activities" involving an Indian link to plots targeting Khalistani leaders, referencing recent accusations by the United States (US) and Canada. He emphasized that Australia and India can manage such sensitive issues while acknowledging their differences. Green highlighted Australia's engagement with India as a friend rather than a Five Eyes partner, and stressed that the country takes acts of vandalism against Hindu temples seriously, ensuring that frictions among migrant communities do not escalate into violence.
12-Dec-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to share information on pro-Khalistan supporters in the United States (US), following accusations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a murder attempt on another leader in the US. FBI Director Christopher Wray's recent visit to India included discussions on Sikh separatists operating from US soil.
12-Dec-2023
Shiv Sena Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Chaturvedi on December 12 called on the Modi government to send a robust message to Canada through Parliament and expressed concern over the increasing boldness of pro-Khalistani terrorists on foreign soil while speaking at the Parliament in New Delhi. Chaturvedi emphasized the urgency for India to take proactive measures in addressing the current threats.
12-Dec-2023
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray on December 12 visited the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters in New Delhi to discuss counterterrorism efforts, focusing on the investigation into attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US), by Khalistan supporters. The meeting between Wray and NIA Director General Dinkar Gupta emphasized aggressive investigation into the Khalistani attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in March 2023. It also underscored strengthening cooperation against global terrorism and cyber threats. Discussions included the active nexus between terrorist groups and organized crime, particularly in cyberspace, highlighting the need for an elevated partnership between the FBI and NIA to address evolving challenges in counterterrorism.
12-Dec-2023
Angad Singh, a pilot employed by IndiGo, approached the Bombay High Court, Maharashtra seeking permission from the Union government to carry a kirpan, a symbolic religious article worn by Sikhs while flying. The pilot argued that carrying the kirpan is a right protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing freedom of religion.
12-Dec-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 12 rejected the bail plea of Rahul Sharma, who faced hate speech charges for uploading a video targeting the Sikh community after the killing of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri, in Chandigarh. The court deemed Sharma's remarks heinous and reminiscent of the dark moments in India's history, particularly the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Sharma was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for intentionally inciting violence against the Sikh community. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the potential impact on public order.
12-Dec-2023
According to reports, United States (US), President Joe Biden is likely to skip India's Republic Day celebrations, where he was expected to be the chief guest, following accusations by the US Justice Department of an Indian official plotting to assassinate a Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US had raised concerns with India over its potential knowledge of the plot, adding strain to bilateral relations. The Quad Leaders’ Summit in India may proceed later in 2024, with revised dates being considered.
12-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police on December 12 seized 1 kg of heroin along with a mini torch, a nylon rope, and a steel ring on the outskirts of Rattankhurd village in Amritsar district.
12-Dec-2023
According to reports, investigations into the murders of Sidhu Moose Wala in Punjab and Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in Rajasthan reveal a growing nexus between drug peddlers and gangsters in Hisar, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts of Haryana. Drug addicts, often involved in narcotics peddling, become targets for gangsters, leading to their involvement in high-profile killings. Authorities are launching a crackdown on drug networks in the region, compiling profiles of around 2,700 drug peddlers in Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts.
12-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 12 busted a drug smuggling racket with the arrest of four persons identified as Vikramjeet Singh, Rashpal Singh, Gourav and Sahil Kumar, and seized 3 kg of heroin and INR 9 lakh and Innova car from their possession from Gol Bagh area of Amritsar district. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the entire network of drug suppliers, dealers, and buyers.
12-Dec-2023
Jalandhar police on December 12 busted an inter-state arms supplying gang with the arrest of its two operatives identified as Ajitpal Singh alias Shalu and Dilpreet Singh, and seized 10 country-made pistols of .32 bore and 10 magazines from their possession in Paragpur chowk in Jalandhar in district. The preliminary investigation suggests a connection between Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Punjab in the illicit arms trade, with the arrested individuals confessing to purchasing pistols and planning to sell them at higher prices. Authorities plan to take the suspects into remand for further information on the network's extent and connections.
12-Dec-2023
The Delhi Police's most-wanted list features criminals operating from abroad, including Arsh Dalla in Canada and Kapil Sangwan in the United Kingdom (UK). Arsh Dala orchestrated a beheading in Delhi, while Sangwan was linked to the killing of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) functionary Surender Matiala. These criminals adopt a Mumbai underworld-like modus operandi, orchestrating crimes through local henchmen while located in foreign countries. The list also includes individuals like Himanshu Bhau, Rohit Godara, Goldy Brar, Gaurav alias Lucky Patial, Lakhbir Singh aka Landa Harike, Rashid Cablewala, Deepak Pakasma, and Danish, involved in various criminal activities and operating from different locations. Their presence abroad poses a challenge for law enforcement efforts in curbing their criminal enterprises.
12-Dec-2023
Gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria on December 12 filed applications for discharge from the case of the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder, denying their involvement, in a Mansa court in the Mansa district of Punjab.
12-Dec-2023
Amritsar Commissionerate Police on December 12 busted an inter-state arm smuggling racket with the arrest of one of its key members identified as Amritpal Singh alias Kallu, and seized 13 pistols from his possession, in Bhaini village in Amritsar district. Amritpal Singh allegedly purchased each pistol from Madhya Pradesh for INR 35,000 and sold them in Punjab for INR 50,000.
12-Dec-2023
Businessmen in Jodhpur, including jeweller Om Prakash Soni, are receiving extortion calls in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Rajasthan. Soni received an extortion call on December 12, where a henchman claiming to be from Bishnoi's gang demanded INR 5 lakh, threatening him to be the next target after Jaipur. Soni reported the incident to the police, who are investigating the matter and working to ascertain the source of the calls and messages. The caller warned Soni against approaching the police and instructed him to await further instructions for the money exchange.
12-Dec-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 12 arrested Amritpal Singh, a key conduit involved in circulating drug money, in connection with the April 2022 seizure of 102 kg of heroin, valued at INR 700 crore, at Amritsar International Airport while attempting to flee to Dubai. Amritpal Singh is the third person arrested in the case, and investigations reveal that he played a significant role in laundering drug proceeds through banking and hawala channels as part of a global drug cartel.
11-Dec-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), in Amritsar, on December 11 announced that a protest is set to take place in New Delhi on December 20, organized by them, expressing concern over the release of 'Bandi Singhs'. Representatives from local gurdwara committees in Punjab are set to participate in the demonstration, which will commence from Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The protest aims to emphasize the release of Sikh political prisoners and the implementation of a 2019 notification commuting Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment.
11-Dec-2023
Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on December 11 expressed disappointment that the bodies of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) chief Avtar Singh Khanda and Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) head Paramjit Singh Panjwar were not allowed to enter India, calling it a violation of rights and a disgrace. He also condemned targeted killings, citing the murder of Rajput leader Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, emphasizing that no law permits such acts in India or abroad.
11-Dec-2023
Punjab Police on December 11 released United Kingdom (UK) national Paramjit Singh Dhadi alias Punjab Singh, from a terror case days after arresting him, acknowledging he was not the individual they were seeking. Dhadi, traveling with a legal passport, was arrested on December 5 at Amritsar airport, initially linked to terror funding and subversive activities. He expressed surprise at the arrest's handling and intends to continue visiting India.
11-Dec-2023
United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Chris Wray commenced his two-day visit to India on December 11 in New Delhi. The primary focus is on the alleged assassination attempt of Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Wray met with Praveen Sood, the director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India, focusing on enhancing information exchange for better coordination against transnational crimes.
11-Dec-2023
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Ravneet Singh, in New Delhi on December 11, urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to present a robust case against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to United States (US) authorities. Singh expressed frustration that despite 26 letters from the Indian government, no action has been taken by the US against Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
11-Dec-2023
Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Special Director General (SDG) of Western Command, Border Security Force (BSF), revealed on December 11, at a press conference held in Chandigarh, that the Border Security Force (BSF) has provided Punjab Police with a list of suspected drug traders in border areas, recommending their detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The BSF is also working on technology to detect drones in the air, as they have been used for smuggling drugs and weapons into Punjab from Pakistan. Plans are underway to install CCTV cameras 5-6 km inside the Indo-Pak border to monitor key roads and crossroads, addressing illegal activities in the region.