KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
08-Nov-2023
According to sources, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invoked emergency powers to block apps, websites, and social media accounts affiliated with UK-based Punjab Politics TV, linked to the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The action was taken in response to intelligence inputs indicating attempts to disrupt public order during state assembly elections. It was executed under IT Rules due to content promoting communal disharmony and separatism, posing threats to India's sovereignty and public order. The government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the nation's information environment and preventing actions that undermine sovereignty.
08-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 8 froze assets worth INR 1,34,12,000 belonging to Amritpal Singh, a charge-sheeted accused in a case involving the recovery of 102.784 kg of heroin valued at approximately INR 700 crores in Amritsar, Punjab. The case, initially registered by Indian Customs, revealed a smuggling network orchestrated by Dubai-based accused Shahid Ahmed, involving Afghan-based co-accused Nazir Ahmed Qani and Delhi-based accused Razi Haider Zaidi.
08-Nov-2023
Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, on November 8 directed all Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to develop an Action Plan against organized crime, drug trafficking, and stubble burning via a video conference meeting. During the meeting, the DGP emphasized collaboration with the Civil Administration to prevent stubble burning, which necessitates daily meetings with District Magistrates.
08-Nov-2023
Harjinder Singh Dhami on November 8 was elected as president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the third consecutive term in Amritsar. During the election session, Dhami secured 118 out of 137 votes, with the opposition candidate, Balbir Singh Ghunas, receiving 17 votes.
08-Nov-2023
The general house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 8 passed resolutions in Amritsar, Punjab, urging India and Canada to improve relations amid a diplomatic row. The resolution on India-Canada relations expressed concern about the hate propaganda faced by Sikhs and Punjabis, calling for serious consideration from both governments. The SGPC also addressed issues such as the release of Sikh prisoners, opposition to the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, and the simplification of voter registration processes.
08-Nov-2023
The general house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 8 passed resolutions urging the release of Sikh political prisoners, simplification and extension of the SGPC's voter registration process, an end to discrimination against the Punjabi language in other states, preservation of Sikh heritage in Pakistan, and support for Punjab on water issues, especially the SYL canal, in Amritsar, Punjab. Members emphasized the violation of human rights in the continued detention of Sikh prisoners despite completing their sentences.
07-Nov-2023
Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is on death row for the 1995 assassination of Punjab’s Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, on November 7 warned of a hunger strike if the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) does not withdraw his mercy petition within 7 to 10 days in Patiala, Punjab. Rajoana, who has been in jail since 1995, appealed to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh to instruct the SGPC to withdraw the petition. He expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in deciding his appeal and emphasized his detachment from political motives. Rajoana was sentenced to death in 2007 for Beant Singh's assassination, and the hanging was deferred in 2012 after the SGPC filed a mercy petition.
07-Nov-2023
The Border Security Police (BSF) on November 7 arrested an unidentified drug smuggler and seized 1 kg of heroin and two motorcycles from his possession in Bachhiwind village in Amritsar district. The BSF intercepted a drone on the night of November 7-8, leading to the discovery. During a joint search operation with the Punjab Police, conducted on November 8 morning recovered the heroin from fields near Bachhiwind village.
07-Nov-2023
The leader of the All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF), Maninderjeet Singh Bitta alias MS Bitta, called for the arrest of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on November 7 while addressing media persons in Amritsar. Bitta also criticized Pannun's recent statement warning Sikhs not to fly on Air India planes after November 19, deeming it a potential human rights violation. He questioned Pannun’s call for a global blockade and the closure of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on that day.
07-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 7 conducted searches at eight locations in Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with a heroin seizure case. The narcotics, specifically heroin, were intercepted at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Attari, located in the Amritsar district of Punjab, concealed within a consignment of licorice root originating from Afghanistan. The NIA re-registered the case to investigate not only the drug seizure but also the roles of multiple companies and individuals involved in the drug racket. Four suspects were charged in December 2022, and the recent searches resulted in the recovery of significant incriminating materials.
07-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) on November 7 recovered a drone from fields near Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The drone was a China-made DJI Mavic-3 Classic quadcopter.
07-Nov-2023
In a joint search operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police on November 7 recovered a China-made DJI Mavic-3 Classic quadcopter drone near Dhanoe Khurd village in the Amritsar district.
07-Nov-2023
The election for the president, other office-bearers, and the executive body of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is set to take place on November 8 in Amritsar, Punjab. Harjinder Singh Dhami, the current chief of the SGPC, is the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) nominee for the SGPC president's post for the next annual term. However, rebel Akali leaders, including Balbir Singh Ghunas, a former SAD Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Barnala SGPC member, are challenging Dhami's candidacy. Ghunas, who was expelled from SAD, aims to bring transparency and maintain the supremacy of the Akal Takht in the SGPC.
07-Nov-2023
India has significantly heightened security measures at airports, implementing increased checks and restrictions, in response to a recent threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He openly threatened to blow up an Air India flight on November 19, 2023. Authorities are taking these threats seriously, engaging diplomatic channels with countries from where the threats originate to ensure passenger safety and national security.
07-Nov-2023
According to sources, India has urged Canada to enhance security measures for Air India flights in response to a recent threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun openly threatened to blow up an Air India flight on November 19, 2023, and additionally called for a global blockade against the airline. He made references to the Cricket World Cup final on that day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the late Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi.
07-Nov-2023
Passengers boarding Air India flights from New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and Punjab face additional security checks due to a recent threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He openly threatened to blow up an Air India flight on November 19, 2023. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has temporarily suspended the sale of visitor entry passes at Delhi airport until November 30. Additionally, visitor access to the terminal building at IGI Airport has been prohibited until the same date in response to these security concerns. Moreover, BCAS has mandated a 100% secondary ladder point check requirement for all Air India flights at 161 airports, including those in Punjab, to enhance security measures. India has also urged Canada to bolster security for Air India flights and take action against the individual behind the threat.
06-Nov-2023
Zirakpur police on November 6 arrested an associate of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, identified as Manjeet Singh alias Guri, and seized two weapons, including a .30-bore Chinese pistol and a .32-bore pistol, along with 15 live cartridges and a Hero Splendor motorcycle from his possession following a shootout on VIP Road in Zikapur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. During the incident, Manjeet was shot in the leg, and his accomplice managed to escape with two 9 mm weapons. The two were allegedly tasked with eliminating a Zirakpur-based businessman by gangsters Goldy Brar and Saba USA.
06-Nov-2023
A viral video showed around 50 youths wielding weapons and marching near government officials' residences in Faridkot, causing panic among residents in the Faridkot district. Seven of the individuals in the video were identified and detained by the police, who are actively searching for the others, leading to the registration of a case under Section 160 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
06-Nov-2023
Police on November 6 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Harpal Singh, and seized 3.770 kg of heroin from him near Khemkaran village in Tarn Taran district. During the arrest, the police found 610 grams of heroin in his possession and recovered an additional 3.160 kg of heroin from the nearby fields of farmer Somjit Singh based on Harpal Singh’s disclosure.
06-Nov-2023
According to experts, diplomatic relations between India and Canada remain strained following mutual accusations related to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Although India recently partially restored visa services, seen as a small step, it has not led to a significant breakthrough in improving relations. Both countries are unlikely to take major reconciliation steps soon, given Canada's ongoing murder investigation and India's upcoming national elections. The crisis has hindered the movement of Indians in Canada and delayed discussions on a free-trade deal, impacting Canada's Indo-Pacific plans and threatening relations between the two nations, despite their historical ties and strong people-to-people connections.
06-Nov-2023
The Border Security Forces (BSF) on November 6 recovered a drone along with 250 grams of heroin from the fields adjacent to Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district.
05-Nov-2023
The crime branch of the Goa police, in collaboration with a special unit of the Amritsar Rural police, on November 5 arrested two individuals in connection with murder and Arms Act cases, identified as Samlval Gurunan Singh and Amrit Kewal Singh in Zuarinagar near Vasco town in South Goa. Samlval Gurunan Singh was sought in connection with four murders, while Amrit Kewal Singh faced charges under the Arms Act. These cases originated from the Jadiala police station in Punjab.
05-Nov-2023
Bibi Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Amritpal Singh, a Pro-Khalistani leader and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), along with related families, on November 5 conducted prayers at Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab, for the release of Amritpal Singh and other captive Singhs.
05-Nov-2023
The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested a key associate of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, identified as Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, and his associate Mandeep Singh, for making extortion calls to businessmen across Northern India and assisting Dalla in his activities. Peeta had previously been deported from the Philippines due to alleged illegal activities. He had been collecting funds for the banned Khalistani terrorist organization Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Peeta also served as a recruiter for Dalla, luring individuals from Punjab to join the KTF. He was involved in extortion activities and arms smuggling in coordination with Dalla. Peeta will be questioned further about his involvement.
05-Nov-2023
Punjab police on November 5 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh and Rajpreet Singh alias Raj, and seized 2 kg of heroin and a Mahindra Scorpio SUV from their possession in Chohla Sahib in Tarn Taran district. The arrests followed a 40 km hot chase from Bhikhiwind to Chohla Sahib, during which one of the suspects was injured while attempting to escape from the moving vehicle.