KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
03-Jul-2020
The Punjab and Haryana high court asked the states of Punjab, Haryana and the Union government to take necessary action against banned organization Sikh For Justice (SFJ)’s bid to provoke public sentiment. The division bench of chief justice Ravi Shanker Jha and justice Arun Palli passed the order while disposing of a petition filed in public interest seeking directions for taking steps against SFJ. During the hearing, the counsel for Punjab government informed that SFJ was banned by the state in July 2019 only and its legal adviser Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was also declared a designated terrorist by the government of India on July 1. The court was also informed that 116 WhatsApp groups relating to the organisation have been blocked and further steps in this regard are being taken. Further, the counsel said, as many as 16 FIRs have been registered against the organisation and further details regarding the steps being taken by the government cannot be shared for security reasons.
03-Jul-2020
Family of Sukhchain Singh (26), a Dalit Sikh, who was recently arrested under the Unlawful Activities [Prevention] Act (UAPA) by the Punjab Police, has demanded an independent probe into the case alleging he was implicated in a false case and kept in illegal custody. The family claimed that police had picked up Sukhchain from his house on June 26 in the presence of sarpanch village but shown his arrest from a bus stop at Kauli village of Rajpura in Patiala. They alleged that police had even wrongly shown recovery of a weapon and cartridges from Sukhchain and kept him in illegal custody for two days before registering a case.
03-Jul-2020
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Sarabjit Singh and Varun Kumar and recovered 1 kg of heroin and drugs money of Rs 7.20 Lac from them in Phagwara in Kapurthala district.
02-Jul-2020
Punjab Police registered two separate FIRs, in Amritsar and Kapurthala, against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and his associates, including an active SFJ member, Joginder Singh Gujjar, who reportedly came to India from Italy in February this year. The Dalit Suraksha Sena (DSS) had filed a complaint against Gurpatwant Pannun and his associates, and got a case (FIR 168) registered against him at police station B/Division, Police Commissionerate Amritsar for burning the Indian Constitution and Indian national flag, and instigating others to do so too, which had hurt the sentiments of the entire SC community in the country. The second FIR, registered at PS Bhulath, district Kapurthala, is based on reliable inputs of entry of Joginder Singh Gujjar alias Goga in India in February 2020, a police spokesperson said, adding that Pannun and his associates have been charged with seditious and secessionist activities in the case.
02-Jul-2020
The Gurugram (Haryana) police booked the chief of banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on charges of sedition for allegedly indulging in unlawful activity by “openly supporting the secession of Punjab from the Union of India by inciting the Sikhs and in activities aimed at threatening the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of India and inciting ill-will and hatred against people of Haryana.” The Gurugram police also invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Pannun. In the FIR, the complainant stated that he received information from a “secret source” that a pre-recorded audio-video message had been circulating on social media, in which Pannun, who identified himself as General Counsel of SFJ, allegedly blamed the Government of Haryana and the people of Haryana for “being inimical to the interests of Sikhs and Punjabis.”
02-Jul-2020
Two drug peddlers, identified as Inderpal Singh of Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), and Jaswinder Singh Bajwa of Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand) were arrested along with 1 kg opium from near Alaur village in Khanna in Ludhiana district
02-Jul-2020
A day after he was designated as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Sikh For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video statement on YouTube, saying that he was not a terrorist. He said in the video that, “Indian government has designated me and many other pro-Khalistan Referendum 2020 activists and campaigners as terrorists. I want to tell the world that we are not terrorists. A terrorist is the one who kills civilians and common people with bombs and guns. It is the Indian government that is unleashing terrorism against Sikhs, Kashmiris, dalits and other minorities.” He said the Indian government is afraid of their “legal activities” which challenge its hegemony and terrorism. “That is why India labels Referendum 2020 campaign as 'terrorism'. We will dismantle the Indian system that has committed the genocide of Sikhs. We will root out that Indian system which attacked the Akal Takht Sahib. We will erase that Indian system which raped our women and made a 'widow colony',” he stated.
01-Jul-2020
Government of India declared nine individuals, including pro-Khalistani leader and the key member of banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UAPA]. Pannun, who organized the Khalistan 2020 referendum, has been seen actively running a campaign against India and motivating Sikh youngsters in his home state of Punjab to join militancy. The others who have been designated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) as individual terrorists under the UAPA include Paramjit Singh (Babbar Khalsa International), Hardeep Singh Nijjar (Khalistan Tiger Force), Gurmit Singh Bagga (Khalistan Zindabad Force), Wadhawa Singh Babbar (Babbar Khalsa International), Lakhbir Singh (International Sikh Youth Federation), Ranjeet Singh (Khalistan Zindabad Force), Paramjit Singh (Khalistan Commando Force), Bhupinder Singh Bhinda (Khalistan Zindabad Force). Following an amendment in the UAPA recently, the UMHA declared a total of 13 persons as individual terrorists till date. In an official statement the U said, “These individuals are involved in various acts of terrorism from across the border and from foreign soil. They have been relentless in their nefarious efforts of destabilising the country, by trying to revive militancy in Punjab through their anti-national activities and through their support to and involvement in the Khalistan Movement.”
01-Jul-2020
The Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal asked the Central Government to reopen the corridor, which has been closed in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Pakistan recently opened its portion of Kartarpur corridor. Giani Harpreet Singh, on the occasion of the foundation day of Akal Takht, said both India and Pakistan should form a consensus to facilitate devotees to pay obeisance at Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara.
01-Jul-2020
The 414th establishment anniversary of supreme Sikh throne Sri Akal Takht Sahib was celebrated ardently by the Sikh sangat at Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s premises. A religious program was held on this occasion in which a Hazoori Raagi Jatha performed Gurbani Kirtan following the culmination of Sri Akhand Path Sahib.
30-Jun-2020
Akal Takht’s officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to pursue cases of Sikh youths who were arrested by the Punjab Police recently in connection with Khalistan. The Jathedar condemned the police for allegedly implicating Sikh youths on the false pretext of supporting Khalistan. “If Sikh youths are arrested on frivolous charges in the name of Khalistan, it is condemnable. The SGPC should pursue cases of innocent Sikh youths,” he said.
30-Jun-2020
The Dal Khalsa, while replying Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s remarks that no Sikh wants Khalistan, said that a person who denounces such aspirations can’t be a true Sikh. Questioning the locus standi of CM Amarinder Singh in rejecting the historic aspirations for Khalistan, the Dal Khalsa asserted that only the institution of Akal Takht has the right to articulate the collective aspirations of Sikhs that are translated by its Jathedar as the spokesman of this supreme religio-political authority. Dal Khalsa’s spokesman Kanwar Pal Singh said that the CM can only speak in an individual capacity and not on behalf of the Sikh community as a whole.
30-Jun-2020
Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 11.23 kg heroin near Shameke border outpost in Ferozepur sector in Ferozepur district. According to sources, the BSF personnel noticed movement of some suspects ahead of fencing along the zero line. The troops challenged smugglers, however, they managed to escape.
29-Jun-2020
The Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana, Manoj Yadava said that the state police will take appropriate action against banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for making automated phone calls and instigating people. He said “As per initial investigations, It appeared that US-based Pannu had made automated telephonic calls to people of the state claiming Haryana people they have always stood against the interest of Punjab and Sikhs.” “This person intentionally tries to spread mischievous and unsubstantiated information, disturb the peace and brotherhood among the people of both the states. Any attempt by him to disturb the peace would not be tolerated,” Yadava said.
29-Jun-2020
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh dismissed a recent statement of Akal Takht Jathedar that the Sikh community will accept Khalistan if the government offers it. He said “Sikhs living in the country are leading prosperous lives. Why would they want a Khalistan? Nobody wants it and I do not want it.” Singh said every Sikh always stood for the unity and integrity of the country.
29-Jun-2020
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said that he is for the reopening of the Kartarpur corridor with adherence to the physical distancing norms amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He, however, said that the Indian government could not be ready for reopening the corridor in a short time.
29-Jun-2020
The two Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) members, who were arrested by the special cell of the Delhi police on June 27, revealed that senior politicians of Uttar Pradesh (UP) are on the hit list of KLF. During interrogation, the KLF members told the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) team that they had set up a training camp in western Uttar Pradesh. They also admitted to have prepared a list of political leaders of UP who were on their cross hairs. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), UP ATS, Dhruva Kant Thakur said that “some of the leaders of the state were on their list.” The KLF members told the ATS that they were engaging youths in western UP at the behest of ISI handlers.
28-Jun-2020
Punjab police foiled a terror module and arrested three members of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), identified as Sukhchain Singh of Patiala, Amritpal Singh of Mansa and Jaspreet Singh of Majitha in Punjab. One .32 bore pistol, along with 7 cartridges, were also recovered from the alleged terrorists. The Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta said that the terror module was operating in various parts of Punjab at the behest of pro-Khalistani elements based in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UK.
28-Jun-2020
Intelligence agencies warned the government of pro-Khalistan activities in the country backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit. According to sources, the warning mentions that these anti-India activities are being guided by one ISI handler named Abdullah in close coordination with SFJ’s founder Avtar Singh Pannu, who is learnt to have been residing in the United Kingdom (UK). Abdullah’s name was also revealed during questioning of three arrested suspected sympathisers of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), who were planning to execute targeted killings in various northern states. The KLF supporters were arrested by the special cell of Delhi Police in a week-long operation across Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Intelligence agencies have also shared inputs about another person named Pak-based Gopal Singh Chawla, a close aide of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Hafiz Saeed, for his role in pro-Khalistan activities in India. It has been suggested in the warning, which was shared earlier this month, to keep the national capital on high alert ahead of Independence Day. Inputs were shared that KLF group has been tasked by ISI and SFJ for terrorist activity in the national capital, said the source.
27-Jun-2020
Indian Government sources snubbed and rejected an offer by Pakistan to reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for Indian pilgrims on June 29 on the death anniversary of the 19th century Emperor of the Sikh Kingdom Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It said that “Pakistan is trying to create a mirage of goodwill” but has proposed this at the very short notice of just two days. Sources said there should be at least seven days of advance notice as per the pact between the two nations due to preparations that need to be done for the registration process.
27-Jun-2020
Police arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Sooraj Singh and Jaswinder Singh and recovered 22,500 intoxicating pills from them in Moga city in Moga district.
27-Jun-2020
The Delhi Police busted a module of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and arrested its three sympathizers who were allegedly planning to execute target killings and extortions in various north Indian states on the directions of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-sponsored Khalistani leaders. The three men, identified as Mohinder Pal Singh (29), Gurtej Singh (41) and Lovepreet Singh (21) were arrested from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana in separate operations by the Delhi Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), special cell, in the last 10 days. According to Police, three pistols and seven cartridges, three smartphones, including an iPhone, containing many incriminating videos and photographs related to Khalistani movement and their propagators were seized from the arrested persons. Deputy Commissioner of Police (special cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said that at least four persons were on the target list of the arrested men but they could not execute the killings because of the lockdown announced in the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). DCP Yadav said that Gurtej, the son of a subedar in the Indian Army, was in touch with an ISI handler, Abdullah, apart from having contacts with Avtar Singh Pannu of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and Gopal Singh Chawla, who is based in Pakistan and is a close aide of Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “Abdullah had asked Gurtej to recruits like-minded people and send them to Pakistan for terrorist training. Gurtej recruited five men, including Lovepreet, who has been arrested along with him. He was also planning to extort Rs 10 lakh from two businessmen for arranging more weapons and logistics,” the DCP said. The DCP said that Mohinder originally belongs to Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir but had moved to Delhi in 2007 for studies. In 2013, he began developing orientation towards Khalistan movement and started attending Delhi court hearings of Jagrat Singh Hawara, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) militant convicted for assassinating former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. He came in touch with other sympathizers of the KLF and started working for the outfit, said Yadav. During interrogation, DCP said, Lovepreet, who worked at a computer repair shop, revealed that he developed an inclination towards Khalistan movement three-four years ago and was recruited by Gurtej, who promised to send him to Pakistan for weapon training.
27-Jun-2020
According to sources, around 20 months after the Amritsar police booked Pargat Singh (23) in a sedition case for his alleged links with outlawed Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) radical outfit, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)’s move to arrest him has brought the focus on 18 others named in the same 2018 sedition case. However, no police action was initiated against these 18 after the FIR was lodged in 2018. They are now believed to be on NIA’s radar after Pargat’s arrest, who is alleged to be the key recruiter of radical Sikh youths for SFJ. While Punjab Police had booked 30 accused in original case, it had submitted challan only against 11 at an Amritsar court in March 2019, keeping 19, including Pargat Singh and banned outfit SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, out of it. NIA told Mohali court earlier this week that Pargat Singh, a Sikh priest from village Tarmala in district Sri Muktsar Sahib, was one of the key conspirators and recruiter of radical Sikh youth while working under the directions of handlers located abroad to further the activities of SFJ which has already been declared an unlawful association. The original case was registered at Sultanwind Police Station, Amritsar (City) vide FIR No 152 dated October 19, 2018. The case was subsequently re-registered by NIA on April 5, 2020.
26-Jun-2020
Police arrested six people and recovered four kilograms of heroin from their possession in two separate cases in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. The Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Special Task Force (STF), Snehdeep Sharma said that "All arrested members are from the same gang. Two of them are brothers, they can be called big fishes as their network was very vast".
26-Jun-2020
The Special Task Force (STF) arrested four persons including a drug smuggler brother duo and their wives along with 3.2 kg heroin, Rs 60,000 in cash drug money, a .32 ore pistol with four magazines and 14 live cartridges near Ishar Nagar area in Ludhiana district. The arrested accused were identified as Raj Kumar his wife Anjali, Arun Kumar, his wife Harpreet Kaur. They hail from Kapurthala however now are settled in Ludhiana. According to officials, the accused have made lots of property using drug money.