Extremism Updates

25-Feb-2024

According to sources, the Pakistan Singh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (PSGPC) has undergone reconstitution, raising concerns among some Pakistani Sikhs and the Indian government. The committee comprises 13 members, including three official representatives and 10 others, notably Ramesh Singh Arora, Tara Singh, and Maheesh Singh, who are first-generation converted Sikhs. There are apprehensions regarding their appointment to key positions within the committee, with objections raised against their lack of traditional Sikh upbringing and potential affiliations. Additionally, individuals like Ramesh Singh Arora have drawn scrutiny from the Indian government due to familial ties with individuals wanted for criminal activities. The reconstitution has sparked discussions surrounding religious representation and geopolitical implications.


25-Jan-2024

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Qazi on January 25, while speaking to reporters in Islamabad, stated that Indian agents were involved in the killings of two Pakistani citizens, Shahid Latif and Muhammad Riaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim, on Pakistani soil, citing similarities with cases in Canada and the United States (US).


21-Dec-2023

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during her weekly media briefing in Islamabad in Pakistan, on December 21 claimed to possess "substantive evidence" of alleged Indian involvement in supporting and financing militant groups to destabilize Pakistan. Baloch also mentioned plans to share more details with the media soon.


19-Dec-2023

The statue of Ranjit Singh, initially installed at Lahore's Shahi Fort in 2019 and vandalized three times, will now be placed at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, in Shakargarh tehsil of the Narowal District in Pakistan. Gifted by Sikh historian Bobby Singh Bansal, the statue faced repeated damage, leading to the decision to relocate it to Kartarpur near the Darshan point.


18-Dec-2023

The recent reports suggest that Dawood Ibrahim, considered a fugitive and India's most wanted underworld figure due to his involvement in criminal activities, including links to terrorist organizations, is being poisoned in Pakistan.


04-Dec-2023

The Pakistan police on December 4 arrested the ringleader of a gang that had robbed a Sikh family in Lahore. The gang members had disguised themselves as security personnel, and the arrested individual is identified as Ahmad Raza. The Sikh family, visiting from India for Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary festivities, was looted of INR 2,50,000, PKR 1,50,000, and jewellery in the Gulberg area of Lahore, Pakistan. Raids are being conducted to arrest other members of the network.


03-Dec-2023

Pakistani news sources have expressed concern over India's alleged involvement in the attempted overseas assassination of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, likening it to Mossad’s tactics. They are calling for an investigation and urging Western nations not to overlook India's alleged 'death squads.' This emphasizes the risks to national security and the need to halt the perceived infringement on rights and freedoms.


01-Dec-2023

Lakhbir Singh Rode, the chief of banned terror outfits Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), died on December 1 in Pakistan at the age of 72. Rode, a nephew of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was listed as an 'individual terrorist' by India and had fled to Pakistan from India. Rode, accused of orchestrating terror-related activities, faced charges, including involvement in a tiffin bomb blast in Punjab in 2021. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had confiscated his land earlier this year, and he was under investigation for six cases related to terrorism between 2021 and 2023.


30-Nov-2023

An Indian Sikh family on November 30 was looted by ‘robbers dressed in police uniform’ in Lahore in Punjab province of Pakistan. The robbers, armed with guns, looted cash, jewellery, and valuables from the family.


23-Nov-2023

According to a report by The Intercept, Pakistan has reportedly heightened the security of individuals designated as terrorists by India amid fears of alleged 'death squads.' The report cites 'secret documents' from Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau, claiming that India has hired individuals for the assassinations of 'Sikh and Kashmiri activists' in Pakistan. Indian security sources deny the existence of 'death squads' and suggest that some reported deaths are part of Pakistan's efforts to eliminate unwanted individuals.


21-Nov-2023

A report by the Pakistani source The Intercept claimed that India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has been planning assassinations of Sikh and Kashmiri activists residing in foreign countries. The documents allege that RAW is collaborating with local networks to carry out attacks on individuals and religious institutions supporting an armed insurgency in Kashmir, as well as targeting Sikh activists in Pakistan.


18-Nov-2023

A video went viral showing a song and dance party organized on November 18 by Pakistan's Project Management Unit (PMU) with claims of non-vegetarian items being served near Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Kartarpur in Punjab province of Pakistan. Presidents of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) expressed concern, stating that such activities violate Sikh sentiments and the sanctity of a place associated with Guru Nanak Dev. They have demanded a public apology for the reported violation.


12-Nov-2023

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) in Pakistan has proposed maximizing the religious tourism potential of the Kartarpur Corridor to attract Sikh pilgrims. ETPB chairman Syed Atta-ur-Rahman aims to encourage longer stays, enabling pilgrims to partake in various religious rites.


10-Nov-2023

Mohsin Naqvi, the caretaker Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province, on November 10 launched the 'Sikh Yatra Booking Portal,' an online platform for Sikhs worldwide to book hotels, hire security services, and arrange transportation for pilgrimages to the province. Naqvi described it as a groundbreaking religious tourism initiative to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting their holy places in Pakistan. This move emphasizes Pakistan's commitment to providing a seamless and obstacle-free experience for Sikh visitors, including the establishment of a dedicated 'Tourism Police Force' to promote religious tourism in Punjab, he said.


07-Nov-2023

Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, recently instructed authorities to provide maximum facilities and support to Sikh pilgrims visiting the country for religious festivals. He emphasized the significance of Sikh pilgrims as guests and stressed the importance of expediting the visa issuance process while maintaining transparency.


20-Oct-2023

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson, Aamir Hashmi, on October 20 revealed the board's decision to digitize five temples and gurdwaras in Pakistan. The sites include Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Katas Raj temple, Chakwal, Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, and Sadhu Bela Mandir, Sukkur. The initiative aims to provide virtual tours for devotees and enhance their spiritual connection with these religious sites. The tours will be accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. The ETPB manages properties left behind by Hindus and Sikhs who migrated to India after the 1947 partition.


16-Oct-2023

According to reports, there have been calls for the establishment of Khalistan in the central area of Karachi in Pakistan with slogans proclaiming, "Pakistan Banega Khalistan, Karachi Banega Khalistan, Mulla Banega Khalsa." A video displaying these slogans has garnered substantial attention on social media. Pakistan has faced allegations of encouraging separatist sentiments in Punjab, particularly through its support for the Khalistan movement and assistance to Khalistani militants. This situation has escalated to the extent that pro-Khalistan slogans are now surfacing in the region, the report said.


09-Oct-2023

Reports indicate that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), responsible for the management and upkeep of gurdwaras in Pakistan, has come under scrutiny from the Sikh community. The criticism it faces stems from concerns expressed by the community, revealing their profound devotion and respect for these sacred locations.


20-Sep-2023

The Sikh community in Lahore held a protest on September 20 against the Indian government, condemning the killing of Khalistani terrorist and the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Lahore, Pakistan. Former member of the Punjab Assembly, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, claimed to the media that India had a hand in the assassination of the Khalistan leader. The protestors accused Indian intelligence agencies of targeting Sikhs globally and urged the international community to take note of India's alleged acts of terrorism.


16-Sep-2023

The Lahore High Court, on September 16, raised objections to the reopening of the case of Indian independence war hero Bhagat Singh's 1931 sentencing and the consideration of posthumous state awards for him. The objections pertain to the maintainability of the petition and the constitution of a larger bench for an early hearing. The petitioners argue that Bhagat Singh's name was not originally mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) for the murder for which he was sentenced to death, and they seek to establish his innocence in the case.


13-Sep-2023

Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has exposed a significant drug-smuggling network operating in India, led by Mazhar Iqbal, the head of Lahore Police's anti-narcotics wing. Iqbal and his network used drones to smuggle drugs from Kasur in the Punjab Province of Pakistan, particularly heroin, into India, specifically Punjab. Despite a history of dismissals and suspensions related to illegal activities, Iqbal held a key position in the anti-narcotics department of Lahore Police. The police investigation revealed that a drone in Mazhar Iqbal's network transported up to 6 kg of drugs across the border to Indian Punjab. The network's exposure came after the arrest of six Indians from Punjab: Gurmeet Singh, Shinder Singh, Juginder Singh, Vishal Jagga, Rattan Pal Singh, and Garvender Singh in Pakistani territory, leading to an investigation into Iqbal's involvement in cross-border drug smuggling, with authorities estimating his amassed wealth to be substantial.


07-Sep-2023

Pakistan's caretaker Religious Affairs Minister, Aneeq Ahmed, on September 7 announced efforts to increase the number of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India, as their numbers have declined in recent years due to strained bilateral ties. This announcement was made during his visit to the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) in Islamabad, Pakistan.


07-Sep-2023

Pakistan's caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed on September 7 laid the foundation stone for a Cultural Theme Park near Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur Corridor in Punjab province of Pakistan. The project is aimed at attracting more Sikh pilgrims. The first phase, which includes restaurants, a food street, play areas, and cultural amenities, will be completed in six months, with the entire project expected to take three years.


30-Aug-2023

Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on August 30 claimed to have unearthed a cross-border drug smuggling network allegedly operated by Mazhar Iqbal, the head of Lahore police's anti-narcotics wing, which aimed to smuggle heroin, particularly into India via drones, in Lahore, Pakistan. Iqbal has allegedly amassed significant profits from this illicit activity, and action has been initiated based on statements from recently arrested Indian smugglers. Despite a First Information Report (FIR) being registered against him, Iqbal remains beyond arrest due to pre-arrest bail. A committee of senior police officials has been formed to expand the investigation, which has revealed that Iqbal's network transported over 30 kilograms of heroin from Kasur in the Punjab province of Pakistan to India through drones, with payments received in Dubai.


29-Aug-2023

According to a report, on August 29, a drone along with 10 kilograms of heroin was recovered by Anti-Narcotics Forces (ANF) from a smuggler's vehicle in Lahore, Pakistan. According to sources, the heroin originated from Afghanistan and was meant to be smuggled into India.


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06-Nov-2023

A British Sikh man, Jatinder Singh, who claimed he was barred from jury duty in Birmingham Crown Court due to carrying a kirpan, has been invited by authorities to discuss the matter in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK). The incident sparked concern and led to an apology from the Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). British Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill expressed deep concern about the incident, highlighting the need for clearer communication of guidelines to prevent discrimination against individuals based on their religious practices in jury service.


05-Nov-2023

Akaal Clothing, a pro-Khalistani clothing line that previously launched a hoodie depicting the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, announced on November 5, in a post on Instagram, that they have cancelled all orders for the controversial item. The hoodie gained attention when Canadian pro-Khalistani singer Shubh held it during a concert in London, United Kingdom (UK), sparking backlash and criticism on social media. The clothing line cited 'unforeseen circumstances' and increased scrutiny as reasons for the cancellation, stating that they would issue full refunds.


03-Nov-2023

Birmingham Member of Parliament (MP) Preet Kaur Gill has written to the Justice Secretary, bringing attention to the case of Jatinder Singh, a Sikh who claimed he was barred from a court during jury service for wearing a kirpan, a religious article central to his faith. Singh was denied entry due to the size of his kirpan, despite it being within legal limits. MP Gill emphasized the importance of protecting and respecting Sikhs' rights and religious freedoms. She called for clear communication of guidelines regarding kirpans to ensure inclusivity and the ability to perform civic duties without compromising religious beliefs. The Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) issued an apology to Mr. Singh following the incident.


11-Oct-2023

The Chief Coroner Judge Thomas Teague KC on October 11 declared that he ‘does not have the power’ to order an investigation into the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a Khalistani terrorist who succumbed to leukaemia at Birmingham City Hospital on June 15. Earlier, Barrister Michael Polak, representing Khanda's mother, Charanjit Kaur, and his sister, Jaspreet Kaur, formally petitioned the chief coroner to launch an inquiry into Khanda's passing, citing section S3 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.


07-Oct-2023

The Sikh restaurant owner in London, UK, Harman Singh Kapoor, whose cars were allegedly vandalized by Khalistani elements recently, on October 7 claimed that he has been receiving threats for the past nine months. Kapoor, who is currently in New Delhi, stated that the pro-Khalistan elements are defaming Sikhs, Hindus, and India. He further noted that the individuals who attempted to harm him were Sikhs. Kapoor asserted, "They are maligning Sikhs, Hindus, and India. I earnestly desire for this conflict to cease. Regrettably, no concrete action was taken by the authorities; they merely documented my complaint. The police have yet to apprehend the culprits, allowing the Khalistanis to remain at large. It appears that Khalistanis enjoy support within the police force and are considered political assets in that region. In the event of an assault on a fellow countryman, the accused ought to be apprehended. Unfortunately, in my case, these Khalistanis were not taken into custody by the police."


06-Oct-2023

British Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak expressed his hope for a reduction in tensions within the India-Canada diplomatic dispute during a conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau on October 6. The discussion primarily revolved around the ongoing standoff regarding the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Sunak reiterated the UK's commitment to upholding the rule of law, particularly in light of Canada's accusations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a wanted pro-Khalistan terrorist.


05-Oct-2023

Satyam Surana, a student at the London School of Economics (LSE), in an interview, described his actions during a recent pro-Khalistan protest at the Indian embassy on October 2 in London, United Kingdom (UK), where Khalistani protestors desecrated the Indian tricolour. Surana explained how he felt compelled to rescue and fold the Tricolour with reverence after it was desecrated during the protest. Satyam shared that his actions were driven by a sense of duty as an Indian, despite the presence of hostile extremists at the scene. The flag is currently held by the police as evidence.


03-Oct-2023

Scotland Police on October 3 stated that no criminal activity was established during its investigation into the incident in which the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Vikram Doraiswami, was denied entry and heckled at a gurdwara in Glasgow. Pro-Khalistan Sikh activists had denied him entry in response to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The Glasgow Gurdwara released a statement condemning the disruption and reaffirming its openness to people from all communities and backgrounds.


02-Oct-2023

Pro-Khalistan protesters gathered outside the High Commission of India, waving anti-India placards and chanting slogans, in London, United Kingdom (UK) on October 2. The protest aimed to draw attention to Canadian Prime Minister Justin (PM) Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly denied. The call for the protest stated that Sikhs intend to address domestic concerns, such as the questionable demise of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda.


02-Oct-2023

The Sikh Federation (UK) held a press conference in London on October 2, formally requesting the Chief Coroner for England and Wales to open an inquest into the death of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda. Khanda passed away in Birmingham in June 2023 while in London, United Kingdom (UK). The family's barrister, Michael Polak, highlighted suspicions surrounding Khanda's death, citing the timing and previous death threats with connections to Indian politics. West Midlands Police had initially stated that there were no suspicious circumstances, attributing the cause of death to acute leukemia or blood cancer in the post-mortem report.


02-Oct-2023

Khalistani terrorist Paramjeet Singh Pamma led anti-India chants outside the High Commission of India in London, United Kingdom (UK) on October 2. He was seen waving anti-India placards and chanting slogans. At the same venue, the Indian flag was defiled, and slogans against Indian Prime Ministers were raised. Pamma is wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for promoting secessionism and radicalizing Punjab's youth. He is associated with banned Khalistani terror groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).


02-Oct-2023

Scotland Yard on October 2 arrested a British Sikh man on suspicion of 'violent disorder' in connection with the March 2023 attack on the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK).


02-Oct-2023

According to reports, Gurcharan Singh, a member of the pro-Khalistani group Dal Khalsa, was arrested on October 2 for committing a hate crime against Gujaratis in the United Kingdom (UK) back on March 22. However, he was subsequently released on a personal bond. Gurucharan Singh was detained by UK law enforcement outside the Indian High Commission in London on October 2, where he was participating in anti-India demonstrations alongside other pro-Khalistan activists. During these protests, Gurcharan Singh had poured cow urine on the Indian tricolour flag. Additionally, a video had previously circulated on social media showing Gurcharan Singh verbally abusing a Gujarati Hindu in London during a demonstration against the Government of India's actions related to Amritpal Singh on March 22.


01-Oct-2023

The Sikh Federation United Kingdom (SFUK) decided to formally request a coroner’s inquest on October 2 into the death of Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda, which occurred in Birmingham, UK June 2023. They alleged that Khanda had received threats from individuals connected to the Indian state and suspected foul play in his death. Although it was recorded as acute myeloid leukaemia, they believe it could be related to radiation poisoning. Pro-Khalistani Sikhs also plan to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London, UK on October 2, accusing the Indian government of involvement in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada.


01-Oct-2023

Colin Bloom, a former adviser to the United Kingdom (UK) government and renowned author, recently expressed concerns about the rising Khalistan extremism in Western nations. He emphasized the need for collective action to address the aggressive behaviour among some members of the Sikh community, highlighting the failure of Western governments, including the UK, US, and Canada, to tackle this growing problem. He called for stronger efforts to protect Sikhs who distance themselves from extremism and pointed out the false appearance of legitimacy that some pro-Khalistan Sikh groups portray. This issue requires immediate attention to prevent further harm and division within multicultural societies.


30-Sep-2023

Two of the three individuals involved in the incident targeting Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami on September 29 in Glasgow, Scotland, have been identified as Shamsher Singh and Ranveer Singh, both based in London. Ranveer Singh was photographed at a shooting practice range with a rifle and wearing a T-shirt advocating for the release of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, who was involved in the assassination plot against Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh in 1995, resulting in multiple casualties. The Scottish police are currently in the process of gathering statements from all parties involved, and they are prepared to take appropriate action against the extremists.


30-Sep-2023

A Sikh restaurant owner, identified as Harman Singh Kapoor had his car shot at and vandalized by unidentified Khalistani assailants in West London, United Kingdom (UK), on September 30. Kapoor had previously spoken out against Khalistani elements in the UK. Insightuk2, a British Hindu and Indian group, asserted that the Kapoor family had been facing continuous threats of violence and rape from suspected Khalistan sympathizers. This incident follows ongoing threats and attacks against his family after they posted a video criticizing the Khalistan movement on social media.


30-Sep-2023

Leaders from the United Kingdom (UK), including Anne-Marie Trevelyan and Colin Bloom, on September 30 expressed concern about an incident in which Khalistani extremists prevented Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami from entering a gurdwara in Scotland on September 29. They called for action against these Khalistani extremist elements.


30-Sep-2023

The Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom (UK) on September 30 issued a statement after Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was prevented from entering a Gurdwara in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 29, terming it a "disgraceful incident" in London, UK. The Glasgow Gurdwara issued a statement strongly condemning the disruptive behaviour that disrupted the peaceful proceedings of the Sikh place of worship. The incident was also reported to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Metropolitan Police.


30-Sep-2023

The Glasgow Guru Granth Sahib Gurudwara in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK), on September 30, apologized to Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami for the incident that occurred on September 29 when Khalistani extremists prevented him from entering the temple. The gurdwara committee assured Doraiswami that the individuals involved were not part of their regular congregation and invited him to visit again. Two of the extremists involved have been identified, including one with connections to the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which was involved in a past assassination plot.


29-Sep-2023

The United Kingdom (UK)-based Sikh Federation on September 29 urged Sikhs in the UK to contact their Members of Parliament (MPs) for clarification from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman regarding the measures that the police will implement to safeguard Sikh activists potentially at risk, following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to reports, on October 2, Sikhs in the UK also intend to stage a demonstration outside the Indian High Commission in London, UK. There are approximately 500,000 Sikhs in the UK, and India has expressed concerns about anti-India activities related to the Khalistan movement in the UK.


29-Sep-2023

Radical British Sikh activists prevented Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Vikram Doraiswami, from entering a gurdwara in Scotland, UK, on September 29. Sikh Youth UK posted a video of the incident on Instagram, showing the activists disputing with the gurdwara committee and attempting to approach Doraiswami's car, which eventually left. The activists expressed their opposition to Indian officials visiting gurdwaras in the UK due to recent tensions related to issues such as the deaths of Khalistani terrorists Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Avtar Singh Khanda, for which they hold India responsible.


29-Sep-2023

Khalistani extremists prevented the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Vikram Doraiswami, from entering a gurdwara in Scotland, UK, on September 29. They demanded the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, claiming that his arrest by Indian authorities was illegal. Jagtar Singh Johal, a UK-based individual with connections to the banned terrorist organization Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), is currently held in Delhi’s Tihar jail on terrorism charges.


27-Sep-2023

A sting operation conducted by Republic TV in London, United Kingdom (UK), revealed Pakistan's involvement in fomenting the Khalistan demand. In the video, Shamsher Singh, a founding member of the National Sikh Youth Federation (NSYF), openly acknowledged Pakistan's support for Khalistan and advocated armed struggle against India, while also claiming responsibility for the killings of police officers, politicians, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members.


26-Sep-2023

A Sikh councillor from West Dunbartonshire in Scotland, United Kingdom (UK), Gurpreet Johal, expressed concern over the challenges faced by the Sikh community in the UK following the death of his friend, Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned terrorist outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Avtar Singh Khanda, in Birmingham, UK. Gurpreet Johal, whose brother, Jagtar Singh Johal, is currently detained in India due to connections to KLF, called for the UK to stand by its citizens and criticized India's alleged targeting of Sikhs.


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