Extremism Updates

08-Sep-2019

Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar stated that the Sikh community enjoyed complete freedom in Pakistan. CM Buzdar said that Sikh community, from around the world, was supporting the Pakistan’s stance on the core issue of Kashmir. He said, “The Sikh brethren have come very nearer to Pakistan and this has no resemblance in the past.”


05-Sep-2019

The day after Pakistan announced to levy USD 20 service fee for the pilgrims going to Kartarpur Sahib via under construction Kartarpur corridor, the US-based pro-Khalistani organization Sikh For Justice (SFJ) offered to reimburse the fee. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun who claims to be the legal advisor of SFJ informed “People of Punjab who will visit Kartarpur Sahib between November 1 and 30 will have to submit proof of their visit to SFJ and receive USD 20 service fee reimbursement via Western Union.”


02-Sep-2019

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that his government would issue multiple and on-arrival visas to Sikh pilgrims coming from India and abroad and provide them maximum possible facilities during their visit to the holy sites.


28-Aug-2019

Pakistan’s Religious Tourism and Heritage Committee (RTHC) decided that Pakistan will start a month-long visa process starting September 1 for the Sikh pilgrims from India and other countries who plans to attend the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in November.


26-Aug-2019

According to sources, Pakistan is now trying to incite the Sikh community living in Pakistan and elsewhere against India. A Pakistan-based Sikh leader was heard claiming in a viral video on social media that they have got a mandate from Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal authority in India, to support Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Though no such resolution has been passed by the Akal Takht, such provocative statements are being issued to radicalise, confuse and deviate the Sikh community.


26-Aug-2019

In another attempt to woo the Sikh community, Pakistan's Punjab Province chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has called an international congregation of Sikhs on August 31.This congregation is being linked to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev but the motive behind it is to perpetuate and launch an anti-India propaganda.Pakistan Government has also announced another Sikh congregation at Nankana Sahib but the dates are yet to be announced.


26-Aug-2019

The controversial statement given by the former Pakistan army chief General Aslam Baig that Pakistan will be using the Kartarpur corridor to send jihadis into India, has once again exposed Pakistan's nefarious designs. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had also expressed apprehension that Pakistan might misuse Kartarpur corridor for anti-India activities but has not opposed the idea of the corridor due to religious and political compulsions.


23-Aug-2019

Former Pakistan Army chief Gen Mirza Aslam Beg said that the country will use Kartarpur corridor for Khalistan terror."Pakistan army and the government should create trouble for India through Khalistan movement," Mirza Aslam said. He also said that “the terror 'jihad' was the ‘only way to teach India a lesson’…. The Indian army at LoC cannot stop the jihadis. "Mirza Aslam Beg has earlier also expressed that he wants a hybrid war against India.


21-Aug-2019

The Pakistan High Commission (PHC) said that over 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims entered Pakistan on August 21 after being granted visas by Islamabad to head for the historic Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in order to begin celebrations in advance for the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism and first guru of the Sikhs Guru Nanak.


21-Aug-2019

Pakistan is sticking with its plan to open the first visa-free border crossing with India to facilitate Sikh pilgrims despite brewing tensions between the two neighbours over the longstanding Kashmir dispute.Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that Pakistan was committed to open the corridor in November on the 550th birth of Baba Guru Nanak. The Shrine is located only a few kilometres from the border. The proposed corridor will allow Sikhs to visit the Shrine without a visa.


20-Aug-2019

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) reiterated that they will make all arrangements for the “sangat” (devotees) coming to Pakistan for 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak.


20-Aug-2019

An office-bearer of the ETPB, a statutory board that manages religious properties and shrines of Hindus and Sikhs who had migrated to India after Partition, said over phone that they will ensure the corridor, which is being constructed to give Indian devotees a visa-free access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak, is completed well before November 2019.


17-Aug-2019

According to media report, no work has been carried out in the Pakistan portion of Kartarpur Corridor for six consecutive days. This has triggered speculation about Islamabad’s intent regarding the completion of the project. It also has coincided with Pakistan’s downgrading of diplomatic ties with India. Sources stated that “Earlier we had assumed that due to Eid they didn’t carry out work on August 11 and 12. Then it was Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14. But it’s surprising that no construction activity was visible on their side either on August 15 and 16.” Earlier on August 8, Pakistan had stated that ‘’Notwithstanding the latest developments, Pakistan’s Kartarpur initiative shall continue. Pakistan respects all religions and would continue the project”.


04-Aug-2019

After being removed from the PSGPC and ETPB, Pakistan’s pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla has now taken to social media to propagate misinformation campaign about Kashmir. In a two-minute video uploaded on social media, Chawla alleged “Kashmir tay jo zulm ho riha hai, usdi main apni tarfo te saari duniya day Khalisatania vallo muzammat karda han (I and the Khalisanis around the world condemn the atrocities committed in Kashmir).” Chawla circulated the video in the wake of New Delhi has called off Amarnath yatra and has issued advisory to tourists and pilgrims to leave the Kashmir valley. In his provocative video message, he also named former slain Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating that those who had committed atrocities had met their fate like her.


30-Jul-2019

Around 500 Indian Sikhs arrived in Pakistan to take part in celebrations in connection with the 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. According to sources, since the arrival of the Indian Sikhs was kept in a "low profile" neither the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which looks after holy places of minorities in the country, nor the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (PSGPC) were taken on board by the Imran Khan Government regarding their arrival. The Pakistani media was also not invited to the venue to cover the arrival of the Sikh pilgrims from India. However, the Pakistan foreign office later in the day issued a statement confirming the arrival of 500 Indian Sikhs but did not tell whether they crossed over via under construction Kartarpur corridor or Wagah border.


19-Jul-2019

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) elected its new president Sardar Satwant Singh and secretary-general Sardar Ameer Singh, days after the Imran Khan Government dissolved the body following India's objection to the presence of Khalistani separatists as part of the Pakistani delegation discussing the Kartarpur Corridor.


12-Jul-2019

Ahead of the India-Pakistan talks over Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan removed the name of pro-Khalistan leader Gopal Singh Chawla from the committee. The development was confirmed through an official statement, which said, “The Federal Government (Federal Cabinet) has been pleased to re-constitute the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC).” Gopal Singh Chawla is a close associate of Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and resides in Pakistan. He is also suspected of planning terrorist attacks in India. And even said to hold meetings with global terrorist Masood Azhar.


06-Jun-2019

Gopal Singh Chawla, the General Sectary of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) raised anti-India slogans and said that he will support groups like Babbar Khalsa, Commando Force, Sikh Youth Federation, Khalistan Force and added that they are on the same platform.


15-May-2019

A group of Sikh pilgrims visiting Nankana Sahib in Pakistan to celebrate Baisakhi festival demanded a separate homeland for them. ‘Khalistan Referendum 2020’ banners in this regard have been put on Gurudwara Janam Asthan also referred to as Gurudwara Nankana Sahib.


06-Dec-2018

Pro-Khalistan elements based in Pakistan stepped-up the agenda of “Referendum 2020” influencing Indian pilgrims visiting Sikh-religious sites such as Nankana Sahib, in Nankana Sahib District of Punjab in Pakistan. The Indian pilgrims who arrived on November 23 at Nankana Sahib had spotted the banners featured provocative slogans such as “Referendum 2020 will end India’s occupation of Punjab” and “Referendum 2020 is resistance against Indian occupation of Punjab”. Khalistan flags and life-size images of Sikh terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was killed during the 1984 Military operation in the Golden Temple in Amritsar [Punjab], were placed on several buildings. Pakistan’s Security establishment keeps very close tabs on pro-Khalistan groups and there is no way that one of such groups—Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) could have gone ahead with these pro-Khalistani activities without the support from Pakistan’s Intelligence agency—Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI], said an Indian official [identity undisclosed].


28-Nov-2018

The US based pro-Khalistan group—Sikh For Justice (SFJ) has appreciated the Kartarpur Corridor as a ‘bridge’ to the mission of Khalistan and has announced to host ‘Kartarpur Sahib Convention-2019’ in Pakistan, on November 28. SFJ runs a pro-Khalistan campaign with support from Pakistan’s ISI towards creation of a separate Sikh land from India


09-Nov-2018

Acting upon intelligence inputs, the BSF and Anti-Narcotics Cell recovered three packets of heroin weigh 4.30 kg worth INR 22 crore in the international market, from Border Outpost of Shameke of India-Pakistan Border in Ferozepur Sector of Ferozepur district in Punjab. The packets were kept inside the hollow space in a tree.


07-Jan-2018

The BSF had recovered 20 kilograms of heroin worth INR 100 crores along with the Adhain India-Pakistan border outpost in Gurdaspur District of Punjab.


20-Oct-2017

For the first time, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) general secretary Gopal Singh Chawla publicly admitted to have been part of separatist 'Khalistan movement' and have also undergone training for the purpose. A video of Chawla has surfaced on social media on October 20 where he is seen as saying "I have been a part of Khalistan movement, I have also undergone training, I have been abusing India and its prime minister, if we want to get rid of India, we have to help this organization (MML- Milli Musli League)". Chalwa is seen addressing a gathering from the platform of MML, a political wing of the banned JuD, a front of anti India LeT. PSGPC general secretary Chawla in his speech addressed in Punjabi said that PSGPC receives minimum of five to seven thousand pilgrims every year from India. "We look into their eyes , out of those seven thousand pilgrims at least two thousand are RAW [Research and Analysis Wing] agents and we see a fear of Hafiz Saeed Sahib in their eyes". PSGPC's controversial general secretary also raised slogans in praise of Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwala and Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and said his organization (Punjabi Sikh Sangat) and supporters from UK and Canada would help MML. Calling terror mastermind as his 'Amir' (Ruler), Chalwa bestowed praise upon Hafiz Saeed saying that "Unha Indians dia nazra vich maray Aamir Hafiz Saeed Sab da khauf hunda hai" (There is fear of my Aamir Hafiz Saeed Sab in the eyes of those Indians)" he said.


04-Aug-2014

The investigations have revealed that activities of KZF, which is headed by Jammu’s Ranjit Singh Neeta, now based in Sialkot of Punjab province in Pakistan and KLF headed by Harminder Singh alias Mintu of Punjab, also in Pakistan, were being funded and coordinated by militant elements based in Spain and England.


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09-Jan-2025

British Sikh Labour Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi on January 9 renewed his demand in the House of Commons for an independent inquiry into the Margaret Thatcher-led Conservative government’s alleged involvement in Operation Blue Star, in London in the United Kingdom (UK). Commons Leader Lucy Powell acknowledged the concerns and promised further ministerial updates.


31-Dec-2024

On December 31, pro-Khalistani protesters gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), chanting controversial slogans such as "Kill Modi politics" and advocating for an independent Khalistan state. The demonstration, which was captured in a viral video, showed protesters waving Khalistani flags.


28-Dec-2024

According to a report by MailOnline, a Sikh Indian family comprising Gurbakhsh Singh (72), Ardet Kaur (68), Guljeet Singh (43), and Kawaljeet Kaur (37) has been charged with multiple immigration offences in the United Kingdom (UK). The family is accused of posing as Afghans to claim asylum after entering the UK on December 23, 2023. Allegations state that they falsely identified as Afghan nationals despite having their previous visa applications as Indians refused. The accused pleaded not guilty at Croydon Magistrates' Court and opted for a jury trial, scheduled to commence at Croydon Crown Court on January 2, 2025.


24-Dec-2024

Rhian Shillabeer, Communications Officer for the Directorate of Defence Communications at the United Kingdom's (UK) Ministry of Defence, on December 24, refuted claims made by the Punjab Police regarding British Army soldier Jagjeet Singh alias Fateh Singh Baaghi, being involved in terrorist activities in India. Shillabeer clarified that no individual by that name was currently serving in the British Army and added that the photograph released by Punjab Police did not correspond to the name provided. Despite this, Punjab Police stood by their investigation, asserting its credibility and stating that the issue would be formally addressed with British authorities through official channels.


10-Dec-2024

In a letter dated December 10, British Security Minister Dan Jarvis assured British Sikhs that the government would not tolerate intimidation or harm by foreign powers, following complaints of alleged targeting by the Indian government. Jarvis urged India to cooperate with Canadian authorities regarding the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and the rule of law.


10-Dec-2024

According to a report by The Guardian, United Kingdom (UK) Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis, in a letter dated December 10, assured the Sikh Federation of protection against alleged intimidation attributed to the Indian government, emphasizing that threats from any foreign power would not be tolerated. Jarvis also called on India to cooperate with Canadian authorities in the investigation into the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.


08-Dec-2024

According to sources, the British government, under the influence of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), revoked the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honours previously awarded to prominent British-Indian figures Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot. Both criticised the decision as an attack on free speech, with Ranger attributing it to his opposition to Khalistanis and his criticism of the BBC’s controversial documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The revocation was reportedly decided by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Forfeiture Committee under the Cabinet Office.


07-Dec-2024

On December 7, British-Indian businessman Rami Ranger criticized the United Kingdom (UK) Forfeiture Committee’s decision to strip him of his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), calling it unjust. Ranger, an outspoken critic of Khalistani separatists, announced plans to challenge the decision legally, arguing that it undermines free speech and sets a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that his contributions to British business and community cohesion, which led to the award, should not be overshadowed by past controversies that had already been addressed.


06-Dec-2024

On December 6, King Charles III, acting on the recommendation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stripped two British Indians, Raminder Singh Ranger and Anil Kumar Bhanot, of their honours in London, United Kingdom (UK). Ranger, a Conservative Party member, had his title revoked due to controversial remarks about Khalistan separatists and criticism of the BBC’s documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhanot, a trustee of the Hindu Council UK, lost his honour over allegations of Islamophobia linked to his social media posts concerning violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.


04-Dec-2024

The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on December 4 launched a provocative “Kill Modi Politics” campaign, featuring banners with "Kill Modi Politics" and "Wanted" posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar displayed at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in West Bromwich, West Midlands, UK. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun accused the Indian government of using Hindu temples worldwide to promote Hindutva ideology and recruit spies to monitor pro-Khalistan Sikhs. SFJ UK coordinator Dupinderjit Singh alleged that Indian diplomats were targeting Paramjeet Singh Pamma, a Khalistan Referendum Coordinator, and building intelligence networks against pro-Khalistan activists.


04-Dec-2024

United Kingdom (UK) Labour Member of Parliament Preet Kaur Gill on December 4 successfully introduced the Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill in the House of Commons, London. The bill aims to formally recognize Sikh and Jewish communities as ethnic categories for data collection by public bodies, addressing gaps in service delivery. Gill cited examples such as higher pandemic mortality rates among these groups and the lack of adequate data for tailored services. The bill passed its first reading, with the second reading scheduled for March 7, 2025.


03-Dec-2024

Lord Meghnad Desai, a life peer in the British House of Lords and former Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP), explained in an interview with Hindustan Times that India perceives the Khalistan movement—supported by some members of the Sikh diaspora in Canada—as a threat to its unity, rooted in the trauma of partition and historical Sikh grievances. Desai emphasized the need for India to adopt a more measured approach to the issue and suggested dialogue, potentially mediated by a neutral third party such as the United Kingdom (UK) or Australia, to resolve the standoff and safeguard long-term bilateral relations.


26-Nov-2024

On November 26, several United Kingdom (UK) lawmakers, including Preet Kaur Gill, Jas Athwal, Harpreet Uppal, and Parbinder Kaur, attended a Gurpurab event in the Houses of Parliament, London, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs. The APPG is linked to the Sikh Federation, a pro-Khalistan party associated with the banned Khalistani terror outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). The event has sparked concerns over the UK Labour government's stance on Khalistani extremism, potentially straining India-UK relations amid critical Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.


22-Nov-2024

Lord Meghnad Desai, former Labour Party member in the United Kingdom (UK), criticized London's "outdated view" on Khalistan in an interview with Hindustan Times. He warned that this stance threatens India's unity and undermines UK-India relations.


05-Nov-2024

According to The Birmingham Dispatch, Member of Parliament (MP) Preet Gill recently apologized after threatening to report the newspaper to police over an article raising concerns about the Guru Nanak Gurdwara (GNG) in Smethwick, UK, where portraits of Babbar Khalsa members are displayed. Gill initially accused the newspaper of bias, harassment, and accepting “underhand payments” for the story. The National Secular Society criticized her actions, stressing that elected officials should uphold free speech and not suppress journalistic inquiry into religious organizations.


31-Oct-2024

On October 31, a memorial event was held at Centenary Square in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), to honour the victims of the anti-Sikh riots that took place 40 years ago. Attendees lit candles and shared poignant testimonies from survivors, reflecting on the emotional toll of the violence that followed the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.


30-Oct-2024

Gurpreet Singh Johal, brother of Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, recently met with United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London, expressing optimism about his sibling's situation following their discussion. Jagtar Singh Johal is currently detained in Tihar Jail in New Delhi on charges related to terrorism and conspiracy.


16-Oct-2024

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office on October 16 expressed 'full confidence' in Canada’s judicial process amidst the diplomatic crisis between India and Canada over the alleged involvement of Indian officials in the 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in London. The UK joined New Zealand and Australia, all members of the Five Eyes alliance, in supporting Canada. The Five Eyes, which includes the United States (US), Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, remain closely aligned. On October 15, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Winston Peters also voiced concerns, supporting the rule of law and urging respect for legal processes. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of respecting national sovereignty.


06-Oct-2024

A recent episode of Gurdwara Miri Piri on MATV highlighted contentious issues within the Sikh diaspora, particularly regarding Khalistani separatist groups like Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The discussion critiqued the exploitation of Sikh identity for political and financial gain, emphasizing the need for unity and dignity within the community. The presenters condemned the inflammatory rhetoric of separatists and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and genuine activism. They called on the diaspora to reclaim Sikh heritage, rooted in the values of selfless service, honest living, and meditation, while rejecting divisiveness and promoting inclusivity.


01-Oct-2024

A recent discussion on the United Kingdom (UK)-based MATV program Gurdwara MiriPiri highlighted deepening divisions within the pro-Khalistan diaspora. The program exposed contradictions, factionalism, and opportunism among key figures, questioning their alignment with Indian political leaders like Rahul Gandhi and the movement’s erasure of Sikh roots in Lahore. The anchors concluded that the Khalistan movement is increasingly fragmented and lacks genuine support.


20-Sep-2024

In a September 20 broadcast on United Kingdom (UK)-based MATV, the Gurdwara MiriPiri program strongly condemned Pakistan-sponsored pro-Khalistan elements, particularly Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The anchors criticized Pannun's legal actions against India as publicity stunts, questioned his alignment with Pakistani interests, and pointed out his neglect of key Sikh issues. They called for greater financial transparency, more support for the families of Sikh martyrs, and condemned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) silence on religious matters, stressing the importance of preserving Sikh identity.


20-Aug-2024

Birmingham Crown Court on August 20 sentenced a 10-member drug smuggling gang, including Indian-origin men, to prison terms ranging from two to 16 years in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Among them, Maninder Dosanjh received 16 years and eight months, while Amandeep Rishi was sentenced to 11 years and two months for their roles in smuggling cocaine and money laundering. The gang, arrested in July 2020, used frozen chicken consignments to transport drugs and was caught with 400 kg of cocaine and GBP 1.6 million in cash. They communicated via the now-shutdown Encrochat platform.


28-Jul-2024

United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament (MP) Jeevun Sandher, during an interview with PTI in London, expressed his commitment to restoring trust in politics and strengthening ties with India. Sandher, representing Loughborough, emphasized the importance of the UK-India partnership and outlined his priorities, including boosting local economic prosperity through clean energy and reducing crime, among other things.


25-Jul-2024

On July 25, protests erupted after a motion recognizing the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide was withdrawn at the Slough Borough Council meeting in Slough, United Kingdom (UK). The motion, proposed by Independent Councillor Sabia Akram, sought to condemn recent killings of Sikh activists and demand justice for victims of the 1984 violence. The withdrawal followed objections from Council Leader Dexter Smith, who cited concerns about community cohesion and divisiveness.


23-Jul-2024

United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to begin a two-day visit to India on July 24, marking the first high-level engagement between the two countries since Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer's Labour government took office. Key discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will focus on the long-pending India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) and concerns over pro-Khalistan activities in the UK.


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