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.
23-Jul-2024
According to sources, the family of Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, who is accused of multiple crimes including targeted killings and funding the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), has urged United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy to address Johal's case during trade talks with India.
11-Jul-2024
The police on July 11 arrested a 17-year-old boy for stabbing two worshippers at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, United Kingdom (UK). The attack has sparked comments from various leaders, including Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) Dr. Lauren Sullivan and Tan Dhesi, who expressed distress over the violence and called for increased efforts to tackle anti-Sikh hate crimes.
05-Jul-2024
Following the landslide victory of the United Kingdom (UK) Labour Party under Keir Starmer, concerns about its historical pro-separatist stance, particularly towards Khalistan and Kashmir, persist within the Indian diaspora. The party has attempted to rectify its image under Starmer, shifting away from its earlier perceived anti-India rhetoric by distancing itself from pro-Khalistani elements within its ranks and emphasizing a new strategic partnership with India. This includes potential areas of cooperation such as security, education, and trade. However, the presence of party members with pro-Khalistani sympathies continues to pose challenges to this rebranding effort.
05-Jul-2024
A record 28 persons of Indian origin were elected to the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament on July 5, with notable victories including Preet Kaur Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi securing their seats for Labour in Birmingham Edgbaston and Slough, respectively, for the third time. Nadia Whittome won in Nottingham East, while new entrants such as Kirith Entwistle and Sonia Kumar marked their first wins in Bolton North East and Dudley. Additionally, Rishi Sunak, Suella Braverman, Priti Patel, and Claire Coutinho were among the prominent Tories who retained their seats, reflecting a significant representation of the Indian diaspora across major UK parties.
03-Jul-2024
General Election candidates in the United Kingdom (UK) have faced criticism for endorsing a “Sikh Manifesto” which calls for the self-determination of Sikhs, or Khalistan. The manifesto also criticizes the UK Government's stance on hate crimes against Sikhs. It has received support from senior Conservative and Labour representatives, including Angela Rayner and Theresa May. The Sikh Federation UK and The Sikh Network back the manifesto, while other Sikh groups and experts warn it could exacerbate geopolitical tensions. Critics argue it reflects problematic sectarian campaigning in UK politics.
28-Jun-2024
Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds, speaking at an event in London, United Kingdom (UK) on June 28, expressed confidence that the party, under Keir Starmer, has eliminated anti-India sentiments within its ranks. Dodds emphasized Labour’s commitment to building a robust strategic partnership with India, encompassing areas such as trade, new technologies, the environment, and security.
17-Jun-2024
Thousands gathered in London, United Kingdom (UK), recently to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh riots, with some participants displaying Khalistani flags. The event remembered the Indian Army's storming of the Golden Temple in 1984 during Operation Blue Star, which targeted militants but resulted in significant Sikh casualties. The Labour Party in the UK pledged to investigate Britain's role in the operation, with Deputy Leader Angela Rayner emphasizing support for the Sikh community and the need for an inquiry.
09-May-2024
India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval expressed concern over the increasing Sikh radicalization in the United Kingdom (UK) on May 9 and urged the UK to address this issue during the India-UK Strategic Dialogue, which he co-chaired with his UK counterpart Tim Barrow in London. This concern builds on previous discussions between Doval and Barrow, particularly highlighting Sikh radicalization during their strategic dialogue in July 2023.
02-May-2024
Sikh Labour councillor Parbinder Kaur is under investigation for allegedly supporting Khalistani terrorist groups, including praising Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and its founders involved in violent acts, in Sandwell, United Kingdom (UK). The Daily Mail reported her sharing posts on WhatsApp and Facebook glorifying militants who assassinated public figures. Sandwell council is aware of the situation but has directed inquiries to the Labour party, which, along with Kaur, has yet to respond. Rami Ranger of the British Sikh Association criticized such actions for damaging social cohesion and the interests of the wider Sikh community in the UK.
25-Apr-2024
According to a media report, British Sikh lawyers have established a new court as a dispute resolution forum for the Sikh community in the United Kingdom (UK), aimed at aiding families in resolving conflicts in line with Sikh principles. The court is not a religious tribunal but comprises around 30 magistrates and 15 judges, primarily women. They offer mediation services and direct parties to courses covering various issues such as domestic violence and substance misuse. These courses are available in Punjabi and English. In case mediation fails, cases can be brought before a Sikh court judge for legally binding judgments under the Arbitration Act. Participation in the court requires consent from both parties, and there is a focus on safeguarding and cooperation with English courts.
11-Apr-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has withdrawn Look Out Circulars (LOCs) for three individuals from Punjab in connection with the violence at the Indian High Commission in London. Initially, LOCs were issued against 15 suspects based on videos and photographs. However, after a thorough investigation, no evidence linking the three individuals to the incident was found, leading to the closure of their LOCs. The attack was orchestrated by Khalistani extremists, including Gurcharan Singh, Avtar Singh Khanda, and Jasvir Singh, resulting in criminal charges such as trespass, flag disrespect, and property destruction.
06-Apr-2024
Sikh Federation United Kingdom (UK) leader Dabinderjit Singh recently disclosed in an interview with Akaal TV that prominent Geo/The News London reporter Murtaza Ali Shah faces death threats from the Indian state due to his coverage of Khalistan issues and Sikh activists. Singh revealed that the Metropolitan Police are aware of these threats, linking them to Shah's reporting on the Khalistan Referendum and the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
03-Apr-2024
Five British doctors and academics specializing in blood cancer, while speaking on a BBC Sounds podcast, refuted claims that Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Khanda's death from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) at 35 could have been triggered by poisoning. Charles Craddock, the academic director of the Centre for Clinical Haematology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), along with four other doctors and academics, emphasized the aggressiveness of AML and the impossibility of inducing it through poisoning. Khanda's death certificate lists AML and pulmonary embolism as causes, while his family and friends allege he was poisoned by the Indian government, with the UK covering it up.
28-Mar-2024
A spokesperson from the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office recently denied viral reports from the media claiming that Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak seized INR 100 crore (GBP 9 million) from over 300 Khalistani bank accounts in the UK. Various online stories alleged Sunak's crackdown on Khalistani supporters, with 5,000 bank accounts under scrutiny and a special task force formed. The UK Home Office stated it does not recognize these claims, emphasizing the country's respect for diverse communities and rejection of extremism.
27-Mar-2024
Satyam Surana, an Indian student at the London School of Economics (LSE), in an interview with ANI, alleged that he was called a 'fascist' and faced a campaign against him during student union elections, linking him to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) due to his support for the Indian government and due to his stance against Khalistan extremists. He stated that he was accused of being Islamophobic and transphobic, with his posters defaced and false allegations spread across campus groups. He states that despite advocating for campus issues in his manifesto, his stance on Khalistan led to him being targeted, impacting his campus life and highlighting the lasting impact of false propaganda surrounding Khalistan-related issues.
21-Mar-2024
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha on March 21 met with British Sikh MP and known Khalistani sympathizer Preet Kaur Gill in London, United Kingdom (UK). Gill, a Labour MP, has a history of advocating for Khalistani groups and mobilizing support for Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, accused of multiple crimes, including targeted killings and funding the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Chadha's meeting with Gill, without political clearance from the Indian government, is viewed as concerning by intelligence sources.
20-Mar-2024
A Khalistan supporter identified as Gurpreet Singh was sentenced to 28 months in jail on March 20 for stabbing two Indian-origin men and a female police officer with his kirpan during Indian Independence Day celebrations last year (2023) in Southall, United Kingdom (UK). The 26-year-old Indian citizen was ordered to forfeit all three kirpans. Judge Kwame Inyundo stated that while carrying a kirpan is lawful, using it as a weapon is not. Gurpreet, who arrived in the UK in 2020 as a student and applied for asylum in 2021, may face deportation to India after serving his sentence.
13-Mar-2024
According to sources, the United Kingdom (UK) government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has executed a significant crackdown on Khalistan groups in the UK, seizing over 300 bank accounts linked to supporters. Valued at INR 100 crores, this operation has placed an additional 5,000 accounts under scrutiny, showcasing the UK's firm stance against Khalistan extremism and cooperation with India. Intelligence sharing between the UK and India has intensified, with efforts to extradite accused individuals for trial in India underway.
11-Mar-2024
According to sources, the United Kingdom (UK) government, led by Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak, has established a special task force to dismantle the funding network of Khalistan supporters. The government has frozen over 300 bank accounts and seized approximately INR 100 crore linked to these supporters. Notable seizures include INR 20 crore from the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The task force targeting pro-Khalistan extremism was announced in 2023, following a meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat in New Delhi. This announcement highlights joint efforts to combat anti-India extremism. The task force, with over 5000 accounts on its watchlist, has reached out to United States (US) counterparts such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for international cooperation in cracking down on Khalistan support groups in the US.
09-Mar-2024
Jaspreet Kaur, a Sikh anchor in the United Kingdom (UK), has recently come under criticism from the Indian diaspora in the UK due to alleged pro-Khalistan separatist views after joining BBC's 'Asian Network Chill' show. Complaints have been filed against her with the BBC, citing concerns over her past social media posts and her supposed alignment with Khalistani ideology.
01-Mar-2024
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on March 1 faced protests by Khalistani supporters during his visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to deliver lectures at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, in Cambridge, UK. Protesters, led by Paramjit Singh Pamma, coordinator of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Europe, blamed Gandhi for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Amritsar killings. Despite Cambridge University Police preventing entry to the protestors, Gandhi required a security escort by UK Police to leave safely.
26-Feb-2024
Member of Parliament (MP) Preet Gill accused 'agents with links to India' of engaging in transnational repression of British Sikhs while speaking at the House of Commons in London, United Kingdom (UK) on February 26. She cited concerns raised by Five Eyes nations about targeting Sikh activists. In response, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat stated that the government is continually assessing threats and using intelligence services to mitigate them. Measures are in place to tackle foreign interference.
23-Feb-2024
United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament (MP), Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, raised concerns about the safety of protesting farmers in Punjab and freedom of expression in the UK Parliament on February 23. Dhesi, known for advocating on Sikh and Indian issues, questioned the UK government's stance on protecting human rights. He had previously criticized India's actions in Kashmir and voiced opposition to police force against farmers during the 2020-21 protests. Additionally, in August 2023, Dhesi faced immigration issues in India.
14-Feb-2024
According to reports, in the United Kingdom (UK), several Sikh activists, including Kulwant Singh Mothada, fear for their lives after being named on a "hit list" by the Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA). While no concrete evidence links the list to actual assassinations, there have been deaths among those associated with the movement, such as Paramjit Singh Panjwar and Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite lacking definitive proof, the existence of the list exacerbates fears within the Sikh community regarding potential threats from Indian authorities. Mothada and others remain cautious, believing that the UK government is overlooking the threat from India.
07-Feb-2024
According to sources, United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Cameron has intervened in the case of Scottish Sikh Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been imprisoned in India for six years. Cameron is calling for an investigation into the claims of torture by Punjab police. However, he stopped short of demanding Johal's release, citing potential interference in the ongoing judicial process. Johal is accused of involvement in targeted killings, a charge he denies. His brother is demanding his immediate return. Jagtar Singh Johal has connections to the banned terrorist organization Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and is currently held in Delhi’s Tihar jail on terrorism charges.