Extremism Updates

12-Feb-2025

According to reports, the Punjab government’s anti-drug program allegedly violated privacy laws by directing the health department to share personal details of drug addicts registered in OOAT clinics without their consent. Deputy commissioners had begun collecting this data to contact families for prevention efforts, potentially breaching Section 23 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Following concerns, the Punjab Health Department halted the process, assuring that no data had been shared. Experts warned that such disclosures could cause psychological distress and deter individuals from seeking treatment.

11-Feb-2025

The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on February 11 arrested a man and a woman, identified as Bulla and his wife, Harpreet Kaur alias Preety, and seized 310 grams of heroin from their possession at a naka (checkpoint) on the Jandiala-Phagwara road near Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. The police are investigating their supply chain and possible links to other drug smuggling cases.

11-Feb-2025

The Pathankot Police on February 11 arrested a "top smuggler," Jatinder Kumar alias Kali, from Jainpur village in Pathankot, Gurdaspur district. Police revealed that Kumar was involved in supplying pure-grade heroin to villages near the International Border (IB) and other states using drones from Pakistan. Preliminary investigations indicated that he had received multiple heroin consignments.

11-Feb-2025

According to sources, gangsters and criminals have a higher success rate on the ‘donkey route’ to the United States (US) due to their extensive networks and financial resources. Figures like Sunil Yadav, Anmol Bishnoi, and Deepak Pahal exploit weaknesses in international border controls, using forged passports and corrupt contacts to evade security checks. Unlike ordinary migrants, traffickers avoid deceiving gangsters, fearing retaliation from their criminal networks. Investigators highlight that these criminals leverage human smuggling networks and fake identities, making it difficult for authorities to track and intercept them.

11-Feb-2025

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) inquiry report listed multiple allegations against Giani Harpreet Singh, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. He refused to present his defense before the committee, which accused him of religious violations, including interrupting kirtan (hymn singing) to justify his actions and attending political events. His presence at the weddings of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha and former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Charanjit Singh Channi’s son drew criticism. Despite some internal dissent, the SGPC executive committee formalized his removal.

11-Feb-2025

According to sources, India’s security agencies have compiled a list of 12 gangsters based in the United States (US) following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). The list, which may be shared with US authorities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, includes Anmol Bishnoi, Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar, Darmanjot Singh Kahlon alias Darman Kahlon, Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Bal, Harjot Singh, Harbir Singh, Navroop Singh, Swaran Singh alias Fauji, Sahil Kailash Ritoli, Yogesh alias Bobby Beri, Ashu alias Bhanu Pratap Sambhli, and Aman Sambhi. These individuals are involved in arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and terror-related activities, with links to Pakistan-based operatives. Indian agencies seek improved coordination with US counterparts, aiming for their eventual deportation.

11-Feb-2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, on February 11 in Chandigarh, declared drug peddlers a grave threat to society and ruled out leniency in such cases while denying anticipatory bail to an accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Emphasizing that narcotics smuggling is not just a law enforcement issue but a major socio-economic crisis, the court highlighted India’s porous borders, particularly the Attari-Wagah corridor, and underscored the need for strict enforcement. It also reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking.

10-Feb-2025

Border Security Force (BSF) troops on February 10 recovered 35 grams of heroin and a Glock pistol with two magazines from fields near Kamlewala village in Ferozepur district. The items were wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, with a steel ring attached to the pistol, suggesting they were likely dropped by a drone.

10-Feb-2025

On February 10, an encounter took place between the police and gangster Jassi Puncture near Ubha village in Mansa district, resulting in his injury. The clash occurred when the police took Jassi to recover weapons linked to the recent shooting outside the house of Sidhu Moose Wala’s associate, Pargat Singh. During the operation, Jassi opened fire, prompting police retaliation. He sustained injuries in the exchange of gunfire and was subsequently admitted to a hospital.

10-Feb-2025

Seven rocket shells were found abandoned near a garbage dump along the Patiala-Rajpura road in Patiala district on February 10. According to the police, local residents discovered the shells in a bag, and they contained no explosive material. A probe has been initiated, with suspicions that a scrap dealer may have left them there. A bomb disposal squad and anti-sabotage teams inspected the site, while the police confirmed that Army authorities would be consulted for further analysis.

10-Feb-2025

According to sources, despite the deportation of a United States (US)-based resident from Tahli village in Hoshiarpur district, aspirations of migrating abroad remain strong. While the deportee returned in handcuffs, a neighbour simultaneously celebrated his son's Green Card approval. Tahli village, with a population of around 1,600, has 300 to 400 residents already settled abroad. Similarly, in Bhadas village in Kapurthala district, where over 800 people have migrated, deportations have raised concerns. Village representatives acknowledge the risks of illegal immigration, but the lure of foreign opportunities continues to drive migration.

10-Feb-2025

On February 10, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will hold its executive body meeting at its headquarters in Amritsar, chaired by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. The agenda includes Sikh Panthic and administrative issues, along with discussions on the inquiry against suspended Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh. The meeting follows the SGPC’s approval of a INR 1,260.97-crore budget for 2024-25.

10-Feb-2025

The Supreme Court (SC) on February 10 questioned the Delhi Police over its failure to appeal against acquittals in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, emphasizing that prosecution must be serious and not a mere formality. A Bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka criticized the absence of senior lawyers in previous cases and noted concerns raised by victims’ counsel, H.S. Phoolka, regarding cover-ups. The Delhi Police, in its status report, stated that out of 650 cases, charge sheets were filed in 362, leading to only 39 convictions. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 17.

10-Feb-2025

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee on February 10 officially terminated the services of Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib in Amritsar district. The decision, led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, followed an investigation into allegations against him. Giani Jagtar Singh was appointed as acting Jathedar. Giani Harpreet Singh claimed his removal was politically motivated and stated he would continue working for the Sikh community.

10-Feb-2025

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka on February 10 in Amritsar condemned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee’s decision to remove Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, calling it a "black day" in Sikh history. Various Sikh leaders, including Kiranjot Kaur and Jaswinder Singh, criticised the move as political vendetta. Socio-religious organisation Misl Satluj alleged it was a calculated attempt to suppress dissent within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Former DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna, however, defended the SGPC’s action, citing Sikh traditions.

10-Feb-2025

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Sandeep Pathak on February 10 gave a Zero Hour notice in Parliament to discuss the rising drone activities on the India-Pakistan border, highlighting the illegal supply of weapons and drugs into Punjab. He stated that security forces seized 107 drones in 2023 and nearly 200 by November 2024, urging the deployment of advanced counter-drone technologies. Pathak also called for exposing Pakistan's conspiracy to push Indian youth into drug addiction at the international level.

09-Feb-2025

Amritsar Rural Police on February 9 arrested an Army jawan, identified as Sandeep Singh, for allegedly leaking confidential information to Pakistan-based intelligence agencies and seized three mobile phones from his possession in Patiala district. Currently posted at the Nasik Army camp, he was on leave at the time of his arrest. His apprehension followed the interrogation of Amritpal Singh, who was earlier arrested for involvement in spying and cross-border drug peddling. Further investigations are underway.

09-Feb-2025

The Punjab Police on February 9 busted a terror module after an encounter and arrested three terrorists, identified as Lovepreet, Karandeep, and Buta Singh, and seized an AK-47 rifle, a .30-bore Glock pistol, and a .32-bore pistol from their possession near Amritsar airport in Amritsar district. The Police confirmed their links to gangster-turned-terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia.

09-Feb-2025

Amritsar Central Jail Superintendent Hemant Sharma revealed that 960 mobile phones were confiscated from inmates last year, more than double the 450 seizures recorded in 2023. To counter security threats, including contraband smuggling through "fenka" (throwing from outside), the jail will install “V-Kavach” jammers with approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). These jammers will block mobile signals and counter drones and IED threats, particularly around high-risk prisoners' barracks. Authorities have also strengthened security with quick response teams and prisoner informants to monitor suspicious activities.

09-Feb-2025

On February 9, in a stronger-than-expected performance, five out of 11 Sikh candidates contesting the Delhi Assembly elections emerged victorious. In 2020, only two Sikh candidates had won, both from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded three Sikh candidates—Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Rajouri Garden), Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar), and Tarvinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura)—all of whom secured victories. AAP fielded four Sikh candidates, with Jarnail Singh (Tilak Nagar) and Punardeep Singh Sawhney (Chandni Chowk) winning. Congress fielded four Sikh candidates, but none were successful. Despite comprising only 5% of Delhi’s population, Sikh voters hold significant political influence, particularly in constituencies like Rajouri Garden and Tilak Nagar.

09-Feb-2025

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka and his faction played a crucial role in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) success in the Delhi Assembly elections by mobilizing Sikh support. Manjinder Singh Sirsa secured victory in Rajouri Garden by 18,190 votes, while Tarwinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura) and Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar) also won. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), despite celebrating the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat, continued to lose political ground. SAD’s Delhi unit had actively campaigned against Sirsa, but a significant section of Sikh voters backed him. The party’s decline, evident since its split from the BJP in 2020 and its poor performance in the 2022 Punjab elections, persisted despite efforts to regain influence through alliances with former rivals.

09-Feb-2025

Delhi Police on February 9 arrested a sharpshooter associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Harish and seized a semi-automatic pistol and five live cartridges from his possession, from Rohini in North West Delhi district in Delhi. The Police revealed that Harish, a close associate of gangster Ankit Shehrsha, was arrested following a tip-off, thwarting his attempt to execute another firing incident on Shehrsha’s orders.

08-Feb-2025

Jalandhar Rural Police on February 8 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Baldev Singh alias Ballo and seized 50 grams of heroin along with a TVS Apache motorcyclep from his possession, near Kartarpur in Jalandhar district.

07-Feb-2025

The Police on February 7 busted an inter-state drug cartel operating in Punjab from Uttar Pradesh (UP) via Haryana with the arrest of six persons, identified as Parvinder Singh, Sahil, Pankaj Chaudhary alias Virat, Shubham, Shahid and Wasim, and seized 2.57 lakh tablets, capsules, 21,364 injections and 738 vials containing banned medicines, along with three cars, motorcycle and scooters from their possession in Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district in Punjab.

07-Feb-2025

Punjab Minister for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on February 7 reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance policy towards travel agents involved in human trafficking and vowed strict action against them. He condemned the handcuffing and shackling of 104 Indian nationals deported from the United States (US), calling it a human rights violation. Following a complaint by a deportee, an Amritsar-based travel agent, Satnam Singh, has been booked, and his office sealed. Dhaliwal urged more victims to come forward and sought intervention from Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar for better treatment of deportees.

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09-Jul-2024

Kartarpur Management Unit Deputy Secretary Saifullah Khokhar stated on July 9 that Pakistan has completed the 420-meter-long bridge at the Kartarpur Corridor zero line, overcoming a two-and-a-half-year delay. The completion prepares the bridge for use pending the finalization of a 10-feet section on the Indian side. Initiated to provide a flood-resistant route to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib for Sikh pilgrims, the project, costing PKR 4.53 million, was funded by Pakistan's Public Development Fund with construction by the Frontier Works Organisation and National Engineering Services Pakistan.

09-Jul-2024

Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal apologised for his controversial remarks about Arshdeep Singh’s Sikh religion on live TV, acknowledging his mistake in an interview.

03-Jul-2024

Khalistani terrorist Gajinder Singh, who led the group that hijacked an Indian Airlines aircraft to Lahore in 1981 and was one of the most-wanted persons in the records of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), passed away at the age of 73 after a brief illness in Lahore, Pakistan, on July 3. He was the founder of the separatist organization Dal Khalsa and had spent 14 years in a Pakistani prison for the hijacking. Since his release in 1995, Gajinder had been living in exile. After the terror attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001, the UMHA released a list of 20 people to Pakistan for extradition, with Gajinder being one of them.

02-Jul-2024

According to sources, Pakistani Sikhs are concerned that the conflicts between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Indian Punjab might weaken these crucial institutions. PSGPC president Ramesh Singh Arora, also Pakistani Punjab's first Sikh minister, stressed that the SGPC is the supreme religious body for Sikhs worldwide and that they are disheartened by the allegations from dissident leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal against its leadership. He called for investigations into allegations of sacrilege and violations of Sikh conduct.

28-Jun-2024

The relocation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's statue from Lahore Fort to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan highlights broader concerns regarding religious fundamentalism and challenges faced by minority communities. Originally installed to honor his legacy, the statue faced multiple instances of vandalism, prompting its move to Kartarpur Sahib. The statue's repeated vandalism at Lahore Fort and subsequent move suggest ongoing tensions around cultural heritage and the representation of non-Islamic figures in Pakistan's historical narrative.

28-Jun-2024

A video showing local Muslims, led by Deputy Mayor Ameen Butt, opposing the reopening of a Gurdwara that had been closed for 76 years in Faisalabad, Pakistan, went viral. The incident highlights broader issues of intolerance, discrimination, and violence against Sikhs and other minorities. International human rights organizations have called for legal reforms and the protection of minority rights in Pakistan.

25-Jun-2024

Pakistan’s Punjab province government on June 25 approved the Sikh Marriage Act 2024, marking a significant development for the Sikh community by allowing individuals aged 18 and above to register their marriages and divorces. This initiative, described as historic by Punjab’s first Sikh Minister for Minorities and Human Rights, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, makes Punjab the first region globally to adopt such legislation. The Act includes provisions for a conciliation process in divorce cases and aims to foster interfaith harmony by revising school curricula.

25-Jun-2024

Punjab's first Sikh Minister and President (Pardhan) of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, on June 25 announced that the restored statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be reinstalled at Kartarpur Sahib on June 26. The nine-foot-tall bronze statue, previously vandalized, is being placed to coincide with the visit of 455 Sikhs from India attending festivities for Singh’s death anniversary. Arora assured enhanced security measures for the statue at this significant Sikh historical and religious site near the Indian border.

21-Jun-2024

On June 21, a group of 448 Sikh pilgrims crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border to mark the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The pilgrims, representing various Sikh organizations such as Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), were granted special arrangements by Pakistani authorities for travel, accommodation, and security. They will attend the main commemorative event at Gurdwara Dehra Sahib in Lahore, Pakistan, on June 29 and will visit several other significant gurdwaras during their stay until June 30.

10-Jun-2024

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal issued a public apology on June 10 after his controversial remarks about Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh sparked outrage, particularly from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh. Akmal's earlier derogatory comments towards the Sikh community prompted him to express deep regret on social media, acknowledging that his words were inappropriate and disrespectful. Harbhajan Singh had criticized Akmal, emphasizing the historical contributions of Sikhs and calling for greater sensitivity and respect in sports commentary.

08-Jun-2024

On June 8, more than 800 Sikhs from India arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Jor Mela, a three-day festival commemorating the death anniversary of the fifth Sikh master, Guru Arjan Dev, at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore, Pakistan. They were warmly welcomed by Ramesh Singh Arora, the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) at the Wagah border.

05-Jun-2024

The Pakistan High Commission recently issued 962 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the 'Martyrdom Day' of Guru Arjun Dev. Due to a row over the Nanakshahi Calendar, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) did not request to send 'jathas' to Pakistan. The SGPC will observe the occasion on June 10, 2024, while Pakistan's event will be on June 16, 2024.

28-May-2024

Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, proposed in an interview with ABN News that Sikhs could control their holy shrines in Pakistan, including Kartarpur Sahib, if they exchanged it for Jammu and Kashmir or created Khalistan and merged with Pakistan. His remarks, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on reclaiming Kartarpur Sahib, sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning Basit's statements as an affront to religious sentiments and an attempt to manipulate sacred sites for political gain.

27-Apr-2024

According to sources, after an attack targeting a Sikh hakim, resulting in the death of his bodyguard, the Sikh community in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, particularly in Peshawar, is facing a renewed threat from terrorist groups. This has prompted a second wave of migration to Pakistani Punjab or India for safety. There has been an uptick in violence against Sikh community members recently, leading them to flee due to the failure of government-provided security measures.

23-Apr-2024

A police officer assigned to protect Sikh medical practitioner Baba Surjeet Singh, known as Constable Farhad, was killed by unidentified gunmen on April 23 in Peshawar, Pakistan. The police are currently investigating the incident.

22-Apr-2024

Pakistan’s additional secretary of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Rana Shahid Saleem, stated on April 22 that Pakistan aims to enhance religious tourism, particularly among Sikhs, by improving facilities and infrastructure at key religious sites. He made these remarks while speaking at the Wagah border near Lahore in Punjab Province, Pakistan, bidding farewell to Indian Sikh pilgrims returning from a 10-day pilgrimage to celebrate Vaisakhi in Pakistan. Saleem emphasized plans to improve accessibility, accommodation, and security to attract more Sikh pilgrims. Additionally, he discussed initiatives such as the Kartarpur Corridor and efforts to preserve Sikh heritage and culture.

19-Apr-2024

Ramesh Singh Arora, Pakistan Punjab's first Sikh minister for minorities affairs and president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), recently sparked controversy over the purchase of three luxury vehicles totalling approximately PKR 5 crore. These transactions, allegedly funded from PSGPC accounts, drew criticism due to the pressing need for gurdwara maintenance under its purview. Despite assertions that the vehicles were not for personal use, concerns have been raised, with calls urging a focus on prioritizing gurdwara development over extravagant expenditures.

18-Apr-2024

Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, speaking at a ceremony in Darshan Devery at Kartarpur, Narowal district, Punjab province, Pakistan, on April 18, announced plans to improve facilities for Sikh pilgrims. This includes constructing modern hotels at their holy sites, underscoring the government's dedication to offering superior services and security.

13-Apr-2024

On April 13, Sikh pilgrims from various parts of the world, including 2,843 from India, arrived in Pakistan to celebrate Khalsa Janam Din and participate in the Baisakhi Mela festivities. The Indian pilgrims were warmly welcomed at the Wagah border in Lahore district and then transported to Hasanabdal via a special train for the main event at Gurudwara Panja Saheb on April 14 in Hassan Abdal, Attock district, Punjab province, Pakistan. The pilgrimage will also include visits to Nankana Sahib, Sacha Sauda, Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, and Gurudwara Rori Sahib before concluding on April 22.

07-Apr-2024

Sikh pilgrims from India are set to visit Pakistan on April 13 to partake in Khalsa Janma Day and Vaisakhi Mela celebrations. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials have stated that they have ensured all necessary facilities are provided.

06-Apr-2024

A statement from the Pakistan Foreign Office in Islamabad on April 6 condemned Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks implying extrajudicial killings in Pakistani territory. The statement asserted that India's admission corroborates Pakistan's longstanding suspicions regarding India's involvement in such actions.

29-Mar-2024

A report by the surveillance branch of the Punjab Police in Pakistan has revealed that over 200 police officers and officials across 10 districts, including Lahore, are implicated as facilitators of drug dealers. In Lahore alone, 30 officers were named, with 35 cases registered against them. In Faisalabad, 62 police employees, including sub-inspectors, were found involved in drug peddling. The report also details the involvement of Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), constables, and drivers, with only 2 officials currently in jail. It includes information on related drug gangs and various narcotics such as hashish, heroin, ice, and crystal powder.

23-Mar-2024

On March 23, supporters and followers marked the 93rd death anniversary of independence war heroes Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, and Sukh Dev and demanded the reopening of their case for justice, akin to the reevaluation of former Prime Minister (PM) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's case in Lahore, Pakistan. Bhagat Singh, revered across the subcontinent, was executed by British rulers in 1931 at Shadman Chowk, Lahore, sparking calls for justice and the renaming of the square after him. The Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, Pakistan, organized the event, urging the Supreme Court to revisit Singh's case and grant him national hero status, echoing similar actions for Bhutto.

07-Mar-2024

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who made history by becoming the first Sikh to hold a ministerial position in Pakistan's Punjab, stated in a phone interview with The Tribune on March 7 that he aims to foster ties between India's east Punjab and Pakistan's west Punjab, emphasizing prosperity on both sides of the border.

06-Mar-2024

On March 6, Ramesh Singh Arora, the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), made history by becoming the first Sikh to be sworn in as a minister in Punjab province since the Partition. A member of the provincial assembly on a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket, Arora hails from Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev. Arora's appointment marks a significant step towards inclusivity and representation for Sikhs in Pakistani governance.

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13-May-2023

Ujjal Dosanjh, the first Sikh and person of colour to become the premier of British Columbia, Canada, expressed his disdain for separatists advocating for Khalistan. He believes that those who champion Khalistan do so to maintain relevance and collect funds, as they are irrelevant to the societies they live in. Dosanjh, who opposes Khalistan, has witnessed the movement fluctuate over the past five decades. He criticizes the narrative that Sikhs face repression and lack freedom in India, emphasizing the need for balanced perspectives from high commissions abroad. Dosanjh suggests that the Indian government should not be overly concerned with the demand for Khalistan and should focus on moving forward. Despite facing backlash and attempts to undermine his Sikh identity, Dosanjh remains undeterred as an author, tackling subjects such as extremism and historical events related to Golden Temple.

05-May-2023

According to reports, Canadian police are seeking at least three suspects involved in an assault on attendees of an event in Surrey, British Columbia in Canada, that prevented India's High Commissioner in Ottawa from attending in March. Pro-Khalistan protestors were present, and some attendees, including a journalist, were reportedly assaulted. Two videos have been released showing three suspects believed to be involved.

05-May-2023

A well-known kabaddi promoter in Canada, identified as Kamaljit Singh was shot at outside his house in Surrey in Canada by unidentified assailants on May 5. The incident comes after the killing of three Punjabis abroad in the past two days. Two brothers from Bidhipur village in Kapurthala were shot dead by their associates in Portland, in United States (US) and a 30-year-old from Kapurthala was shot dead by robbers in the US.

01-May-2023

Satinderjit Singh Brar alias Goldy Brar, a notorious gangster from Punjab and a Canadian fugitive accused of involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and other crimes in India, has been added to Canada's top 25 most wanted criminals list. A statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi said the country’s Be On Look Out (BOLO) Programme, a not-for profit organization that amplifies police fugitive cases to increase public awareness, has updated its list of 25 most wanted criminals on May 1. Brar, who arrived in Canada on a student visa in 2017, is not charged with any criminal offences in Canada, but is under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). There is no reward for his capture, but the RCMP is working closely with Indian law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Brar is believed to be a risk to public safety and has direct links to a Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives.

30-Apr-2023

According to reports, thousands of Sikhs gathered in Downtown Toronto in Canada to celebrate Khalsa Day on April 30. It was the third biggest parade in the city of Toronto. The parade, organized by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council, started at Exhibition Place and ended at Toronto City Hall's Nathan Phillips Square.

30-Apr-2023

Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on April 30 participated in the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Toronto in Canada, after seven years along with some of his Cabinet colleagues and Liberal Party MPs. His presence at the Khalsa Day event in 2017 had irked the Indian government due to the presence of Khalistani flags, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the celebration of a motion terming the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide." This year's celebrations also featured Khalistani flags, but the parade's organisers largely prevented the occasion from being hijacked by separatist Khalistani elements.

22-Apr-2023

It has been reported that during the Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, Canada on April 22, some individuals were seen carrying Khalistani flags.

05-Apr-2023

The president of Friends of Canada and India Foundation in Surrey, Canada, Maninder Gill complained that he was continuously getting death threats from Khalistani radicals after he organised a reception last month in honour of India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa. He wrote a letter to the interim Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), stating that he is being warned that he could face a similar fate as Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was shot dead in Surrey. Gill, who is also a media person, was the principal organiser of the event at a convention centre in Surrey on March 19. However, due to the presence of nearly 200 protesters, some of whom were wielding swords, in front of the venue, the High Commissioner was forced to cancel his attendance.

04-Apr-2023

A Hindu temple named BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Windsor town in Ontario, Canada, was vandalized and desecrated with spray-painted anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti on April 4 night.

02-Apr-2023

A senior Indian official has stated that India has raised the issue of multiple instances of defacement targeting statues of Mahatma Gandhi with the Canadian government. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa conveyed their apprehension to Global Affairs Canada, the Foreign Ministry of Canada.

31-Mar-2023

As per reports, a meeting that took place near Toronto during the summer of 2022 is indicating a growing connection between Pakistan, fugitive Amritpal Singh’s outfit Waris Punjab De (WPD), and prominent Khalistani figures based in Canada. In May 2022, Pakistan's Consul General in Toronto held a meeting with a group that included Daljit Singh Kalsi, who is believed to be associated with Amritpal Singh and is currently being held under the National Security Act after being apprehended in Gurugram.

30-Mar-2023

During an interview on March 30, Herb Dhaliwal, Canada's first cabinet minister of Indian origin, stated that the majority of Sikhs in Canada do not support the idea of Khalistan. When asked about the recent attention given to pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh in the Canadian media, Dhaliwal responded that the demand for Khalistan comes from a small and insignificant group with their own agenda. He further commented that instead of Khalistan, there is a significant demand for those responsible for the 1984 riots to be held accountable. Dhaliwal said he had raised this issue with former Prime Ministers IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and emphasized that the wounds from the riots still haven't healed and people are seeking answers.

24-Mar-2023

An Indian-Canadian TV reporter, Pardeep Bains, reportedly received death threats from Khalistan supporters after some of his guests criticized Amritpal Singh during a television show. Bains claimed that the threats included pictures of his family's home in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab and the location of his studio in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Some of the threats were made via WhatsApp calls, with the numbers appearing to originate from Pakistan and Malaysia. In February 2023, Bains also received a threatening letter which he claimed was from the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).

23-Mar-2023

In response to a question from Indo-Canadian MP Iqwinder S Gaheer in the House of Commons on March 23, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, stated that “We are aware of the evolving situation in Punjab and we are following it very closely. We look forward to a return to a more stable situation. And you can always count on the Government of Canada to make sure that we will continue to address the concerns of many members of the community.”

23-Mar-2023

Pro-Khalistan supporters on March 23 vandalized a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Hamilton's City Hall in Ontario, Canada. They defaced the statue with paint and anti-India graffiti, including derogatory remarks about Gandhi and an assault on Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. Additionally, they attached a Khalistan flag to the statue's walking stick.

21-Mar-2023

An Indian-origin journalist, Sameer Kaushal on March 21 posted a video on Twitter in which he alleged that he had been harassed and physically assaulted by a group of pro-Khalistani protesters while he was reporting on the Indian High Commissioner's visit in Surrey, Canada. In his tweet, Kaushal wrote, “I was in #SurreyBC to cover the @HCI_Ottawa Indian High Commissioner’s visit, where a pro-Khalistani group treated the Canadian media like this. Ask your Punjabi-speaking friends or colleagues what derogatory and embarrassing words they are using here.” He also claimed that instead of intervening to stop the offenders, the Surrey RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) repeatedly asked him to leave the area for his own safety, as they were unable to offer him the same level of protection as a taxpayer.

19-Mar-2023

Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, received backlash on Twitter for expressing concern about the Punjab police's extensive crackdown in the state and subsequent suspension of the internet to arrest Khalistan sympathizer Amritpal Singh. Singh appealed to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau to intervene in the situation through his tweets. However, some social media users criticized him for openly supporting a terrorist.

19-Mar-2023

The Indian High Commissioner in Canada was forced to postpone an event in British Columbia when Khalistan supporters who protested Punjab police’s crackdown against Amritpal Singh blocked the venue's entrance on March 19. India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma was scheduled to attend a reception organised by the Friends of India & Canada Foundation in Surrey, British Columbia. Prior to the scheduled start time, around 200 protesters, some carrying swords, gathered in front of the Taj Park Convention Centre, preventing the event from proceeding. In response, Maninder Gill, the Foundation's president, expressed his disappointment, stating that "it is a shame if even the High Commissioner cannot be safeguarded in this country."

20-Feb-2023

Khalistan supporters on February 20 gathered outside the consulate in Vancouver, Canada, and raised Khalistan flags, demanding the release of Sikhs imprisoned in India.

15-Feb-2023

Canadian ministers criticized the vandalism of Shri Ram Mandir in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Mississauga that happened on February 14. This was the fourth such incident in eight months duration where pro-Khalistan graffiti was spray-painted the walls of the temple. Meanwhile, Canada’s defence minister Anita Anand on February 15 tweeted on this incident that, “Freedom of religion is a fundamental tenet of our democracy.” Earlier in the day, foreign minister Melanie Joly had also condemned the episode.

14-Feb-2023

The Consulate General of India at Toronto condemned the defacing of Ram Mandir (Temple) in Mississauga, Canada and requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators. Earlier, the Ram Mandir in Mississauga was vandalised and defaced with anti-India graffiti by unknown persons. Also, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a banned terrorist organisation with US bases, has taken responsibility for the attack.

06-Feb-2023

According to reports, three of the four-member Dhadhi Jatha (Ballad singers) have disappeared in Canada. They were in Canada on a six-month sponsored tour to perform Baisakhi performances at Gurudwaras. The group's leader and a well-known vocalist, Jaswinder Singh Shant stated that they might use fraudulent means to apply for asylum in Canada. Notably, photographs of the missing persons with Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) President and MP Siranjit Singh Mann have surfaced on social media.

31-Jan-2023

The Indian Embassy in Canada has conveyed its serious concerns over the defacing of a Hindu Gauri Shankar temple in Brampton, Greater Toronto, by suspected so-called Khalistani separatists and has separately asked the local law enforcement agencies to act against the perpetrators. The Indian concerns were conveyed in the form of note verbale to the Justin Trudeau government on January 31 in Canada.

31-Jan-2023

Canada’s foreign minister Melanie Joly condemned the defacing of the Hindu temple in Brampton. Melanie, in a tweet, said, “Everyone should be able to practice their faith in peace, free from violence and intimidation.” “I stand with Hindu communities in denouncing the vandalism at Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton,” she said, adding, “We have a collective responsibility to denounce hateful acts”, which have no place in Canada.

30-Jan-2023

A Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Gauri Shankar Mandir, was desecrated as pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti was spray-painted on a wall in the early hours on January 30. According to reports, the vandalisation occurred deep in the night and was discovered by temple authorities on January 30 morning following which they informed the Peel Regional Police (PRP). This is the third such instance of a temple in the Toronto region being desecrated within the past nine months, while similar instances have also been reported from the United States, and more recently, in Australia.

Showing 551 to 576 of 630 records

28-Jan-2025

A leaked United Kingdom (UK) Home Office document has identified Hindu nationalism and pro-Khalistan extremism as emerging threats in Britain. Commissioned by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the report outlines nine forms of extremism that UK counter-extremism policy should address, including Islamist, extreme right-wing, extreme misogyny, pro-Khalistan extremism, Hindu nationalist extremism, environmental extremism, left-wing, anarchist and single-issue extremism, violence fascination, and conspiracy theories. It raises concerns over Hindu nationalist extremism following the Leicester riots and warns of a growing network of pro-Khalistan actors promoting violence. However, the findings have not been formally adopted as government policy.

28-Jan-2025

United Kingdom (UK) Home Office minister Dan Jarvis, on January 28, clarified that there are no plans to expand the definition of extremism, despite reports of nine forms of extremism identified in a leaked Home Office document. Published by the think tank Policy Exchange, the report listed Islamist, extreme right-wing, extreme misogyny, pro-Khalistan extremism, Hindu nationalist extremism, environmental extremism, left-wing, anarchist and single-issue extremism, violence fascination, and conspiracy theories as key threats. However, Jarvis emphasized that the findings do not represent current or future government policy.

26-Jan-2025

During the Indian Republic Day celebrations on January 26, pro-Khalistan supporters staged a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London, UK, criticizing India’s policies and calling for a separate Sikh state. This prompted a strong counter-protest by the Indian diaspora, who waved the Indian tricolour and chanted patriotic slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram." A significant police presence ensured both groups were kept apart to prevent violence.

23-Jan-2025

Conservative Party Member of Parliament (MP) Bob Blackman, on January 23, raised concerns in the UK House of Commons about disruptions caused by pro-Khalistan groups at screenings of Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency in London, United Kingdom (UK). Blackman criticized the actions as intimidation and urged the Home Secretary to address the issue, ensuring that British audiences can watch films without interference.

20-Jan-2025

Pro-Khalistan extremists on January 20 stormed a cinema and disrupted the screening of Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency in Harrow, United Kingdom (UK). The extremists halted the film and shouted "Khalistan Zindabad" slogans, claiming it portrayed their community negatively. A video of the extremists shouting pro-Khalistani slogans during the screening was shared on social media. Emergency, released on January 17, portrays India's 1975 emergency period under Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, with Kangana directing and starring in the film.

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.

Showing 1 to 10 of 237 records

06-Feb-2025

According to reports, judges in the United States (US) have rejected asylum claims of illegal immigrants seeking refuge under the pretext of being Khalistani supporters. Many have been deported, as even Khalistani leaders refused to support their claims in court. A deported Sikh warned others against entering the US illegally, stating that courts have become stricter. Reports also reveal that false persecution certificates were issued in exchange for money to facilitate asylum claims abroad.

28-Jan-2025

According to sources, the United States (US) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently intensified its crackdown on illegal immigrants, including visits to gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh organizations and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The DHS action follows the removal of protections for “sensitive” areas like places of worship, causing anxiety among immigrant communities, particularly Punjabis who entered the US illegally. Sikh groups have condemned these actions as a threat to religious sanctity, urging authorities to reconsider and ensure accountability in enforcement practices.

28-Jan-2025

Davinder Singh Bhoprai of the Sikh Cultural Centre Gurdwara in Richmond Hill, New York, on January 28, refuted media reports about raids by the United States (US) Department of Homeland Security at gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey, calling them false. He stressed that no such incidents had occurred and that gurdwaras remain places of worship and peace. Giani Dharamvir Singh, head priest of Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, also denied the claims, stating that misinformation was causing unnecessary panic. Sikh activist Japneet Singh confirmed that while a gurdwara in New York was visited by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), no raids took place.

22-Jan-2025

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on January 22 pressed for accountability over the 2023 arson attack on India’s consulate in San Francisco by Khalistani extremists during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC. Jaishankar described the incident as a “very serious matter” and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. The U.S. has condemned the attack, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) prioritizing the investigation, though progress remains unclear.

20-Jan-2025

Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, attended the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States (US) at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 20. Reports indicate that Pannun gained entry to the high-profile event by purchasing a ticket. A video has surfaced online showing him chanting pro-Khalistan slogans during the ceremony.

17-Jan-2025

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national jailed in the United States (US) for his alleged role in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claimed in an interview with The Print that he has been falsely implicated and pressured to plead guilty. Gupta, who was arrested in Prague in June 2023 and later extradited to the US, denied all allegations, including any association with former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer Vikash Yadav. He criticized the lack of consular support and described harsh prison conditions, emphasizing his urgent need for a competent lawyer to contest the charges. Gupta further alleged that the accusations are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing India's reputation.

17-Jan-2025

The United States (US) Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on January 17 announced plans to seek a waiver of the "rule of specialty" under the extradition treaty with the Czech Republic in order to expand charges against Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta. Gupta, extradited in June 2024 for conspiracy and murder-for-hire charges, now faces additional counts of money laundering in a superseding indictment. The Czech Ministry of Justice stated no waiver request had been received but noted that domestic law allows for the extension of extradition upon request. Legal experts have pointed out inconsistencies in US court rulings regarding waiving the rule of specialty in extradition cases.

15-Jan-2025

Sikh activist Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa passed away at 91 on January 15 in New York, United States (US). Renowned for his dedication to the release of captive Sikh prisoners, he began a hunger strike on January 16, 2015, which continued until January 14, 2023, marking one of Punjab's longest and most significant non-violent protests. The Akal Takht and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami extended condolences, honoring his life as a beacon of sacrifice and his unwavering fight for justice and human rights.

13-Jan-2025

According to sources close to Nikhil Gupta’s family, the Indian national was arrested in Prague, Czech Republic, in June 2023 and extradited to the United States in June 2024 for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta, a handicraft business owner, has pleaded not guilty and requested a government-appointed lawyer due to financial constraints. His family claims no support from the Indian government, while Gupta continues to face challenging prison conditions, maintaining his innocence.

11-Jan-2025

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national indicted in the US for a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has claimed innocence, alleging fabricated evidence and mistaken identity. He stated he received consular access in Prague but none since his extradition. Gupta, unable to afford private legal representation, criticised his court-appointed counsel's lack of expertise. Denying any connection to alleged co-conspirator Vikash Yadav, he described his imprisonment as a traumatic experience.

09-Jan-2025

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national extradited to the United States (US) in June 2023 for his alleged role in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has claimed in an interview with The Indian Express that he has not received consular access from the Indian government since his extradition. Gupta, currently detained at a Brooklyn facility in New York, denies the charges, alleging that the evidence against him has been fabricated. His family has reportedly submitted multiple requests for consular assistance but has yet to receive a response.

02-Jan-2025

The Stockton Police Department is investigating the December 23 killing of Sunil Yadav, a drug smuggler allegedly targeted by a Punjabi gang linked to violence against pro-Khalistan leaders, in Stockton, United States (US). Although police have not confirmed local gang involvement, the incident has raised concerns within the Sikh community. Authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are working with community leaders to address safety concerns and further investigate the case.

23-Dec-2024

Sunil Yadav alias Goli, a notorious drug lord and former associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was gunned down in Stockton, California, United States (US), on December 23. The Bishnoi group, including US-based gangsters Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, claimed responsibility for the killing in a social media post. Yadav, who fled to the US using a fake passport after being implicated in the 2019 murder of Ankit Bhadu, was involved in international drug trafficking operations spanning Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Dubai, and the US. His death marks the culmination of a five-year-long pursuit by the Bishnoi group, who sought revenge for Bhadu's killing.

20-Dec-2024

In a recent video message, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened the Russian and Indian Ambassadors and issued a death threat against the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. He offered a reward of USD 25,000 for information about the Russian and Indian Ambassadors and blamed Russia for its alleged role in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Pannun also accused Russia of compromising or hacking electronic devices belonging to him and Nijjar.

15-Dec-2024

According to sources, an Indian-origin businessman based in the United States (US) allegedly played a dual role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the attempted assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The businessman reportedly provided intelligence on anti-India groups to Indian authorities but later shared related information with US and Canadian officials, raising questions about his motives. This development has reportedly led US agencies to implicate Indian nationals, further escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.

13-Dec-2024

The pro-Khalistani group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on December 13 staged protests and raised slogans against Russia and India at their consulates in New York, United States (US), and Toronto, Canada, opposing their stance on the separatist movement.

13-Dec-2024

Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on December 13 issued a video threat against India's Ambassador to the United States (US), Vinay Kwatra, claiming that he is targeted by pro-Khalistan Sikhs in America. Pannun also accused Russia of assisting India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and National Security Adviser (NSA) against Khalistani advocacy, stating, "India has designated Vinay Kwatra, the Indian Ambassador in Washington DC, to coordinate with Russian diplomats, and now Russian agencies have started providing intelligence and logistics to India’s RAW and NSA against pro-Khalistan Sikhs… Vinay Kwatra is already a target of pro-Khalistan Sikhs in America."

12-Dec-2024

According to report, United States (US) authorities have refused to provide details of bank accounts and phone numbers linked to Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, citing domestic laws. Pannun, designated a terrorist in India, is accused of inciting the hoisting of a Khalistan flag at the District Administration Complex in Moga, Punjab, in 2020.

11-Dec-2024

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump recently nominated Harmeet Dhillon, a known Khalistani sympathizer, as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Dhillon has been outspoken in criticizing India, supporting the farmers' protests, and accusing the Indian government of targeting Sikh activists abroad. Her nomination has sparked controversy, signalling a potentially divisive conservative shift in the Department of Justice's civil rights agenda.

09-Dec-2024

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump on December 9 announced the nomination of Indian-American lawyer Harmeet Kaur Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice in Washington DC. Dhillon, in the past, had a pro-Khalistan stance and had previously accused India of targeting North American Sikhs through covert operations, sparking controversy.

05-Dec-2024

Sukhi Chahal, a member of the Hindus for America Caucus, highlighted the growing threat of Khalistani radicalism in a recent interview with India Today. He emphasized the need for proactive measures by the Indian government and the Sikh diaspora to counter radicalization. Mr. Chahal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to address historical injustices against Sikhs and called for unity within the community to combat extremist ideologies and promote peace. He also expressed optimism that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership could bolster Indo-U.S. cooperation in addressing shared threats, including extremism.

05-Dec-2024

According to sources, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of attempting to hire a United States (US) undercover agent to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, has been served summons in a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, names Gupta, the Government of India (GOI), National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and others as defendants in an alleged plot orchestrated by India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to target Sikh activists. Gupta is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, awaiting trial in a related criminal case.

26-Nov-2024

In a video message, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened to shut down Air India's operations in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and other countries by January 26 as part of a 'bloodless war' aimed at harming the Indian economy. Pannun, the leader of the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), also urged Americans to support Donald Trump’s MAGA movement by boycotting Indian industries and flying American airlines, while further promoting his agenda to 'balkanize' India.

21-Nov-2024

Reports indicate that ethnic-Punjabi criminal gangs in North America are strengthening connections with drug cartels and becoming increasingly involved in narcotics trafficking, migrant smuggling, and violent crime. Recent arrests, including those of gangsters linked to separatist movements, highlight the growing transnational networks between these groups and Mexico and Latin America. Experts warn that while their violence remains limited compared to major cartels, the potential for escalation is significant.

19-Nov-2024

According to sources, Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who was recently arrested in the United States (US), is likely to be handed over to Canadian authorities first in connection with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While India has sought his extradition, he is currently being interrogated by US authorities. Anmol is implicated in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and a shooting outside actor Salman Khan's residence.

Showing 1 to 13 of 309 records

26-Dec-2024

On December 26, during the first day of the Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), clashes erupted outside the stadium as Indian fans confronted Khalistani supporters. The altercation was triggered by the Khalistani activists' anti-India slogans and alleged desecration of the Indian national flag. The protestors were seen waving Khalistani flags and chanting slogans, leading Victoria Police to step in and disperse the group. Indian fans expressed their disapproval, dismissing the protesters as a small group with no genuine connection to Punjab.

19-Dec-2024

Russia on December 19 denied claims made by the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and condemned SFJ’s call to “track” diplomats, equating it to planning a terror attack. Russia urged Global Affairs Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to strengthen security for its missions. SFJ had alleged that Russia provided signal intelligence to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and hacked Nijjar’s Telegram account.

24-Nov-2024

On November 24, Khalistani activists and Kashmiri separatists held a joint protest, condemning the alleged genocide of Sikhs in India since 1984, in Paris, France. The protestors called for justice and freedom, accusing India of human rights violations against both Sikhs and Kashmiris. They also urged international intervention to address these issues.

18-Nov-2024

On November 18, New Zealand’s foreign ministry, in a statement to WION, reaffirmed its recognition of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the Khalistani referendum organized by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Auckland on November 17.

17-Nov-2024

On November 17, the Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organized a "referendum" advocating for an independent Khalistan at Aotea Square in Auckland, New Zealand. SFJ claimed that 37,000 Sikhs participated in the event. Despite India's objections, New Zealand defended the referendum as an exercise in free expression.

17-Nov-2024

On November 17, a viral video captured a New Zealand man confronting pro-Khalistan supporters in Auckland, urging them to "go back to your country" and criticizing their display of the Khalistan flag. The incident took place during a contentious Khalistan referendum, which was marked by heavy police presence and videos showing participants wielding swords.

15-Nov-2024

Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on November 15 stated that she remains in contact with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding inquiries into the arrest of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, while speaking to the media at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Annual Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru.

12-Nov-2024

According to sources, New Zealand authorities and community leaders have raised concerns over Khalistani extremist groups organizing another Khalistan Referendum event on November 17 in Auckland. The previous event on October 31 featured alarming displays glorifying the 1984 assassination of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, escalating fears of potential unrest.

09-Nov-2024

Australia Today founder and editor-in-chief Jitarth Jai Bhardwaj, in an interview with ANI, condemned the Canadian government's decision to block the outlet's social media, calling it a "murder of press freedom." This action followed Australia Today's broadcast of a press conference featuring External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during which he criticised Canada for providing political space to anti-India elements. Bhardwaj emphasized that his outlet, known for covering issues affecting the Indian diaspora, has faced threats from Khalistani extremists but remains committed to reporting on the rights and challenges of Hindu Canadians amidst ongoing concerns about community safety and temple attacks.

08-Nov-2024

Australian media outlet The Australia Today on November 8 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an open and inclusive media landscape despite being blocked by Canada for airing a press conference featuring Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The outlet condemned the move as a violation of free speech and expressed gratitude to its supporters during this challenging time. The incident followed Jaishankar's official visit to Australia, where he addressed rising diplomatic tensions with Canada.

06-Nov-2024

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on November 6, during a meeting with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters in Canberra, Australia, raised concerns over a planned non-binding "referendum" in Auckland by the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), advocating for the creation of Khalistan.

05-Nov-2024

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in Canberra on November 5, expressed concerns over allegations of India's involvement in targeting Sikh activists in Canada. Wong reiterated Australia's commitment to respecting the sovereignty and judicial processes of both nations.

05-Nov-2024

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, in Canberra, Australia, on November 5, expressed serious concerns over the recent targeting of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, by pro-Khalistan separatists. He criticized Canada for providing "political space" to extremist forces.

02-Nov-2024

In the past week in Auckland, New Zealand, thousands gathered under the Khalistan Movement banner to protest the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, drawing attention to the human rights violations and loss of lives during that tragic period. Demonstrators held Khalistan flags, chanted against the Indian government, and tore the Indian flag in dissent, with leaders at the rally calling for the establishment of Khalistan.

01-Nov-2024

On November 1, a pro-Khalistan protest in Auckland, New Zealand, saw a minimal turnout, with fewer than 30 attendees from the country’s 75,000-strong Sikh community. Community leaders attributed the low support to the patriotic sentiments of the Indian diaspora, who largely reject the separatist agenda. While the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) raised concerns about foreign elements promoting Khalistani ideology, the government emphasized free speech rights but assured law enforcement oversight.

31-Oct-2024

New Zealand's recent ambivalence toward pro-Khalistan activities, including an October 19 rally led by Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Pannun, raises questions about its diplomatic consistency, particularly as it seeks to strengthen ties with India. The rally featured hate speech and desecration of the Indian flag, highlighting a tension between New Zealand's commitment to free speech and the geopolitical imperative of fostering positive relations with India, which designates Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist organization. As New Zealand navigates this complex landscape, it faces the challenge of balancing free expression with preventing separatist activities from jeopardizing international partnerships.

31-Oct-2024

Sources report that a proposed non-binding referendum for an independent Khalistan in India is under review by the New Zealand government as members of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Khalistani terrorist Avtar Singh Pannun, intensify efforts to hold the poll in Auckland on November 17. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its support for freedom of speech while also recognizing India’s sovereignty, amid rising concerns from local Indian associations about the referendum’s potential impact on diplomatic relations between New Zealand and India.

30-Oct-2024

Former New Zealand National Party Member of Parliament (MP) Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi expressed concerns about an upcoming Khalistan referendum organized by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in Auckland, New Zealand. Bakshi warned that such events could strain New Zealand-India relations, emphasizing that the referendum does not reflect the views of the broader Sikh community, which is focused on integrating into New Zealand society while maintaining cultural ties with India.

24-Oct-2024

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson stated on October 24 in Auckland that New Zealand recognizes India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, responding to a non-official “referendum” call by the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for a separate Sikh state in India.

23-Oct-2024

Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on October 23 called for united global efforts to combat terrorism and criticised double standards on the issue, while speaking at the BRICS summit in Kazan in Russia. He indirectly addressed countries like China, Canada, and the United States (US) for not acting decisively against terrorists and extremists. Modi also emphasised the need for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

15-Oct-2024

According to reports, Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval informed Canadian officials about Lawrence Bishnoi's extensive reach and ability to orchestrate violence even while incarcerated, during a secret meeting in Singapore. The discussions also included evidence suggesting that India had leveraged Bishnoi's gang networks in Canada to carry out violent acts, including the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

12-Oct-2024

A report in The Globe and Mail states that Canada proposed a de-escalation strategy to India on October 12 during a meeting in Singapore. The strategy included suggestions for India to voluntarily withdraw six diplomats, instruct gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to cease his syndicate’s activities in Canada, and expand India’s inquiry into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Alternatively, Canada proposed conducting a joint investigation into Nijjar's death.

10-Oct-2024

On October 10, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos. After the meeting, PM Trudeau stated that there was no substantive discussion but acknowledged that both sides had work to do to improve relations. Indian government sources emphasized that ties cannot be repaired unless Canada takes strict and verifiable action against Khalistani separatists and prevents anti-India activities on its soil.

15-Sep-2024

Surinder Singh Parmar, a member of the Austrian Sikh community, highlighted on September 15 in Vienna, Austria, that while Sikhism is officially recognized, it lacks comprehensive judicial protection. Sikhs must comprise at least 2% of the population for their faith to achieve full legal recognition, which poses challenges in addressing sacrilege issues through the courts. Despite this, Sikhs can use "Singh" and "Kaur" in official documents and list Sikhism as their religion. Parmar emphasized that judicial recognition would significantly benefit the community in practicing and promoting Sikhism.

28-Aug-2024

Authorities in Qatar on August 28 handed over two swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib, which had been seized from an Indian national in a case related to running a religious establishment without approvals, to the Indian Embassy in Doha. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had taken up the issue with Qatar and prioritized the matter due to its significance to the Sikh community.

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