KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
United States 03-Oct-2023
Despite international attention on the Khalistan issue, Sikhs living in the Bay Area of San Francisco in the United States (US) largely disassociate themselves from it, considering Khalistan is an illusion perpetuated by a vocal minority. Many American Sikhs are more focused on practical concerns such as migration policies, while Khalistan-related activities are often seen as a means to raise funds and exploit the Sikh identity issue for political gain. Although there is no active secessionist movement in Punjab, Khalistan sentiment is occasionally revived during events like Baisakhi and discussions about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
India 03-Oct-2023
According to reports, Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, along with nine fellow detainees, has initiated an indefinite hunger strike at Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Their protest is in response to alleged restrictions on the access of their chosen lawyer, Rajdev Singh, to them within the jail premises. Kirandeep Kaur, Amritpal Singh's wife, has also joined the hunger strike in solidarity with her husband and the other detainees who are held under the National Security Act (NSA) due to the lawyer access dispute.
Australia 03-Oct-2023
The Queensland Police recently clarified that they have not concluded that Hindus orchestrated the vandalism of a temple in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in March 2023. They have not released any such statement, despite media reports alleging Hindus' involvement instead of Khalistan extremists. The police explained that the case was filed due to a lack of evidence and that they will continue to investigate if new information becomes available. Initially, the temple vandalism was attributed to Khalistan extremists, and despite five Hindu temples being vandalized in the past eight months, no arrests have been made.
India 03-Oct-2023
According to reports, India has demanded that Canada recall its 41 ambassadors, giving them time until October 10 to leave the country. Failure to comply with this request will result in the removal of their diplomatic immunity. Currently, India hosts 62 Canadian ambassadors, but after the deadline, only 21 will remain in the country.
India 03-Oct-2023
Khalistani graffiti that read 'Khalistan Zindabad' was discovered on a wall of a government office in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh on October 3. This incident bears resemblance to a previous occurrence at the Vidhan Sabha complex in Dharamsala, where Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had claimed responsibility, resulting in the arrest of two individuals from Punjab for creating similar graffiti.
United Kingdom 03-Oct-2023
Scotland Police on October 3 stated that no criminal activity was established during its investigation into the incident in which the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), Vikram Doraiswami, was denied entry and heckled at a gurdwara in Glasgow. Pro-Khalistan Sikh activists had denied him entry in response to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The Glasgow Gurdwara released a statement condemning the disruption and reaffirming its openness to people from all communities and backgrounds.
United States 03-Oct-2023
United States (US) State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on October 3 stated that the US affirms respect for freedom of speech and assembly when asked about Sikh separatist groups operating in the US, including the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which has organized an unofficial "Khalistan Referendum." These groups advocate for an independent state called Khalistan, which was a prominent issue in India during a violent insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s but has little support in India today.
United States 03-Oct-2023
United States (US) State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on October 3 stated that the US affirms respect for freedom of speech and assembly when asked about Sikh separatist groups operating in the US, including the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which has organized an unofficial "Khalistan Referendum." These groups advocate for an independent state called Khalistan, which was a prominent issue in India during a violent insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s but has little support in India today.
India 03-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on October 3 intercepted a China-made drone and recovered 470 gm of heroin, near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district.
India 03-Oct-2023
On October 3, Khalistani graffiti that stated 'Khalistan Zindabad' was spotted on the boundary wall of the Jal Shakti Department office in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) claimed responsibility, with SFJ chief and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun stating in a video that they are targeting the World Cup to seek revenge for the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Nijjar, signaling their intention to disrupt the event. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu, two suspects have been identified after reviewing the CCTV footage. DGP Kundu also noted that a collaborative intelligence-sharing meeting was held on October 3 in Dharamshala with officers from military intelligence, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) units.
United States 03-Oct-2023
According to reports, John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, acknowledged the seriousness of Canadian allegations regarding India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and called for a thorough investigation while speaking to the press last week at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States (US). State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel also emphasized the importance of Canada's investigation and urged India to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
India 03-Oct-2023
Police on October 3 arrested two associates of designated Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, identified as Mandeep Singh alias Deepa and Saurav Kumar alias Saabi, and seized a .32-bore pistol and four live cartridges from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The suspects were wanted by Ludhiana and Moga police in multiple criminal cases and had been declared proclaimed offenders.
India 03-Oct-2023
On October 3, the Dhar Kalan Police Station in Pathankot district of Punjab was declared a drug-free zone, along with 45 village panchayats in the Dhar Kalan region. This announcement reflects the Punjab government's efforts to combat the drug menace, including recent arrests of drug smugglers.
India 03-Oct-2023
Punjab Police and Border Security Force (BSF) on October 3 intercepted a Pakistani drone and recovered 2.518 grams of heroin from near Border Out-Post (BOP) Kalsia near Kalsian Khurd village in Tarn Taran district.
India 03-Oct-2023
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on October 3 issued a letter to all Indian states, requesting increased security for officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) due to threats from Khalistani terror groups and Naxals. The communication also reveals concerns about the Popular Front of India (PFI) working with Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) to gather information about NIA officers.
India 04-Oct-2023
The Special Task Force (STF) on October 4 arrested three individuals, identified as Avtar Singh, Joginder Singh and Gurvinder Singh and seized 100 grams of heroin from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused allegedly sourced heroin from Amritsar for INR 2,000 per gram and sold it for INR 3,200 per gram in Mohali. Avtar had two prior drug smuggling cases in Amritsar, Punjab and Tarn Taran, Punjab, while Joginder had one drug case in Amritsar.
India 04-Oct-2023
Mohali police and Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation on October 4 arrested two associates of the Bambiha gang, identified as Avtar Singh alias Gora, and Ajay Kumar alias Preet Sharma, and seized four pistols along with six magazines and 16 live cartridges from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
Canada 04-Oct-2023
Canada's Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau has taken a more conciliatory approach, stating that they do not want to escalate tensions with India, and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has expressed a desire for private talks with India. This shift in tone follows Trudeau's earlier accusation of Indian involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, suggesting a recalibration of Canada's stance to ease diplomatic tensions. Justin Trudeau's softened response can be attributed to India's decision to ask 41 Canadian diplomats to leave by October 10, prompting a more diplomatic approach from Canada's PM.
India 04-Oct-2023
India has requested that Canada significantly reduce its diplomatic staff in response to a recent diplomatic dispute triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan leader. Canada's substantial diplomatic presence in India is currently undergoing a reduction, with 41 diplomats instructed to depart by October 10. This action could potentially impact visa processing, hinder educational and immigration-related affairs for Indians, and potentially impede efforts to strengthen trade and defense ties between the two nations.
India 04-Oct-2023
The Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on October 4 expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged denial of permission by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amit Talwar to lawyer Rajdev Singh Khalsa and the family members of Amritpal Singh and other detainees imprisoned in Dibrugarh jail, Assam. Reports indicate that Amritpal and nine other detainees initiated a hunger strike due to restrictions on their chosen lawyer's access in jail. DC Amit Talwar defended the administration, stating that they had followed jail manual norms and granted access to family members and lawyers on 42 occasions in the past five months.
India 04-Oct-2023
According to reports, pro-Khalistan sentiments are on the rise in various foreign countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and Australia, leading to protests and incidents targeting Indian officials and property. Recent incidents include the burning of the Indian Tricolour outside the Indian High Commission in London, UK, and attacks on Indian diplomats and students in these countries. The Khalistan movement remains active among some Sikh diaspora members abroad, fuelled by historical grievances and a disconnect from the evolving reality in Punjab, although it represents only a fraction of the Sikh community overseas. Security concerns and diplomatic tensions persist as these incidents continue to occur.
Canada 04-Oct-2023
A Peel Regional Police press release on October 4 stated that they have arrested around eight Sikh youths aged between 19 to 26 years identified as Jagdeep Singh, Ekamjot Randhawa, Manjinder Singh, Harpreet Singh, Ripanjot Singh, Japandeep Singh , Lovepreet Singh and Rajanpreet Singh in relation to possession of loaded, prohibited or restricted firearms in Brampton city in Ontario province of Canada.
India 05-Oct-2023
The Punjab Police reportedly informed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) that they have identified 56 Pro-Khalistan Entities (PKEs) operating in various countries, including the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and Canada and some of these entities are alleged to have been involved in 15 targeted killings in Punjab within the past six years. During the two-day "Anti-Terror Conference" held in New Delhi on October 5-6 and organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Punjab Police Inspector General of Police (Internal Security) Nilabh Kishore delivered a presentation where he disclosed this information. According to Punjab Police's findings, among the 56 PKEs identified, 13 are located in the US, 12 in Canada, 7 in Germany, 6 in the UK, 6 in Pakistan, with 2 each in the Philippines, Armenia, Portugal, and Malaysia, along with 4 others situated in various countries. It also revealed that some of these PKEs, with the assistance of gangsters based in India, were responsible for executing 15 ‘targeted killings’ in the state of Punjab, spanning from 2017 to September 30, 2023, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022, as well as three grenade attacks, two RPG attacks, and two IED explosions.
India 05-Oct-2023
At the "Anti-Terror Conference" organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on October 5-6 in New Delhi, the Punjab Police revealed that during their significant efforts against pro-Khalistan outfits, it has filed 130 FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), arrested 580 individuals, dismantled 99 modules, and seized 82 drones. In their crackdown on criminal gangs, the Punjab Police stated that they have arrested 4,597 individuals and killed 22 in different encounters. The arrested gang members include 16 individuals from Haryana, 6 from Uttar Pradesh, 4 from both Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, 3 from Rajasthan, and 9 from other locations.
India 05-Oct-2023
Punjab Police Inspector General of Police (Internal Security) Nilabh Kishore, at the "Anti-Terror Conference" hosted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on October 5-6, announced that, in response to a proposal submitted by the Punjab Police, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) officially designated 11 individuals as terrorists and identified three entities as terrorist organizations. He further mentioned that six additional proposals are currently under consideration. Additionally, 11 pro-Khalistan activists have been deported, red-corner notices have been issued for 13 individuals, properties of four individuals have been seized under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and red-corner notices are currently in the process of being issued for 40 more individuals.
India 05-Oct-2023
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on October 5 expressed concerns to the United Kingdom (UK) authorities regarding the safety of Indian diplomats and diplomatic facilities, following a pro-Khalistan protest in London on October 2. India has raised the issue of security for its diplomats and premises with UK authorities. Bagchi also emphasized that discussions are ongoing to address this issue, with the expectation of a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence in India. This reduction is being sought by India in order to achieve parity in two countries' respective diplomatic presence and to address concerns about Canadian interference in India’s internal matters.
India 05-Oct-2023
The Kangra police on October 5 formed a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe into the pro-Khalistan graffiti found scribbled on the boundary wall of the Jal Shakti Department in Dharamshala in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, just days ahead of a Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture. The SIT, led by Himachal Pradesh police officer RP Jaswal, is tasked with a swift and thorough probe into the incident.
India 05-Oct-2023
According to reports, Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, has requested the Central government to transfer her son and other detainees held under the National Security Act (NSA) from Dibrugarh jail in Assam to prisons in Punjab. She cited difficulties in visiting them in Dibrugarh and expressed concern over the alleged denial of their basic right to meet lawyers. Amritpal's wife, Kirandeep Kaur, mentioned that the police were working on obtaining permission for a lawyer to visit Amritpal in jail, but they had not yet received confirmation, prompting a hunger strike by the detainees.
Canada 05-Oct-2023
A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on October 5 revealed that one person has been arrested in Canada in connection with the desecration of temples that occurred on August 12 which took place in Surrey, British Columbia province, Canada, marking the first arrest related to the incident.
United Kingdom 05-Oct-2023
Satyam Surana, a student at the London School of Economics (LSE), in an interview, described his actions during a recent pro-Khalistan protest at the Indian embassy on October 2 in London, United Kingdom (UK), where Khalistani protestors desecrated the Indian tricolour. Surana explained how he felt compelled to rescue and fold the Tricolour with reverence after it was desecrated during the protest. Satyam shared that his actions were driven by a sense of duty as an Indian, despite the presence of hostile extremists at the scene. The flag is currently held by the police as evidence.
Canada 05-Oct-2023
According to sources, eight Sikh youths were arrested in Brampton, Canada, within a week, all facing firearm-related charges by local authorities. While some sources clarified that their arrests are not necessarily linked to Khalistani support, the arrests followed reports of shots fired in the area, with the youths found in possession of firearms. Reports also indicate that they are part of a drug and illegal weapon cartel.
India 05-Oct-2023
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Amritsar Police on October 5 identified two foreign-based handlers of three arrested smugglers, Rohan Singh, Rajesh Singh, and Tejpal Singh, who were found with 500 grams of heroin and INR 50,000 in drug money near Amritsar-Attari bypass in the Amritsar district. The handlers are located in the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia but have not yet been officially named in the case. The smugglers were allegedly connected to an international drug cartel with links to a Pakistan-based notorious smuggler identified as Bhatti.
Canada 05-Oct-2023
Three Punjabi-origin Canadians, Diljeet Brar, Mintu Sandhu alias Sukhjinderpal, and Jasdeep Devgan, were recently elected to the Manitoba provincial assembly in the Manitoba province of Canada. All three belong to the New Democratic Party (NDP). Brar won in Burrows, Sukhjinderpal in the Maples, and Devgan in McPhillips in Manitoba.
India 05-Oct-2023
The United States (US) Embassy in New Delhi on October 5 denied reports that its ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, had warned of potential strain in US-India relations due to the diplomatic dispute between India and Canada over Khalistani extremism. Earlier, Politico had reported that Garcetti expressed concerns to his team about the potential deterioration of bilateral relations between the US and India due to India's dispute with Canada and suggested that the US might need to limit contacts with Indian officials for an unspecified period.
India 05-Oct-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on October 5 received a terror email, in which the sender threatened to assassinate Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and blow up the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where several ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 matches are scheduled, if the Indian government fails to pay INR 500 crore and release notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. This threat has raised security concerns, especially since a similar threat was issued recently by the Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Police are working to determine if the email is connected to SFJ or if it's a hoax, given Bishnoi's recent claims regarding a gangster killing in Canada. Increased security measures are being implemented in Mumbai, which is set to host World Cup matches.
India 05-Oct-2023
A two-day anti-terror conference organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with a focus on dismantling the terror ecosystem and disrupting terror funding, concluded on October 6 in New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on October 5, emphasizing a ruthless approach to prevent the formation of new terrorist organizations, echoing the zero-tolerance policy of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
India 05-Oct-2023
Tarn Taran Police on October 5 arrested a person, identified as Shera Singh, and seized 3 kg of heroin from his possession in Mehndipur Village in Tarn Taran district.
India 05-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police conducted a joint search operation on October 5 and recovered a broken drone from a field on the outskirts of Rasoolpur village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a Made in China Quadcopter Model DJI Matrice.
India 06-Oct-2023
Punjab Police on October 6 added murder and disappearance of evidence charges to the First Information Report (FIR) related to the alleged encounter death of Sukhpal Singh more than 29 years ago at the Fatehgarh Churia police station in Gurdaspur district, Punjab. These charges were added based on evidence collected during the investigation, including a confessional statement from accused Avtar Singh alias Tari, who played a critical role in Sukhpal Singh's abduction. The case initially involved the alleged killing of militant Gurnam Singh Bandala, who was later found to be alive and arrested in a separate case.
India 06-Oct-2023
A Mansa court on October 6 extended Police remand of Sachin Thapan, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and a key suspect in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case in Mansa in Mansa district. The court extended his remand until October 10.
India 06-Oct-2023
According to reports, Canadian diplomats in India have been relocated to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur from India. Earlier, India asked Canada to move 41 of its diplomats out of India by October 10.
Canada 06-Oct-2023
Khalistani posters calling for the assassination of Indian diplomats in Canada resurfaced just two days after they were taken down at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Canada's handling of the situation raises concerns about its alleged support for a secessionist movement, which could strain India-Canada bilateral relations.
India 06-Oct-2023
Mohali Police on October 6 attached the property of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa at his native Kirian village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab.
India 06-Oct-2023
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on October 6 stated that India would address all issues with the Canadian Speaker of the Senate, including recent strains in bilateral relations stemming from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau, during the upcoming Parliament-20 meeting of G20 presiding officers in New Delhi.
India 06-Oct-2023
Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh on October 6 issued a warning in Amritsar, Punjab, amidst the resurgence of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute following a recent Supreme Court (SC) directive. He asserted that any attempt to construct the SYL canal in Punjab could lead to a rebellion in the state. They argue that Punjab has a legitimate right to its river waters and that the past sacrifices made by Khalistani militants in defence of these rights will not be in vain. The group contends that the canal was planned against Riparian principles and accuses successive Indian governments of unjustly diverting Punjab's river waters to non-riparian states, thus violating the Indian Constitution in the process.
United Kingdom 06-Oct-2023
British Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak expressed his hope for a reduction in tensions within the India-Canada diplomatic dispute during a conversation with his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau on October 6. The discussion primarily revolved around the ongoing standoff regarding the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Sunak reiterated the UK's commitment to upholding the rule of law, particularly in light of Canada's accusations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a wanted pro-Khalistan terrorist.
India 06-Oct-2023
Police on October 6 arrested a key operative of the terrorist-gangster alliance of Arsh Dalla and Sukha Duneke, identified as Harjeet Singh alias Harry Maur, who was evading arrest for the last two years, from Faridabad in Haryana. According to police, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in multiple murders reported in Punjab and Haryana. He was also wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
United States 07-Oct-2023
Sukhi Chahal, the Editor-In-Chief of Khalsa Today, a think tank and nonprofit media organization based in the US, has responded to reports of eight Sikh youths being arrested under the Arms Act in Brampton, Canada, by expressing deep concern about the radicalization of young people within the Sikh community. He expressed his sentiments by stating, "It is disheartening, troubling, and regrettable whenever we come across such incidents from the Vancouver or Toronto regions. This underscores a longstanding concern within our community regarding the radicalization of our youth."
United Kingdom 07-Oct-2023
The Sikh restaurant owner in London, UK, Harman Singh Kapoor, whose cars were allegedly vandalized by Khalistani elements recently, on October 7 claimed that he has been receiving threats for the past nine months. Kapoor, who is currently in New Delhi, stated that the pro-Khalistan elements are defaming Sikhs, Hindus, and India. He further noted that the individuals who attempted to harm him were Sikhs. Kapoor asserted, "They are maligning Sikhs, Hindus, and India. I earnestly desire for this conflict to cease. Regrettably, no concrete action was taken by the authorities; they merely documented my complaint. The police have yet to apprehend the culprits, allowing the Khalistanis to remain at large. It appears that Khalistanis enjoy support within the police force and are considered political assets in that region. In the event of an assault on a fellow countryman, the accused ought to be apprehended. Unfortunately, in my case, these Khalistanis were not taken into custody by the police."
India 07-Oct-2023
The Shiromani Azad Akali Dal, a newly established political party, was launched on October 7 with the explicit goal of addressing the enduring issues faced by Punjab and its residents. Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, a prominent leader, underscored the party's commitment to understanding and resolving the longstanding problems that have plagued Punjab.
India 07-Oct-2023
Following reports concerning an email containing threats of an attack on Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, the Ahmedabad police, on October 7, declared that they will be enhancing security measures at the venue in preparation for the upcoming India-Pakistan match scheduled for next week. They reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
India 07-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on October 7 seized a drone along with 6.3 kg of heroin and a small packet containing 60 gm of opium from a field near the International Border in the Amritsar sector of Amritsar district.
India 07-Oct-2023
According to sources, Jasmine Sandlas, an internationally acclaimed Punjabi singer, on October 7, was threatened with death by individuals believed to be connected to the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Sandlas, who lives in the United States (US), arrived in Delhi to perform live at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
India 07-Oct-2023
On October 7, the Sonipat police in Haryana claimed that Deepak 'Jaito' Maan, a member of the Bambiha gang, had been killed in a shootout on October 1 and this killing was allegedly carried out at the behest of Monu Dagar, a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who is currently lodged in a Punjab jail. Jailed gangster Monu Dagar reportedly sent four hitmen—Ojasav, Chetan, Manjit, and Jasbir—to eliminate gangster Deepak Maan. During the interrogation, the four accused confessed to the police that they had gunned down Deepak Maan. Additionally, it was revealed that the four shooters had made a deal and accepted money (supari) to carry out the killing.
United States 08-Oct-2023
In the wake of allegations regarding the receipt of foreign funds from the banned extremist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Amarpreet Singh, the India chief of the United Kingdom (UK)-based non-governmental organisation Khalsa Aid, resigned on October 8. Khalsa Aid, through a statement posted on social media, cited the need for organizational restructuring as the reason for this change in leadership. Notably, in August, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a raid at Khalsa Aid's India headquarters in Patiala, Punjab, during which they confiscated certain documents and two mobile phones belonging to Amarpreet Singh.
India 08-Oct-2023
In a video, Jennifer Zeng, a Chinese blogger residing in the United States (US), asserted that individuals associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) were involved in the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Zeng said that China's intention was to manipulate circumstances to sow discord between India and Western nations. Furthermore, she claimed that this act was part of the CCP's covert ‘Ignition Plan’ aimed at destabilizing global affairs in accordance with Xi Jinping's military strategy concerning Taiwan.
India 08-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on October 8 arrested a Pakistani national after he crossed the International Border and entered Indian territory in the area near Gazni Wala in Ferozepur District.
India 08-Oct-2023
The Counter Intelligence (CI) division of the Punjab Police successfully dismantled a drug smuggling network that was operating from within the confines of the Ferozepur Central Jail in the Ferozepur district. Police have identified three individuals presently lodged in the jail and one woman who is the wife of one of the accused in connection with the case. Upon investigation, it was uncovered that a staggering sum of INR 1.13 crore had been deposited into the bank accounts of the accused's wives through UPI transactions. She was arrested by the police, and a mobile phone used for these online transactions was seized on October 2.
India 08-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel recovered a Pakistani drone in a damaged condition from a field on the outskirts of Panjgrain village in Gurdaspur district on October 8.
India 08-Oct-2023
According to the police, a businessman from Uttar Pradesh (UP) allegedly received an extortion call from an international number, with the caller identifying himself as the gangster Goldy Brar, who is a wanted criminal by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The complainant received the first call from an international number on WhatsApp at 6 pm on September 10, according to the FIR. He was asked to give INR 2 crore.
United States 08-Oct-2023
The World Sikh Parliament (WSP), a pro-Khalistan outfit based in the United States (US), on October 8 during its 4th General Assembly meeting in New York announced its commitment to pursue the establishment of a separate country in Punjab. Himmat Singh, the WSP Coordinator, stated, “The WSP is dedicated to advancing the rights and aspirations of the Sikh community worldwide and reaffirming the mandate of the Sarbat Khalsa held in 2015 by recognizing April 29th as the day of the Sikh Declaration of Independence, with Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara as the Jathedar of Akal Takht.” Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to the killings of Khalistani separatists Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, Avtar Singh Khanda in the UK, and Paramjit Singh Panjwar in Pakistan.
Pakistan 09-Oct-2023
Reports indicate that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), responsible for the management and upkeep of gurdwaras in Pakistan, has come under scrutiny from the Sikh community. The criticism it faces stems from concerns expressed by the community, revealing their profound devotion and respect for these sacred locations.
India 09-Oct-2023
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, disclosed on October 9 that the Punjab Police's campaign against the drug menace has completed 15 months, during which 20,979 drug smugglers were arrested, and 15,434 first information reports (FIRs) were registered since July 5, 2022. The police also recovered 1,658.05 kg of heroin, including 147.5 kg seized by Punjab Police from seaports in Gujarat and Maharashtra, 924.29 kg of opium, 986 kg of Ganja (marijuana), 470.91 quintals of poppy husk, and 92.03 lakhs of tablets, capsules, injections, and vials of pharma opioids, as well as INR 15.81 crore in drug money over the last 15 months from across the state.
India 09-Oct-2023
On October 9, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, stated that the Punjab police have busted 31 terror modules and arrested 197 terrorists or radicals since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government came to power in March 2022. The police have also recovered 32 rifles, 222 revolvers/pistols, nine tiffin improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 10.86 kg of RDX, and other explosives, along with 11 hand grenades, two sleeves of a disposed rocket launcher, 73 drones, and one loaded rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from the arrested terrorists or radicals. Regarding action against gangsters, Gill mentioned that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has busted 249 gangster modules, arresting 800 gangsters, neutralizing six of them, and recovering 839 weapons and 171 vehicles from their possession.
India 09-Oct-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) has emphasized that the growing drug problem is becoming increasingly apparent and cannot be disregarded without grave consequences. The HC stated that it is imperative for the state to awaken from its inaction and implement meaningful measures to enhance the efficiency of the police force, especially in light of the pervasive and destructive spread of the drug issue within society.
Canada 09-Oct-2023
Canadian activist Harsha Walia sparked controversy on October 9 by drawing parallels between the Palestinian and Khalistani movements during a pro-Palestinian protest rally in Vancouver in British Columbia province of Canada. She accused India and Israel of sharing military tactics and expressed solidarity with Palestine. However, her comments have been criticized for not condemning the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and for using divisive rhetoric. Walia has a history of making Hinduphobic and anti-India statements, further fuelling tensions and polarizing discussions on these complex issues.
India 10-Oct-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and columnist Tavleen Singh engaged in a public dispute on the social media platform X, triggered by the SGPC's request for an apology regarding her article in the Indian Express. The SGPC claimed that the article contained content that they found highly objectionable and false, particularly in relation to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th leader of Damdami Taksal.
Canada 10-Oct-2023
According to reports, Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau is facing scrutiny for his perceived double standards on social media. While he has expressed disapproval of a rally commemorating the Hamas attack on Israel, his silence on pro-Khalistan rallies in Canada, which endorse violence towards India, has drawn criticism.
Canada 10-Oct-2023
A prominent member of the Indo-Canadian community, Ritesh Malik, who also serves as the National Convener for the Canada India Foundation, has expressed profound apprehension regarding the prevailing 'ecosystem' in Canada that has provided a platform for Khalistan extremists to resort to violence and intimidate those who oppose their ‘nefarious agendas.' In response to Justin Trudeau's contentious statement, Malik has cautioned that pursuing political appeasement for immediate benefits does not serve the long-term interests of Canada. Concerning the presence of Khalistan extremists in Canada, Malik has observed that these individuals actively foster divisions within society and disrupt communal harmony. He has accused them of pursuing a nefarious agenda and undermining the relationship between the two nations.
India 10-Oct-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in a video, issued a warning to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, urging him to pay attention to the Israel-Palestine conflict and take measures to prevent a similar situation in India. Pannun also stated that they could potentially carry out an attack in a manner similar to the actions of Hamas in India. He said, “People under illegal occupation from Punjab to Palestine will react. And violence begets violence… if India continues to ‘occupy’ Punjab, there will be a ‘reaction’ and India and PM Modi will be responsible for it."
India 10-Oct-2023
The banned Khalistani organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on October 10 issued a call to organize ‘Kill India’ rallies on October 21 at Indian embassies in G7 countries, urging host governments to ‘dismantle the Indian spy network.’ SFJ has launched an online campaign through a web portal, facilitating the pro-Khalistan community in sending pre-drafted emails to the governments of G7 countries.
Canada 11-Oct-2023
In a recent decision, Heidi Worsfold, a member of the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board tribunal, asserted that the Canadian government did not have reasonable grounds to deem Kamaljit Ram, an Indian citizen, inadmissible to enter Canada on the grounds of allegedly offering a 'safe house' and 'logistical support' to Khalistani militants. The immigration tribunal concluded that Kamaljit Ram, who provided shelter and food to armed Khalistani militants in India for over a decade, should be granted entry into Canada due to his actions being primarily driven by necessity and fear of potential retribution. Earlier, during his interview with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ram disclosed that he had provided shelter and sustenance to armed Khalistani militants at his farm in India intermittently from 1982 to 1992. Additionally, he expressed his support for the principles advocated by the followers of the late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement, who advocated for the creation of a separate Sikh state.
India 11-Oct-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on October 11 confiscated agricultural land at Kothe Gurupura village in Moga district that belonged to Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode, a nephew of militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the brother of Akal Takht's former Jathedar, Jasbir Singh Rode. The land of Lakhbir, who currently heads the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and is suspected to be residing in Pakistan, was seized by the state under Section 33(s) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967. This action was carried out based on the orders of an NIA special court issued on October 5, in connection with an NIA case, RC 24/2021, in which Lakhbir had been declared a proclaimed offender and charged as an accused.
Canada 11-Oct-2023
As per a report from the UK's Financial Times, amid the diplomatic dispute between Delhi and Ottawa, an informal discussion may have taken place between India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in Washington DC, United States (US), last month. However, the Indian government has not provided any official statement regarding this meeting. Meanwhile, Canada has emphasized that its diplomatic interactions with India continue to be treated as "confidential," despite the fact that the deadline set by New Delhi for Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic representation in the country expired on October 10.
United Kingdom 11-Oct-2023
The Chief Coroner Judge Thomas Teague KC on October 11 declared that he ‘does not have the power’ to order an investigation into the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a Khalistani terrorist who succumbed to leukaemia at Birmingham City Hospital on June 15. Earlier, Barrister Michael Polak, representing Khanda's mother, Charanjit Kaur, and his sister, Jaspreet Kaur, formally petitioned the chief coroner to launch an inquiry into Khanda's passing, citing section S3 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
India 11-Oct-2023
Punjab police on October 11 arrested three members of a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module, identified as Harpreet Singh, Harbir Singh alias Happy, and Navroop Singh for planning target killings in Punjab, from Ajnala in Amritsar district. Police also recovered two pistols, three magazines, and 11 bullets from their possession. According to the police, these individuals had been in contact with Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, a BKI terrorist based in Pakistan.
India 11-Oct-2023
The Quami Insaaf Morcha representatives, who have been staging a protest at the Mohali-Chandigarh border near YPS Chowk for almost 10 months, have formally presented their list of "four" demands in writing to the Punjab Police. These demands include a request for the central government to increase the penalties for sacrilege cases, along with a plea for the early release of Sikh prisoners to be taken into consideration.
India 11-Oct-2023
According to top Indian government sources, the display of hoardings by the Gurdwara Management Committee and the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), labelling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and India's High Commissioner to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma as 'wanted,' indicates that Canada's actions against extremism remain superficial. The situation on the ground remains unaltered, said the sources.
India 11-Oct-2023
Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit on October 11 stated that drug addiction is no longer confined to Punjab but is rapidly spreading to Haryana and other states.
India 11-Oct-2023
The Punjab Police, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Manjit Singh, who was wanted in a 30-kg cocaine seizure case, and seized a .32-bore revolver, INR 4.94 crore drug money, 38 fake vehicle number plates of Punjab and Haryana, 44 gm gold, 385 gm silver, a currency counting machine and a weighing machine, from Mullanpur Dakha in Ludhiana district on October 11. This development followed the earlier arrest of two Punjab-based drug smugglers, Hunny Basra from Palahi Gate in Phagwara and Sarabjit Singh from Ballan village in Kartarpur, who were arrested with 30 kg of cocaine in Jammu on October 1. Punjab police sources said that they were suspecting it to be an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-linked case
India 11-Oct-2023
According to sources, during police custody, Sachin Thapan, who is accused in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case and happens to be Lawrence Bishnoi's nephew, disclosed that an altercation between Moose Wala and Lawrence initially began over a kabaddi cup. Subsequently, there was another argument involving Lawrence and Goldy Brar over the phone. These disagreements ultimately formed the basis of the conspiracy to harm Moose Wala.
India 12-Oct-2023
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on October 12 emphasized that the ‘core issue’ in India's relationship with Canada is the safe space that "terrorists and criminal elements" have found in that country. He also said that India remains dedicated to attaining a ‘parity’ in diplomatic missions.
Australia 12-Oct-2023
During an Asia Society event in Sydney on October 12, Manpreet Vohra, the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, stated that Canada's claims regarding India's involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader have had minimal impact on India's diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region. He mentioned that while Australia initially called for an investigation following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations, there has been limited response from Southeast Asia and other areas.
India 12-Oct-2023
The Delhi police on October 12 arrested two shooters from a criminal gang associated with gangster-turned-terrorist Arshdeep Dalla alias Arsh Dalla, identified as Krishan and Gurinder, in New Delhi. According to police, when the police intercepted them on Outer Ring Road, one of the shooters opened fire, while the other attempted to lob a grenade and escape. The police recovered a hand grenade, a pistol, and five cartridges from them. Both shooters are wanted in connection with the murder of Punjab Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli, who was fatally shot at his home near Moga on September 18. They are believed to have allegiance to the gang operated by Canada-based Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arsh Dalla.
India 12-Oct-2023
According to reports, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has upgraded the security of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Z category due to new posters put up by Khalistani groups in Canada. These posters carry the images of the minister, along with those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and call for their assassination. New posters promoting hatred against India and threatening PM Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma are on full display on the busiest road of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
India 12-Oct-2023
Police arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Gurbinder Singh alias Binder and Kulwant Singh alias Kanta, and recovered 12 kg of heroin from them near Qile Wala Chowk in Ferozepur district on October 12. According to police, both were coming back after receiving a consignment from across the border in a car.
India 12-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, in a joint operation, recovered a drone (Quadcopter) and a packet containing 3.213 kg of heroin from a paddy field near the International Border in Tarn Taran district on October 12.
Canada 12-Oct-2023
In an email to Canadian Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc on October 12, the Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) called upon the Canadian government to take swift action against pro-Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for threatening Indian diplomats and consulates in G7 nations. Earlier, Pannun, the chief of banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) issued fresh threats after Indians turned up in huge numbers for a rally at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto on October 9.
India 12-Oct-2023
Jagtar Singh Hawara, a convict in the case involving the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, appeared before a local court in Mohali via video conferencing on October 12 for proceedings related to terror and sedition charges.
India 12-Oct-2023
An Indian official in New Delhi on October 12 revealed that Indian and Canadian authorities have engaged in communication 'at multiple levels' in the wake of a dispute over potential Indian involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in suburban Vancouver, Canada. However, Arindam Bachi, the spokesperson for India's External Affairs Ministry, refrained from verifying or refuting media accounts of a meeting between the foreign ministers in Washington, United States (US), which allegedly occurred two weeks ago.
India 12-Oct-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on October 12 deposed as a prosecution witness in a double murder case dating back to 2017, involving the killings of Satbir Punia and Amit Saharan before a special CBI court in Panchkula in Haryana. The murders took place in Haryana and were allegedly orchestrated by gangster Chotu Ram Bhat. He had a grudge against Saharan, whom he believed had sheltered individuals involved in an attack against him.
India 13-Oct-2023
According to reports, following the seizure of 30 kg of cocaine from two peddlers based in Punjab in the Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the J&K Police have raised suspicions that the Srinagar-Pathankot highway has become a prominent channel for inter-state drug trafficking. Additionally, the police are actively investigating whether the two arrested peddlers have any connections with previously arrested drug traffickers in J&K. Inside sources within the police department believe that these Punjab-based peddlers may have been disguising themselves as tourists while entering Kashmir, using their vehicles to transport illicit consignments.
India 13-Oct-2023
The Khanna police obtained a production warrant to bring gangster Amit Malik Bhura, who is currently incarcerated in Bathinda jail, in connection with an Arms Act case registered at the Sadar police station a month ago. The court has remanded him in police custody for four days.
India 13-Oct-2023
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 13 while addressing a felicitation event arranged by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), acknowledged the significant role of the Sikh community in India's struggle for independence and expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shah also highlighted the sacrifices made by the Sikh community and emphasized that the contributions of Sikh Gurus to the country are immeasurable and cannot be repaid even over thousands of years. He also said that justice to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots started being delivered only after the Narendra Modi government assumed office in 2014.
United States 13-Oct-2023
According to reports, the use of terror group logos in events organized by Gurdwaras, places of worship for Sikhs, in California, United States (US), is deeply troubling. The official page of Stockton Gurdwara in California, a well-known location associated with the Khalistani extremist movement, posted an invitation on June 27 for an event related to Paramjit Singh Nijjar and Avtar Singh Khanda. Interestingly, it featured the logos of two proscribed terrorist groups, the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), alongside the names of Nijjar and Khanda. The Stockton Gurdwara made headlines last year when it became the site of a tragic shootout in which three individuals were injured.
Canada 13-Oct-2023
According to a Nanos Research poll conducted on behalf of CTV News, over 50 percent of Canadians are in favour of their country reducing tensions with India regarding the killing of Khalistani hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar and pursuing diplomatic negotiations. Roughly one in four respondents expressed a desire for Canada to intensify its investigation into the allegations, while approximately one in ten (11 percent) preferred Canada to exercise patience and take no immediate action. Residents in Quebec province displayed a greater inclination towards advocating for tension-reduction measures (65 percent) compared to those in British Columbia, where 50.3 percent favoured diplomatic talks.
India 13-Oct-2023
Two Pakistani prisoners, who were released by the Indian Government on October 13, have been returned to Amritsar Central jail because the Pakistan Embassy could not provide the necessary documents.
India 13-Oct-2023
Police on October 13 arrested three gangsters who were closely associated with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar and worked for Malaysia-based gangster Vicky, identified as Gurdit Singh, Sunil Kumar, and Rohit Kumar, and recovered a .32-bore pistol and four cartridges from their possession near Ring Road, close to the Army Cantonment in Bathinda district.
India 14-Oct-2023
During his appearance at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Shimla, Ujjal Dosanjh, the former premier of British Columbia, characterized Canada as "hypocritical" and India as "touchy" when discussing the ongoing tension between the two nations regarding the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Dosanjh pointed out that while Canadian President Justin Trudeau has swiftly denounced the celebration of violence by Hamas supporters, he has not extended the same condemnation to the glorification of violence by Khalistani extremists within Canada.
India 14-Oct-2023
According to reports, in order to prevent the recruitment of young individuals by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Dalla via social media platforms, the Punjab Police has notified the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) and the heads of state police forces and anti-terror agencies that over the past three years, they have successfully restricted access to 6,000 social media accounts on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other similar channels. Sources also indicated that the Punjab Police highlighted several significant catalysts and elements in the process of radicalization. These include the farmers' agitation, individuals like Amritpal Singh and the Khalsa Vaheer, social media platforms, the influence of the Dera culture, and the foreign-based movement known as Referendum 2020, led by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).