KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 19-Nov-2023
A large number of devotees on November 19 performed Ardas at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, praying for the release of Sikh detainees held in various jails after completing their imprisonment, in Anandpur Sahib in the Rupnagar district. Following the prayers, hundreds of youths participated in Amrit Sanchar and became Amritdhari (baptized Sikhs). This event is part of a series of prayer ceremonies held at different Takhats, with the next one scheduled at Takht Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo on December 3. The initiative aims to make Sikh youth Amritdhari and combat drug abuse.
India 19-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 19 recovered a packet containing 2 kg of heroin from fields near Chak Bhange Wala village in Ferozepur district.
United Kingdom 19-Nov-2023
Sikh Member of Parliament (MP) Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi recently received death threats after abstaining from voting on a resolution regarding the Gaza-Israel conflict in the United Kingdom (UK). One person has been arrested in connection with the death threats.
India 19-Nov-2023
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath on November 19 highlighted the leading role of the Sikh Panth in defending the motherland and praised the sacrifice and dedication of Sikh Gurus, while commemorating the Jyoti Jyot Diwas of Guru Gobind Singh and inaugurating Khalsa Chowk in Alambagh in Lucknow in UP.
India 19-Nov-2023
On Guru Nanak’s 554th birth anniversary on November 19 a Nagar Kirtan religious procession took place from Gurdwara Bara Sikh Sangat to Gurudwara Guru Ka Bagh Baghmari in Burrabazar in Kolkata in West Bengal.
India 19-Nov-2023
The Police on November 19 clarified that there is no connection between the accused, Jashanpreet Singh and Harjit Singh who were arrested on November 18 in Khalra in Punjab with 1.01 kg of heroin, and Khemkaran Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sarvan Singh Dhun. The police investigation revealed no links between the accused's family and the MLA's family, as they have been living separately for 40 years. The MLA emphasized a commitment to law enforcement against illegal activities and affirmed no association with the arrested individuals and their families.
India 19-Nov-2023
Authorities at the Goindwal Sahib Central Jail on November 19 seized a mobile phone from Arshad Khan, an accused in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case, in Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district. This is the fourth time in nine months he was found with a mobile phone. Khan, associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is held in the high-security zone. The discovery follows the Punjab and Haryana High Court's recent concern over prohibited items like phones within jail premises.
India 19-Nov-2023
Delhi Police's special cell on September 19 arrested a member of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), identified as Malak Singh, for painting pro-Khalistani graffiti in Delhi and Haryana, from Kurukshetra district of Haryana. Malak's arrest prevented a larger-scale incident planned for the World Cup final on November 19. He was promised payment in dollars and a United States (US) visa by Khalistani terrorist and the chief of SFJ, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and had been involved in similar activities since the farmers' agitation in 2020.
India 20-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 20 registered a case against Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for threatening passengers flying with Air India on November 19 in New Delhi. The NIA charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity, criminal intimidation, and various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, highlighting Pannun's history of promoting terrorism.
India 20-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 20 decided to convene a special meeting of Sikh scholars and senior lawyers to discuss its future actions concerning the release of Sikh prisoners.
India 20-Nov-2023
Khalistani leader and chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, announced a $10,000 reward for Australian citizen Wen Johnson, who breached security during the India-Australia ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
India 20-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 20 recovered a drone from an agricultural field near the India-Pakistan border near Mehdipur village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a China-made quadcopter. Over the past seven days, the BSF has intercepted and recovered eight China-made drones along the border in the state that were engaged in smuggling narcotics. During this period, about 5 kg of heroin was seized.
India 20-Nov-2023
Police busted a hawala racket involved in making payments for drugs, by arresting nine individuals and seizing INR 14.55 lakh in drug money along with 110 grams of heroin, a pistol, five mobile phones, a dongle, and five vehicles from their possessions during a 10-day operation across Punjab. The arrested individuals are identified as Baldev Singh, Gurjant Singh, Tanvir Singh, Sandeep Singh, Jaswant Singh, Kuldeep, Bhagwan Singh, Yogesh, and Ajay. Further arrests are anticipated as the probe continues.
Canada 20-Nov-2023
The Indian-origin Canadian Member of Parliament (MP), Chandra Arya, on November 20 shared a video of alleged pro-Khalistani supporters planning trouble at the Hindu Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia province of Canada. Arya called on Canadian authorities to intervene, citing recent incidents of Khalistan supporters verbally abusing a Sikh family and attacking Hindu temples in Canada.
India 20-Nov-2023
India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are likely to meet with their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, in a 2+2 ministerial dialogue. The talks are expected to focus on deepening defence collaboration, including discussions on defence technologies and joint exercises. Sensitive topics may include Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations against India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada 21-Nov-2023
India-origin Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya on November 21 expressed concern about the persistent threat from pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, highlighting incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu temples by Sikh extremists. Arya urged Canadian authorities to take action, emphasizing the recent verbal abuse of a Sikh family outside a gurdwara and the potential trouble at a Hindu temple in Surrey.
India 21-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on November 21 informed Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong about India's perspective on the strained relationship with Canada, during the India-Australia Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue, in New Delhi. Jaishankar emphasized concerns about the space given to extremism and radicalism in Canada, responding to Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations in September. The discussion aimed to provide Australia with India's viewpoint on the issue.
United States 21-Nov-2023
According to sources, a United States (US) diaspora panel, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), has urged the inclusion of designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his banned group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on the no-fly list for threatening Air India passengers. The panel expressed concerns about Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's alleged misrepresentation of freedom of expression, leading to anti-Indian and anti-Hindu crimes in Canada.
India 21-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) along with Punjab Police on November 21 intercepted a drone near the International Border and recovered 565 grams of heroin near Mode village in Amritsar district. The drone dropped the contraband before returning to Pakistan.
Pakistan 21-Nov-2023
A report by the Pakistani source The Intercept claimed that India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has been planning assassinations of Sikh and Kashmiri activists residing in foreign countries. The documents allege that RAW is collaborating with local networks to carry out attacks on individuals and religious institutions supporting an armed insurgency in Kashmir, as well as targeting Sikh activists in Pakistan.
India 22-Nov-2023
According to reports, the Khalistani movement has a history of exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, by offering promises of wealth and recognition in return for acts of violence. Once radicalized, these individuals become pawns for the cause, only to be abandoned and left to face the consequences alone once their utility diminishes. The cycle of empty promises and exploitation underscores the opportunistic nature of the Khalistani movement, leaving behind a trail of broken lives and shattered aspirations.
India 22-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 22 carried out raids at 14 locations in Punjab and Haryana in connection with its probe into attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco in the United States (US) in March 2023. The raids aimed to uncover the complete conspiracy behind the incidents, involving criminal trespass, vandalism, and attempts to set the consulate on fire. The NIA seized digital data and documents during the crackdown, part of its ongoing investigation to identify and prosecute the attackers.
India 22-Nov-2023
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on November 22 raided the house of Harpreet Kaur, a widow of a granthi (Sikh priest), questioned her for more than two hours, and seized a mobile phone and some documents in Jhande Wala village in Moga district. The NIA suspects her connection with Chacha Baghel Singh, a United States (US)-based associate of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. Harpreet has been asked to appear before the NIA in Chandigarh for further questioning regarding a social media post she uploaded.
India 22-Nov-2023
The Additional District and Sessions Court of Chandigarh on November 22 acquitted Jagtar Singh Hawara, one of the assassins of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, in a 2005 case, which included the charges of waging war against the Government of India and violations of the Arms and Explosives Acts. The court is yet to release the detailed order. Beant Singh was assassinated in a bomb blast in 1995, resulting in death sentences for Hawara and Balwant Singh Rajoana. However, Hawara's sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment till death.
India 22-Nov-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on November 22 rejected the plea of Sarabjit alias Daljit Singh Kalsi, a financier and close aide of radical Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, to appear before the Ajnala court in Amritsar district for a case related to an attack on a police station. Currently held in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Kalsi sought permission to expedite the trial, but the Punjab government opposed the plea, citing serious charges against him. The court dismissed Kalsi's request, and a detailed judgment is expected within 15 days.
India 22-Nov-2023
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) on November 22 organized a 'Khalsa march' from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Chandigarh, advocating for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' in jails, in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The marchers, accompanied by supporters, performed 'ardas' at the gurdwara and voiced grievances against the Central and state governments, emphasizing that the prisoners had served their sentences but remained incarcerated.
India 22-Nov-2023
The Counter-Intelligence (CI) team of Punjab Police on November 22 arrested three men connected to a Pakistan-based terror module, identified as Rajbhupinder Singh, Raman Kumar, and Jagjit Singh and seized five .50-bore pistols and three .30-bore pistols, along with nine magazines, 30 cartridges, and a stolen car from their possession in Bathinda in Bathinda district. According to the police, the accused were tasked with carrying out targeted killings in Punjab and had brought weapons from Madhya Pradesh (MP). Further investigations are underway.
India 22-Nov-2023
Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) on November 22 recovered a black bag containing 5.2 kg of heroin dropped by a drone that sneaked into Indian airspace from Pakistan, from fields near Attari village in Amritsar district.
India 22-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 22 intercepted a drone and recovered the broken drone along with 534 grams of heroin from fields near Mianwala village in Tarn Taran district.
India 22-Nov-2023
During a joint search operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab police on November 22 recovered a drone and 524 grams of heroin from fields near Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district.
United States 22-Nov-2023
White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson on November 22, in Washington DC, stated that the United States (US) has informed India about an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The statement emphasized the need for accountability and mentioned that the US has filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect.
United States 22-Nov-2023
A report by the United Kingdom (UK)-based daily Financial Times on November 22 claimed that the United States (US) reportedly foiled an assassination conspiracy against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on its soil and warned India about potential involvement. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that during recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US shared concerning inputs about the nexus between organized criminals, gun-runners, and terrorists. Both countries are taking the information seriously, and India is already examining the issues raised by the US. White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that Indian counterparts expressed surprise and concern, disavowing such activity as not their policy.
India 22-Nov-2023
The Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) recently called for a picket of Air India's outbound flights from Toronto and Vancouver airports in Canada on December 1, following charges filed against its general counsel, Gurpatwant Pannun, by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA). The situation has prompted high alerts and investigations by security forces in Canada and India, with the Indian High Commission formally raising the threat with the Canadian government.
India 22-Nov-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 22 conducted raids at several locations linked to individuals associated with the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), in Punjab.
India 22-Nov-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on November 22 indirectly addressed the reported threat to the life of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-Canadian dual citizen, during the virtual G20 summit hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi. Trudeau highlighted the importance of upholding the 'rule of law' and mentioned working closely with allies, including the US.
India 22-Nov-2023
The Lucknow Gurdwara Management Committee in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP), has appealed to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for intervention following the circulation of a video depicting a dance party near Pakistan's Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara on social media. The committee seeks PM Modi's denouncement of the incident and assurance that Sikh religious sites receive due respect in Pakistan.
Pakistan 23-Nov-2023
According to a report by The Intercept, Pakistan has reportedly heightened the security of individuals designated as terrorists by India amid fears of alleged 'death squads.' The report cites 'secret documents' from Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau, claiming that India has hired individuals for the assassinations of 'Sikh and Kashmiri activists' in Pakistan. Indian security sources deny the existence of 'death squads' and suggest that some reported deaths are part of Pakistan's efforts to eliminate unwanted individuals.
India 23-Nov-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has decided to record statements from individuals arrested for creating 'pro-Khalistan' graffiti and slogans, as well as those accused of removing locks from a railway track in Bathinda, Punjab. Many of the arrested individuals were reportedly in direct contact with Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who was recently booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The move aims to strengthen the case against Pannun, who is accused of promoting terror acts in India by creating a false narrative around Sikh issues in Punjab.
India 23-Nov-2023
On November 23, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar expressed dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Embassy for cancelling visas for 788 devotees recommended by the SGPC for a pilgrimage to historic gurudwaras in Pakistan during Gurpurb.
India 23-Nov-2023
The Anti Narcotic Cell-2 of Ludhiana Police Commissionerate, on November 23, arrested a man identified as Gurtej Singh and seized four illegal pistols of .32 caliber, each with one magazine, along with eight live cartridges and four empty magazines from his possession near Civil Hospital in Ludhiana district. Gurtej, who admitted to working as a courier for a Meerut-based weapon smuggler, sells each weapon for INR 60,000, with a commission of INR 20,000 for the supplier. He has a history of supplying weapons in Sirhind and Uttarakhand, with multiple First Information Reports (FIR) filed against him.
United States 23-Nov-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and a designated Khalistani terrorist, on November 23 termed the alleged plot to assassinate him as 'transnational terrorism' in a statement. He stated that it poses a threat to United States (US) sovereignty.
India 23-Nov-2023
According to reports, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is under investigation by Indian agencies in 35 cases, with efforts underway to extradite him from the United States (US). Declared an 'individual terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention (UAPA) Act, Pannun faces charges related to a larger Khalistani conspiracy. SFJ, banned as a terror organization in 2019, is accused of engaging in anti-national activities, supporting violence, and attempting to carve out a sovereign Khalistan. Pannun's involvement in inciting violence against Indians abroad and attacking Indian missions is also under scrutiny.
India 23-Nov-2023
A Punjab Home Guards constable identified as Jaspal Singh was killed, and fourteen policemen were injured on November 23 in a clash with Nihang Sikhs at Gurudwara Akal Bunga in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district of Punjab. Mann Singh's Jatha Nihang group had forcibly taken possession of the gurudwara on November 21, leading to a police attempt to evict them. The Nihang members fired indiscriminately, resulting in casualties. The heavily armed Nihangs have barricaded the Gurdwara, and police are in talks to resolve the situation before Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary on November 27. Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann announced INR 1 crore as ex gratia relief and additional insurance money for the deceased home guard's family.
India 24-Nov-2023
Police on November 24 arrested five individuals from Punjab identified as Gurmail Singh, Jagseer Singh Atwal, Prince Singh Arfawala, Vipin Kumar, and Ajay Khokhar and seized 12 country-made firearms and five bullets from their possession in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh (MP). The accused, residents of Firozpur, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar districts in Punjab, revealed that they purchased the weapons for INR 50,000 each from the Nimar region in MP. The arrests were made while they were en route to Punjab.
India 24-Nov-2023
The United States (US) reportedly foiled an assassination attempt on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on its soil, prompting India to take the information seriously and initiate an investigation. This stands in contrast to India's strong reaction to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in Canada, leading to diplomatic expulsions and strained relations. The differing responses highlight the complexity of India's diplomatic engagements, particularly with key partners like the US and Canada, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and shared interests.
India 24-Nov-2023
The United Sikh Mission (USM), a United States (US)-based charitable organization, is set to establish the Khalsa Health Centre, aiming to provide accessible and affordable health services in Jalandhar district. The center, dedicated to the memory of Mata Pal Kaur and Mata Swaran Kaur, is scheduled to be completed by October 2024.
India 24-Nov-2023
A Sikh Jatha from India departed for Pakistan on November 24 to celebrate the 554th birthday of Baba Guru Nanak Dev. Around 3,000 visas have been issued by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for Sikh pilgrims participating in the event, which will take place from November 25 to December 4.
India 24-Nov-2023
Ludhiana police on November 24 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Vir Karan Singh and seized 135 grams of heroin, two country-made 0.32 bore pistols, three live cartridges and INR 10,000 drug money from his possession in Tibba in Ludhiana district. Singh, with a criminal history, including a murder case, had recently been released on bail and resumed drug peddling, prompting the police action.
Canada 25-Nov-2023
Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on November 25, criticized Canada for prematurely implicating India in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar without concluding the investigation. Verma also urged Canada to provide supporting evidence for its allegations and emphasized India's willingness to cooperate if specific and relevant information is shared.
India 25-Nov-2023
Khalsa College educational institutions on November 25 organized a nagar kirtan, a religious procession to celebrate the 554th Parkash Purab of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev, in Amritsar in Punjab.
India 25-Nov-2023
On November 25, approximately 3,000 Indian Sikhs crossed the Wagah Border into Pakistan's Punjab province to participate in the celebrations marking the 554th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Officials from the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) welcomed the pilgrims and assured them of security and accommodations.
Canada 25-Nov-2023
On November 25, unidentified miscreants fired 'warning' shots at the house of Punjabi actor and singer Gippy Grewal in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Later, Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi claimed responsibility on Facebook, issuing a warning to Gippy to stop admiring Bollywood star Salman Khan and also threatening Khan. The incident is under investigation, and no injuries were reported.
Canada 25-Nov-2023
Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma on November 25 stated that India is cooperating with the United States (US) investigation into an alleged assassination attempt but not with Canada's probe into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He cited a disparity in the information shared in the investigations as the reason for the differing levels of cooperation.
India 25-Nov-2023
According to sources, the Kangra police are set to investigate individuals arrested in Gurugram, Haryana, by the Delhi Police for creating "Khalistan Zindabad" graffiti on government office walls in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The graffiti in Dharamshala, credited to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, occurred three days before an ICC World Cup match. Earlier in 2022, miscreants, including Harbir Singh and Paramjit Singh, displayed 'Khalistan' banners at the Vidhan Sabha complex, leading to arrests and charges under various acts, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
India 25-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), on the intervening night of November 25-26, intercepted a drone and recovered five smaller packets of heroin weighing 5.240 kg, along with a pistol, two magazines, and 20 bullets from the outskirts of Chak Allah Baksh village in Amritsar district.
Philippines 25-Nov-2023
A Sikh man identified as Gurdev Singh was shot dead on November 25 in Manila city, Philippines, where he worked as a financier. Gurdev was returning home from work when unidentified assailants attacked him. He had been living in Manila for nearly five years, operating a financial business, and had recently visited his family in India. The family has sought the Indian government's assistance in repatriating Gurdev's remains and suspects financial issues might be a motive behind the killing.
India 26-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police during a joint operation on November 26 intercepted and recovered a drone from the fields near Agwan village in Gurdaspur district. The drone was a China-made DJI Matric-300 RTK.
India 26-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 26 evening recovered a drone from the fields near CB Chand village in Tarn Taran district.
United States 26-Nov-2023
A group of Khalistani supporters on November 26 attempted to heckle India’s Ambassador to the United States (US), Taranjit Singh Sandhu, at Guru Nanak Darbar in Long Island in New York. Despite the disturbance, Mr. Sandhu celebrated Gurpurab, emphasizing Guru Nanak's message of togetherness. According to sources, the hecklers accused Ambassador Sandhu of involvement in a failed plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and the Khalistan Referendum campaign, as well as India's role in the assassination of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada.
Canada 26-Nov-2023
Devotees and members of the Indo-Canadian community on November 26 confronted pro-Khalistan elements who had come to protest a consular camp at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Nearly 200 Indo-Canadian counter-protestors faced off against pro-Khalistan elements led by the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) at the consular camp, resulting in a three-hour standoff. Temple officials reported smooth operations, and the police intervened to disperse the groups.
India 26-Nov-2023
Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri recently condemned threats to India's sovereignty made on foreign soil and urged Canada to take action against those conspiring against India. The ministers criticized Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau for baseless allegations against India and his failure to address anti-Indian elements and Khalistani terrorism.
India 26-Nov-2023
Sikh pilgrims expressed disappointment as visas for several were canceled by the Pakistani government at the last moment, causing distress and hurting religious sentiments. A bus carrying Sikh pilgrims was flagged off from Gurdwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi for a visit to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev's 554th anniversary. They urged the Pakistani government to prioritize religious visa applications and provide clear communication to avoid such issues in the future.
India 26-Nov-2023
The recent case involving Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who issued a threat against Air India flights, has raised concerns about his open activities despite India's criminal proceedings and ban against his outfit Sikhs for Justice. The lack of action by the United States (US), despite being a close strategic partner of India, has led to suspicions about Pannun's connections. A British media report suggesting that the US warned India of a plot against Pannun has further fueled speculation. The contrasting responses between Canada's allegations and the US's actions raise questions about the evidence and potential connections to other cases.
India 26-Nov-2023
Punjab Police on November 26 busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket being operated by United States (US) based smuggler Jasmit Singh alias Lucky with the arrest of two persons identified as Mohinderpal Singh and Sourav Sharma and seized 6 Kg of heroin and a car from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The arrested individuals were allegedly in direct contact with Jasmit Lucky, smuggling heroin from Pakistan and distributing it across the state.
United Kingdom 26-Nov-2023
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak on November 26 extended Guru Nanak Jayanti wishes, acknowledging his personal connection to the occasion as someone with Punjabi roots. Sunak praised the significant contributions of the Sikh community to the UK, expressing pride and inspiration. Born to a Hindu Punjabi family with ties to Ludhiana and pre-Partition Gujranwala, Sunak emphasized the celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 554th birth anniversary.
India 27-Nov-2023
The 554th Prakash Purb, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, is marked by Sikhs worldwide.
India 27-Nov-2023
Delhi Police on November 27 arrested five members of the Canada-based designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla’s gang, identified as Rajpreet Singh, Virender Singh, Sachin Bhati, Arpit Dhankar, and Susheel Pradhan and seized two revolvers, 13 live cartridges, a hand grenade, and a stolen motorcycle from them in Mayur Vihar in Delhi. The accused were allegedly planning to kill Punjabi singer Elly Mangat and were apprehended after an exchange of fire, with Virender sustaining a gunshot injury.
India 27-Nov-2023
According to top government sources, the circulated video allegedly showing pro-Khalistani activists heckling India's Ambassador to the United States (US), Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during a Guruparab visit to a New York gurudwara is dismissed as 'wrong and fabricated news.' The video is deemed part of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice's (SFJ) false propaganda. Khalistani groups, linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been targeting Hindu temples in Canada, with recent protests in Surrey and Mississauga.
India 27-Nov-2023
Police on November 27 busted an inter-state drug smuggling racket with the arrest of three peddlers, identified as Javed alias Jaidi, Anwar Khan and his juvenile son, and seized 2.56 kg of opium and INR 16,000 drug money from their possession in Malerkotla in Malerkotla district. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the trafficking network.
India 27-Nov-2023
Intelligence agencies express concern as the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted over two dozen Chinese-made Pakistani drones entering Indian territory in the last fortnight, reportedly for cross-border smuggling of narcotics and arms. The surge in drone activity is noted during the foggy winter season, reducing visibility. To address the situation, the BSF is set to deploy additional troops, conduct patrols, and employ dogs for heightened surveillance along the International Border. Meanwhile, authorities are discussing the need for more anti-drone systems to cover larger areas.
United States 27-Nov-2023
Sikhs of America, an American Sikh body, on November 27 condemned the heckling of India's Ambassador to the United States (US), Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during a visit to a New York gurdwara over the weekend. They urged the shrine's management to take strict action against those involved in the incident, which included Khalistani supporters disrupting Sandhu's prayers and violating the sanctity of the gurdwara.
United States 27-Nov-2023
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on November 27, in an interview with the TIME, alleged that the Indian government seeks to kill him for leading the global Khalistan referendum campaign. He argued that the video in which he was threatening Air India passengers was a call for boycott, not violence. Pannun placed the responsibility on the Joe Biden administration for his protection, asserting that his case challenges American sovereignty and poses a threat to freedom of speech.
India 27-Nov-2023
The Uttarakhand Police’s Special Task Force (STF) and Delhi Police’s Special Cell on November 27 arrested a close associate of Canada-based terrorist Arsh Dalla, identified as Sushil Kumar, in Manglaur in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. Kumar was allegedly involved in supplying weapons to shooters associated with Dalla and was booked for making an extortion call to a local trader on Dalla's behalf.
India 27-Nov-2023
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath on November 27 emphasized the role of the Khalsa Panth in the decline of the Mughal Sultanate during an event commemorating Guru Nanak's birth anniversary at Gurudwara Ashiana in Lucknow, UP.
India 28-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 28 observed the death anniversary of Bhai Mardana at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in Punjab.
India 28-Nov-2023
Bollywood actor Salman Khan on November 28 received a life threat through a Facebook post from Lawrence Bishnoi's gang, linking it to the recent attack on Punjabi actor-singer Gippy Grewal in Canada. The threatening post claimed Grewal's house was targeted due to his alleged closeness to Salman Khan. Salman Khan's security was reviewed, and the threatening post warned that his association with Dawood Ibrahim wouldn't protect him. Lawrence Bishnoi's gang has previously issued threats against Salman Khan in connection with the 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
India 28-Nov-2023
Pro-Khalistani slogans were discovered inscribed on pillars and walls along Airport Road in the Amritsar district on the morning of November 28. Beneath these slogans, the phrase 'Sikh For Justice (SFJ)' was also written, indicating a possible connection to SFJ operatives. Subsequently, a video featuring SFJ Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun taking responsibility went viral on social media.
India 28-Nov-2023
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claimed responsibility for pro-Khalistan graffiti, including slogans boycotting Indian airports, along the road to Amritsar airport in Punjab via a video message. Pannun also urged his followers to boycott Indian airports.
India 28-Nov-2023
The Supreme Court (SC) on November 28 dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of former additional inspector general (AIG) Raj Jit Singh Hundal, accused of shielding a subordinate with alleged drug-related links. The court also noted the significant narcotics problem in Punjab and expressed concern about police officers' complicity in drug offenses.
India 28-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 28 recovered a drone along with a packet containing 2 kg of heroin on the outskirts of Rana Panj Grain village in Ferozepur district.
India 28-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint search operation with Punjab Police on November 28 recovered 500 grams of heroin on the outskirts of Machhral village in Gurdaspur district.
India 28-Nov-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is set to convene an emergency meeting on November 30 to discuss the release of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the Beant Singh assassination case. After a meeting with SGPC officials, Rajoana urged the withdrawal of his mercy petition seeking to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment. He threatened a hunger strike in jail if the petition is not withdrawn by December 5, expressing disappointment with the delay in resolving the issue despite being in jail for 28 years.
India 28-Nov-2023
On November 28, the annual 'mohalla' event, featuring horse-riding displays and daredevilry by Nihang jathas, proceeded peacefully despite heightened security following a clash between police and Nihangs in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala district.
India 28-Nov-2023
According to reports, the Khalistan movement has significantly influenced the Punjabi music industry, with numerous songs expressing solidarity, narrating historical events, and addressing social issues associated with the movement. Some artists supporting Khalistan have faced boycotts due to their vocal stance on the cause.
India 29-Nov-2023
The Indian External Affairs Ministry (EAM) on November 29 announced the establishment of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate United States (US) warnings about a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US reportedly provided information on the matter, expressing concerns about India's involvement. India acknowledged the US inputs, confirmed the committee's formation, and stated that necessary actions would be taken based on its findings. This development contrasts with a previous diplomatic conflict between India and Canada over similar allegations.
United States 29-Nov-2023
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) on November 29 charged an Indian national identified as Nikhil Gupta alias Nick, with murder-for-hire in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The charges were filed at the Southern District Court of New York in the US. The plot was allegedly directed by an Indian government employee referred to as CC-1. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic, in Europe.
United States 29-Nov-2023
A female staff writer for TIME magazine, Rajvanshi, on November 29 deleted her social media account on site X after allegedly receiving online attacks from assets associated with the Indian government, following her interview with Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun about the foiled Indian assassination attempt on United States (US) soil.
India 29-Nov-2023
Nanded Police on November 29 arrested the father and brother of Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda, identified as Charan Singh Sandhu and Sarabjot Singh Sandhu, for their involvement in an extortion case in Nanded in Maharashtra. Rinda, associated with the Khalistani terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was declared a terrorist by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), and his last known location was reported to be Lahore, Pakistan.
India 29-Nov-2023
Pro-Khalistan slogans were found scrawled on walls near Mata Chintpurni Temple in Chintpurni in Una district of Himachal Pradesh on November 29. A video featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) surfaced, in which he showcased the graffiti and asserted that Congress leaders involved in the 1984 Sikh riots would not be spared. The police in Una have initiated an investigation, and Pannun, previously named in a similar case last year, is now a co-accused and the main conspirator, booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
India 29-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on November 29 during a joint search operation recovered two packets containing 1 kg of heroin from fields near Ranian village in Amritsar district.
India 29-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on November 29 during a joint search operation recovered a packet wrapped in white tape containing 1 kg of heroin from fields near Mehdipur village in Tarn Taran district.
India 29-Nov-2023
According to reports, the practice of consuming traditional narcotics like opium, poppy husk, and cough syrups in a border district of Gurdaspur in Punjab has substantially decreased due to the easy availability of heroin delivered by drones from Pakistan. Drones drop yellow nylon bags containing heroin in agricultural fields near the international border, altering the dynamics of drug use. Statistics indicate that 80% of addicts seeking treatment at de-addiction centres are now addicted to heroin, a significant shift attributed to the influx of heroin through drones in the past two years. Authorities acknowledge the challenge of identifying and intercepting large-scale smugglers involved in this drug trade.
India 29-Nov-2023
Two gangsters belonging to the Sanju Bahman gang, identified as Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanju Bahman and Shubham Gopi, were killed in an exchange of fire with the Ludhiana police at Tibba bridge on Ludhiana-Doraha Road, near Ludhiana in Ludhiana district on November 29.
India 29-Nov-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on November 29 allowed two-hour ‘in-custody parole’ to Jagtar Singh Tara, a convict in the assassination case of Punjab's then Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh to attend his niece’s wedding on December 3. Tara is serving a life sentence.
India 29-Nov-2023
The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on November 29 urged Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to use his influence in persuading Pakistan to restore Sikh shrines, increase pilgrim quotas, and eliminate the USD 20 and USD 5 service fees for using the Kartarpur Corridor.
Israel 29-Nov-2023
The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on November 29, in Tel Aviv in Israel, stated that he welcomed the Indian government's decision to investigate allegations of an Indian official's involvement in a foiled plot to murder Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Blinken called the investigation 'good and appropriate,' emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and noting that it has been raised with the Indian government in recent weeks.
India 30-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered 90 drones on the Punjab Frontier this year, with 60-65% of heroin seizures attributed to these drones. BSF officials suspect the drone system could be an organized, state-sponsored mechanism deployed by Pakistan for drug delivery across the border. Most recovered drones were identified as China-made DJ Matrix models, leading to suspicions that they originate from near Pakistani Rangers' establishments. The issue has been raised with Pakistan through various channels, including diplomatic meetings and protest notes.
India 30-Nov-2023
Punjab Police on November 30 arrested notorious gangster Karanjit Singh alias Jassa Happowal, and recovered two pistols, one .30 bore and one .32 bore, along with two magazines and 10 live cartridges, and a motorcycle from his possession, from outskirts of Jalandhar city in Jalandhar district. Jassa was wanted in at least six murder cases, including the recent double-murder of a mother and daughter in Bhojowal village in Jaladnahr district. Jassa was an operative of foreign-based gangster Rajesh Kumar alias Sonu Khatri, and Jaspreet Singh alias Jassa Mohanwalia’ gang.
Canada 30-Nov-2023
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on November 30 commented on the recent United States (US) indictment of an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, in connection with an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, suggesting that India should take the matter seriously and work with Canada to investigate, referencing previous concerns about Indian Government involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Australia 30-Nov-2023
A prominent Sikh campaigner, Bhabishan Singh Goraya, has recently called for justice, expressing concern about his community being unfairly accused after a Hindu temple was vandalized on March 3, 2023, with graffiti implicating Sikhs, in Brisbane, Australia.