KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 20-Mar-2023
The Punjab government again extended the suspension on all mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in Punjab as the police continued its manhunt to arrest Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his accomplices. According to an official announcement from the Punjab government, mobile internet services will remain suspended in the region until 12 pm on March 21.
India 20-Mar-2023
Several Twitter accounts that support the Khalistan movement, including those belonging to Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, poet Rupi Kaur associated with United Sikhs, and activist Gurdeep Singh Sahota based in Canada, were suspended in India. The suspension of Jagmeet Singh's account is particularly noteworthy given his reputation for making pro-Khalistan and anti-India statements. This action was taken by the Indian government during a time when there has been an increase in Khalistani-related attacks in western countries.
India 20-Mar-2023
A group of individuals from the Sikh community assembled on March 20 outside the British High Commission in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to voice their opposition to pro-Khalistan separatists who had removed the Indian national flag from the Indian High Commission building in London, United Kingdom (UK). During the protest, the demonstrators chanted the slogan "Bharat humara swabhiman hai" (India is our pride), held up placards, and waved the Tricolour.
India 20-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 20 revealed that Amritpal Singh, fugitive pro-Khalistan leader, was attempting to establish a militia known as the Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF) and noted that it had a very strong suspicion that he is being financially backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Sukhchain Singh Gill disclosed that, “The bulletproof jackets and rifles that have been recovered and the gate (of the house) of the chief (Amritpal Singh) had AKF written on them. There was an attempt to form a Jathebandi called ‘Anandpur Khalsa Fauj.” “We have a very strong suspicion of an ISI angle, based on the facts and circumstances that have come to light so far. We also have a very strong suspicion of foreign funding. Going by the circumstances, it seems that ISI is involved and there is foreign funding as well,” he added.
India 20-Mar-2023
According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Sukhchain Singh Gill, 114 individuals have attempted to disturb peace and harmony, of whom 78 were arrested on the first day, 34 on the second day, and two more were apprehended the previous night. Ten weapons were recovered in the operation. Four of the detainees, identified as Daljit Singh Kalsi, Bhagwant Singh, Gurmeet Singh, and Pradhanmantri' Bajeke, have been transferred to the Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam, where the National Security Act (NSA) has been invoked against them. "Harjeet Singh - the uncle of Amritpal Singh - is also en route to Dibrugarh. He is being taken there," the IGP said.
India 20-Mar-2023
According to official sources, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has encouraged supporters of Khalistan living overseas to stage demonstrations and protests in cities such as London, San Francisco, and Canberra. These actions are part of a larger plan orchestrated by the ISI, which includes recent protests by Khalistan supporters outside the Australian parliament in Canberra, pro-Khalistan activists vandalizing the Indian High Commission in London, and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. According to official sources, ISI agents are operating in various countries and are responsible for coordinating these acts by pro-Khalistan elements. Recent incidents suggest that ISI agents have been actively working to organize protests and acts of vandalism against places of Indian interest by exploiting the religious sentiments of Khalistani elements.
Australia 20-Mar-2023
The police department of Victoria, Australia on March 20 released the photographs of six men, suspected to be involved in the January 29 "Punjab independence referendum" event organized in Melbourne which ended up in fights between Khalistani activists and pro-India demonstrators. Two persons were injured in the violent incident where an Indian flag was also burnt by a group of men at the event. The police department has also requested assistance from the public in investigating the violent incident that occurred at the Khalistan Referendum in Federation Square.
India 21-Mar-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on March 21 criticized the Punjab government for not yet apprehending Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WDP), and questioned how they could have missed him as they had a sizable police force of 80,000 officers at its disposal. Additionally, the court requested a status report on the operation that commenced on March 18.
India 21-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 21 announced that four persons were arrested for helping radical preacher Amritpal Singh in fleeing. The accused were identified as Manpreet Singh alias Manna, Gurdeep Singh alias Deepa, Harpreet Singh alias Happy, and Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja. Many swords, walkie-talkie sets, and a.315 bore rifle were recovered from their possession. According to the preliminary inquiry, they travelled to the Gurudwara Sahib in the Nangal Ambian village in Jalandhar district, where Amritpal Singh changed into a new outfit before they fled on two motorcycles. Police also released four pictures of Amritpal Singh in different attire and urged the public to come forward with any information that could help locate him.
India 21-Mar-2023
According to Sukhchain Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police in Punjab, Amritpal Singh was already charged under the National Security Act (NSA), and the authorities are currently working to apprehend him. Gill also mentioned that Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann is overseeing the situation and keeping in touch with law enforcement officials for regular updates.
India 21-Mar-2023
As per reports, it has been confirmed that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), has connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). However, intelligence agencies are currently working to determine and confirm the specific terrorist organization based in Pakistan that is providing direct support and funding to him. This process is crucial for creating a dossier on Amritpal, according to an insider source.
India 21-Mar-2023
A Punjab Police team reached the Dibrugarh Central Prison in Assam, where four associates of Amritpal are currently detained, for the purpose of questioning them. Among Amritpal's aides, Harjit Singh (his uncle) and Harpreet Singh (his driver) surrendered themselves to the police on March 19. Police have made at least 114 arrests so far in connection with this case.
India 21-Mar-2023
Punjab police indicated that internet services are expected to be partially restored in Punjab today (March 21).
India 21-Mar-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 21 filed its initial charge sheet against twelve individuals in one of three terror-gangster nexus cases that the agency is investigating. The charge sheet accuses the twelve individuals of having ties with pro-Khalistan organizations and conspirators based in Pakistan. The NIA is investigating 10 more people for their alleged role in the terror conspiracy, including plans to eliminate certain leaders, singers, and businessmen to terrorize people, extort money from them and create a sensation. The NIA spokesperson stated that the investigation has uncovered links between the charge-sheeted accused and the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and its operative, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, a listed Individual Terrorist.
India 21-Mar-2023
The Punjab government on March 21 informed the High Court (HC) that they have imposed the National Security Act (NSA) on the fugitive Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. The government disclosed this information in response to the High Court's criticism of their intelligence failure that allowed Amritpal to escape from the police. The HC was hearing the habeas corpus petition filed by advocate Imaan Singh Khara, seeking the release of Amritpal Singh from alleged police custody.
India 21-Mar-2023
A group of Sikhs from Haryana held a meeting at the Gurudwara Kar Sewa in Karnal on March 21, where they expressed their disapproval of the Punjab police's actions against Waris Punjab De (WDP) leader Amritpal Singh. The group also urged the Punjab government to drop the charges against Amritpal Singh and release those associated with him.
Canada 21-Mar-2023
An Indian-origin journalist, Sameer Kaushal on March 21 posted a video on Twitter in which he alleged that he had been harassed and physically assaulted by a group of pro-Khalistani protesters while he was reporting on the Indian High Commissioner's visit in Surrey, Canada. In his tweet, Kaushal wrote, “I was in #SurreyBC to cover the @HCI_Ottawa Indian High Commissioner’s visit, where a pro-Khalistani group treated the Canadian media like this. Ask your Punjabi-speaking friends or colleagues what derogatory and embarrassing words they are using here.” He also claimed that instead of intervening to stop the offenders, the Surrey RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) repeatedly asked him to leave the area for his own safety, as they were unable to offer him the same level of protection as a taxpayer.
India 21-Mar-2023
Several Sikh leaders have expressed their opinions regarding the act of vandalism and denounced the violence carried out by supporters of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
India 21-Mar-2023
The Sikh Forum, a New Delhi-based Sikh group expressed concern over the recent developments in Punjab and denounced the activities of a few Khalistan supporters. They asserted that these individuals do not speak for the Sikh community residing in Punjab, other regions of India, or abroad.
India 21-Mar-2023
The Bathinda District Peace Committee, headed by DC Showkat Ahmad Parray, unanimously supported the government’s action against pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh and urged the public to stay vigilant against false information and rumors.
India 21-Mar-2023
The Delhi Police along with the Punjab Police arrested a close associate of Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, identified as Amit Singh from Tilak Vihar in West Delhi, New Delhi on March 21.
India 21-Mar-2023
The banned pro-Khalistan outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) on March 21 called for a power plant in Delhi to be shut down as part of a "civil disobedience movement." In a video message to the media, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun stated, "Delhi has started a war with Punjab, and the people of Punjab must counter-attack by targeting Pragati III power plant to shut down Delhi. Amritpal Singh had launched Khalsa Vaheer to propagate Sikhism and motivate the youth to shun drugs. He has done his duty, and now it’s the duty of every Sikh to come out and be the Waris (inheritor) of Punjab.”
United Kingdom 22-Mar-2023
The Indian envoy to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, addressed all Sikhs residing in the United Kingdom (UK), providing an explanation of the ongoing crackdown against Amritpal Singh in Punjab and appealing to them to refrain from believing and spreading unfounded rumors and false information on social media.
United Kingdom 22-Mar-2023
Harman Singh Kapoor, a Sikh restaurant owner in London's Hammersmith area in the United Kingdom (UK), has stated that he was forced to shut down his establishment following an alleged attack on March 22 by pro-Khalistan supporters. According to Kapoor, a group of individuals arrived at his restaurant with "concealed weapons" and began pounding on the glass doors while shouting racial obscenities in Punjabi. The attack occurred after Kapoor, who has a significant social media following of over 30,000 on TikTok, uploaded videos that criticized the Khalistan movement and mocked Amritpal Singh.
India 22-Mar-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on March 22 offered legal assistance to individuals arrested during the crackdown on Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh and denounced the extensive search conducted by Punjab Police for Amritpal Singh as a "conspiracy" and an "extra-constitutional" measure.
India 22-Mar-2023
Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib called for a special meeting of Sikh organizations on March 27 in Amritsar, to discuss the present situation in Punjab. The Jathedar expressed concern over the ongoing arrests of Sikh youth and the implications this has for the people's future. The meeting was called to discuss these issues and to bring together various Sikh organizations.
Pakistan 22-Mar-2023
According to reports, Pakistan has commenced a campaign to promote abandoned sacred sites of Sikh and Hindu heritage by renovating them, with the goal of drawing in pilgrims from India and other nations. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) stated that it has devised a comprehensive strategy to refurbish, maintain, and preserve the Sikh and Hindu religious sites located within Pakistan. As part of this initiative, the ETPB has initiated restoration work at the Prahladpuri Temple, which is situated in the city of Multan in the Punjab province.
India 22-Mar-2023
Dr. Balbir Singh, the Health Minister of Punjab on March 22, informed the State Assembly that the state has approximately 10 lakh drug addicts, which accounts for almost 3% of the total population of 3.17 crore. He stated, “approximately 2.62 lakh addicts are receiving treatment in government de-addiction facilities, and at least 6.12 lakh addicts reside in private rehab facilities, The true number is significantly higher. Many, including intravenous drug users, do not come forward due to social stigma.”
India 22-Mar-2023
In a joint search operation, conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Border Security Force (BSF), the officials recovered 3.040 kg of heroin which was dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Ajnala sector of Amritsar on March 22.
India 22-Mar-2023
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harkrishan Singh on March 22 visited Jallupur Khera village in Amritsar district to question Amritpal Singh's United Kingdom (UK)-based NRI (Non-Resident Indian) wife. It has been claimed that her name was involved in obtaining funds from overseas for Amritpal’s activities and the organization called Waris Punjab De (WPD).
United States 22-Mar-2023
The National Security Council Coordinator for strategic communications at the White House, John Kirby on March 22 condemned the acts of violence against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.
India 22-Mar-2023
According to a report, police and intelligence officials in Punjab have been informed that nine organizations operating in six countries, including Pakistan, are responsible for the increased terrorism and violence in the state. Among these organizations, three of them are linked to Pakistan, including the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) led by Ranjeet Singh Neeta, the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) led by Wadhawa Singh Babbar, and the Khalistan Commando Force of Paramjit Singh Panjwar (KCF). The other groups mentioned in the report include Hardeep Singer Nijjar of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) based in Surrey, South East London, Gurjeet Singh Cheema of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) based in Canada, and Gurmeet Singh alias Bagga and Bhupinder Singh Bhind of KZF based in Germany. Additionally, Gursharanvir Singh is based in the UK, Gurjinder Singh in Italy, and Purshottam Singh is stationed in France. Meanwhile, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a notorious organization, is from the United States (US) and poses as a political activist. The report also highlights the significant role played by the Indo-Canadian narcotics syndicate known as the 'Brothers Keepers' gang, which is made up of the Grewal and Dhaliwal clans.
India 22-Mar-2023
Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh on March 22 accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of promoting pro-Khalistan activities in the country. He also mentioned that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), and his associates receive support from the Pakistani intelligence agency. During an interview, the minister stated, “ISI has been at it for decades. Have seen from my time as a bureaucrat how Pakistan always gave them patronage. Had asked my Pakistani counterparts to hand over Khalistanis hiding in Pakistan but they never did.”
United Kingdom 22-Mar-2023
In support of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, a fresh pro-Khalistan protest was held on March 22 at the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK). The protest, which lasted for three hours, turned violent as some of the protesters threw water bottles and smoke flares at the main gate of the Indian High Commission. It is worth noting that the High Commission building had previously been attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters during a related demonstration. Despite this, the Metropolitan Police were able to prevent the protesters from reaching the building this time around.
Canada 23-Mar-2023
Pro-Khalistan supporters on March 23 vandalized a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Hamilton's City Hall in Ontario, Canada. They defaced the statue with paint and anti-India graffiti, including derogatory remarks about Gandhi and an assault on Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. Additionally, they attached a Khalistan flag to the statue's walking stick.
India 23-Mar-2023
The Chhattisgarh police on March 23 arrested four persons for organising a rally in favor of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, in the Raipurm area of Raipur District in Chhattisgarh.
India 23-Mar-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) has lodged grievances with both the Punjab Police and the Centre via social media, alleging instances of hate speech directed towards the Sikh community following the crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) on March 18. According to the SGPC, no action has been taken by the police thus far.
India 23-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 23 claimed that they had found video evidence of members of Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF), a private militia formed by Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal, undergoing weapons training. The training was apparently taking place in a riverine area, possibly near Amritpal's hometown of Jallupur Khera in Baba Bakala tehsil of Amritsar. The police spokesperson, Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill, revealed that the footage was discovered on the phone of Amritpal's associate, Tejinder Singh alias Gorkha Baba, who was arrested by the police. The recovered footage included the firing of weapons, the AKF logo, and other sensitive videos that cannot be shared at present. The police believe that the weapons training indicates that Amritpal was preparing for a significant operation. They are currently working with security agencies from various states to track down Amritpal, who was reportedly last seen in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Out of the 207 people arrested in connection with Amritpal, only 30 are believed to be serious offenders, the IG added.
India 23-Mar-2023
According to reports, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly made threats toward the owner of Khun Khun Ji Jewellery in Uttar Pradesh. The owner of the Lucknow-based jewellery store filed a complaint with the local police, stating that an anonymous caller, who used the names of Lawrence Bishnoi and another Punjabi criminal named Goldy Brar (based in Canada), demanded a ransom of INR 30 lakh. The caller warned of dire consequences if the ransom was not paid.
India 23-Mar-2023
Ludhiana commissioner of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu stated that they reviewed all CCTV footage from the national highway and discovered that Amritpal Singh and his accomplice Papalpreet Singh switched two auto-rickshaws to reach Sherpur Chowk in Ludhiana, where they caught a bus. He further added that they are attempting to locate the bus in which they escaped.
India 23-Mar-2023
According to police sources, pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh started a drug de-addiction center at Jallupur Kehra village in Amritsar district in Punjab. The purpose of the center was to attract drug addicts and disgraced ex-servicemen, in order to create a group that could easily be converted into a terrorist organization. Moreover, they were searching for ex-servicemen who had been discharged from the Army due to disciplinary issues, to train them in handling weapons.
India 23-Mar-2023
According to security agencies, Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh was promoting gun culture in Punjab and supporting criminal gangs while disguising himself as a religious preacher. They further claimed that he was backed by foreign entities that were hostile to the interests of India.
India 23-Mar-2023
The Uttarakhand police increased their surveillance efforts to arrest pro-Khalistani separatists Amritpal Singh and his associates as they have posted and circulated flyers in villages along the Nepal border as it is suspected that they may try to flee the country.
India 23-Mar-2023
The Punjab government on March 23 extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts till March 24 noon while lifting the curbs in Moga, Sangrur, Ajnala sub-division in Amritsar and a few areas in Mohali.
Canada 23-Mar-2023
In response to a question from Indo-Canadian MP Iqwinder S Gaheer in the House of Commons on March 23, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, stated that “We are aware of the evolving situation in Punjab and we are following it very closely. We look forward to a return to a more stable situation. And you can always count on the Government of Canada to make sure that we will continue to address the concerns of many members of the community.”
India 24-Mar-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 24 filed a new charge sheet against jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, the alleged architects of the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, and 12 others in connection with its probe into a nexus of north India-based gangsters, Pakistan-backed Khalistani terror groups, and drugs and arms smugglers. The NIA claimed that these gangsters had links with the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and other pro-Khalistan terrorist organizations. NIA further added, "All the 14 accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy to unleash a wave of terror and carry out targeted killings of well-known social and religious leaders, movie stars, singers and businessmen. Besides having links with conspirators in Pakistan, the accused were also in contact with pro-Khalistan elements based in Canada, Nepal and other countries." This is the second charge sheet submitted by the NIA in their investigation into the terrorist-gangster network; the first charge sheet was filed on March 21 against Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala, and 11 other gangsters.
India 24-Mar-2023
Based on intelligence inputs which indicated that Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), had been spotted at the ISBT bus terminal in New Delhi, police teams from Delhi and Punjab conducted a search operation at Delhi and its borders. There is information that suggests that he may be disguised as a sadhu.
India 24-Mar-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 24 stated that some people were trying to divide the state on sectarian lines but his government was duty-bound to make Punjab a progressive, peaceful and prosperous state by foiling the nefarious designs of the anti-Punjab forces. "We have to make Punjab, Punjab again, not Afghanistan," he remarked.
India 24-Mar-2023
On March 24, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered five Glock 9 mm pistols and 91 rounds of ammunition that had been dropped on the Indian side by a drone from the Indo-Pak border in Punjab.
India 24-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully prevented the smuggling of advanced small arms into Punjab through the use of a drone along the Indo-Pakistan border in the Metla area of Gurdaspur Sector in Gurdaspur district on March 24. After detecting a drone infiltrating into Indian Territory from Pakistan side, the troops fired upon the rogue drone to bring it down. Subsequently, BSF personnel recovered one parcel which was dropped through a drone containing arms and ammunition, which include, five Austria-made semi-automatic Glock Pistols, 10 Pistol magazines and ammunition of two different calibres viz. 9mm (71 rounds) and 20 ammunition with .311 written on it.
India 24-Mar-2023
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) requested the Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, to hasten the process of issuing guidelines for carrying the "saroop" (physical copy) of Guru Granth Sahib in public areas, especially in disputed public places and protest sites. After the Ajnala incident, the Akal Takht formed a subcommittee with 16 members to examine this issue. A meeting was held on March 6 at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib to discuss the matter.
India 24-Mar-2023
According to police source, the arrested gunman of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, Tajinder Singh Gill alias Baba Gorkha, confessed during interrogation that he had met Amritpal Singh through Bikram Singh Khalsa, whom he had encountered during the farmers' protest on the outskirts of Delhi. Baba Gorkha also disclosed that they had established a firing range in Amritpal's native village Jullupur Kheda in Amritsar district and had arranged bulletproof jackets for the newly-formed group Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF). He joined as Amritpal's gunman five months ago and had been posting images and videos of guns on social media without a license to carry a weapon. Furthermore, his mobile phone had images of an ‘AKF’ hologram and Khalistan currency, including a "10 dollar" note, as well as a picture of a Pakistani national's driving license. During the investigation, Baba Gorkha revealed that each AKF member had been assigned a belt number such as AKF 3, AKF 56, and AKF 47, possibly based on their seniority or proximity to Amritpal Singh. The examination of his phone showed that two WhatsApp groups, "AKF" and "Amritpal Tiger Force," were created, and the members of AKF were being paid salaries.
India 24-Mar-2023
According to sources, the Delhi police, under the direction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on March 24 in relation to the destruction carried out by Khalistani demonstrators at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19. The police have reportedly invoked the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and other applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the case.
India 24-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 24 released 44 individuals who had been taken into preventive custody during the crackdown on pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh. These individuals were handed over to their families following a promise of good conduct in future. Arpit Shukla, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), stated that the decision to release these individuals was made in the interest of the public and to prevent young people from suffering. The individuals who were released were found to have had a minimal role or were following Amritpal Singh for religious reasons only. Earlier on March 23, Sukhchain Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police (Headquarters), stated that a total of 207 people were detained during the crackdown on Amritpal Singh for allegedly disturbing the peace in the state. Out of these individuals, 30 were implicated in serious crimes, and the others were held under preventive custody. Punjab Police may release 177 individuals from preventive custody.
Canada 24-Mar-2023
An Indian-Canadian TV reporter, Pardeep Bains, reportedly received death threats from Khalistan supporters after some of his guests criticized Amritpal Singh during a television show. Bains claimed that the threats included pictures of his family's home in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab and the location of his studio in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. Some of the threats were made via WhatsApp calls, with the numbers appearing to originate from Pakistan and Malaysia. In February 2023, Bains also received a threatening letter which he claimed was from the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF).
India 24-Mar-2023
Surinderpal Singh Aujla, the brother of a social media handler for pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, on March 24 filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) requesting that NRI Gurinder Pal alias Gur Aujla, be granted permission to communicate with his relatives.
United Kingdom 25-Mar-2023
A group of Khalistani supporters gathered outside the British parliament in London, United Kingdom (UK) on March 25 to protest against the police actions against fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, as part of similar protests in Canada and the United States (US). The protesters carrying pro-Khalistan flags and banners in support of Amritpal Singh were chanting for the release of Amritpal Singh, who has yet to be arrested by the police.
India 25-Mar-2023
Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, on March 25, urged Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), to surrender himself and cooperate with the police in the investigation in to the cases against him. Amritpal Singh, the head of the WPD, is charged with nine separate first information reports (FIRs) in various offenses.
India 25-Mar-2023
A new CCTV footage purportedly showing Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), surfaced online on March 25. In the video, Amritpal Singh is apparently seen wearing jacket and trousers while speaking on a mobile phone. The footage was reportedly filmed in Patiala in Punjab. However, police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the unverified video clip, which is garnering attention on social media.
India 25-Mar-2023
The Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar has criticized the UK government for failing to fulfill its security responsibilities, following an incident in which a group of pro-Khalistani protesters damaged the Indian High Commission in London and removed the Tricolour flag from the premises. The minister asserted that it is the duty of the host country to safeguard diplomats and ensure that embassy or high commission properties are treated with respect and that these obligations were not fulfilled in this case. He further revealed that discussions have taken place between the Indian and British governments regarding this matter.
United Kingdom 25-Mar-2023
Bob Blackman, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the British Conservative party, requested a ban on the Khalistani group within the United Kingdom (UK). He expressed concern that the country is currently sheltering Khalistani terrorists and has called for a discussion in the government to determine what measures can be taken to hold these individuals accountable and prevent their presence in the country.
India 25-Mar-2023
According to reports, Papalpreet Singh, media advisor of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, was facing three charges of sedition and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) before the Ajnala incident. Papalpreet is said to have shared controversial interviews on a social media channel that he managed to further his cause. He was also one of 20 people arrested by the Amritsar (Rural) police on charges of sedition in connection with the organization of the "Sarbat Khalsa" in Chatiwind during the SAD-BJP government tenure in 2015. Papalpreet had established the Sikh Youth Front and was linked to the Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale) and the extremist group Dal Khalsa. Although he joined SAD (A) in 2017, he resigned from the party within months. The Waris Punjab De (WPD) provided him with a platform to pursue his activities for the "Khalistan" cause, where he was considered Amritpal's right-hand man and mentor.
India 25-Mar-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered seven packets of heroin weighing 7 kg, lying in a field near Wan village in Tarn Taran district on March 25.
India 25-Mar-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops recovered a container containing 810 grams of heroin lying in a field in Bharopal village near the border fence in Amritsar district on March 25.
India 25-Mar-2023
A man received an audio threat message from Khalistani supporters on his phone after he arrived at the Delhi airport from Mumbai. The pre-recorded audio message allegedly contained threats of seizing control of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi and replacing the Indian Tricolour with the Khalistani flag. Furthermore, the message contained profanity directed towards Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Based on the man's complaint, the Delhi Police filed a case on March 25.
India 25-Mar-2023
As per reports from intelligence agencies, Amritpal Singh, the absconding pro-Khalistan preacher and leader of the Waris Punjab De (WPD), allegedly kept his wife captive and subjected her to frequent physical abuse, while also maintaining relationships with multiple other women. The central intelligence agencies further disclosed that Amritpal was leading an extravagant lifestyle in Dubai that was not in line with the tenets of Sikhism, and he was not even an Amritdhari Sikh.
United States 25-Mar-2023
A group of pro-Khalistan protesters on March 25 assembled outside the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., United States (US), shouted obscenities, made direct threats to Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and attempted to provoke acts of aggression. Additionally, a veteran Indian journalist who was present to cover the event was subjected to physical assault and verbal intimidation by the pro-Khalistan demonstrators. Despite these hostile actions, law enforcement authorities acted quickly to prevent damage to the Indian Embassy's property.
India 25-Mar-2023
The Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following an anonymous warning that the Indian flag may be replaced with a Khalistan banner at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the venue for the upcoming high-profile G20 meeting in September. According to police sources, an investigation was initiated after an individual received an audio recording from an unknown number two days ago, which referred to the police crackdown against the radical preacher Amritpal Singh in Punjab.
Nepal 25-Mar-2023
The Indian embassy in Kathmandu on March 25 notified the Nepal government of the possibility that fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh may attempt to enter the country using a counterfeit passport. The embassy sent a note verbale to the department of consular services of Nepal's Foreign Ministry and the Department of Immigration, cautioning them that Singh, who is the subject of an "Look Out Circular" in India, "may attempt to escape through Nepal using an Indian passport or a forged passport from any other nation."
United States 26-Mar-2023
The Indian embassy in Washington on March 26 strongly reacted against a physical attack faced by a Press Trust of India (PTI) journalist, Lalit Jha while covering a demonstration by the Khalistan supporters. The journalist was hit on his left ear with two sticks by pro-Khalistan supporters while he was covering a pro-Khalistan protest outside the Indian embassy in Washington D.C. on March 25 afternoon.
India 26-Mar-2023
India on March 26 summoned Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay to express its strong protest against the activities of the Khalistan supporters in Canada and also asked for an explanation for breaching the security of the Indian diplomatic mission and consulates last week.
India 26-Mar-2023
According to reports, Police officials and investigative agencies are at odds over the whereabouts of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, even after CCTV footage allegedly showed him wandering in Patiala in Punjab. One faction claims that he is still in Punjab, while another suggests that he has escaped into a district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) that shares porous border with Nepal. They argued that the blurry image of Amritpal was not conclusive evidence but a tactic to mislead the police who were pursuing him.
India 26-Mar-2023
The Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the Punjab police have set free 197 individuals out of the 353 who were arrested under preventive sections of the law on account of apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance in law and order since March 18. The DGP mentioned that apart from 353 persons, 40 persons had been arrested under substantive criminal offences and seven had been detained under the National Security Act. He also said that directions had been issued to all SSPs and Commissioners of Police to ensure that no innocent person was harassed or arrested.
India 26-Mar-2023
Punjab Police on March 26 arrested two wanted criminals and recovered 4 kgs heroin, 2 pistols, 18 live cartridges, INR 2.6 lakh drug money, and a car from them in Tarn Taran district.
India 26-Mar-2023
Balkaur Singh, the father of the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, claimed on March 26 that he had received an email threatening his life. He alleged that "I've received threats on email from Rajasthan saying that I'll be killed soon, so don't take Lawrence Bishnoi's name". The police have registered a case against unidentified individuals who made threats against Singh. Earlier also, Balkaur Singh alleged that he was threatened and said that he would be killed before April 25.
India 26-Mar-2023
The Udham Singh Nagar police in Uttarakhand on March 26 announced that they have identified around 150 followers of the Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh on social media. Police sources said, "Our social media vigilance team has compiled a list of Singh's district-specific followers on social media and is counselling and challaning them. 150 people have been recognized thus far." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand police have increased vigil on the Nepal and Uttar Pradesh (UP) borders after a lookout notice was issued by the Punjab police against Amritpal Singh and his aides.
India 26-Mar-2023
Some media personnel and government officials on March 26 received pre-recorded threatening calls of the chief of banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Uttarakhand. In the audio message, Pannun threatened to raise Khalistani flags during G-20 summit at Nainital’s Ramnagar and warned Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami against taking action against Sikhs in the state. Pannun said, “G-20 delegates….Ramnagar is not India. Ramnagar is Khalistan. Sikhs for Justice is going to raise Khalistani flags during G-20 summit at Ramnagar, at airports and at railway stations to show and internationalise that Ramnagar will be part of Khalistan once we liberate Punjab from Indian occupation through Khalistan Referendum. And if chief minister Dhami tried to file cases against Sikhs in Uttarakhand, you will be held accountable for each crime you are committing. Message is from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ general counsel.”
India 26-Mar-2023
According to the Sikh coordination panel, which is headed by ex-militant leader Daljit Singh Bittu, the Jathedar is holding a meeting to address the state forces' excesses, but simultaneously requesting protection from these same forces.
India 26-Mar-2023
The Dal Khalsa wrote a letter to the Jathedar with its president Harpal Singh Cheema saying, “Our complaint is that you have shown laxity in fulfilling responsibility twice in the matter of the recent incidents. As the time passes, such decisions become a mere formality and bear no impact.”
United States 26-Mar-2023
On March 26, Khalistan supporters organized a demonstration at the renowned Times Square in New York, United States (US) to express support for the fugitive radical preacher Amritpal Singh. The protesters held a car rally that began at the Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Center in the Richmond Hill area and concluded at Times Square in the heart of Manhattan under tight security.
India 27-Mar-2023
On March 27, the Border Security Force (BSF) troops stationed along the border in the Rajatal Border Outpost area of Amritsar sector detected a drone intrusion and took action by firing at it. Later, a drone and a bag containing a packet containing 2 kg of heroin and a torch were recovered approximately 700 meters away from the International Border and 350 meters from the border fence.
India 27-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 27 detected the intrusion of another drone near the Attari joint check post. The troops fired at the drone and later found a packet believed to contain 2 kg of heroin at Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar district during a subsequent search in the area.
India 27-Mar-2023
During the night of March 27-28, a drone intrusion was detected by Border Security Force (BSF) troops in the Ramtirath area of the Amritsar sector. A subsequent search operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of three packets containing 3.22 kg of heroin near Bachiwind village in Amritsar district.
India 27-Mar-2023
The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on March 27 served a 24-hour ultimatum on the state government for the release of the detainees.
Philippines 27-Mar-2023
According to an official statement, three suspected members of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), identified Manpreet Singh (23), Amritpal Singh (24), and Arshdeep Singh (26) were arrested in Iloilo in Philippine during a joint operation by the Philippine government agencies this month. Alexander Ramos, the Executive Director of Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), stated on March 27 that heavily armed troops raided an apartment in an exclusive subdivision in the central Philippine city at dawn on March 7 and caught the militants off guard. The suspects, who are also on the Interpol Red Notice watchlist, are believed to have entered the country using fake passports. The authorities are also investigating the alleged connections of the suspects to another banned terrorist group, Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF).
India 27-Mar-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on March 27 criticized the deployment of a substantial number of paramilitary forces in Punjab for the ongoing operation against pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh and his supporters. The SAD questioned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's decision, suggesting that the government was exaggerating the separatism issue to conceal its failures.
India 28-Mar-2023
Punjab police on March 28 informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) that they were making progress in the apprehension of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh. However, the petitioner's counsel in the habeas corpus plea, seeking his production, alleged that Amritpal was being held in "illegal detention" at the Shahkot police station in Jalandhar.
India 28-Mar-2023
The general house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 28 appealed to community members to ensure they give their children the second names of Singh and Kaur, saying that not doing so was against the maryada (religious code of conduct).
India 28-Mar-2023
Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 28 alleged that Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh was playing into the hands of the “Badals-controlled” Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) over the crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh.
United States 28-Mar-2023
The United States (US) State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel on March 28 said that the US is committed to protecting diplomatic missions and condemns attacks against journalists. Patel's comments were made in response to a recent incident on March 25, where pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside the Indian embassy in Washington DC and reportedly physically and verbally assaulted an Indian journalist, as seen in social media videos. While the US supports the First Amendment rights of protesters and the exercise of free speech, Patel emphasized that violence or the threat of violence as a means of protest is never acceptable.
India 28-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 night fired 55 rounds at a drone that entered Indian territory from the Pakistan side in the Srikaranpur area of Abohar in Fazilka district, ultimately forcing it to retreat.
India 28-Mar-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 28 recovered two packets containing 2 kg heroin, a Chinese-made pistol, a magazine and eight bullets from border fence near Natha Singh Wala village in Fazilka district. According to BSF, troops fired at the miscreant, but he managed to flee.
India 28-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 seized 2-kg heroin in Hardo Rattan village, 3-kg heroin in Bachiwind and 2.6kg heroin in Muhawa village in Amritsar district.
India 28-Mar-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 seized 2 kg heroin in Natha Singh Wala village of Fazilka district.
India 28-Mar-2023
In a statement to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament) on March 28, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, disclosed that security agencies had detected 28 instances of drone recoveries involved in the smuggling of arms and narcotics along the Pakistan border in Punjab over the last three years, until February 28, 2023. These drones were apprehended while attempting to smuggle over 125kg of heroin, 100 grams of opium, seven pistols/revolvers, one 9mm pistol, 14 magazines, 132 rounds of ammunition, six detonators, and 4.75 kg of other explosives from across the Pakistan border.
India 28-Mar-2023
Police recovered around 100 kg of poppy husk from a car during checking at the Gumjal barrier in Abohar in Fazilka district on March 28.
India 28-Mar-2023
Police on March 28 arrested one person, identified as Jitender and seized 300 kg poppy husk from his car near Dhaba Jhalar village on NH-62 in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 29-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) seized two metal containers carrying about 880 gm of heroin near the International Border (IB) in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on March 29.
India 29-Mar-2023
Officials of State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) seized a drone lying abandoned in fields at the Kanwawali border village in Fazilka district on March 29. No narcotics or arms were seized from the area.
India 29-Mar-2023
As per the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Pakistan’s Balochistan-based Poshani sea shore was used to send a foreign boat “AL Soheli”, which was intercepted on December 28, 2022, for delivering a consignment of arms and drugs in India to fund terrorist gangs of Punjab and north India.