KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 29-Mar-2023
The Bhagwant Mann government on March 29 released 348 out of 360 detainees who were detained as part of a crackdown against Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, in an attempt to reach out to Akal Takht. Jaspal Singh, the personal assistant to the Akal Takht Jathedar, stated that a government representative contacted them to inform about the detainees' release. He also claimed that the concerned official promised to release the remaining 12 individuals who were taken into preventive custody under section 107/151 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) soon.
India 29-Mar-2023
Bathinda police on March 29 arrested two members of the Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Inderjit Singh alias Baagh and Gurpreet Singh alias Babba and recovered three .32-bore country-made pistols, two .30-bore country-made pistols and 20 cartridges from their possession from Bibi Wala Chowk in Bathinda District.
India 29-Mar-2023
Police booked three drug peddlers allegedly involved in the smuggling of 2.6-kg heroin found near Muhawa village in the Rajatal area in Amritsar district. According to Police, they have arrested one of the accused, Sewa Singh and raids are being carried out to nab the remaining two associates. Earlier, Border Security Force (BSF) on March 27 recovered 2.6-kg heroin wrapped in yellow adhesive tape and a torch from the bag from Rajatal border outpost area.
India 29-Mar-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on March 29 demanded that the Punjab Chief Minister (CM) apologize to the Sikh community for insulting the Akal Takht. Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, a senior leader of the SAD, also urged the CM to seek forgiveness from the supreme temporal seat for lodging a complaint to remove a tweet from the Akal Takht Jathedar's social media account.
India 29-Mar-2023
In the midst of a police crackdown on Amritpal Singh and his organization Waris Punjab De (WPD), the Khalistan sympathizer appeared in a video on March 29, calling for a 'Sarbat Khalsa' (a congregation of the faithful) on Baisakhi to address concerns related to the Sikh community. Singh also mentioned that he was in high spirits (Chardhi Kala). In the undated video, Amritpal Singh stated that if the Punjab government's intention was solely to apprehend him, they could have come to his residence, and he would have surrendered himself. He claimed the police action against him was an "attack" on the Sikh community. "As far as my arrest is concerned, it is in the hands of God," he said in Punjabi.
India 29-Mar-2023
Meanwhile, some reports have also suggested Amritpal might surrender as the security in Amritsar and Talwandi Sabo area in Bathinda has been tightened.
India 29-Mar-2023
In the midst of speculations that pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh might surrender before Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, a significant police presence was deployed around the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on March 29.
India 29-Mar-2023
The Quami Insaaf Morcha, which is leading a protest for the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail terms in terror-related cases, on March 29 announced that they would organize a march on April 1 and also resume sending 31-member jatha (delegation) to Mohali-Chandigarh border.
India 29-Mar-2023
The Khanna police in Ludhiana district brought two accomplices of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Harminder Singh and Gurbhej Singh on a production warrant on March 29. The accused were lodged in different jails of Punjab after being arrested in the Ajnala violence case.
India 29-Mar-2023
Punjab government on March 29 transferred the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Jalandhar (rural) along with other senior police officers in the district in the aftermath of the crackdown against Amritpal Singh.
India 30-Mar-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on March 30 stated that the state police were ready to handle any potential situation, including the reported possibility of pro-Khalistani activist Amritpal Singh surrendering at Akal Takht in Amritsar. Punjab CM replied that the police would not engage in torture and would operate within legal boundaries, when asked if Amritpal Singh had set any conditions for his surrender. Meanwhile, the police have deployed drones in a village in Hoshiarpur district, where suspects had left behind their vehicle after a police chase two days prior.
India 30-Mar-2023
The chief of the banned pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, through a pre-recorded phone call, issued a new threat to families with political affiliations and Indian students studying overseas. Pannun warned that their family members studying in the US, Canada, and Europe were at risk and that the SFJ would target them by filing cases against them. He stated that they would be unable to escape, as the group believes that atrocities are being committed against pro-Khalistani families. Pannun claimed that his group had already dismantled Congress and Badals and would now focus on AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), and that they would locate and take legal action against family members abroad, ultimately sending them back to their loved ones.
India 30-Mar-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 30 confiscated INR 7.80 lakh in cash and a vehicle, which were found to be ‘proceeds of terrorism’, in connection with a case involving the recovery of arms and explosives that were smuggled from Pakistan by the banned terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in Haryana in May 2022. The NIA stated that the cash and vehicle were seized under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. On May 5, 2022, police recovered arms and ammunition and arrested four terror operatives in this connection.
India 30-Mar-2023
Anti-Terrorist Front (ATF) president Viresh Shandilya on March 30 burnt a Khalistan flag at Bhagat Singh Chowk in Rohtak district of Haryana. He called Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh “a sleeper cell of Pakistan” and demanded capital punishment for him.
Australia 30-Mar-2023
Three men were arrested in relation to alleged violence that broke out on January 29 when pro-Khalistani supporters clashed with Indians at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia. However, Victoria Police didn't specify whether the three were among the Khalistani backers, who incited violence during a referendum called by the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for the creation of Khalistan. All those charged have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on August 8.
India 30-Mar-2023
The fugitive leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh released an audio message and stated that he is willing to endure any resistance and is not afraid of going to jail or being in police custody. He also mentioned that his health has been deteriorating due to his inability to access food, but he remains resolute. The audio was originally traced back to a Twitter account @theNSYF which is now withheld in India.
India 30-Mar-2023
Gurcharan Singh Garewal, the general secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on March 30 acknowledged that Amritpal Singh had expressed a genuine desire for the Jathedar of Akal Takht to convene a Sarbat Khalsa (a meeting of the entire Sikh community). However, Garewal emphasized that it is solely the Jathedar's decision, after consultation with all Sikh organizations, to call for a Sarbat Khalsa.
India 30-Mar-2023
Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of India, spoke with Tim Barrow, the NSA of the United Kingdom (UK), on March 30 regarding the increased pro-Khalistan activity in the UK. Barrow was en route to Kerala to participate in the G20 Sherpas’ meeting at the time of the conversation.
Canada 30-Mar-2023
During an interview on March 30, Herb Dhaliwal, Canada's first cabinet minister of Indian origin, stated that the majority of Sikhs in Canada do not support the idea of Khalistan. When asked about the recent attention given to pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh in the Canadian media, Dhaliwal responded that the demand for Khalistan comes from a small and insignificant group with their own agenda. He further commented that instead of Khalistan, there is a significant demand for those responsible for the 1984 riots to be held accountable. Dhaliwal said he had raised this issue with former Prime Ministers IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and emphasized that the wounds from the riots still haven't healed and people are seeking answers.
India 30-Mar-2023
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police on March 30 booked Varinder Singh alias Fauji, suspected to be the bodyguard of the fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, under the Arms Act in connection with a gun licence issued to him in Kishtwar district of J&K. The district administration has revoked Varinder Singh's license and will investigate how he, a former army jawan who was dismissed in 2015, obtained the license in 2014 and renewed it in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Varinder Singh was apprehended by the Punjab Police last week, charged with the National Security Act, and is being held in a prison in distant Assam.
United States 30-Mar-2023
According to a lawyer based in Patiala, some pro-Khalistan elements reportedly made a phone call to and verbally harassed Seerat Kaur Mann, the daughter of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann who resides in the United States (US). Seerat Mann has confirmed the incident through a social media post, where she mentioned that she and her brother have been receiving online threats, phone calls, and even faced harassment during meetings held in the gurudwara concerning the current situation in Punjab.
India 30-Mar-2023
Punjab police recovered a toy drone from the outskirts of Amritpal Singh’s village in Amritsar district on March 30.
India 31-Mar-2023
Reports suggest that the Sikh clergy and intelligentsia are now almost unanimous in their demand for Pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh to surrender himself, in order to "stand by his own words," to protect the individuals who have been arrested solely because of their support for him, and to clear the reputation of the Sikh community and Punjabis. Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale of Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar said that the Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief should appear before the police and say that his supporters should not be booked. “He should tell the police that his supporters should not be harmed. He should say that it was his movement that they were following,” said Baba Ranjit Singh Jasbir Singh Rode, a former Akal Takht Jathedar and nephew of the deceased Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, has also called for Amritpal to surrender. Jasbir Singh stated that Amritpal had previously expressed that he would not go into hiding and was not afraid of being arrested. “Then why is he running away now? He should be offer himself for arrest. He should stand by whatever he has been saying,” he asked.
United Kingdom 31-Mar-2023
As per reports from Pakistani media, the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have initiated legal proceedings at the London High Court (LHC), United Kingdom (UK) against Indian-origin Tory Party's Lord Rami Ranger for making false allegations that they are agents of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and are receiving money from the state of Pakistan for running high-profile Khalistan movement.
India 31-Mar-2023
On March 31, the Punjab Police extended their search for Amritpal Singh to include "deras" and other potential hiding places for the absconding preacher in Hoshiarpur district, where some suspects had abandoned their car following a chase three days prior.
Canada 31-Mar-2023
As per reports, a meeting that took place near Toronto during the summer of 2022 is indicating a growing connection between Pakistan, fugitive Amritpal Singh’s outfit Waris Punjab De (WPD), and prominent Khalistani figures based in Canada. In May 2022, Pakistan's Consul General in Toronto held a meeting with a group that included Daljit Singh Kalsi, who is believed to be associated with Amritpal Singh and is currently being held under the National Security Act after being apprehended in Gurugram.
India 31-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force troops on March 31 recovered two stuffed black socks containing three packets of 1.7 kg heroin close to the border fencing near Daoke village in Amritsar district.
India 31-Mar-2023
The Border Security Force troops on March 31 recovered 1 kg of heroin during an area domination patrol near Kalash Havelia village in Tarn Taran district.
India 31-Mar-2023
Indian students studying abroad are reportedly being targeted by Khalistan supporters in response to the nationwide crackdown on Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his associates.
India 31-Mar-2023
Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, has criticized the Khalistani elements that were targeting the children of Punjab's Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann in response to the police's actions against Amritpal Singh.
France 31-Mar-2023
An anti-India protest was held in Paris, France by the Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee France and European Sikh Organisation to support Amritpal Singh, a pro-Khalistan leader. The demonstrators strongly criticized the Indian police's crackdown on Amritpal Singh and other leaders of the Khalistan movement. They also expressed their condemnation of the arrest of numerous Sikhs by the Indian police over the past few days for their support of the Khalistan movement. During the protest, they chanted slogans in support of Khalistan and against India and Prime Minister Modi.
India 31-Mar-2023
The president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Harjinder Singh Dhami, along with members and staff, on March 31 organized a demonstration against Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann. They criticized the CM for his statement against Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and called for the withdrawal of cases filed under the National Security Act (NSA) against Sikh youth.
India 01-Apr-2023
Sanjay Raut, an MP (Member of Parliament) belonging to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has lodged a complaint with the police following a death threat he received purportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The sender of the offensive message, who referred to Raut as anti-Hindu, threatened to kill him in the same manner as Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in Delhi.
India 01-Apr-2023
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime police detained two persons, from a rented house in Uttar Pradesh (UP), for allegedly issuing threatening messages to the public on behalf of a pro-Khalistan group against attending the India-Australia Test cricket match hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8. Several electronic gadgets, including three SIM boxes, were seized by the police during the operation.
India 01-Apr-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to raise a formal objection with the Pakistani government concerning the murder of a Sikh merchant in Peshawar, Pakistan on March 31 by an unidentified assailant.
India 01-Apr-2023
On April 1, the banned terrorist outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), through Facebook and Twitter posts, claimed responsibility for three separate incidents of fire that occurred at the Wazirpur factory in New Delhi, Azma Hotel in Panchkula (Haryana), and Kanpur market (Uttar Pradesh). The Twitter account where the press release was shared has been blocked in India. However, no security agency has yet confirmed the veracity of KLF's claim.
India 02-Apr-2023
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on April 2 declared Jagdeep Singh, a former Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Punjab Police, a proclaimed offender (PO) in a case of alleged disappearance of Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar’s mother in 1992.
India 02-Apr-2023
According to reports, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has compiled a list of infamous gangsters who are currently situated in foreign nations. The list encompasses 28 wanted criminals who are charged with offenses such as murder and extortion. At the top of the UMHA's list is Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar. He is believed to be located in the United States (US) and, alongside Lawrence Bishnoi, is thought to have orchestrated the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022. According to the NIA, he is found to have direct links with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Lakhbir Singh alias Landa who is an accused in the RPG attacks in Mohali and Tarn Taran.
Canada 02-Apr-2023
A senior Indian official has stated that India has raised the issue of multiple instances of defacement targeting statues of Mahatma Gandhi with the Canadian government. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa conveyed their apprehension to Global Affairs Canada, the Foreign Ministry of Canada.
India 02-Apr-2023
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 2 reportedly received a threat in the form of an audio message from the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). In the audio clip, the chief of SFJ, Gurpatwan Singh Pannun threatened the CM “on various counts relating to the Sikh community in Assam”. Pannun said, "This message is for Assam CM Himanta Sarma. Your government is harassing and torturing pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Assam. And also torturing those who are in jail. Listen carefully CM Sarma, the fight is between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and Indian regime. Sarma you do not pray fall to this violence. We are seeking liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation through a peaceful democratic process of Khalistan referendum. Sarma, if your government is going to torture and harass Sikhs, you will be held accountable." It should be noted that after the arrest of eight individuals associated with Waris Punjab De (WPD), led by Amritpal Singh, they were transferred to the Dibrugarh central jail in upper Assam.
India 02-Apr-2023
Reports indicate that the police are currently unable to locate the Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh and his aide Papalpreet Singh, who have been evading arrest since March 18. Despite conducting searches in possible hideouts over the past five days, the police have been unsuccessful in locating the fugitives. Due to the fact that the two are believed to be traveling on foot, it is suspected that they may be receiving assistance from locals to avoid capture. A high-ranking police official stated that “No villager is providing us any clue or coming forward to inform us about their whereabouts. We are lagging behind because of lack of help from local residents.”
India 02-Apr-2023
Police arrested three persons, identified as Mandeep Singh Manu, Seema Rani and Mangal Singh and recovered 5 gm of heroin and 240 sedative pills from their possession from Seed Farm Colony in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 02-Apr-2023
Police arrested one person, identified as Gurjit Singh, and recovered 15 kg of poppy husk in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 02-Apr-2023
Police arrested two persons, identified as Amit Kumar and Shubham, and recovered 3 kg of poppy husk in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 02-Apr-2023
Police arrested two persons, identified as Jatinder Singh and Jugraj Singh, and recovered 700 gm of opium from them in Amritsar on April 2.
India 02-Apr-2023
The Majitha police arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Manjit Singh and Prince, and seized 55-gm heroin and a computer scale from them near Bajwa Hospital in Amritsar district.
India 02-Apr-2023
Phillaur police arrested two persons, identified as Sandeep Kumar alias Happy and Harpreet alias Shinda and recovered 500 gm of heroin from Garrha village near Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
United Kingdom 02-Apr-2023
According to reports, Avtar Singh Khanda, who is believed to have orchestrated the violent incident at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, leads a dual life in the United Kingdom (UK). There is evidence to suggest that Avtar Singh Khanda alias Azaad who is seeking political asylum in the UK, is actually Ranjodh Singh, the self-proclaimed leader of the designated terrorist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). It is worth noting that Khanda's father, Kulwant Singh Khukrana, was also a KLF terrorist who was killed by security forces in 1991. Reports from both London and New Delhi indicate that it is likely that Khanda, using the alias Ranjodh Singh, is responsible for issuing KLF press statements that accuse the Indian government of committing acts of violence against the Sikh community worldwide. Khanda, who was at the forefront of the March 19 protests in London and is mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Delhi Police regarding the incident. It is also reported that the UK security establishment and police did not take any action at the time. Intelligence sources also indicate that Khanda, who uses the names "Avvtar Singh Azaad" and "Ranjodh Singh" on his Facebook profile, is planning to claim responsibility for future terrorist attacks in India, particularly targeting Punjab. His objective is to radicalize young people in Punjab, as well as in countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, Germany, and Australia, and incite support for the so-called Khalistan movement against India.
India 02-Apr-2023
According to sources, Punjab Police have arrested another accomplice of fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh who has been evading authorities for over 15 days. The individual was arrested for allegedly supplying Amritpal with a mobile phone that was utilized to film footage at religious sites. Sources have revealed that the IP addresses associated with the sharing of these video and audio clips have been traced to various foreign countries such as the UK, Canada, the US, and Dubai.
India 03-Apr-2023
The Paresh Baruah led United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on April 3 termed the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)’s threat to Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma as unfortunate and misunderstood.
India 03-Apr-2023
The External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar on April 3 warned the supporters of Khalistan by emphasizing that India would not tolerate any act of disrespect towards its national flag. He conveyed that India was a responsible and firm nation, unwilling to tolerate any such activities. Jaishankar specifically cited the recent incident in London where protestors pulled down the Indian flag, displayed Khalistani flags, and chanted pro-Khalistani slogans.
India 03-Apr-2023
Jasbir Singh Virk, the national president of Bhartiya Sikh Sangathan (BSS), on April 3 expressed that if advocating for an independent Khalistan might be considered offensive and distressing, then it is equally unconstitutional to turn the country into a ‘Hindu Rashtra’. He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its divisive agenda that disrupts the harmony of the country.
India 03-Apr-2023
On April 3, the state of Punjab informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) that Harjit Singh alias Chacha, a close aide of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, was not held in illegal or wrongful detention.
India 03-Apr-2023
The president of the State Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) Joginder Singh Ugrahan and the general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan on April 3 accused the government of creating a climate of fear in Punjab by blocking internet services in the state, conducting ‘covert’ operations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and using laws such as National Security Act (NSA) against youth. In opposition to the government's actions, protests were held at 22 locations in 17 districts in front of the DC/Tehsil complexes, and marches were organized. The demonstrators presented memorandums to relevant officials to be forwarded to Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.
India 03-Apr-2023
Impreet Singh Bakshi, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, on April 3 alleged that he received a call from a Khalistani operative who claimed to be fugitive Khalistani radical preacher Amritpal Singh and threatened him for opposing them on social media for attacking Indian embassies in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. According to Bakshi, the caller warned him to refrain from any anti-Khalistani activities, or else he would be killed. He has filed a case in this connection at the Lajpat Nagar police station in New Delhi.
India 04-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 4 recovered roughly 9.5 kg of heroin in the vicinity of Bachiwind village in Amritsar district. BSF officials stated that their troops, stationed at the border, heard a suspicious sound of a flying object (drone) entering Indian territory from Pakistan near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar. Subsequently, the troops fired at the object and conducted a search of the area in which they discovered three large packets wrapped in yellow adhesive tape in the wheat fields close to Bachiwind village in the district.
India 04-Apr-2023
The banned pro-Khalistan group, Sikh For Justice (SFJ) on April 4 offered support to the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), which has been leading an armed campaign since 1979 to establish a sovereign Assam. This came a day after the ULFA-I urged the SFJ not to make any unwarranted comments about Assam. SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, expressed in an open letter addressed to ULFA-I leader Paresh Baruah, their willingness to extend legal assistance and logistical support for the "Assam Independence Referendum."
India 04-Apr-2023
It has been revealed that a Gurudwara in Hoshiarpur allegedly aided the fugitive pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh in eluding the police for the second time near Hoshiarpur on March 28. According to reports, Amritpal had paid obeisance at Nadalon gurdwara a number of times and he was closely associated with its chief Jathedar Gurmeet Singh.
United States 04-Apr-2023
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has put forward a resolution in the United States (US) House of Representatives, proposing that April 14 be designated as National Sikh Day, in order to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of the Sikh community in inspiring and fortifying the citizens of the US.
Canada 04-Apr-2023
A Hindu temple named BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Windsor town in Ontario, Canada, was vandalized and desecrated with spray-painted anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti on April 4 night.
India 05-Apr-2023
According to the Panth Sewak collective, a group of ten Sikh activists, the recent crackdown in Punjab is a joint effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) government in Punjab. The collective claims that this is an attempt to isolate and defame the Sikh community after their “good work during the farmers’ agitation and Covid-19 pandemic”.
India 05-Apr-2023
According to reports, security agencies are closely monitoring the "special gathering" that has been called by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo on April 7 to discuss the role of Sikh and Punjabi journalism, the contribution of Sikh media, and the challenges ahead in the context of the current situation in Punjab. Additionally, the Jathedar has invited the Sikh community to attend the "Baisakhi samagam" from April 12 to April 15 at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.
India 05-Apr-2023
Official sources on April 5 stated that the Delhi Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have arrested almost 300 gangsters and mid-level criminals as part of a seven-month long crackdown on the nexus of north India-based gangsters. The Delhi Police's Special Cell and Crime Branch units have arrested 51 top hardcore operatives of this gangster-terrorist nexus, along with 217 mid-level criminals over the last six to seven months. Additionally, a large number of arms and ammunition, including AK-47s, MP-5s, grenade launchers, and hand grenades, has been seized. The sources further revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the crackdown against the gangsters, including Deepak Boxer, and Pakistan-backed terror groups.
India 05-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 5 recovered seized five bottles containing approximately 2.638 kg of heroin, on the Indian side of the border fence near Mehandipur village in Tarn Taran district.
India 05-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on April 5 shot down a drone that had entered Indian territory near BOP Pul Moran in the Ajnala sub-division of Amritsar district. Following the incident, the BSF troops conducted a search operation and discovered nine packets of heroin.
India 05-Apr-2023
Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on April 5 expressed confidence that the Punjab state government's persistent efforts would lead to justice being served in cases related to sacrilege. He also stated that the nexus of politicians, bureaucrats, and drug smugglers that has adversely affected the state for generations through drug abuse will soon be apprehended and held accountable.
Canada 05-Apr-2023
The president of Friends of Canada and India Foundation in Surrey, Canada, Maninder Gill complained that he was continuously getting death threats from Khalistani radicals after he organised a reception last month in honour of India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa. He wrote a letter to the interim Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), stating that he is being warned that he could face a similar fate as Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was shot dead in Surrey. Gill, who is also a media person, was the principal organiser of the event at a convention centre in Surrey on March 19. However, due to the presence of nearly 200 protesters, some of whom were wielding swords, in front of the venue, the High Commissioner was forced to cancel his attendance.
India 05-Apr-2023
The Dal Khalsa on April 5 announced that it plans to organize a Khalsa March and hold a political conference at Anandpur Sahib on April 13 to observe ‘Khalsa Sajna Divas’. An Ardas ceremony will also be conducted at Takht Kesgarh Sahib, seeking the release of political prisoners. Additionally, the party leaders paid tribute to 13 individuals who lost their lives at a gurudwara in Amritsar on April 13, 1978.
India 06-Apr-2023
According to police, 19 individuals have been arrested by the Amritsar Rural Police in connection with the Ajnala clash that occurred on February 23. Satinder Singh, the chief of Amritsar Rural Police, stated that the suspects were identified by analyzing videos showing the incident, which involved storming the Ajnala police station and a confrontation with the police that resulted in injuries to several officers. The authorities are still investigating to identify the remaining individuals involved. The majority of those arrested were aggressive and used swords and blunt weapons to break barricades and attack the police. However, as per police sources, more than 30 individuals have been identified by the authorities, and efforts to apprehend them are underway through raids.
India 06-Apr-2023
Reports indicate that the Sikh community, including the highest Sikh temporal authority, Shri Akal Takht Sahib, did not support fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh's call for Sarbat Khalsa (Sikh assembly). Religious authorities of the Sikh community are displeased with the way Amritpal Singh attempted to impose his demands on the Jathedar (chief) of Shri Akal Takht Sahib. Despite Amritpal's demand to hold a Sarbat Khalsa, the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh did not respond. However, the decision to schedule a Gurmati Sangam from April 12 to 15 implies that there were no intentions to hold the Sarbat Khalsa.
India 06-Apr-2023
Reports suggest that the special investigation team (SIT), established under the guidance of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) to investigate potential links between Punjab police officials and the drug mafia, has not accused any police officer in their three reports.
India 06-Apr-2023
The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, on April 6 urged for the most severe measures to be taken against Khalistani radicals in the United Kingdom (UK). This statement comes after a group of Khalistan supporters seized India's national flag from atop the mission in London and replaced it with separatist flags while shouting pro-Khalistani slogans. The MEA also criticized the UK government's lack of concern for the safety of Indian diplomatic facilities and personnel, and raised serious questions regarding the UK police's response, as the Khalistani extremists involved in the incident remain at large.
India 06-Apr-2023
Patiala police arrested Sahil alias Kala, a gangster linked with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and wanted in connection with the murder of Kabaddi player Dharminder Singh Bhinda, from Bhadson Road in Patiala district. Police also recovered two pistols and 10 live cartridges from his possession. Bhinda who was murdered near Punjabi University in Patiala on April 6, 2022.
India 06-Apr-2023
It has been reported that the Punjab Government, at the request of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has begun to gather information on the properties of 57 individuals accused of being gangsters, terrorists, and members of the banned organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Ferozepur district has the largest number of properties associated with the accused, with 12, while Tarn Taran (11) and Amritsar (10) come in second and third, respectively. Other districts where these properties are suspected to be located include Kapurthala, Moga, Mohali, Fazilka, Muktsar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur.
India 07-Apr-2023
According to a report published on April 7, Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD) underwent eye surgery in Georgia to resemble the slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, before returning to India in 2022. Sources from the intelligence agency were cited in the report, which also mentioned that Amritpal Singh's associates, who are presently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, disclosed this information. According to Amritpal Singh's associates, he had stayed in Georgia for two months (from June 20, 2022, to August 19, 2022) to undergo eye surgery.
India 07-Apr-2023
Police arrested a man along with his son and daughter, identified as Reemal Das, Rocky and Chhaya allegedly for drug peddling and recovered 75 grams of intoxicant powder from their possession in Nangal in Rupnagar district on April 7.
India 07-Apr-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 7 criticized the Punjab Government for exaggerating their event at Takht Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district. During a speech to a gathering at Takht Damdama Sahib, Akal Takth Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh pointed out that the national media was incorrectly reporting on the event, claiming that Amritpal would be detained at the event.
India 07-Apr-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 7 expressed strong disapproval of the inaccurate portrayal of historical facts pertaining to the Sikh community in National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books. Harjinder Singh Dhami, the SGPC chief, alleged that the NCERT had presented ‘deceptive’ information about the Anandpur Sahib Resolution in Chapter 8 (‘Regional Aspirations’) of the Class XII political science book named 'Politics in India Since Independence'.
India 07-Apr-2023
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on April 7 stated that the Sikh community does not desire any conflict with the government but would prefer to engage in discussions to address specific concerns. He mentioned that the community aims for a peaceful resolution to all issues. He questioned why the government could engage in dialogues with the Nagas and Kashmiris but not with the Sikhs. He also pointed out that the Sikhs have been promised several commitments over the past 75 years, none of which have been fulfilled. He emphasized that if their voice is stifled, they will speak out from various places, including Haryana, Bengal, and the United States (US), and that no one can suppress their voice.
India 07-Apr-2023
Punjab Police on April 7 announced the cancellation of all leaves of police personnel until April 14. According to an official letter issued by the Office of the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, all previously approved leaves are now null and void.
India 07-Apr-2023
In a video message, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed that Pro-Khalistani Sikhs wrote 'Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad' slogans at Air Force Station, Sirsa, Haryana to tell the G20 countries to highlight "Khalistan movement".
India 08-Apr-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on April 8 emphasized that the drug problem in Punjab has reached a “dangerous height” and cannot be taken lightly. Justice Vivek Puri reiterated that drug-related offenses must be diligently investigated.
India 08-Apr-2023
A Nihang Sikh, part of the ongoing Quami Insaaf Morcha near YPS Chowk in Mohali, was severely injured after he was attacked by fellow Nihangs with swords following an altercation, near a park in Sector 52, near Mohali in SAS Nagar district on April 8 night. Police have arrested a Nihang Sikh identified as Nihang Mela Singh and booked eight others for attempt-to-murder, rioting, unlawful assembly and criminal conspiracy.
United States 08-Apr-2023
Following the incidents of violence by pro-Khalistan supporters at Indian missions, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's ambassador to the United States (US), emphasized during his keynote speech on April 8 that the Khalsa, which was founded by Guru Gobind Singh on Baisakhi, is a force that unites rather than divides. Singh also suggested that the fundamental principles of the Khalsa should not be overshadowed by the malicious actions of a few individuals who exploit virtual media, in reference to the violent acts carried out by pro-Khalistan supporters in countries such as the US, Canada, United Kingdom (UK), and Australia.
United States 08-Apr-2023
The American Sikh Council (ASC), which is made up of 74 gurudwaras and Sikh institutions in the United States (US), has raised concerns about the purported targeting and unlawful detention of young Sikh men throughout Punjab since March 18. The organization has called upon various US government departments, as well as independent institutions such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, to take note of the current situation in the state and take necessary measures.
India 08-Apr-2023
On the anniversary of Jugraj Singh Toofan's death, Sikh radicals paid their respects to the Sikh militant.
India 09-Apr-2023
The Punjab Government on April 9 transferred Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Jails) B Chandra Shekhar just days after ordering an investigation into gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's jailhouse interviews.
India 09-Apr-2023
Police arrested two smugglers, identified as Daljit Singh alias Gudu and Binder Singh and recovered 350 kg of poppy husk kept in 21 bags from their possession at Madhopur Chowk, Fatehgarh Sahib district on April 9.
India 09-Apr-2023
Following the release of a video where fugitive pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh called for a "Sarbat Khalsa" (a congregation of the Sikh faithful) on Baisakhi, security measures in Bathinda have been strengthened. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar stated, “We have made elaborate security arrangements. We are here for the convenience of people. We want more and more people to visit the state on Baisakhi. It will send out a positive message that the situation is normal in Punjab. No restrictions have been imposed.”
India 09-Apr-2023
A delegation of lawyers, sent by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has reached Dibrugarh in Assam to take up the cases of the young people jailed there after being arrested in Punjab. The SGPC has assigned the task of providing legal assistance to the group of lawyers, which comprises SGPC member and advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, advocate Mandeep Singh Sidhu, who is the brother of Sandeep (Deep) Singh Sidhu, and lawyer Rohit Sharma.
India 09-Apr-2023
Punjab Police on April 9 arrested an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) identified as Jaswinder Singh Pangli in connection with an investigation into the escape of fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from the Hoshiarpur district. The police also confiscated significant pieces of evidence against him.
India 10-Apr-2023
Gurpatwan Singh Pannun, the head of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on April 10, announced a reward of INR 100,000 for anyone who would throw a shoe at Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on April 14 for the Bihu celebrations. Pannun sent a pre-recorded message to various journalists in Assam, in which he accused PM Modi of being accountable for the deaths of individuals in Assam and pro-Khalistan Sikhs in Punjab.
India 10-Apr-2023
Police on April 10 arrested four associates of Canada-based gangster Devinder Pal Singh alias Gopi, identified as Prajvil Sethi alias Shiv, Deepak Kumar alias Monu, Gurdarshan Singh and Akashdeep Singh Dhaliwal alias Gagan in Moga city in Moga District. Police also recovered two pistols and two motorcycles from the accused who were planning to extort money by issuing threats to a local businessman.
India 10-Apr-2023
Former Punjab Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia on April 10 stated that he had recently received at least eight threat calls and had notified the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP).
India 10-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 10 recovered around 1.6 kg of narcotics wrapped in three packets near Gandhu Kilcha village along the International Border (IB) in the Ferozepur District.
India 10-Apr-2023
According to a study by Network Contagion Research Institute, some Khalistan supporters are using automated Twitter accounts to encourage violence and promote acts of vandalism around the world amid rising hostilities between the Indian government and followers of the Sikh religion. The report reveals that these individuals are employing elusive strategies such as deleting tweets afterward and sidestepping suspensions by praising the placement of a "device" rather than a bomb and urging for the "political assassination" of Indian officials. Furthermore, a number of Khalistani supporters are using interconnected networks of accounts to simultaneously disseminate videos and calls to action, outrunning Twitter's limited safety personnel.
United States 10-Apr-2023
The chairman of the Sikh American delegation, Jasdeep Singh on April 10 praised Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's initiatives and credited his efforts to meet the needs of the Sikh community over the past nine years with the decline of the Khalistan movement in the United States (US). According to Singh, there are only a few Khalistanis in the entire US, who give the Sikh community a bad name. The Sikh American delegation, under the leadership of Jasdeep Singh and Kanwaljit Singh Soni, welcomed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit.
India 10-Apr-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 10 announced that the Khanna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) had been served a legal notice for supposedly associating the flags and map of the Sikh kingdom led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Sikh princely states with the separatist cause of Khalistan. According to the SGPC, the Khanna SSP has been accused of presenting these flags and map, which were found on the phone of aides of fugitive Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, as evidence of separatist activities.
India 10-Apr-2023
Punjab Police on April 10 arrested a key member of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Papalpreet Singh from Kathunangal village in Amritsar district. Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill stated that Papalpreet Singh was arrested after multiple police teams carried out a special operation with assistance from the counter-intelligence wing. IG Gill further added that the search operation to locate Papalpreet Singh had been ongoing for three days, initiated by the critical information received regarding his whereabouts.
India 10-Apr-2023
The Indian government denied the reports in the media claiming that India has suspended trade talks with the United Kingdom (UK) following an attack on the Indian high commission by pro-Khalistani extremists. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it said, "We have seen the report claiming India has halted its trade deal with the UK. It is completely baseless."