KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
Nepal 10-Apr-2023
Nepal Police on April 10 sated that they were on alert regarding the possible entry of fugitive pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, days after his inclusion in the country's watchlist. According to the spokesperson of the Nepal Police, Poshraj Pokharaj Pokharel, there has been no indication of Amritpal's entry into Nepal and reports regarding Indian security personnel entering Nepal to locate the pro-Khalistan preacher are unfounded and untrue.
India 10-Apr-2023
Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video message, claimed that pro-'Khalistan' sympathizers raised 'Khalistan' flag at Mata Sahib Kaur College, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda and wrote a slogan that on 324th Khalsa Sajna Day (Baisakhi) as 'Punjab Hal Khalistan'. Pannun also expressed gratitude towards the girls from the college who participated in raising the flag and writing the slogans.
Australia 10-Apr-2023
There is a poster circulating on social media that states the next Khalistan Referendum voting will take place on June 4 at the General Shabheg Singh Voting Centre in Sydney, Australia.
India 11-Apr-2023
A senior police officer confirmed that they had detained Hardeep Singh alias Deepa, of Dhurkot Charat Singh Wala village on April 11 and sent him to Ludhiana in the custody of the Counter Intelligence wing. He was arrested in the Amritpal case.
United States 11-Apr-2023
The California State Assembly has urged the United States (US) Congress to acknowledge and denounce the anti-Sikh violence that occurred in India in November 1984 as an act of genocide. On March 22, 2023, Assembly member Jasmeet Kaur Bains, the first Sikh elected to the State Assembly, introduced a bill to this effect, which was passed unanimously on April 11.
India 11-Apr-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 11 referred Waris Punjab De (WPD) Chief Amritpal Singh as innocent. Bhagwant Singh Sialka, an Executive Member of the SGPC and a prominent lawyer stated that Amritpal Singh and his associates are against the Punjab Government, not against the people. He advised the Punjab Police to cease their actions and pledged to offer legal support to Amritpal Singh and his accomplices.
India 11-Apr-2023
According to reports, former journalist Papalpreet Singh had been operating his own media channel and was serving as media advisor to Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh. In 2007, after the imposition of the death penalty on Jagtar Singh Hawara and Balwant Singh Rajoana, who were convicted of assassinating former Chief Minister Beant Singh, Papalpreet reportedly advocated for the formation of an independent Sikh state. He was also affiliated with the Sikh Youth Front and Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale). Papalpreet gained notoriety during the controversial 2015 Sarbat Khalsa, where he read out a message from imprisoned separatist Narain Singh Chaura, who purportedly had ties to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), an organization associated with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
India 11-Apr-2023
On April 11, Papalpreet Singh, a close aide of fugitive Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, was shifted to the Dibrugarh Central Prison in Assam after being arrested by Punjab police on April 10 in the Kathu Nangal area of Amritsar. Papalpreet was booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and, according to the police, was wanted in six other cases.
India 11-Apr-2023
The Punjab government on April 11 informed the High Court (HC) that Daljit Singh Kalsi, who has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA), was assisting Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh in spreading radical ideology and inciting violence against the state to establish a separate Khalistan. The government also clarified that any allegations to the contrary are false and misleading.
India 12-Apr-2023
Police on April 12 arrested four drug smugglers, identified as Manpreet Singh, Jaspal singh alias Gopi, Sukhdev Singh and Dyalvinder Singh and recovered 35 packets of heroin, weighing 36.9 kg from their possession near Lalo Wali village in Fazilka district.
India 12-Apr-2023
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Punjab, Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, has offered a reward of INR 100,000 for anyone who can publicly humiliate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Sikh for Justice (SFJ) organization, by blackening his face and slapping him. Grewal made this declaration on Twitter, stating that it was in response to SFJ's INR 100,000 reward offer for anyone who could throw a shoe at Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his visit to Assam on April 14.
India 12-Apr-2023
According to an announcement made by the Punjab Police, individuals who provide information about Amritpal Singh, pro-Khalistani leader who is on the run, will be given a "suitable" reward. The police have assured that the identity of the informant will remain confidential. Posters featuring the picture of Amritpal Singh, have been displayed in various locations, including the Batala railway station.
India 12-Apr-2023
During the fifth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue (HAD) in New Delhi on April 12, the Indian government raised concerns about pro-Khalistani elements exploiting the United Kingdom's (UK) asylum status to engage in terrorist activities in India. The Indian government also urged the British authorities to enhance their monitoring efforts and take ‘appropriate proactive’ measures. The security breach that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London last month was also brought up by the administration.
India 12-Apr-2023
Police on April 12 detained Charanjit Kaur, the mother of pro-Khalistan activist Avtar Singh Khanda, from her residence in Moga in Moga district, and she is expected to be interrogated regarding unlawful hawala money transfers, according to a senior police official. Khanda, who is seeking asylum in the United Kingdom (UK,) was arrested by British authorities for removing the Indian flag at the Indian Embassy in London on March 19. Investigations into the Amritpal Singh case found that Khanda trained him in Dubai to keep the Khalistan movement alive before he (Amritpal) came to India.
India 12-Apr-2023
Meanwhile, it was also reported that pro-Khalistan activist Avtar Singh Khanda’s younger sister was taken into custody from a hospital in Mohali where she was employed as a nurse. However, no further details were available on her detention.
India 12-Apr-2023
Harjinder Singh Dhami, the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), announced that the signature campaign for the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners) will end on Baisakhi. He also stated that over 25 lakh forms have been filled out as part of the campaign.
India 12-Apr-2023
Police on April 12 arrested four persons, identified as Manpreet Singh, Jaspal Singh, alias Gopi, Sukhdev Singh and Dyalinder Singh and recovered 36 kg of heroin worth around INR 180 crore from their possession near the Lalowali drain bridge in Fazilka district. According to police, the consignment, smuggled from Pakistan, was to be transported to Amritsar.
India 12-Apr-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 4.5 kg of heroin that was dropped by a drone on the intervening night of April 12-13 near the International Border (IB) of Maharkhewa Mansa village in Fazilka district.
India 13-Apr-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on April 13 accused the Punjab government and the police of interfering with the arrangements being made by gurudwaras for ‘Khalsa Sajna Diwas’ (Baisakhi). The Chief of the SGPC stated that the police were imposing arbitrary restrictions on the Sangat (community), and he added that the government's actions were "extremely bad" and could not be condoned.
India 13-Apr-2023
The Dal Khalsa raised the flag of the Sikh Empire in remembrance of Sarkar-e-Khalsa and honored the martyrs of the faith who were shot by the neo-Nirankaris in Amritsar 45 years ago. Jathedar of the Takhat Keshgarh Sahib, Gaini Raghbir Singh, led a prayer for the health and freedom of political prisoners held in Indian jails.
India 13-Apr-2023
A joint team of counter-intelligence and Moga police questioned the mother of Khalistan radical leader Avtar Singh Khanda, Charanjit Kaur for the second consecutive day on April 13.
India 13-Apr-2023
According to sources, the Punjab police are frantically searching for the fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, as they believe he may visit any of the state's gurdwaras, particularly during the Baisakhi period. A significant paramilitary and police force has been stationed near the Golden Temple. Since the night of April 13, police have been inspecting all vehicles on highways and connecting roads in response to rumors that Amritpal may try to travel to Talwandi Sabo during Baisakhi. Police in Punjab and other states are taking every possible measure to locate him, including putting up posters and searching each car and house.
India 13-Apr-2023
Punjab-based Sikh leaders expressed their criticism of the Punjab Government for blocking social media accounts belonging to media outlets in the state.
Pakistan 13-Apr-2023
Reports indicate that Khalistani accounts and websites based in Pakistan are spreading false information about the Indian Army in relation to the firing incident at Bathinda military station.
India 13-Apr-2023
Police on April 13 arrested two men, identified as Hardeep Singh and Kuldip Singh for allegedly harbouring fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from Mehtiana in Hoshiarpur district. According to police, when Amritpal escaped from police after reaching Marnaian village on March 28, he met both the brothers who were loading sand in a tractor-trailer. They allegedly took him to their residence where they provided him with food and clothing.
India 13-Apr-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned pro-Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), shared a 48-second video on social media in which he called on Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army to gather at Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sago on April 14 to support his campaign for a referendum on Khalistan. Pannun indirectly referenced Mao Zedong's tactics for revolution in the video, stating that "there will be no peace in India unless we free Punjab from Indian occupation through the Khalistan referendum." Pannun also attempted to leverage the Bathinda cantonment incident to breathe new life into his struggling movement.
India 14-Apr-2023
Giani Harpreet Singh, the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Divas on April 14, urged Sikhs to be "shastradhari" (armed). He criticized the excessive police presence in Talwandi Sabo during Baisakhi and Khalsa Sajna Day. The Jathedar also refuted the notion that Punjab is a state of chaos, saying that people in the region live in peace and harmony. He stated that situations become terrible when there are conflicts between different communities in a state and even worse when there is a confrontation with the government over something.
India 14-Apr-2023
During a Baisakhi conference on April 14 at Talwandi Sabo in the Bathinda district, organized by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), there were reports of slogans being chanted in favor of Khalistan and Amritpal Singh. Simranjit Singh Mann and the leader of SAD (A) expressed concern that Punjabi youth were facing harassment and that there was a deliberate effort to create a climate of fear.
India 14-Apr-2023
Police on April 14 arrested a practicing lawyer, Rajdeep Singh for his alleged links with fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur District.
India 14-Apr-2023
Police on April 14 arrested a man identified as Navdeep Singh and an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) identified Kulwinder Singh for trying to smuggle heroin into the Faridkot jail. The jail authorities seized 4 gm of heroin from their possession.
India 15-Apr-2023
Punjab Police on April 15 arrested a key associate of pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, identified as Joga Singh, who is in-charge of ‘dera’ in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, from Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib district. According to Narinder Bhargav, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the border range, Joga Singh had direct contact with Amritpal Singh, the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD). He facilitated shelter and transportation for the pro-Khalistan leader and his assistant Papalpreet from March 18 to March 28, arranging their stay in Pilibhit before their return to Punjab.
India 15-Apr-2023
The head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has claimed responsibility for the shooting and killing of four soldiers at Bathinda Military Station on April 12. In a video, he has demanded the creation of Khalistan as a separate nation for Punjab to prevent such attacks and warned Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) has also claimed responsibility for the firing at the Bathinda Army Cantt. Ajit Singh, a member of KTF, has issued a letter on letterhead alleging that the Indian Army was responsible for the killing of Sikhs during their attack on the Golden Temple in 1984, and this attack on the Indian Army was an act of vengeance.
India 15-Apr-2023
The Punjab Police on April 15 dismissed the claims made by banned groups such as the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) of being responsible for the killing of four soldiers at Bathinda Military Station on April 12 as "diversionary". The Additional Director General of Police (DGP), Surinderpal Singh Parmar stated that based on the investigations so far, it appears to be an internal issue of the army. The weapon used in the attack, a 5.56 INSAS rifle, was recovered with spent cartridges. Thus, Parmar dismissed the claims made by KTF and SFJ as hollow and intended to garner media attention.
India 15-Apr-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) on April 15 arrested an intruder identified as Ramtali of Tati Usman village in Kasur district of Pakistan from an area close to the Raja Mohtaam outpost along the Indo-Pakistan border in Ferozepur district.
India 15-Apr-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and police on April 15 arrested three persons, identified as Sandeep Singh Pehalwan, Surinder Sonu and Puneet Kajla, and recovered 12 kg of heroin from them in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 15-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 15 recovered three packets weighing 3.2 kg of heroin that were airdropped by a Pakistani drone near the International Border (IB) in the Bachiwind village in Amritsar district.
New Zealand 15-Apr-2023
According to reports, the Auckland Police have arrested Baltej Singh, a pro-Khalistan activist in New Zealand and the nephew of Satwant Singh, the assassin of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in connection with the recovery of 328 kg of methamphetamine worth close to INR 100 crore in the international market. Baltej Singh is known for organizing anti-India and pro-Khalistan protests and gatherings in New Zealand, and he is also listed as a significant contributor to fundraising efforts for the Khalistan movement.
Pakistan 15-Apr-2023
During the Baisakhi occasion at Sri Panja Sahib near Rawalpindi, Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistan leader based in Pakistan, addressed Indian Sikhs and encouraged them to demand Khalistan. He reportedly compelled the audience to chant "Khalistan Zindabad" and stated that despite being a part of the Shiromani Committee and Delhi Committee, they were still Sikhs and could not openly raise their voices. He expressed a desire for their own country and declared that anyone who is a Guru's Sikh would support his call for ‘Khalistan Zindabad.’
India 16-Apr-2023
A court in Hoshiarpur on April 16 sent a close aide of radical preacher and Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, Joga Singh to three-day police remand. He was arrested by police for reportedly providing shelter and other forms of support to Amritpal Singh in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
India 16-Apr-2023
Reports suggest that the Punjab police on April 16 conducted a search operation at a suspected hideout of Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), in the Rania area of Sirsa district of Haryana. However, the search did not yield any results, and the police had to leave the location empty-handed.
India 16-Apr-2023
According to AK Vidyarthi, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Border Security Force (BSF), in the last month, there have been nearly 10 instances of drone incursions into Indian territory along the Punjab border with Pakistan. However, despite their efforts, BSF soldiers have only managed to capture one of them. To date, the BSF has confiscated 40 kg of heroin and 7 pistols, along with ammunition. According to the DIG, the movement time of drones within Indian territory has been reduced by smugglers and anti-national elements, which has made it challenging for the troops to intercept them. BSF has reported that between March 19 and April 15, there were 10 instances of drones infiltrating Indian territory from the Pakistani side and delivering arms and drugs. Among these occurrences, one black quadcopter (DJI Matrice) was apprehended on March 27 in Rajatal village of the Amritsar district. Interestingly, on March 27, the BSF captured two suspects and seized a drone, a pistol, and 10kg of heroin in four different incidents reported along the India-Pakistan border.
India 16-Apr-2023
Police on April 16 carried out cordon and search operations in various regions of the Tarn Taran district to curb drug and illegal alcohol trafficking. As a result, 35 individuals involved in the production and smuggling of illegal alcohol and drugs were apprehended. Police sources revealed that during the operations, two proclaimed offenders were also arrested. Additionally, a significant quantity of illicit liquor, 1 kg of opium, and 16gm of heroin were confiscated from the Bhikhiwind sub-division, while 795gm of heroin and 300 tablets of intoxicants were seized from the Goindwal sub-division.
India 16-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 16 recovered two packets of heroin weighing 2 kg dropped by a Pakistani drone on the outskirts of Chakwazida village near the International Border (IB) in Fazilka district.
India 16-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), during a search operation on April 16, recovered a broken propeller of a DJI series quadcopter, and a 5,935 Mah “Made in China” drone battery from near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
India 17-Apr-2023
Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann on April 17 dismissed Rajjit Singh from the Punjab Police Service (PPS) and instructed a vigilance investigation into his disproportionate assets. The decision was made following reports of a supposed connection between police officers and drug traffickers in the state.
India 17-Apr-2023
The fugitive pro-Khalistani leader and the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, in a message to the media, categorically stated that he wants Khalistan and Khalistan is his ideology, as it will end the suffering of the Sikh people. He stated, “I want Khalistan. Khalistan is my ideology. It is our birthright to think independently. My critics have a right to their opinion and I have mine.” He further mentioned that everyone around him possesses licensed weapons.
India 17-Apr-2023
A day after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to seek the repeal of laws like National Security Act (NSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the radical group Dal Khalsa asked Sukhbir to apologise to all people charged with the same laws when SAD was in power. According to Dal Khalsa leader Kanwar Pal Singh, the SAD-BJP government abused these severe laws against dissenters and opponents from 2007 to 2017, resulting in the arrest of over 200 activists. However, all cases were fabricated and all defendants were ultimately acquitted by the courts.
India 17-Apr-2023
Punjab police arrested two suspects, identified as Gurjant Singh and Nisha Rani allegedly having ties with fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh from a house in Sector 89 in Mohali in SAS Nagar district on April 17. Later, the two suspects were taken to an undisclosed location.
United States 17-Apr-2023
The police in California, United States (US) on April 17 arrested 17 Sikh youths for their involvement in mass shootings, including those in gurdwaras. The police also recovered 41 firearms from them. The arrested individuals were identified as Karandeep Singh, Pardeep Singh, Pavittar Veer Singh, Husandeep Singh, Sahajpreet Singh, Harkirat Singh, Tirath Ram, Dharamvir Singh, Jobanjit Singh, Gurvinder Singh, Nitish Kaushal, Gurminder Singh Kang, Devender Singh, Karambir Gill, Rajeev Ranjan, Jobanpreet Singh, and Singh Dhesi. Intelligence officials have reported that these youths were radicalized and manipulated into participating in these crimes in the guise of a religious movement, allowing their handlers to gain criminal cadres and money.
India 17-Apr-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 17 took over the investigation into the violent protest by pro-Khalistan protesters outside the Indian high commission in London on March 19. According to sources, the NIA plans to send a team to the area very soon to investigate a wider conspiracy by pro-Khalistan elements. The Delhi Police, which registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), are currently investigation the case.
India 17-Apr-2023
A row broke out over a video that went viral showing a woman being stopped from entering the Golden Temple because she has the colours of the national flag painted on her face on April 17. According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the sewadar requested that the woman observe the decorum (maryada) of the religious place. The SGPC further declared that it was starting an investigation into the situation and condemned some individuals for purposefully giving the incident a false interpretation.
India 18-Apr-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 18 requested custody of the mobile phones and laptops belonging to two Punjab Police officials from the Chandigarh District Court in order to investigate their alleged involvement with entities engaged in smuggling arms and narcotics from Pakistan.
India 18-Apr-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on April 18 directed Gaurav Yadav, the head of Punjab Police, to investigate all officers, regardless of their seniority, who may have aided drug trafficking, including those who supported the dismissed inspector, Inderjit Singh. This action is related to the police-drug mafia nexus case.
India 18-Apr-2023
Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the general secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on April 18 responded to the controversy surrounding a video showing a Golden Temple sewadar refusing entry to a woman with the Indian tricolour painted on her face. In a video message, Grewal acknowledged that every place of worship has its own rules that must be followed by sewadars. He also apologized on behalf of the SGPC if any yatri had been mistreated. Grewal expressed his surprise at the negative responses the incident received on Twitter, stating that the Sikh community has always respected the tricolour and that he did not appreciate the incident being linked to Khalistan.
India 18-Apr-2023
Bhagwant Singh Sialka, an attorney and member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), on April 18 stated that the Amritsar district magistrate had granted permission for a meeting to take place between the nine prisoners currently detained in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA) and their respective family members.
India 18-Apr-2023
Police on April 18 arrested two persons, identified as Buddu and Emil Bodra along with 18 kg of opium from Khamachon village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
India 18-Apr-2023
According to sources, the state is taking steps to tackle the problem of drones being used in narco-terrorism from across the border by training qualified instructors in drone technology. The Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training has initiated a pilot project to train a group of instructors at the National Skill Training Institute in Kanpur. Initially, these instructors will be deployed to provide training to students at the ITIs situated in Mohali, Lalru, Patiala and Pathankot.
India 18-Apr-2023
Patiala House Court in Delhi on April 18 granted seven days of custody of Lawrence Bishnoi to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror funding to pro-Khalistani outfits-related case.
India 18-Apr-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video on April 18 in which he offered a reward of INR 500,000 to Sarabjit Singh, a Sewadar at the Golden Temple, for stating that Punjab is not a part of India and that the national flag cannot be brought into the temple.
India 19-Apr-2023
Police on April 19 arrested a supporter of pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Gurbhej Singh in Amritsar district, in relation to the Ajnala clash that occurred on February 23. During the incident, Amritpal Singh and his armed supporters attacked the Ajnala police station, causing injuries to six police officials. Police have arrested over 20 persons since the crackdown was launched against Amritpal and his supporters on March 18.
United States 19-Apr-2023
Sutter County District Attorney Jennifer Dupre said that 17 individuals were apprehended in California as part of a multi-agency operation against Sikh violence. Among those arrested were two men, identified as Pavittar Singh and Husandeep Singh, wanted for murder in India. Dupre stated in an online news conference that the men are being held without bail, and California authorities will need to seek extradition through international channels. The list of individuals arrested, known as "Operation Broken Sword," was released by Dupre's office.
India 19-Apr-2023
Punjab Police have begun the extradition process for Pavitar Singh and Husandeep, two fugitive gangsters from Gurdaspur and Batala respectively, who were among the 17 Sikhs arrested by US Police. These arrests were made as part of a multi-agency operation related to 11 instances of shootings, including one that occurred at a gurdwara in Sacramento. Pavitar Singh, who was heading the Pavitar-Chaura gang, has been wanted by the Punjab Police in eight criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and smuggling of weapons under the Arms Act. The Pavitar-Chaura gang is a rival of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang.
India 19-Apr-2023
Police recovered four weapons from a Bambiha group Category-A gangster, identified as Daljeet Singh Jeeta who was earlier arrested along with 60 gm of heroin in Faridkot. According to police, he is facing 23 criminal cases in different parts of the state.
India 19-Apr-2023
The J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) has attached property of a terror-financier, identified as Amarbhir Singh alias Gopi Mahal at Ram Tirath Mahal in Amritsar in Punjab. A spokesperson stated that the SIA, along with the assistance of the Punjab Police, carried out the proceedings in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and other reputable individuals from the area.
India 20-Apr-2023
Police on April 20 arrested three persons, identified as Gurpal Singh, Harjot Singh and Jagga Singh, and seized 1,200 kg poppy husk from their possession in Dhanaula in Barnala district. The accused were allegedly taking the drug in a truck.
India 20-Apr-2023
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab chief spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang on April 20 said that due to the political protection of criminals, people’s tax money was misused and it also gave rise to gangsterism. Kang reiterated that those who made prisons ‘safe houses’ for gangsters have now been uncovered and the nexus of some uniformed persons involved in crime and drug trafficking has also been broken by the government. He added that anyone involved in any activity that is harmful to Punjab would face consequences.
India 20-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel intercepted a Pakistani drone near Bhariyal village in Gurdaspur district on April 20. BSF in a statement said, “The drone kept flying inside the Indian border for 5 minutes, during which 3 rounds of firing were done by BSF and an Ilu bomb was also fired, after which the drone flew back to Pakistan.”
India 20-Apr-2023
The wife of pro-Khalistani fugitive Amritpal Singh, Kirandeep Kaur was prevented from boarding a London-bound flight at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar on April 20. Immigration authorities, police, and intelligence officials interrogated her for almost four hours before instructing her to return home with some of her family members who had accompanied her to the airport. Kirandeep, who is a British citizen, married Amritpal in his native village of Jallupur Khera in February 2023. Police had previously interrogated her regarding alleged foreign funding for the Waris Punjab De (WPD) organization, which is led by Amritpal.
India 20-Apr-2023
Daljit Singh Kalsi's wife on April 20 met him in jail and has clarified that her husband is in good health and is being looked after by jail authorities in Assam. “I along with my son met him for one hour. He is being looked after and getting to eat whatever he wishes. He is getting very good treatment,” said Kalsi's wife while interacting with the media in Dibrugarh.
India 20-Apr-2023
The nine supporters of Pro Khalistan leader Amrit Pal Singh, who were lodged at the Dibrugarh central jail in Assam were questioned by a five-member team of Advisory board under National Security Act (NSA). The members arrived at Dibrugarh and had a discussion with detainees on April 19.
India 21-Apr-2023
The Akal Takht on April 21 strongly criticised the interception of Kirandeep Kaur, the wife of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar on April 20. Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said that they consider this act by the authorities unjustified and urged the government to refrain from causing unnecessary panic and to take action against those spreading false information about the Sikh community on social media. Additionally, the Akal Takht has called on the government to take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
India 21-Apr-2023
The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Punjab Police on April 21 recovered 4 kg of heroin while two smugglers managed to flee from the spot after entering into a scuffle with the police in Harike in Tarn Taran district.
India 21-Apr-2023
During his visit to India, Australian Member of Parliament Michael Sukkar denounced the recent acts of vandalism and violence against the Hindu community by Khalistan sympathizers in his country. In his statement, Sukkar, who is a migrant himself with a Lebanese background, emphasized the importance of not bringing domestic issues and conflicts to Australia. He firmly stated that violence and vandalism should not be tolerated under any circumstances and that his stance is very clear on the matter.
United States 21-Apr-2023
According to reports, at least 44 Indian-American organisations condemned the violent acts and destruction by Khalistan elements that have sparked outrage across the country. Operating as "Indian Diaspora Against Hate," many eminent Indian-Americans and organizations from diverse backgrounds have endorsed a letter condemning these assaults. They have appealed to all government officials and law enforcement to take necessary measures to safeguard the Indian-American community.
India 21-Apr-2023
The Dal Khalsa made the decision to conduct an ardas at the Akal Takht on April 29. The group asserted that the current government, led by Narendra Modi, was attempting to portray Sikhs as ‘villains of peace’. “While observing the day, we would reiterate that the Sikhs are neither against peace nor any religion and that they love to take Hindus of Punjab along with them in their struggle for Punjab’s sovereignty,” it said.
India 22-Apr-2023
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 22 stated that there was no Khalistan movement happening in Punjab, and that the government is closely monitoring the circumstances in the state. The Home Minister pointed out that Punjab government had done good work and that the Centre had cooperated.
India 22-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 22 seized 5 kg of narcotics that appears to be dropped by a drone near the International Border in Daoke village in Amritsar district.
India 22-Apr-2023
Police arrested gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria's two associates, identified as Sandeep Kumar alias Ravi Balachoria and Rohit along with six pistols and 25 live cartridges in Ropar in Rupnagar district on April 22.
India 22-Apr-2023
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a media conclave in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on April 22 stated that there is no Khalistan movement in Punjab and that the central government is monitoring the situation closely. He commended the Punjab Government for their diligent efforts and expressed the central government's support towards their work. Shah emphasized that while some individuals may try to stir up trouble, both the state and central governments have effectively tackled the issue.
India 22-Apr-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops apprehended a 75-year-old Pakistani national, identified as Hakim Ali, after he crossed over into the Indian territory in the Ferozepur sector on April 22 evening. He was later handed over to the Pakistani authorities.
Canada 22-Apr-2023
It has been reported that during the Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, Canada on April 22, some individuals were seen carrying Khalistani flags.
India 23-Apr-2023
A Pakistan drone shot down by the Border Security Force (BSF) earlier was recovered near the international border in Dera Baba Nanak village in Gurdaspur district on April 23.
India 23-Apr-2023
Soon after Amritpal's arrest, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP (Member of Parliament) Sanjay Singh praised the Bhagwant Mann administration for their handling of the case, citing Amritpal Singh's arrest as a testament to the Punjab government's maturity. He emphasized that the residents of Punjab will not tolerate any form of abuse of Guru Granth Sahib, referencing the Ajnala incident.
India 23-Apr-2023
Bhai Jasbir Singh Khalsa, the nephew of slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and former Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, met with Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh before his arrest from Gurdwara Sant Khalsa at Rode village in Moga district on April 23. Jasbir Singh Khalsa stated that he arrived at the gurdwara at around 4am on April 23, and engaged in discussions with Amritpal Singh, where he addressed the gathering of people who had congregated at the gurdwara. Khalsa also noted that Amritpal had explained why he had been in hiding for 35 days and why he was now surrendering, as many youths were being apprehended.
India 23-Apr-2023
Following the arrest of the radical preacher Amritpal Singh, three video clips of him were posted on social media in which he presented his arguments. In two of these videos, he explicitly stated that he had decided to surrender himself after 36 days since the Punjab Police began their operation to capture him. The first video shows Amritpal speaking to a congregation at Gurdwara Sant Khalsa in Rode, Moga, which was built to commemorate slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. In the second video, he can be seen walking around the village, entering a basement, paying his respects to a photo of Bhindranwale, and reciting Chaupai (a Sikh prayer for protection). In the third video, which was shot few hours prior to his arrest, Amritpal declares that he will go to Gurdwara Sant Khalsa, the same gurdwara where he had initiated his journey with the dastarbandi (a turban-tying ceremony to signify taking on a responsibility) to take over Waris Punjab De (WPD). He indicates that he will surrender himself there.
India 23-Apr-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) seized two packets of narcotics weighing about 2 kg from Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district on April 23.
India 23-Apr-2023
The Khalistani radical preacher and the head of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, on April 23, was arrested at Sant Khalsa Gurudwara in Rode village in Moga district. The police transported him under heavy protection to the Air Force Station in Bhatinda, from where he was flown to Assam. According to police, he will be lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Later, Punjab Police confirmed via Twitter that they had arrested fugitive Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh, who was on the run, in Moga. They also appealed to the public to ensure peace and harmony.
India 23-Apr-2023
Tarsem Singh, the father of arrested radical preacher Amritpal Singh claimed that his son was involved in combating the drug problem in the State. Meanwhile, Amritpal's mother, Balwinder Kaur, expressed her admiration for her son's decision to surrender and likened it to the bravery of a warrior. She added that they plan to engage in a legal battle and visit him as soon as possible.
India 23-Apr-2023
According to State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the recent arrest of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh, is a significant triumph for the state police. The minister praised the police's 35–36-day operation, which resulted in Amritpal's arrest without any violent altercations or sacrilege incidents. He also stated that anyone who tries to disturb the state's peace will face appropriate consequences. Cheema dismissed claims that Amritpal had surrendered and clarified that he was caught hiding in a local gurdwara by the police. Additionally, he refuted any allegations that negotiations occurred before Amritpal's arrest.
India 23-Apr-2023
The fugitive pro-Khalistan propagator Amritpal Singh was arrested in Rode village located in Moga district on the morning of April 23. The police effectively surrounded him, preventing any chance of escape. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill said that he has been transported to Dibrugarh, Assam. Gill also said, “NSA warrants were issued against Amritpal Singh and these have been executed on Sunday morning. Now, law will take its own course.”
United Kingdom 24-Apr-2023
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) plans to travel to London to investigate the pro-Khalistani protests and acts of vandalism that occurred outside the Indian High Commission on March 19. As part of this investigation, the NIA intends to interview several individuals and review CCTV footage captured by cameras installed outside the Commission's premises.
India 24-Apr-2023
Intelligence officials on April 24 stated that the radical separatist Amritpal Singh aimed to establish a new brand of Khalistani separatist identity in Punjab by generating a false sense of alienation and discontentment, especially among the youth. The officials believe that Amritpal's arrival in Punjab is part of a larger scheme by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in collaboration with Khalistani elements in the United Kingdom (UK). Over the last two months, the investigation against members of Waris Punjab De (WPD) revealed imprints of these groups' Europe and United States (US) networks, apparently used as a front by the Pakistan ISI to create a false narrative and fuel separatism.
India 24-Apr-2023
The Punjab Police said that Amritpal Singh's 'provocative' speeches, which he made on social media and at gatherings since arriving in Punjab in September 2022, as the primary reason for invoking the strict National Security Act (NSA) against him. It has been reported that the Punjab Police will include these reasons in the dossier that they plan to present to the state government's advisory board on April 25.
India 24-Apr-2023
It is believed that Jasbir Singh Rode, the former chief of Akal Takht and the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, played a role in the arrest of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh in Moga, as it was reported a day after the arrest. Sources said that Jasbir, after getting the information that Amritpal was planning to surrender at Rodewal Gurdwara, had secretly shared the information with the police.
India 24-Apr-2023
Patiala House Court in Delhi on April 24 granted the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) transit custody of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with the cross-border smuggling case.
India 24-Apr-2023
A Sikh youth, identified as Jasbir Singh (36) was arrested for attempting to desecrate a gurudwara in Morinda in Rupnagar District on April 24. As per reports, Jasbir wore shoes and jumped over the railing of the sanctum sanctorum, then proceeded to attack the priests who were present there.
India 24-Apr-2023
Former Director General of Police (DGP) Shashi Kant has stated that due to harassment and threats he received, he was unable to make public a report about police officers and politicians having connections with drug smugglers. He claimed that the report went missing from government records, and he did not have the authority to release it on his own.
India 24-Apr-2023
Police arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Sikander and Mani along with 70-gram heroin in Doraha in Ludhiana district on April 24. An Assistant Sub-Inspector was seriously injured when he tried to stop them at a naka in Doraha.
India 24-Apr-2023
Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt. Amarinder Singh on April 24 said that Amritpal Singh should have been arrested on the initial day of the crackdown. According to Amarinder, Amritpal should have been taken into custody 30 days earlier, and individuals who have connections with Pakistan or those who attack police stations should have been detained earlier.
United Kingdom 25-Apr-2023
Chris Blackburn, a British political analyst, expressed concern about Dal Khalsa, an organization that is promoting the Khalistan movement and its supporters across Europe. He tweeted, “Dal Khalsa is doing a lot of heavy lifting for the Khalistan movement in Europe. It’s a blatant lie to say they aren’t instrumental to the leadership of the movement. Their open ties to #Pakistan and their radicalism are the issues. Would you agree?” He also shared images of Dal Khalsa events featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who has been observed campaigning with members of Dal Khalsa for the referendum on several occasions.