KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 25-May-2024
According to reports, the entry of jailed Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, has introduced a hardline angle to the polls. Despite being jailed under the National Security Act (NSA), Amritpal has garnered significant support, particularly among the youth and rural population of the Sikh-dominated constituency. His presence is challenging traditional strongholds of the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), with his wave potentially surprising Punjab politics if he wins. Amritpal declared minimal assets in his poll affidavit, highlighting a stark contrast with his wife's more substantial assets.
India 25-May-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Staff of Firozpur police arrested an individual identified as Karamjit Singh alias Karma and seized 100 grams of heroin from his possession near Madhare village in Ferozepur district. The police reported that Singh was apprehended during a police blockade when he attempted to flee. A case has been registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
India 26-May-2024
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma, while speaking at a political rally in Faridkot district on May 26, drew parallels between Punjab and the Northeast region of India, highlighting shared experiences of insurgency and subsequent development. Sarma emphasized the remarkable transformation witnessed by both regions, from periods of uncertainty to significant progress. He also underscored cultural connections, noting the historical presence of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Assam and similarities in the teachings of Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Assam’s revered figure, Srimanta Sankardeva.
India 26-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 26 recovered a Pakistani drone from farming fields near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 26-May-2024
In a joint operation with Punjab Police on May 26, the Border Security Force (BSF) busted an international drug smuggling module, arresting seven drug smugglers and seizing 5.470 kg of heroin, 40 cartridges, three bikes, six mobile phones, INR 1.07 lakh in drug money, 8.470 grams of gold, and 68.970 grams of silver from their possession in Fazilka district.
India 26-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on May 26, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 530 grams from the outskirts of Dal village in Tarn Taran district.
India 26-May-2024
The bullet-riddled Sri Guru Granth Sahib 'saroop' kept during Operation Bluestar in June 1984 is now on display at the Shaheed Baba Gurbax Singh Gurdwara in Amritsar district until June 6, allowing devotees to witness the damage caused by the bullets. Emotions ran high as visitors queued up to glimpse the holy relic, which retains bullet marks on its cover and pages. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh emphasized the significance of commemorating the event, urging Sikhs worldwide to observe a week of mourning from June 4-6 and to wear black turbans or stoles as a mark of protest.
India 26-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 26 intercepted a drone and recovered 10.760 kg of heroin near Agwan village in Gurdaspur district. The Pakistani drone baffled security officers by traveling 10 km deep into Gurdaspur district in Punjab instead of returning to Pakistan after making the drop when it was intercepted and fired at. Eventually, the drone was recovered from Talwandi Virk village in Gurdaspur tehsil in Gurdaspur district in Punjab. The drone was a hexacopter, made in China.
India 27-May-2024
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of one of Indira Gandhi's assassins, is contesting the Faridkot Lok Sabha seat independently, focusing on the 2015 Guru Granth Sahib desecration case. Despite previous electoral defeats, he has gained significant traction, with support from Sikh community members and farmer unions. His rivals, including candidates from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), dispute his grassroots support, emphasizing their own party credentials. Issues like drug abuse, unemployment, and education also feature in his campaign, marking his departure from traditional party politics.
India 27-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 27 arrested an unidentified individual and seized two small packets, weighing 200 grams, of suspected heroin concealed in the toolbox of his motorcycle near Chak Bhange Wala village in Ferozepur district. The individual, a resident of Chak Bhange Wala village, was questioned and subsequently handed over to the police along with the narcotics and motorcycle for further investigation.
India 27-May-2024
Mukhtiar Singh alias Qafan Wala Baba, a prominent crusader against drug abuse since 2016, recently criticized politicians for their inaction on the issue. Despite arrests and drug seizures, Mukhtiar claimed that the flow of narcotics and addiction rates remain high, condemning politicians for only addressing the issue during elections. Mukhtiar’s activism began after his 28-year-old son died from a drug overdose in March 2016, prompting him to hold a protest by draping his son's body in a shroud with anti-drug slogans and carrying it through busy markets in Tarn Taran, Punjab. He continued his symbolic protests by wrapping himself in a shroud whenever a drug addict died to raise awareness and demand justice.
India 27-May-2024
Mohali police, along with the Static Surveillance Team (SST), on May 27 arrested two unidentified drug smugglers and seized 80 kg of poppy husk in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
India 27-May-2024
Patiala Police on May 27 averted two planned crimes by arresting two members of Lawrence Bishnoi gang identified as Harjinder Singh alias Laadi and Subir Singh alias Subi and seized three pistols along with 15 live cartridges and a car from their possession in Rajpura in Patiala district. They were tasked with carrying out two target killings in retaliation for the murder of their gang member by a rival gang. Laadi, previously involved in the 2017 murder of Meet Bouncer, had been out on bail since September 2020. The arrested individuals were directed by foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon, an aide of absconding terrorist and gangster Goldy Brar.
India 27-May-2024
According to his father Balkaur Singh, singer Sidhu Moose Wala’s second death anniversary on May 29 will be a low-key family affair due to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The family remains committed to seeking justice for Moose Wala’s murder, which they believe is part of a larger conspiracy. Several NGOs will organize blood donation camps at his memorial in Musa village in Mansa district, Punjab. Moose Wala was shot dead in Jawaharke village, Mansa district, on May 29, 2022.
India 28-May-2024
Khalistan preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, is contesting as an independent from the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, despite being jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam. His entry has intensified the contest, potentially disrupting the Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) traditional Panthic vote bank. Backed by former candidates and parties, his campaign leverages a 20% vote share from previous elections and aims to capitalize on realignments in the region.
India 28-May-2024
Khalistan preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh is running as an independent candidate from Khadoor Sahib constituency in Tarn Taran district in Punjab, gaining significant local support largely due to his anti-drug campaign. His father, Bapu Tarsem Singh, is leading the campaign, emphasising social reform rather than Khalistan. Despite being challenged by major parties, Amritpal’s focus on eradicating drug abuse and his manifesto addressing local issues are resonating with voters, posing a threat to traditional power structures like the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Pakistan 28-May-2024
Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, proposed in an interview with ABN News that Sikhs could control their holy shrines in Pakistan, including Kartarpur Sahib, if they exchanged it for Jammu and Kashmir or created Khalistan and merged with Pakistan. His remarks, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on reclaiming Kartarpur Sahib, sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning Basit's statements as an affront to religious sentiments and an attempt to manipulate sacred sites for political gain.
Canada 28-May-2024
Canadian journalist and author Terry Milewski recently joined Harrison Faulkner on The Faulkner Show to discuss the Khalistan movement's significant influence on Canadian politics. Milewski, who has studied the movement since the 1980s and authored Blood for Blood: 50 Years of the Global Khalistan Movement, explained how Khalistani activists have leveraged political power to promote anti-India sentiment in Canada.
India 28-May-2024
In Bandala, Ferozepur district, Punjab, a mentally ill young man accused of desecrating the Guru Granth Sahib was recently lynched, highlighting a disturbing trend of mob justice in response to such allegations. This pattern reflects deep disillusionment with the legal system and intense reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib among Sikhs. Despite the violence contradicting Sikh teachings of compassion and justice, community trauma from historical events fuels these reactions. This underscores an urgent need for the Sikh community to reconcile these actions with their foundational values, emphasizing justice and empathy over vigilantism.
India 28-May-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, on May 28 in Amritsar, termed the acquittal of Dera Sirsa head Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the murder case of Dera manager Ranjit Singh as unfortunate. He criticized the Haryana government for favouring Ram Rahim and emphasized the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) duty to ensure a thorough follow-up to maintain public trust in the investigation system. Dhami also offered SGPC's support to Ranjit Singh's family in pursuing justice.
India 28-May-2024
Sarabjit Singh, son of Beant Singh, who assassinated former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, continues to attract attention in Faridkot's political arena in Punjab, contesting independently with support from villagers, despite his unimpressive electoral track record. His current campaign focuses on addressing the 2015 sacrilege issue, reflecting his family's historical significance in Punjab's political landscape. Despite his efforts, winning against established candidates like singers-turned-politicians from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seems unlikely.
India 28-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 28 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 500 grams, partially burned and wrapped with yellow adhesive tape, from farming fields near Daoke village in Amritsar district.
India 28-May-2024
Slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala's father, Balkaur Singh, is making the murder a central focus of the election campaign in Punjab, urging voters to defeat those responsible for his son's death on June 1. Despite chargesheets and arrests, the investigation into Moose Wala's murder still implicates gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as the main conspirator, while another suspect, Goldy Brar, remains elusive abroad. While some residents acknowledge the lack of justice in Moose Wala's case, they question whether it will significantly impact the elections.
India 28-May-2024
According to reports, in Malerkotla, Punjab's only predominantly Muslim town, communal harmony prevails despite the political fervor. Residents prioritize local issues like power outages over electoral battles. Candidates from various parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), vie for the seat without attempting to polarize the diverse electorate. Women, concerned about issues such as drug abuse, demand solutions from candidates before casting their votes.
India 28-May-2024
Jaipur Police launched a probe on May 28 after slogans hailing Pakistan and Khalistan were found on the walls of a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Chaura Rasta, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
India 29-May-2024
The decision by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to display the bullet-hit Guru Granth Sahib 'saroop' at the Golden Temple from May 26 to June 6 has sparked allegations of political manoeuvring ahead of the Punjab Lok Sabha elections on June 1. Critics from various parties accuse the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of leveraging Sikh sentiment for votes, while SGPC leaders insist that the move responds to public demand and is not politically motivated.
India 29-May-2024
According to reports, Khalistani preacher and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh has created a significant stir in the Khadoor Sahib constituency of Tarn Taran district, Punjab, by contesting the Lok Sabha elections from prison in Dibrugarh, Assam, 2,300 km away. Despite concerns voiced by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal about potential destabilization, Amritpal is garnering support. Villagers show solidarity, perceiving his imprisonment as unjust. Support for Amritpal is seen as a reaction to perceived state overreach rather than an endorsement of Khalistan, reflecting Punjab's historical tendency to oppose perceived injustice.
India 29-May-2024
According to reports, Khalistani preacher and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh is facing new legal trouble due to his supporters' objectionable remarks against the Dalit community in a WhatsApp group titled 'Mission Khadoor Sahib.' Dalit community leaders have recently lodged a complaint in Phagwara, Kapurthala district, Punjab, providing screenshots of the offensive comments. The complaint identifies individuals named Paramjit Akali, Akal Sahay, and Chacha Bagela USA as participants in the derogatory chats. Amritpal Singh, currently in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha election from the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, as an independent candidate.
India 29-May-2024
On May 29, representatives from various panthic organizations joined Sarbajit Singh Khalsa, whose father, Beant Singh, was one of the killers of then-Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, in a march from Gurdwara Dina Sahib in Dina, Moga district to Faridkot, Faridkot district, Punjab, covering nearly 70 kilometres. The march, led by numerous youths on motorcycles, saw slogans raised in support of Sarabjit Singh and his father. Panthic organizations are urging people to vote for Sarabjit Singh as a gesture of repayment for the debt owed to Beant Singh, echoing slogans glorifying the Akal Takht.
India 29-May-2024
Border Security Forces (BSF) on May 29 intercepted two China-made drones and recovered 550 grams of heroin in the Amritsar sector in Amritsar district.
India 29-May-2024
According to data from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), drug seizures by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) increased by 160% from 2014 to December 2023 compared to 2006-2013, with a 210% rise in drug-related cases. Punjab, especially districts bordering Pakistan, reported high drug and drone seizures. The government has implemented a three-point strategy, enhanced the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism, and initiated financial investigations and prevention measures, including the use of drones, to combat illegal drug cultivation. The total value of drugs seized during this period was INR 22,000 crore, marking a significant increase from the previous period.
India 29-May-2024
The Punjab Government recently announced the establishment of 28 new cybercrime police stations across the state, with one in each district and Police Commissionerate. This move aims to enhance cybersecurity and combat digital crimes such as hacking, online fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to strengthening law enforcement capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the digital realm.
India 29-May-2024
In Khadoor Sahib, posters supporting Khalistani preacher and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, who is currently held in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, were recently put up for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Singh's campaign, led by his mother Balwinder Kaur and supporters, focuses on releasing former Sikh militants, ending Punjab's drug menace, and protecting Sikh identity. Despite his imprisonment, Singh's ideology and campaign updates are widely shared on social media, mobilizing significant local support.
India 30-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 30 intercepted a drone and recovered a packet of methamphetamine weighing 540 grams from farming fields near CB Chand village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 30-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 30 intercepted a drone and recovered a packet of methamphetamine weighing 520 grams along with the drone near farming fields in Kalsian village in Tarn Taran district. The drone recovered was identified as a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 30-May-2024
On May 30, campaigning for the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections ended. Punjab is scheduled to vote on June 1, with a four-way contest between the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prominent hardliner Khalistan supporters, including Simranjit Singh Mann and Amritpal Singh, have avoided directly raising the Khalistan issue. The election discourse in Punjab is also influenced by the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, with many posters and appeals to voters focusing on the 1984 military action.
India 30-May-2024
Meta's inaugural ‘Adversaries Threat Report’ revealed the removal of 37 Facebook accounts, 13 Pages, 5 Groups, and 9 Instagram accounts linked to a China-originated network targeting the global Sikh community. This network, using fake accounts and AI-generated content, aimed to incite pro-Khalistan sentiment and had previously targeted India and Tibet. Additionally, this network aimed to criticize the Indian government and spread coordinated inauthentic information across multiple countries.
India 30-May-2024
The President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, recently condemned the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which took place in Samrala, Ludhiana district, Punjab, and called for severe punishment for the culprits. He criticized the government's lack of serious action against repeated blasphemy incidents in Punjab. Dhami urged Gurdwaras to enhance security measures, including CCTV monitoring and regular checks on electrical appliances, to prevent accidents.
India 30-May-2024
Spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed on May 30 in New Delhi that the Czech Republic's top court has dismissed Nikhil Gupta's petition to stop his extradition to the United States (US). Gupta was arrested for an alleged plot to assassinate US-based Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India 30-May-2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while addressing an election rally at the Ramlila ground in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, on May 30, announced that Adampur airport would be named after Guru Ravidas. He also emphasized the government's future plans, including a roadmap for the first 125 days focused on youth and a long-term vision.
India 30-May-2024
The Crime Branch of the Delhi Police on May 30 arrested Vishal alias Ghaisal, a sharpshooter of the Tillu-Tajpuria gang, near the Bhalswa Jheel area in North West Delhi district. Vishal had been instructed by jailed gang leaders to eliminate rivals and had previously been involved in a failed murder plot. He had also received arms and money to continue gang activities before his arrest.
India 30-May-2024
Balkaur Singh, the father of the late singer-politician Sidhu Moose Wala, while campaigning for Congress Candidate Sher Singh Ghubaya in Malout, Sri Muktsar Sahib district on May 30, expressed outrage over gangsters mocking his son's second death anniversary. He accused the state government of facilitating such acts and highlighted the presence of smartphones in jails. Balkaur also alleged government support for gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi, who reportedly earns millions monthly from jail. He urged voters to establish the rule of law.
India 31-May-2024
Simranjit Singh Mann, a hard-line member of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) (SAD-A) and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) for Sangrur in Punjab, has been campaigning for the 2024 elections with a focus on Sikh identity, Khalistan, and the release of Bandi Sikhs. His platform includes addressing the drug menace, opening trade routes with Pakistan, and tackling gangster culture, while invoking the legacy of figures like Sikh militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Sidhu Moosewala. Mann, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, resigned in protest of Operation Blue Star and has been an advocate for Sikh separatism and identity.
India 31-May-2024
Punjab's Lok Sabha elections coincide with the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, underscoring the state's search for a strong Sikh leader following the tenures of Amarinder Singh and Parkash Singh Badal. Candidates with pro-separatist views, such as Simranjit Singh Mann from Sangrur and jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, are gaining traction amid rising anti-establishment sentiments, especially after the farmers' protests. The inability of mainstream parties to address the drug menace has also fuelled support for these radical figures.
India 31-May-2024
Gurnam Singh, brother of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassin Satwant Singh, rejects any political ambitions for his family, focusing instead on community service through their memorial at his home in Agwan village in Gurdaspur district. Despite the rising popularity of radical candidates like Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Amritpal Singh, Gurnam emphasizes their family's respect among the masses, adhering to advice from the sangat to avoid politics. The village, politically diverse, shows no unified support for any party, though local sentiment seems to favor Congress candidate Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa for the Gurdaspur seat.
India 31-May-2024
According to reports, several citizens in Punjab received a recorded message from Khalistani terrorist and Sikh For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, threatening explosions at locations in Punjab where Prime Minister Narendra Modi held rallies. The threatened locations include Gurdaspur, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur in Punjab. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Arpit Shukla confirmed the messages but assured that security measures are being intensified to neutralize any threats ahead of the June 1 polls.
India 31-May-2024
According to reports, during the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections, the Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered or brought down about 60 drones along the India-Pakistan border, primarily in Punjab. Punjab, with 13 Lok Sabha seats, will vote on June 1.
India 31-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 31 conducted a search operation based on intelligence input and recovered 290 grams of heroin, a 9 mm pistol, and three rounds near Dode village in Tarn Taran district.
India 31-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 31 recovered a drone from fields near Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
India 31-May-2024
On May 31, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, emphasizing the severe impact of the drug menace in Punjab, called for stringent measures to combat it. Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, while hearing a bail petition, highlighted that the state has been significantly affected by drugs and stressed caution in granting bail under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The petitioner was accused based on a co-accused's disclosure, with the recovery involving a commercial quantity of heroin.
India 31-May-2024
The Crime Branch of the UT police on May 31 arrested a moneylender associated with Javed Jhinjha, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Jagtar Singh alias Tony and seized INR 12.31 lakh, a country-made pistol, a laptop, and a diary containing records of loans from his possession in Chandigarh.
India 31-May-2024
The Meta quarterly report of May 2024 revealed China's interference in Indian and Sikh affairs, leading to the removal of 37 Facebook accounts, 13 pages, five groups, and nine Instagram accounts linked to coordinated inauthentic behaviour targeting the global Sikh community, including in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria. This network also targeted platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) with fake accounts posting manipulated content about Sikh issues and criticism of the Indian government. Indian security agencies suggest this may involve a joint China-Pakistan operation.
India 01-Jun-2024
The Navi Mumbai police on June 1 arrested four members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang for allegedly plotting an attack on actor Salman Khan at his Panvel farmhouse, identified as Dhananjay Tapesingh alias Ajay Kashyap, Gaurav Bhatia alias Nahvi, Vaspi Khan alias Waseem Chikna, and Rizwan Khan alias Javed Khan, in Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra. The police revealed the four were in touch with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi.
India 01-Jun-2024
Punjab witnessed largely peaceful polling for its 13 Lok Sabha seats on June 1, recording a 61.32% turnout compared to 70.63% in 2014 and 65.94% in 2019. The election saw no alliances between major parties, resulting in four-cornered contests, with the presence of radical leaders making some contests five-cornered.
Czech Republic 01-Jun-2024
According to reports, the lawyers of Nikhil Gupta, who is currently detained in Prague, Czech Republic, for allegedly plotting to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and faces extradition to the United States (US), argued that Gupta acted under orders from the Indian secret service. However, Czech courts rejected this claim, emphasizing India's adherence to the rule of law. Both the Municipal and High Courts ruled in favour of extradition, and the Constitutional Court upheld these decisions, leaving the final decision to the Czech Ministry of Justice.
Canada 01-Jun-2024
On June 1, the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada announced plans to seek official recognition of the "Sikh genocide" in November 2024, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the anti-Sikh riots in India following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination.
India 02-Jun-2024
The 77th birth anniversary of Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, former head of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal, was commemorated on a large scale in Rode village in Bagha Purana Tehsil, Moga district, on June 2. Leaders from various Sikh organizations attended the event to pay tribute.
India 02-Jun-2024
In a joint operation on June 2, the Bhiwani police and the Navi Mumbai police arrested one member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who was allegedly involved in the plot to kill Bollywood star Salman Khan, identified as Deepak alias Johnny from Bhiwani in Bhiwani district in Haryana. Deepak, who had been living in Mumbai for about two decades, was arrested in Bhiwani, Haryana, where he had returned apparently to evade police scrutiny. He was reportedly assigned the task of providing a vehicle to execute the plot. The Navi Mumbai police will further interrogate him in connection with the case.
India 02-Jun-2024
Following the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections, on June 2, Punjab farmers resumed their "Kisan Andolan 2.0" by marching back towards the Shambhu interstate border between Punjab and Haryana on their tractor-trailers, near Shambhu village in Patiala district, Punjab.
Canada 02-Jun-2024
The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, called for a "lockdown" of India's High Commission in Ottawa and its consulates in Vancouver and Toronto in Canada on June 6, the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar.
India 03-Jun-2024
The Bareilly police on June 3 booked five members of two gurdwara management committees—identified as Malik Singh Kalra, Gurdeep Singh Bagga, Harnam Singh, Rajendra Singh Jani, and Hardeep Singh Nimma—after posters of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, along with Amrik Singh and General Subeg Singh, were put up at the Sikh shrines at Model Town and Janakpuri gurdwaras in Bareilly, in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, during the ongoing Balidan Diwas (Martyr’s Day) of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots being observed from June 1-6. The posters were removed following police intervention, and the investigation is ongoing.
India 03-Jun-2024
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, a military operation carried out in June 1984 to flush out Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The operation led to significant civilian and soldier casualties, extensive damage to the Golden Temple, and triggered a series of political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots, deeply affecting India's political landscape and relations with the Sikh community.
India 03-Jun-2024
Meta recently exposed a China-operated network promoting Khalistan sentiments among Sikh communities across several countries, revealing the use of fake accounts and manipulated content to amplify their message. The operation, linked to misinformation activities in 2023, highlights the ongoing China-Pakistan collaboration to destabilize India. This underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and vigilant monitoring of social media platforms to counteract such foreign interference and misinformation campaigns.
Canada 03-Jun-2024
According to sources, Amandeep Singh's arrest on November 3, 2023, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, came just one day before a wedding attended by key Khalistani supporters. Singh was charged in connection with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The wedding, held at a Brampton gurdwara, included many individuals on India's Sikh enemies list, including U.S.-Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who ultimately did not attend due to security concerns.
India 03-Jun-2024
In a recent viral audio clip allegedly featuring gangster and Khalistani terrorist Goldy Brar, he accuses the late singer Sidhu Moose Wala and his family of being anti-Sikh and supporters of the Congress party. Brar claims they killed Moose Wala to prevent his June 5, 2022, show in Delhi, as it coincided with the anniversary of Operation Bluestar, a period of mourning for Sikhs. Brar also mentions his troubled past, attributing his turn to criminal behavior to personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother in 2020.
India 03-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 3 intercepted and recovered a drone from near the International Border (IB) fence near Attari village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was identified as a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
India 03-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 3 recovered a packet containing 440 grams of heroin in a partially burnt condition, from the outskirts of Daoke village in Amritsar district.
India 03-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on June 3 recovered a packet containing 537 grams of heroin and a drone near the zero line on the outskirts of Mastgarh village in Tarn Taran district. The operation was carried out after the BSF were alerted by a local villager about a drone.
India 03-Jun-2024
The Navi Mumbai Police recently uncovered a plot to kill actor Salman Khan involving the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs, who allegedly considered using minors for the task. During the investigation, police discovered a video call between gang member Ajay Kashyap and a Pakistan-based individual named Dogar, where Dogar showed Kashyap four to five weapons, including AK-47s. Sharpshooters Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godara were stationed at various locations under Goldy Brar's orders, with John allegedly providing the vehicle for the operation. Based on specific information, a case was registered against 17 accused, including Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol, gang member Sampat Nehra, Goldy Brar, Ajay Kashyap, Sukha Shooter, Sandeep Bishnoi, Wasim China, and Dogar, among others, revealing detailed reconnaissance and weapon procurement discussions.
India 03-Jun-2024
In anticipation of the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, the Punjab Police have heightened security measures, particularly in Amritsar. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and Amritsar (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Satinder Singh have overseen security arrangements due to concerns over potential unrest from calls for an Amritsar Bandh by Dal Khalsa on June 6 and a march on June 5. With recent developments, including actions by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and political campaigning, intelligence officials remain vigilant to maintain peace during the commemoration. Bhullar assured that elaborate security measures, including the deployment of 4,000 police officers and paramilitary forces, are in place to prevent any disturbances in the holy city.
India 04-Jun-2024
Jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, won the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab by a margin of 197,120 votes. Singh, who contested as an Independent candidate from jail, received 404,430 votes, defeating Congress leader Kulbir Singh Zira, who garnered 207,310 votes. Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, expressed gratitude for the support and hopes for his son's release, emphasizing that the victory brings blessings and a potential return home.
India 04-Jun-2024
According to reports, the victory of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency has brought relief to him and his 41 jailed aides. Despite his previous Khalistani activism, his election campaign focused on drug addiction and the release of Sikh prisoners, avoiding separatist rhetoric. His parents led the campaign, garnering support, especially among the youth, without invoking Khalistan. Singh remains jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) with 12 pending cases.
India 04-Jun-2024
The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab resulted in two surprising wins: jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, and the elder son of Beant Singh, one of former Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot. Both won as independent candidates, with Amritpal defeating Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira by 1,97,120 votes and Khalsa beating Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP’s) Karamjit Singh Anmol by 70,053 votes. Their campaigns focused on local grievances and justice issues, resonating strongly with voters.
India 04-Jun-2024
The likely wins of Independents—jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassins, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa—in Punjab's Lok Sabha elections reflect deep-rooted issues such as unresolved grievances, economic distress, and discontent with traditional parties. Both candidates' campaigns focused on pressing local issues like drug addiction and historical injustices, resonating with voters seeking change and justice.
Canada 04-Jun-2024
According to sources, Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was the target of a failed assassination plot by the Indian government at a wedding in Canada.
India 04-Jun-2024
Though Punjab voted against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), farmer groups are worried about societal polarization due to the victory of independents Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa. Farmers believe that decisive action on issues like drug abuse and price rise by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could have led to victories for Congress and AAP. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Pavel Kussa suggested that the fundamentalists’ wins benefit the BJP's Hindutva agenda, while dissatisfaction with AAP's inaction drove votes toward fundamentalists.
India 05-Jun-2024
The electoral victories of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib, and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, highlight voters’ disenchantment with mainstream parties. Traditional parties in Punjab faced discredit due to issues such as mounting debt, corruption, farmers’ distress, drug abuse, and overseas migration. Both Singh and Khalsa, who contested as independents, won against major party candidates. Their sudden prominence raises concerns, especially given Punjab's insurgency-prone history and its border with Pakistan.
India 05-Jun-2024
On June 5 in Dibrugarh, Assam, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, the lawyer of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) and winner of the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, Amritpal Singh, outlined a legal strategy emphasizing the pursuit of bail for Amritpal, expressing confidence that public support would compel both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments to grant relief.
India 05-Jun-2024
Activists from Dal Khalsa participated in a protest remembrance march on June 5, on the eve of the anniversary of Operation Blue Star, in Amritsar, Punjab.
India 05-Jun-2024
Sarabjit Singh Khalsa won the Faridkot parliamentary seat as an independent candidate amid a resurgence of Panthic politics in Punjab, alongside jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. Sarabjit’s campaign, bolstered by Sikh community support, focused on repaying the 'debt' for his father Beant Singh's assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, aiming to prioritize issues like the death penalty for sacrilege in Parliament. His victory coincided with the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star.
Pakistan 05-Jun-2024
The Pakistan High Commission recently issued 962 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the 'Martyrdom Day' of Guru Arjun Dev. Due to a row over the Nanakshahi Calendar, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) did not request to send 'jathas' to Pakistan. The SGPC will observe the occasion on June 10, 2024, while Pakistan's event will be on June 16, 2024.
India 05-Jun-2024
Forty years after Operation Blue Star, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) INR 1,000-crore damages suit against the Union government remains unresolved. Despite efforts for an out-of-court settlement, including a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2023, no progress has been made. The SGPC continues its legal battle, with court proceedings ongoing and dialogue options open.
India 05-Jun-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on June 5 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Balwinder Singh and Baldev Singh and seized INR 1,97,14,650, one laptop, three smartphones, and two keypad phones from their possession in Kakkar village, Amritsar district. Further investigation is underway, with more details awaited.
India 05-Jun-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on June 5 criticized Punjab for failing to ensure the presence of police officials as prosecution witnesses in drug cases, despite assurances from the state's police chief. Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul emphasized that apologies and future compliance assurances are no longer acceptable, urging concrete steps and accountability. The criticism arose as Justice Kaul granted bail to an accused in a 2022 drug case.
India 05-Jun-2024
The police on June 5 busted a racket involved in smuggling drugs and mobile phones inside Amritsar Central Jail, arresting eight persons and seizing 149 grams of opium, INR 8,400 in drug money, a forged ID card with fake signatures of the jail superintendent, along with two mobile phones, in Amritsar district.
India 05-Jun-2024
The victory of independent candidate Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, in Faridkot, Punjab, has prompted mainstream political parties to recognize their oversight of the sacrilege incidents of 2015 during this election. Khalsa vowed to raise the issue vigorously in Parliament, emphasizing the lack of justice delivery despite its political exploitation. The neglect of the sacrilege incidents by mainstream parties stirred public discontent, leading to Khalsa's unexpected success and highlighting unresolved grievances within the community.
India 05-Jun-2024
In the 2024 parliamentary elections in Punjab, the Congress emerged victorious, securing seven out of 13 seats, including Amritsar (GS Aujla), Jalandhar (Charanjit Singh Channi), and Patiala (Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi). Two notable radicals who won include Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib, both advocating for justice regarding sacrilege incidents. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured only three seats, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) managed to win Bathinda (Harsimrat Kaur Badal). Despite being lodged in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Amritpal Singh's victory raises concerns due to his pro-Khalistan stance. The elections also saw voters electing the Congress alongside radical leaders, reflecting a complex political landscape in Punjab.
India 05-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet on June 5 before the NIA Special Court in Jaipur, Rajasthan, against Canada-based gangster Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar and 11 others for their alleged involvement in the killing of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in 2023. Accused Rohit Godara was identified as the mastermind behind the murder conspiracy, along with Goldy Brar and others. Two assailants, Rohit Rathore and Nitin, were provided with pistols along with several rounds and magazines to carry out the attack as part of the conspiracy. Brar, a deputy of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is wanted for organizing various criminal activities, including targeted killings and smuggling weapons and drugs. The probe uncovered a terrorist gangster syndicate behind Gogamedi's killing, with two others also killed on the same day and Gogamedi's gunman injured. Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the conspiracy, while four others, including gangsters Mahendra Kumar, Ravataram Swami alias Rohit Godara, and Virendra Charan, remain absconding.
India 05-Jun-2024
On June 5, 2024, the Sikh Sangat and the Gurdwara Management Committee of Gurdwara Attari Sahib Sultanwind held a Panthic Diwan in Amritsar, Punjab, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Teeja Ghallughara. Sikhs gathered to honor the martyrs and reflect on the future of the Panth.
India 06-Jun-2024
On June 6, slogans favouring Khalistan were raised at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, during the 40th anniversary of 'Operation Bluestar,' with supporters of radical Sikh outfits such as Dal Khalsa and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) (SAD-A) led by Simranjit Singh Mann participating. Many wore outfits featuring images of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India 06-Jun-2024
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi's assassins, who won the Faridkot constituency in Punjab as an Independent, on June 6 stated that he received offers from both the NDA and UPA blocs but could not decide without consulting his constituents. He emphasized he would never join the Congress and preferred to remain Independent. Upon taking his oath as MP, he stated his plans to address three issues in the Lok Sabha: officially acknowledging Guru Granth Sahib as the ‘living Guru,’ releasing ‘Bandi Singhs,’ and securing guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.
India 06-Jun-2024
On June 6, on the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar, Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh criticized the government's treatment of Sikhs and called for a humility-based Sikh political approach, in Amritsar in Punjab.
India 06-Jun-2024
On June 6, Amritsar city remained shut in response to a strike call from the radical organization Dal Khalsa, with nearly all commercial outlets, shops, showrooms, and shopping malls closed. Major markets and commercial hubs were deserted as police maintained vigilance to prevent any incidents.
India 06-Jun-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), in a statement on June 6, censured actor-turned-Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut for her remarks about rising terrorism in Punjab, calling them objectionable. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that Ranaut's comments, following an argument with a Punjabi Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security personnel at Chandigarh airport, reflected an anti-Punjab mentality. Dhami demanded an unbiased CISF investigation into the incident to ensure justice.
India 06-Jun-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on June 6 at nine locations in the districts of Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab linked to associates of designated terrorist Goldy Brar in connection with an extortion and firing case. During the raids, incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized. The NIA also appealed to the public for information through the numbers 0172-2682901 or mobile number 7743002947 for Telegram/WhatsApp, emphasizing that informers' identities would be kept confidential.
India 06-Jun-2024
Actress and Member of Parliament (MP) elect Kangana Ranaut issued a video statement on June 6 on social media site X, reassuring her safety after reports emerged of a confrontation at Chandigarh airport, where a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guard allegedly slapped the actress. Kangana recounted being hit and verbally abused by the guard, who cited support for the farmers' protest as her motive. A source suggested that Kangana was slapped for pushing security personnel during a disagreement over her phone during security check.
India 06-Jun-2024
According to reports, Khalistani preacher and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail, can only be released if both the state government and the Centre recommend his release. The Punjab Government and the Centre previously recommended extension based on fresh evidence, but details on whether the detention will end or be extended remain unclear. Despite winning the Lok Sabha election from Khadoor Sahib, questions arise on how Amritpal will take oath as an MP while in jail, with the possibility of re-arrest due to multiple FIRs against him in the state.
India 06-Jun-2024
In the aftermath of the parliamentary elections, the issue of jailed candidates winning seats has come to the forefront after two such candidates, including Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh, emerged victorious. The constitutional and legal framework allows jailed candidates to take the oath as Members of Parliament but mandates seeking permission from the relevant court. While the Constitution doesn't explicitly disqualify imprisoned individuals from taking the oath, judicial discretion plays a crucial role in determining their participation in parliamentary proceedings.
India 06-Jun-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-political) and Kisan Majdoor Morcha (KMM) on June 6 expressed concern over potential punitive measures against CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur, hailing from Mahiwal village in Kapurthala district, Punjab, and warned against adverse actions. The unions demanded a dope test on Kangana Ranaut and cautioned of protests if Kaur's family faced harassment or if she faced punitive actions. Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee's general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed support for Kaur's family and threatened protests if they faced any trouble.
Canada 06-Jun-2024
Pro-Khalistan supporters held protests at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada, on June 6, to mark the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star. The protest featured a float depicting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was organized by the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).