KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
United States 19-Feb-2024
The Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC) and the American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) voiced their support for the farmers' protest in India during a convention held at Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar in Carteret, New Jersey, in the United States (US) on February 19. They urged the Indian government to enact an ordinance legalizing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to cover input costs and provide a 50% overhead premium for 23 crops. Additionally, they demanded the dismissal of Union Minister Ajay Mishra, whose son was linked to the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, and the withdrawal of criminal cases against the involved farmers.
Canada 19-Feb-2024
According to a senior official source from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Canada has also raised concerns regarding Khalistani extremism and transnational crime, which are significant issues for India, with ongoing exchanges between the two countries through the Canada-India counter-terrorism working group. This was also revealed by the testimony of Weldon Epp, assistant deputy minister for the Indo-Pacific, before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. The group is expected to meet soon, with details being finalised for an April meeting.
India 19-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on February 19 recovered one packet of suspected heroin weighing 700 gm, during an extensive search operation near Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district.
India 19-Feb-2024
The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate on February 19 busted a drug smuggling racket by arresting one person identified as Rohit Kumar and seized 200 grams of heroin from his possession, near Joginder Nagar T-point in Rama Mandi in Jalandhar district.
India 20-Feb-2024
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on February 20, threatened to disrupt the fourth cricket test match between India and England, scheduled to take place from February 23 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. In a shared video, Pannun urged Maoists to cause disturbance, cancel the match, and called for raising Maoist and Khalistan flags during the event. The Jharkhand Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against him on the same day.
India 20-Feb-2024
A Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in West Bengal, Jaspreet Singh, on February 20, accused Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders of calling him a 'Khalistani' when he prevented them from going to Sandeshkhali in West Bengal, where allegations of sexual abuse by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader emerged. The confrontation between Singh and BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, was captured in a viral video. BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Agnimitra Paul denied the accusation, stating that Singh was neglecting his duties. The incident sparked condemnation from various quarters. West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP for insulting the Sikh community, while Congress leaders and Sikhs expressed solidarity with Singh and called for action against hate speech.
India 20-Feb-2024
United States (US) Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma on February 20 stated that India is treating allegations of Indian officials' involvement in a plot to kill a Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun seriously, while speaking at an event in New Delhi. In November 2023, US prosecutors charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, with attempting to hire a hitman to kill Pannun, alleging recruitment by an Indian government official. India initiated a high-level inquiry into the matter, and the US expressed gratitude for India's seriousness in addressing the issue. Additionally, US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee chair Ben Cardin approved military drone sales to India contingent on a thorough investigation and credible accountability.
India 20-Feb-2024
In a circulating audio clip on social media on February 20, Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh is heard saying that CCTV cameras were installed in his cell, despite the authorities banning all mobile and electronic devices in the prison. Amritpal Singh is currently being held at Dibrugarh Jail in Dibrugarh in Assam.
India 20-Feb-2024
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh arrived in Dibrugarh Jail on February 20, after several electronic devices were discovered in the National Security Act (NSA) cell of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates on February 17 in Dibrugarh Jail in Dibrugarh in Assam. DGP GP Singh confirmed the recovery of unauthorised items, including smartphones and spy devices, from the cell, while steps are being taken to prevent recurrence, in accordance with the NSA provisions. Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh’s Lawyer Rajdev Singh Khalsa accused authorities of conspiring to harm Singh and ten others, alleging unstable health conditions and a plot to kill them.
Canada 20-Feb-2024
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Corporal Sarbjit Sangha on February 20 stated that two teenagers have been charged by the RCMP over a shooting at the home of Simranjeet Singh, with no evidence found linking the incident to foreign interference, in Surrey, British Columbia province in Canada.
India 20-Feb-2024
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ghansham Thori on February 20, commended the effectiveness of Village Defence Committees (VDC) in border villages, formed on Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit's instructions to monitor drug activities and liaise with police, at a meeting with Village Defence Committees of Ghonewal, Saidogaji, Misoke, Singoke and Panj Garani villages in Amritsar district. Thori lauded the Committees' performance and rewarded those excelling in their duties. He urged them to report any cross-border drug trafficking, particularly through drones, emphasising youth engagement to combat drug addiction.
India 20-Feb-2024
The Amritsar rural police on February 20 busted a hawala (illegal money transfer) racket being operated from Dubai by arresting three persons identified as Rajiv Jain, Gurpreet Singh and Anokh Singh and seized INR 55.90 lakh from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district, following information revealed by drug smuggler Vishal Singh during his interrogation. So far, the Police have arrested eight members of the drug and hawala network, with 4.4 kg of heroin along with three cars, an SUV and a tractor confiscated, leading to further investigations into a United States (US) based hawala operator named Vicky and connections to a Dubai-based drug cartel led by an individual known as Bantu.
India 20-Feb-2024
The Indian government on February 20 temporarily blocked 177 social media accounts and web links related to the farmers' protest, citing maintenance of law and order under Section 69A of the IT Act. Orders issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at the request of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) cover platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Accounts are set to be restored after the conclusion of the farmers' agitation.
India 20-Feb-2024
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on February 20 urged the Centre to address their demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's "C2 plus 50 percent" formula, and farm loan waivers in Chandigarh. This comes after farmers rejected the government's proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years. Pandher emphasized the need for a parliamentary law on MSP and urged Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to announce a farm loan waiver, citing farmers' total debt of INR 18.5 lakh crore.
India 20-Feb-2024
On February 20, an appeal was made by the Farmers Union in villages in Punjab, urging supporters to converge at the Shambhu border in Patiala district and join farmers in marching to Delhi on February 21. Heavy police presence in and around Rajpura was implemented to regulate traffic, while talks with farmer unions persisted, albeit with little indication of reconsideration as they remained committed to proceeding to Delhi on February 21.
India 20-Feb-2024
The incident involving Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari, who allegedly called an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Jaspreet Singh, a Khalistani during an altercation in Sandeshkhali, sparked protests on February 20 across West Bengal. Members of the Sikh community protested outside the BJP headquarters in Kolkata. The Bengal Police is considering legal action against Adhikari under IPC section 295A for religious insult, while Adhikari denied making personal remarks and accused Singh of rudeness.
India 21-Feb-2024
Relatives of Khalistani preacher and the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh and nine Sikh youth detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, demanded their return to Punjab. Their relatives allege severe human rights violations, including the installation of spy cameras by jail authorities in various areas where the detainees reside. The relatives fear that peaceful protests may lead to physical and mental torture by jail authorities. The representation has been submitted to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann through the Amritsar deputy commissioner.
India 21-Feb-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on February 21, condemned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for questioning the patriotism of a Sikh police officer, Jaspreet Singh, in West Bengal, emphasising the Sikh community's well-known patriotism and sacrifices for India's freedom. He highlighted the significant contributions of Sikhs, particularly farmers, toward making India self-reliant in food production. Mann criticized the BJP leaders for overlooking the historical sacrifices and contributions of the Sikh community.
India 21-Feb-2024
Security has been tightened in Ranchi, Jharkhand on February 21 ahead of the India-England cricket test match due to threats from designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Recently, Pannun urged the banned CPI (Maoist) to disrupt the match via social media.
India 21-Feb-2024
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 21 was granted custody of Surender Singh alias Chiku in connection with a money laundering case involving the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and others by a special court in Panchkula in Haryana. Chiku was earlier lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail. Chiku, known as a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, faces accusations in around two dozen criminal cases, including attacks on police personnel.
India 21-Feb-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on February 21, ordered the deployment of all ambulances and Sadak Suraksha Force vehicles at farmer protest borders following the death of Shubhkaran Singh at the Khanauri border, near Khanauri village in Sangrur district of Punjab. Mann also promised exemplary punishment for officers responsible for Singh's death and pledged support to his family. He criticized the Centre for not addressing farmers' demands earlier, emphasizing the need for dialogue to prevent such tragedies.
Canada 21-Feb-2024
In Toronto, Canada, the residence of Simranjeet Singh, linked to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot at, sparking accusations from pro-Khalistan groups against India. However, Canadian authorities found no evidence of foreign involvement.
India 21-Feb-2024
The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), in a press release, criticized a recent Supreme Court judgment dated February 7 that denied bail to Gurwinder Singh, a member of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), using the Watali jurisprudence. The PUCL argues that the court's reliance on Watali undermines constitutional principles and prioritizes the UAPA over constitutional rights. They highlight previous judgments, such as the bail grant to Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, which assessed evidence contrary to Watali.
India 21-Feb-2024
The police on February 21 arrested a 30-year-old man identified as Satyadev Tiru and seized 15 kg of opium from his possession at Ludhiana railway station in Ludhiana district. Tiru admitted to intending to deliver the opium to Phagwara in Punjab. He also confessed to having delivered opium in Punjab multiple times before and had previously smuggled over 80 kg of opium into the state.
India 21-Feb-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) on February 21 arrested two persons, identified as Shubham Kumar and his accomplice, Honey and seized 1.97 kg of heroin from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Shubham, who had been involved in multiple criminal cases before, confessed to being unemployed and a drug addict. This highlights the nexus between unemployment, addiction, and drug trafficking in the region.
India 21-Feb-2024
On February 21, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a drone and recovered 505 gm of heroin, along with the broken drone, near Changa Rai Hithar village in Ferozepur district. The drone was identified as a Quadcopter of the DJI Mavic 3 Classic model, manufactured in China.
India 22-Feb-2024
The police on February 22 two drug peddlers, including a woman identified as Usha Rani and Sona Singh, and seized 15 gm of heroin from their possession, from Tiwana Kalan village in Fazilka district.
India 22-Feb-2024
The police on February 22 arrested one person, identified as Lakhwinder Singh and seized 10 gm of heroin from his possession, in Fazilka in Fazilka district.
India 22-Feb-2024
The Delhi Police on February 22 arrested two sharpshooters of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba gang, identified as Amar and Danish, and seized two pistols and nine live cartridges along with a scooter from their possession after a gunfire encounter in Burari in North Delhi district in Delhi. Both Amar and Danish sustained bullet injuries in their legs. Amar has a criminal history with six cases, including robbery and attempted murder, while Danish is involved in two cases related to rioting and Arms Act violations.
India 22-Feb-2024
Farmers Unions on February 22 demanded INR 1 crore compensation from the Punjab Government for the death of young farmer Shubkaran Singh, while the government offered INR 40 lakh, at Shambhu Border near Shambhu village in Patiala district in Punjab.
India 22-Feb-2024
The Central Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (CGPC) in Jharkhand's Kolhan region on February 22 threatened to stage a dharna in West Bengal (WB) if action is not taken against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders who allegedly called a Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer a 'Khalistani'. CGPC demanded immediate action from WB Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee, condemning the incident and asserting that it has crossed constitutional boundaries.
India 22-Feb-2024
Following an announcement by Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh, to stage a dharna on the Beas bridge in Amritsar, a heavy police force was deployed on February 22 to ensure law and order. However, the protest site was later shifted to Heritage Street in Amritsar.
India 22-Feb-2024
A Sikh community delegation from seven Gurdwaras submitted a memorandum to West Bengal (WB) Governor C V Ananda Bose in Kolkata on February 22, demanding action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari for allegedly referring to Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Jaspreet Singh as a 'Khalistani.' The governor assured that he would write to WB Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee for appropriate action and announced the establishment of a Punjabi Garden in Bhagat Singh's name.
India 22-Feb-2024
Criticism arose over the central government's suspension of certain social media accounts amid a broader confrontation, emphasizing the necessity for transparent processes.
India 22-Feb-2024
The labelling of a Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer as 'Khalistani' in West Bengal raised concerns about profiling and the potential for such slurs to exacerbate tensions, emphasizing the importance of responsible political discourse.
India 22-Feb-2024
Activists and family members of detained pro-Khalistanis, led by Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, who is the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), began an indefinite hunger strike outside Dibrugarh Jail in Assam on February 22. They are demanding the transfer of detainees to Punjab jails, expressing distrust in the government's ability to deliver justice. Despite rumored conflicts with the administration, they emphasize their resolve. The detainees have vowed to continue their hunger strike until being transferred to Punjab.
India 23-Feb-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami on February 23 met with the families of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his companions who are detained in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, during their dharna in Amritsar in Punjab. The discussions included the detainees' situation, their hunger strike against government harassment, and the ongoing talks with the Punjab government. Dhami assured support, expressing SGPC's commitment to the cause, and mentioned plans to discuss the issue with Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib for further strategy.
India 23-Feb-2024
Police on February 23 arrested an operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang identified as Guriqbalmeet Singh alias Robin and seized two pistols, 42 live rounds, six magazines, a mobile phone dongle with a SIM card, and an SUV from his possession in Bikaner district in Rajasthan. Police stated that he was involved in cross-border arms smuggling via drones and extortion calls. Robin, wanted in a prior case, formed an extortion gang with accomplices Jagmeet Singh and Gurmehar Singh, with connections to a Portugal-based gangster. Jagmeet was recently arrested, while Gurmehar is at large.
India 23-Feb-2024
Police on February 23 busted an inter-state opium smuggling gang and arrested three persons identified as Kartar Singh alias Kala, Sanjay Kumar, and Pradeep Kumar and seized 17.5 kg of opium, INR 15 lakh, and an SUV from their possession in Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district in Punjab. The gang sourced opium from Jharkhand and distributed it locally. One suspect, identified as Anil Kumar, is still at large.
India 23-Feb-2024
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU - Ugrahan) observed a 'black day' in response to the call by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) to protest against the death of farmer Shubhkaran Singh in Sangrur district, Punjab. They burnt effigies of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah, and Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar.
India 23-Feb-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of the Police on February 23 arrested four persons, identified as David Sidhu, Gagan Sidhu, Anshul Thakur, and Dharminder alias Sunny and seized five illegal .32 bore pistols, ten magazines and 20 live rounds from their possession in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
India 23-Feb-2024
On February 23, an elderly farmer, Darshan Singh, passed away due to cardiac arrest at the Khanauri border near Khanauri village in the Sangrur district of Punjab. He had been actively participating in the ongoing farmers' protest demanding various issues, including legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waiver.
India 23-Feb-2024
Nihang Sikhs, known for their warrior tradition, have joined the farmers in the ongoing farmers' protest near Delhi, citing a duty to fight against injustice. The Nihangs had previously participated in a similar protest in 2021 and have emphasized their solidarity with the farmers' cause.
India 23-Feb-2024
The West Bengal (WB) Police, on February 23, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against unknown Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for calling a Sikh police officer a 'Khalistani' during a BJP march. The officer, Jaspreet Singh, was allegedly targeted by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, as per police claims. The FIR cites sections including outraging religious feelings and promoting enmity between communities. The incident occurred amidst tensions over accusations against a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in Sandeshkhali in WB.
United Kingdom 23-Feb-2024
United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament (MP), Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, raised concerns about the safety of protesting farmers in Punjab and freedom of expression in the UK Parliament on February 23. Dhesi, known for advocating on Sikh and Indian issues, questioned the UK government's stance on protecting human rights. He had previously criticized India's actions in Kashmir and voiced opposition to police force against farmers during the 2020-21 protests. Additionally, in August 2023, Dhesi faced immigration issues in India.
India 24-Feb-2024
The Bandel Gurudwara Singh Sabha spokesperson Devendra Singh Chawla on February 24 decried the Khalistan remarks by BJP leader referring to a Sikh IPS officer as defamatory and unconstitutional and urged Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee's intervention while speaking at a protest rally organised in Bandel in West Bengal.
India 24-Feb-2024
Police on February 24 arrested an inter-state drug supplier who had been evading authorities for the past year, identified as Kanwarbir Singh at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi as he attempted to flee to Canada. He was identified as the kingpin of an interstate narcotics cartel.
India 24-Feb-2024
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated on February 24 that the farmers will not halt their agitation until their demands are met. Despite clashes and a protester's death, the movement continues at Khanauri and Shambhu barriers on the Punjab-Haryana border. Talks with the government have failed to yield results, and the next course of action will be decided on February 29.
India 24-Feb-2024
The Ludhiana Police on February 24 busted a gang of snatchers and arrested three of its members identified as Arvinder Singh, Kamaljit Singh and Ajay Kumar and seized 25 mobile phones, a sharp weapon and a motorcycle from their possession, in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
India 24-Feb-2024
Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, in Amritsar on February 24, stated that she will continue her hunger strike despite the suggestion from the Akal Takht Jathedar to end it
United States 24-Feb-2024
A musician (ragi) with a Sikh kirtan group, identified as Raj Singh alias Goldy, was shot dead in a suspected hate crime outside a gurdwara at Selma in Alabama in the United States (US) on February 24. His family awaits post-mortem results and seeks justice, as well as the arrest of the perpetrators. This marks the second murder of an Indian-origin individual in the region this month, prompting concerns over hate crimes.
Pakistan 25-Feb-2024
According to sources, the Pakistan Singh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (PSGPC) has undergone reconstitution, raising concerns among some Pakistani Sikhs and the Indian government. The committee comprises 13 members, including three official representatives and 10 others, notably Ramesh Singh Arora, Tara Singh, and Maheesh Singh, who are first-generation converted Sikhs. There are apprehensions regarding their appointment to key positions within the committee, with objections raised against their lack of traditional Sikh upbringing and potential affiliations. Additionally, individuals like Ramesh Singh Arora have drawn scrutiny from the Indian government due to familial ties with individuals wanted for criminal activities. The reconstitution has sparked discussions surrounding religious representation and geopolitical implications.
Canada 25-Feb-2024
According to reports, trade talks between Canada and India remain stalled following Canada's accusation of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada. Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's public accusation in September 2023 strained bilateral relations, leading to a pause in negotiations. Despite signs of improvement in the relationship, including Canada's designation of India as a priority market, trade negotiations remain paused. Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng has expressed willingness to discuss the matter at a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting. India's High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, stated in an interview that India awaits Canada's decision on whether to resume talks.
India 25-Feb-2024
Police on February 25 dismantled an inter-state weapon smuggling network and arrested three associates of terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, identified as Kunal, Gurlal, and Parvez and seized twelve .32 bore pistols, five .34 bore pistols, 33 magazines, and 20 live cartridges from their possession in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. The weapons were confiscated from various locations in Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts of Punjab.
India 25-Feb-2024
The CIA-II branch of the Police, on February 25, arrested a member of the notorious Tillu Tajpuriya gang identified as Kunal alias Shati, and seized an illegal country-made pistol and a stolen motorcycle from his possession near Kanaunda village in Jhajjar district of Haryana. The police stated that Kunal is an associate of Chiku Dhankar, who now leads the gang after Tajpuriya's demise.
India 25-Feb-2024
The Kirti Kisan Union (KKU) on February 25 announced protests scheduled for February 29 at all district headquarters in the state of Haryana. This call to action was prompted by their perception of the Haryana Police's repression of farmers. After investigating the case of Pritpal Singh, a victim of alleged police brutality, the union condemned the actions as fascist. They attribute responsibility for this to Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah and Haryana's Chief Minister (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar. The union deems the police operation entering Punjab's territory as illegal and unconstitutional.
India 25-Feb-2024
According to sources, a United States (US) government delegation led by Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo will visit India for the Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD) with officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). The delegation aims to discuss a range of issues, including the asylum status used by criminals, pro-Khalistan elements carrying out terrorist activities in India, assistance to apprehend the attackers of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, the extradition status of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, terror fugitives, and financial investigations related to terrorism.
Pakistan 26-Feb-2024
The recent reshuffle in the Pakistan Singh Gurudwara Parbhandak Committee (PSGPC) has raised concerns due to the inclusion of members with reported anti-India sentiments. Notably, Ramesh Singh Arora, Tara Singh, Maheesh Singh, and Bhagat Singh, all first-generation converted Sikhs, have been flagged for their alleged connections to individuals wanted by India or banned Khalistani terror outfits like the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Tara Singh, in particular, is known to be close to Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode. Additionally, Gian Singh Chawla and Dr. Mimpal Singh, also part of the committee, have been noted for their anti-India views.
Pakistan 26-Feb-2024
According to Pakistani sources, Murtaza Ali Shah, a journalist associated with GEO News, allegedly faces life-threatening situations orchestrated by India due to his reporting on Khalistan-related issues and pro-Khalistan Sikh activists. Shah's coverage of Sikh issues, particularly the Khalistan Referendum and the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), drew attention from India, resulting in the banning of his social media accounts last year.
United Kingdom 26-Feb-2024
Member of Parliament (MP) Preet Gill accused 'agents with links to India' of engaging in transnational repression of British Sikhs while speaking at the House of Commons in London, United Kingdom (UK) on February 26. She cited concerns raised by Five Eyes nations about targeting Sikh activists. In response, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat stated that the government is continually assessing threats and using intelligence services to mitigate them. Measures are in place to tackle foreign interference.
India 26-Feb-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a letter dated February 26, urged Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann to transfer the Khalistani preacher and his associates from Dibrugarh jail in Assam to Punjab jails due to reported harassment and privacy violations. Dhami labelled the situation as a potential conspiracy against the youths and demanded serious consideration from the government to uphold their human rights.
India 26-Feb-2024
According to reports, India and the United States (US) are set to conduct the Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD) on February 28. The discussions will focus on various issues, including anti-Khalistan elements, immigration, counter-narcotics, and cybersecurity. Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo will lead the talks. The HSD, established in 2010, resumed in 2021 under President Joe Biden after being discontinued during Donald Trump's tenure.
India 26-Feb-2024
Farmers associated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on February 26 organized a tractor march in Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts in Punjab. They parked their tractors along highways and burned effigies of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to protest against its perceived anti-farmer policies.
India 26-Feb-2024
The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar on February 26, while speaking at the What India Thinks Today’ (WITT) Global Summit in New Delhi, delivered a stern message to Canada, urging action against Khalistani activists engaged in violent protests or arson targeting Indian missions, stressing that freedom of speech should not be used to intimidate diplomats. The statement underscores India's stance on protecting diplomatic missions from disruptive actions by extremist groups.
India 26-Feb-2024
Representatives of the Sikh community met with West Bengal (WB) Chief Secretary B.P. Gopalika on February 26, urging action against Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members for allegedly making Khalistani remarks towards Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Jaspreet Singh. The meeting lasted about 15 minutes, with the chief secretary reportedly assuring the delegation of the state government's commitment to maintaining harmony.
India 26-Feb-2024
A court in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district in Punjab on February 26 acquitted three men, identified as Satwinder Singh, Gurdial Singh, and Jagroop Singh, accused of being trained by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for terror attacks in India. The court found Gurdial Singh and Jagroop Singh guilty under the Arms Act, sentencing them to one year's imprisonment. However, since they had already served more than three years in jail, they were released. Earlier, on June 4, 2017, with their arrest, the Punjab Police claimed to have busted a terror module with links to the ISI-backed banned outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).
India 27-Feb-2024
A Ghaziabad court on February 27 acquitted Sikh Political Prisoner Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar in the 1994 case in Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh (UP). This was the last pending case against Prof. Bhullar, who is currently serving a life sentence in a 1993 Delhi case.
India 27-Feb-2024
Punjabi music composer and lyricist Bunty Bains narrowly survived an assassination attempt on February 27 at a restaurant in Sector 79 in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. He filed a police complaint after unknown assailants opened fire on him, escaping unhurt. Bains had received a threatening call demanding INR 1 crore, allegedly from the gangster Lucky Patial, known for his connections to criminal gangs in Punjab.
India 27-Feb-2024
On February 27, another farmer, Karnail Singh, protesting at the Khanauri border, died from a heart attack at Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala in Patiala district in Punjab, bringing the death toll to six during the ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' protest at the Punjab-Haryana border. Karnail, from Arno Khurd village, suffered a lung infection due to tear gas exposure during a police crackdown on February 21.
India 27-Feb-2024
Police on February 27 arrested a woman after a video went viral, showing a migrant woman openly selling drugs to addicts in Sanjay Nagar in Faridkot district. The footage depicted the woman handing drugs to individuals on a motorcycle in exchange for money, prompting local families to intervene and urge her to cease the illicit activity.
India 27-Feb-2024
Police on February 27 arrested one person, identified as Paramjit Singh and seized 35 kg of poppy husk from his mini truck, at the Rajpura barrier near Rajpura village in Fazilka district.
India 27-Feb-2024
Police on February 27 arrested a man, identified as Gajjan Singh and seized 105 gm of smack from his possession, near Panjawa canal bridge near Panjawa in Fazilka district. Gajjan revealed that he had allegedly purchased the smack from Amarjit Singh. Amarjit was consequently listed as a co-accused.
India 27-Feb-2024
Police on February 27 arrested one person, identified as Sunny Jassal and seized 85 gm of opium from his possession, in Nathan Wali village in Moga district. Another individual identified as Nitesh Kumar was implicated in the case as Sunny alleged that Nitesh supplied him with the opium at Prabhu Chowk in Sriganganagar district in Rajasthan.
Canada 27-Feb-2024
Khalistani terrorist and the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, released a video on February 27 announcing violent protests against Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma in Surrey, Canada. This comes in response to the condemnation by Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar of Khalistani supporters in Canada for threatening Indian diplomats. In the video, Pannun stated that they would challenge and target Ambassador Verma on March 1 in Surrey and burn the Indian flag in front of consulates in Canada, America, and Australia on March 2. Notably, the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), was attacked by pro-Khalistani elements in March 2023, and there was an attempted arson at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US), in July 2023.
India 27-Feb-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on February 27 conducted raids at 16 sites across Punjab and Rajasthan, detaining six individuals for questioning as part of their probe into the Khalistan-organized crime nexus. Among those targeted is Gurvinder Singh, alias Neeta, allegedly associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The six individuals accused have reportedly participated in terrorist activities and are in close contact with some fugitive designated Khalistani terrorists through social media networks and other means of communication. The action follows discussions between NIA Director General Dinkar Gupta and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Director Christopher A. Wray regarding the increasing nexus between terrorist groups and organized crime, including cyber-terrorism investigations.
India 27-Feb-2024
Police on February 27 arrested three persons, identified as Sukhpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Hardeep Singh and seized 302 gm of heroin and four country-made weapons, two.32 pistols and ammunition from their possession in Shahkot in Jalandhar district. All three individuals are history-sheeters with previous cases related to robbery, attempted murder, and violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Arms Act.
India 27-Feb-2024
Bathinda Police on February 27 arrested a close aide of fugitive gangster Goldy Brar, identified as Navdeep Singh Chatha and seized a 9-mm pistol, 10 cartridges and four mobile phones from his possession, in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district. According to the Police, Chatha was involved in criminal activities and procured firearms from Brar, who operates from abroad. His arrest is deemed significant in the fight against organised crime, with expectations of extracting further crime-related information during interrogation.
India 27-Feb-2024
A team of the Special Task Force (STF) on February 27 arrested a gangster identified as Feroz Khan after a brief exchange of fire, and seized two country-made semi-automatic pistols and around six live rounds from his possession, near the Pipli bus stand in Kurukshetra district in Haryana. Feroz was the sharpshooter involved in the recent Katani Restaurant shootout in Mohali in Punjab. Khan was also linked to the murder of Rajan from Mehra village in Kurukshetra, associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
India 27-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint operation with Punjab Police on February 27 arrested one unidentified person and seized 500 grams of heroin from his possession, near Ramdas village in Amritsar district. Another suspect managed to escape during the operation, efforts are underway to nab him.
India 28-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on February 28 troops intercepted the movement of a drone and later recovered it from fields adjacent to Kalas Havelian village in Tarn Taran district.
India 28-Feb-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on February 28 intercepted a drone and recovered three packets of suspected heroin weighing 3.030 kg, a hexacopter drone attached to it, and two mobile phones, from near Uttar Dhariwal village in Amritsar district.
India 28-Feb-2024
Police on February 28 arrested two individuals, identified as Rajan and Sachin Sharma, and seized 204 grams of heroin from their possession in Derabassi in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. During the interrogation, the accused confessed to obtaining heroin from a Nigerian national in Tilak Nagar, Delhi, exposing the intricate international drug trade network.
India 28-Feb-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on February 28 flagged off 410 vehicles for Punjab Police, comprising 315 vehicles for Station House Officers (SHOs), 76 Tata Tiago vehicles for the Dial 112 project, and 19 vehicles for the Mahila Mitras women safety scheme at the Phillaur Police Academy in Phillaur in Jalandhar district. He emphasized prioritizing vehicle allocations from SHOs to higher-ranking officers to bolster law enforcement. Mann urged SHOs to vigorously pursue cases against drug smugglers, affirming his administration's commitment to combat the drug menace.
India 28-Feb-2024
Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Chief and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, has decided to continue her hunger strike until all Sikh detainees are transferred to Punjab. Amritpal, along with nine others, is currently detained in Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
India 28-Feb-2024
According to sources, central intelligence agencies expressed concerns over the emergence of secret communication platforms used by a transnational nexus of terrorists, gangsters, and narco-criminals to fuel unrest in Punjab. These platforms have dual uses, with private ones for operational purposes and public ones for anti-India propaganda, including attacks on Indian diplomatic missions abroad. Investigations reveal a shift from traditional telephone calling to internet-based communication, utilizing VoIP, app-based virtual numbers, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and phone speakers for covert communication, making detection difficult. The use of emerging technologies by these networks poses challenges for law enforcement, with jails becoming recruitment hubs for criminals by terror masterminds.
India 28-Feb-2024
During the India-United States (US) Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD) held on February 28 in New Delhi, India emphasized the need to investigate pro-Khalistani outfits in the US accused of inciting violence against India. Led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and US Acting Deputy Secretary Kristie Canegallo, both sides reviewed ongoing efforts in counter-terrorism and security domains. They also discussed cooperation in counter-terrorism, security, and combating narcotics trafficking, particularly Fentanyl. Issues raised included pro-Khalistani activities on US soil and support for separatist elements in India, amidst demands for accountability. Discussions also addressed issues such as illegal immigration, human trafficking, cybercrimes, and terror financing. Notably, the official statements made no mention of the ongoing "assassin for hire" investigation involving an Indian national allegedly linked to a plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India 28-Feb-2024
In an interview, United States (US) Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristie Canegallo, on February 28 underscored the priority of ensuring the safety of diplomats. She emphasized cooperation on counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, and cybersecurity, highlighting joint efforts to combat threats like Fentanyl trafficking. Canegallo stressed that violence against diplomatic facilities or personnel is treated as a serious criminal offense, with active investigations conducted by the Department of Justice and other relevant authorities. She assured the priority of safety for Indian diplomats in the US and discussed ongoing investigations into attacks on Indian diplomatic facilities.
India 28-Feb-2024
Police on February 28 busted a Madhya Pradesh (MP) based weapon supply racket with the arrest of two persons identified as Harminderpal Singh and Jatinderpal Singh alias Baba, and seized four country-made pistols, magazines and 16 live cartridges along with their Honda Activa scooter, from near Pul Taranwala area in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
India 29-Feb-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (ATGF) of Punjab Police, on February 29, arrested Amritpal Singh alias Nannu, an associate of the Davinder Bambiha Gang, in connection with a recent shooting at Katani Premium Dhaba in Mohali's Sector 79, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The police revealed that the interrogation of the arrested individual provided information about two other fugitive suspects, Rana and Arshjot. Additionally, another suspect, Feroz, was apprehended on February 27 in Haryana. The crime is believed to have been orchestrated by the foreign-based gangster Gaurav alias Lucky Patiyal of the Davinder Bambiha Gang, with the aim of extorting ransom money from the victim. Ongoing efforts are in place to apprehend the remaining suspects.
India 29-Feb-2024
JS Manjpur, the lawyer of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, revealed on February 29 that Bhullar, convicted in the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case, plans to challenge the Delhi Government's Sentence Review Board's decision to reject his premature release. His earlier plea with the Punjab and Haryana High Court was withdrawn as it became irrelevant. Bhullar's family and lawyer seek implementation of a 2019 notification for his special remission, citing his deteriorating health and the Centre's announcement regarding his release.
India 29-Feb-2024
Former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Charanjit Singh Channi revealed on February 29 that he had received a ransom demand of INR 2 crore via text message from an unidentified sender, allegedly belonging to the Goldy Brar gang. Despite forwarding the message to the Director General of Police (DGP), he received no response. Channi expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, citing instances of ransom demands becoming commonplace.
Canada 29-Feb-2024
Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on February 29 issued a threat via email, targeting India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, during his visit to the province of British Columbia. Verma’s visit includes stops in the capital Victoria, as well as Vancouver and Surrey, in Canada and he is scheduled to meet Surrey’s Mayor Brenda Locke and the Surrey Board of Trade on March 1. In the email, Pannun accused India of being responsible for the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He stated that pro-Khalistan Sikhs would seize the opportunity to directly challenge and question the High Commissioner, aiming to derail otherwise rich Canada-India bilateral relations.
India 29-Feb-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video on February 29 encouraging the kidnapping of ministers or their family members and advocating for breaking into Dibrugarh jail in Assam to release the jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. In the video, Pannun suggests to people how to attack jails and uses the picture of a Union Minister and his son while discussing abduction. Pannun also recommends filing a complaint with the United Nations (UN).
India 29-Feb-2024
Police, on February 29, busted a cross-border drug cartel being run by a United States (US)-based drug peddler, Jasmeet Singh alias Lucky, by arresting Gurpreet Kumar alias Deep and seizing 5 kg of heroin and one Tata Ace car from his possession in Kajikot village in Tarn Taran district. During questioning, Deep admitted to receiving drug consignments from across the border on the instructions of Lucky, revealing the international connections and operational dynamics of the drug cartel. Earlier, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police had arrested five drug smugglers of Jasmeet alias Lucky module after recovering 6.2 kg of heroin, INR 3.80 lakh drug money, a car, and 12 sims from their possession.
India 01-Mar-2024
A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Chandigarh on March 1 convicted a Punjab-based man identified as Sukhjinder Singh on money laundering charges linked to an illegal narcotic trafficking case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced that Singh was sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment and fined INR 1lakh. The conviction stemmed from a money laundering investigation initiated in 2010 following an FIR registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Chandigarh under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
India 01-Mar-2024
In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Fatehgarh Sahib and Sangrur districts, district police have intensified efforts to eradicate drugs, and announced the destruction of all seized drugs and narcotics to prevent their re-circulation. The destroyed materials included 1,629 gm of heroin, 3.5 lakh tablets and capsules, 634 kg of poppy husk, and 25 gm of narcotic powder. Additionally, awareness campaigns and increased vigilance in identified hotspots have been implemented to combat drug abuse during the election period.
India 01-Mar-2024
The Assam Police on March 1 increased security for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a phone threat issued by a member and supporter of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), regarding the alleged mistreatment of Amritpal Singh and his associates in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam. The caller demanded the transfer of jailed Amritpal Singh and his associates to Amritsar jail, threatening consequences for the CM. The caller claimed that the message was being delivered at the behest of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
United Kingdom 01-Mar-2024
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on March 1 faced protests by Khalistani supporters during his visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to deliver lectures at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, in Cambridge, UK. Protesters, led by Paramjit Singh Pamma, coordinator of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Europe, blamed Gandhi for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Amritsar killings. Despite Cambridge University Police preventing entry to the protestors, Gandhi required a security escort by UK Police to leave safely.
India 01-Mar-2024
According to sources, Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates are preparing their meals due to safety concerns and are demanding to be shifted to Punjab at Dibrugarh jail in Assam. Unauthorised items seized from their cell prompted security enhancements. As a result, they have started a hunger strike over the installation of CCTV cameras, citing privacy invasion.
Afghanistan 01-Mar-2024
Nidan Singh Sachdeva, a Sikh community leader from Afghanistan who was kidnapped in Paktia province last month, was released from captivity on March 1, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Concerns persist regarding the targeting and persecution of minority communities by terrorists with external support. India has decided to assist members of the Afghan Hindu and Sikh communities facing security threats by facilitating their return to India.