KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 01-Mar-2024
According to official sources, eight Haryana districts bordering Punjab—Sirsa, Fatehabad, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar—account for 86.7% of drug cases reported in the state over the last five years. Despite the efforts of the Haryana Police, including the registration of 3,757 First Information Reports (FIRs) and 5,350 arrests in the previous year (2023), drug availability remains high, with Sirsa district topping the list. Health officials attribute the rise in drug addiction to factors such as aggressive marketing, stress, and peer pressure. Measures, including the establishment of more de-addiction centres and awareness campaigns, are planned to address the issue.
India 01-Mar-2024
The Crime Branch of the UT police on March 1 arrested three individuals including a 28-year-old woman, who were part of the Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar module that was given the task to eliminate gangster Bhupinder Singh Rana alias Bhupi Rana, identified as Amanpreet Singh, Parwinder Singh and Maya alias Kashish alias Pooja Sharma, in Chandigarh.
India 01-Mar-2024
Farmers, regrouping under Kisan Andolan-2, plan to resume their 'Dilli Chalo' march into Delhi from multiple routes after March 3, aiming to intensify their protest. Leaders have announced a march starting from the Dabwali route and urged farmers nationwide to join. Talks with members of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU-Ugrahan) chief Joginder Singh Ugrahan are ongoing, with plans to discuss further actions following a bhog ceremony on March 3.
India 01-Mar-2024
A worker of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Chohla, was shot dead by assailants on March 1, near the railway crossing between Fatehbad and Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district in Punjab.
Canada 01-Mar-2024
India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on March 1, faced tense circumstances during his meeting with a local trade board, as Khalistani protestors surrounded the venue in a disruption organised by Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Surrey in British Columbia province of Canada. The protestors, numbering close to 500, blocked entrances and raised separatist slogans, prompting a heavy police presence. The event, titled 'India and Canada: The Future of our Global Economy Together,' was jointly organized by the Surrey Board of Trade and the South Asian Business Association. Despite the disruptions, Verma described the event as successful.
India 01-Mar-2024
Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma, in Guwahati on March 1, downplayed the threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who demanded the transfer of Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), from Dibrugarh jail to Amritsar jail. Sarma stated that he does not fear Khalistanis.
Pakistan 01-Mar-2024
Ramesh Singh Arora, a member of Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, was unanimously elected as the President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) for a three-year term in Lahore, Pakistan, on March 1. He also assumed the role of ambassador to the Kartarpur Corridor, replacing Ameer Singh. The PSGPC, chaired by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Arshad Farid Khan, underwent changes with new members appointed, including three from the government
India 01-Mar-2024
A Sikh delegation wrote a letter to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on March 1 amidst ongoing protests outside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB), demanding an apology from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari for allegedly making a 'Khalistani' remark against Sikh Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Jaspreet Singh. Gurmeet Singh, the president of Gurdwara Bara Sikh Sangat, expressed hope in the letter for a meeting to address the community's concerns, stating that it would offer solace during this challenging time.
India 02-Mar-2024
Directors of United Sikhs, a non-profit organisation, Amritpal Singh and Gurpreet Singh, Advocate Gurmohanpreet Singh, and farmer leaders Baldev Singh Sirsa and Ashok Balhara recently organised a press conference to highlight their provision of legal aid and medical assistance to farmers injured during protests. The organisation deployed three ambulances and initiated legal action, including filing writ petitions, to seek justice for the injured farmers.
Canada 02-Mar-2024
Pro-Khalistan groups staged protests outside Indian consulates on March 2 in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada. The rallies, organized by the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), aimed to avenge the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite the closures of the consulates, a police presence prevented protesters from nearing the buildings.
Canada 02-Mar-2024
A new video, which went viral on social media, captured hate speech during demonstrations outside Indian consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, organized on March 2 by the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). According to reports, this incident reflects Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's failure to address Khalistani extremism.
India 03-Mar-2024
According to sources in the Indian intelligence agencies, there has been a reduction in terrorist infiltrations along the western borders and in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) ahead of the national elections in Pakistan. Activities facilitating infiltration by Pakistani authorities have decreased, with a noticeable shift in tactics to avoid international and domestic backlash. Pakistani forces, which previously assisted terrorists in tunnel construction and drug trafficking, have scaled back in the past six months.
India 03-Mar-2024
The Commissionerate Police on March 3 busted an international drug trafficking syndicate involved in the illicit trade of narcotics across four countries using courier services, with the arrest of three people identified as Aman, Sunny and Shejal, and seized 5 kg of opium from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. Led by kingpin Manish alias Mani Thakur in the United Kingdom (UK), the cartel sourced opium from Jharkhand and used courier services in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar to send shipments abroad. The syndicate's operations spanned four countries, with investigations uncovering approximately 300 recipient addresses and implicating Customs officials and India Post in facilitating the trade.
India 03-Mar-2024
The city police on March 3 arrested two persons, Naveen Kumar and Sajan Singh and seized 15 gm of heroin from their possession, in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 03-Mar-2024
Police on March 3 arrested two men, identified as Sukhdev Kaur and Veerpal Kaur and seized 2 kg of poppy husk from their possession, in Abohar in Fazilka district. They were returning to Punjab from Bikaner in Rajasthan.
India 03-Mar-2024
A high-level delegation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met Governor Banwarilal Purohit in Amritsar on March 3 to address three key issues: the firing incident at a gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi, the hunger strike by detainees at Dibrugarh jail, and the release of 'Bandi Singhs'. The delegation urged the Governor to promptly address these issues, seeking the intervention of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) to transfer the detainees to Punjab jails and uphold human rights.
India 04-Mar-2024
According to sources, the global drug trafficking crisis implicates Pakistan, allegedly involving Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and retired military officers, with links to the Khalistan movement in Canada. Routes span from Afghanistan to North America, necessitating international cooperation for dismantling networks. There is an urgent need for a holistic approach addressing socio-economic factors alongside law enforcement efforts. These factors highlight a complicated network taking advantage of geopolitical conflicts.
India 04-Mar-2024
According to sources, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), is reportedly orchestrating a plan to incite violence within the farmer's movement in India. He allegedly encouraged supporters through text messages to take up arms against Indian security forces and revealed plans to smuggle weapons from Pakistan via Kartarpur and across the Rajasthan border. Pannun's scheme includes using social networks in the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and Pakistan to spread propaganda and destabilize the movement. Despite stringent security measures, concerns persist about potential support from Pakistan, prompting heightened vigilance by intelligence agencies.
India 04-Mar-2024
Dal Khalsa, on March 4, extended warm greetings to Pakistan's new Prime Minister (PM), Shehbaz Sharif, expressing optimism for positive changes in Pakistan and South Asia. They acknowledged the challenges ahead while emphasizing the potential for progress under Sharif's leadership. They reiterated that the Sikh community anticipates increased opportunities for social, religious, and political engagement, hoping for attention to their identity and aspirations.
India 04-Mar-2024
Police on March 4 arrested two drug peddlers, one of whom was a dismissed cop from Punjab identified as Amardeep Singh alias Kala and the other as Parveen and seized 70 grams of heroin from their possession in Ferozepur district in Punjab and Chandigarh. Parveen was arrested in Chandigarh, and confessed to sourcing the contraband from Amardeep Singh, the dismissed cop, leading to the latter's arrest in a subsequent raid in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district in Punjab.
India 04-Mar-2024
A gangster, identified as Rajesh Dogra alias Mohan Chir, was shot dead by four unidentified persons outside a shopping mall in Sector 67 in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. According to the police, the shooting was the result of a fallout from a gang war.
India 04-Mar-2024
On March 4, Shiromani Akali Dal - Amritsar (SAD-A) president and Sangrur Member of Parliament (MP), Simranjit Singh Mann, was confined to his residence in Baguana Enclave in Sangrur district, by the police amid the 'rail roko' agitation. The protest revolves around the release of 'Bandi Singhs' and alleged atrocities against farmers.
India 04-Mar-2024
Around 25 Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar (SAD-A) workers, led by organizing secretary Gurnaib Singh Rampura, were detained by the police in Mullowal village in Sangrur district in Punjab, while en route to the agitation on March 4.
India 05-Mar-2024
Professor Mark Juergensmeyer, an expert on Punjab, stated during the second and final day of the international seminar 'Punjab at Crossroads' held in New Delhi on March 5, that the 1980s uprising in the state was driven by religious nationalism, although not all participants sought Khalistan. Highlighting unresolved issues, he also stressed the need for economic growth. The historical context of Punjab's territorial identity and language complexities was discussed, alongside unaddressed grievances such as the lack of truth commissions for both militancy and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
India 05-Mar-2024
The Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led Shiromani Akali Dal-Sanyukt (SAD-Sanyukt), on March 5, merged with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) led by Sukhbir Singh Badal in Chandigarh. The merger aims to unify the Sikh community ('panth') and revitalize the SAD's relevance in Punjab politics, given its recent electoral setbacks, ahead of the Parliamentary elections.
India 05-Mar-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 5 criticized the handling of drug cases by state agencies in Punjab and Haryana, deeming their investigations 'extremely faulty.' Consequently, the court directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of Punjab and Haryana to send batches of investigating officers to the Police Training Centre (PTC) in Daroh, Himachal Pradesh, for a three-month period.
India 05-Mar-2024
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema stated on March 5 that the state Budget 2024-25 would emphasize modernization and infrastructure improvement for the Police Department, allocating INR 10,635 crore for initiatives such as the Sadak Surakhya Force. He also highlighted the procurement of top-of-the-line vehicles, with 1,396 provided in the last two years out of 1,993 purchased over five years.
India 05-Mar-2024
Two jailed associates of Waris Punjab de (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Kulwant Singh and Gurmeet Singh, were hospitalized on March 5 with health issues at the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh in Assam. Kulwant reportedly experienced an epilepsy attack, while Gurmeet was hospitalized for undisclosed ailments. Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher with pro-Khalistan views, was arrested in April 2023 under the National Security Act (NSA) with alleged connections to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and involvement in arming a private militia.
India 05-Mar-2024
The Kapurthala police on March 5 busted an inter-district gang of criminals by arresting three persons identified as Sukhwant Singh, Roshan Singh and Ajay Kumar along with seven pistols and 35 live cartridges and a car, near Gaunspur village in Kapurthala district.
India 06-Mar-2024
The Punjab Police on March 6 arrested arrest of two individuals, identified as Ajit Singh alias Golu and Mandeep Kumar alias Vada, in connection with a gun house theft case in Amritsar and seized 12 weapons and 21 cartridges from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The stolen weapons, ammunition, and cash were taken from the gun house on February 21-22, 2024.
India 06-Mar-2024
Bihar Police arrested two shooters of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Sunil Karolia and Sahil, on March 6 and seized contrabands from their possession near the toll plaza in Runni Saidpur, Sitamarhi district in Bihar. Preliminary investigations suggest their involvement in multiple murders across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh.
India 06-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 6 arrested a Pakistani national loitering near the International Border (IB) and seized PKR 570, a wristwatch, one earphone, and 3 Pakistani national identity cards, and a mobile phone from his possession in the Amritsar sector of Amritsar district. The individual was caught while attempting to escape towards the Pakistani side after being spotted by BSF troops. He was subsequently handed over to the Punjab Police.
India 06-Mar-2024
On March 6, the Akal Takht constituted a sub-committee to address the issue of shifting detainees from Dibrugarh Central Jail to Punjab, following concerns raised by family members during a meeting with Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. The detainees, including Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh and nine others charged under the National Security Act (NSA), have been on a hunger strike since February 16, citing privacy violations due to surveillance cameras installed without their consent.
Pakistan 06-Mar-2024
On March 6, Ramesh Singh Arora, the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), made history by becoming the first Sikh to be sworn in as a minister in Punjab province since the Partition. A member of the provincial assembly on a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ticket, Arora hails from Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev. Arora's appointment marks a significant step towards inclusivity and representation for Sikhs in Pakistani governance.
United States 06-Mar-2024
During a press briefing in Washington D.C., on March 6, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the United States (US) State Department, confirmed that the investigation into the Indian government's assassination attempt on a Sikh activist in the US is still ongoing.
India 06-Mar-2024
Giani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht in Amritsar, issued a warning on March 6 to the government and administration regarding serious consequences if any harm befalls Amritpal Singh and his family, who are currently on a hunger strike. Singh emphasized the lack of government response to the hunger strike, expressing concern about biased treatment and the growing alienation among Sikhs. He also demanded the immediate transfer of Sikh detainees from Dibrugarh Jail in Assam to Punjab, citing deteriorating health due to the hunger strike.
Canada 06-Mar-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, put out a poster on social media on March 6, calling for violence against Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma. This came after the India-Canada Chamber of Commerce announced Verma's participation in a networking event scheduled to be organized in Edmonton, Canada, on March 11. The poster featured Mr. Verma's image painted in the middle of a target, with the words 'Challenge, target, question.' Pannun's past aggressive campaigns, which included linking diplomats to assassinations, resulted in the shutdowns of Indian consular services.
India 06-Mar-2024
According to sources, intelligence agencies have warned of potential disruption by pro-Khalistani elements during Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's rally, scheduled for March 7 at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has reportedly called for raising pro-Khalistan and Pakistan flags. Despite doubts about SFJ's presence in J&K, security forces are on high alert.
India 07-Mar-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) was informed by the state of Punjab on March 7 that a convict in Faridkot Central Jail in Punjab was using a mobile phone to communicate with Pakistani smugglers, highlighting a concerning security breach. The state detailed various ingenious methods prisoners employ for smuggling, including hiding phones in body cavities and conspiring with outsiders. To counteract these tactics, traditional security measures such as armed guards and patrols are in place, alongside AI-based CCTV surveillance.
India 07-Mar-2024
Police on March 7 averted targeted killings with the arrest of two operatives of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), identified as Kuldeep Singh alias Ghugg and Avtar Singh alias Ladi and seized a .32 bore pistol along with four magazines and 30 rounds from them, along with a bike (PB08-FI 3940) from their possession in Mehatpur village in Jalandhar district. The module, led by United States (US)-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Pasia and Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, aimed to involve youngsters in anti-national activities.
India 07-Mar-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on March 7 welcomed Ramesh Singh Arora's appointment as the first cabinet minister of the Punjab government in Pakistan. They hailed it as a significant moment for the Sikh community, marking the first time a Sikh has held such a position since the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947. Raghbir Singh urged Arora to utilize his constitutional authority to address Sikh issues, while Dhami expressed hope that Arora would serve as a liaison between the Pakistani government and minority communities. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding gurdwaras in Afghanistan.
India 07-Mar-2024
A third associate of Waris Punjab de (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Basant Singh, was hospitalized on March 7 due to deteriorating health caused by a hunger strike at Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
Pakistan 07-Mar-2024
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who made history by becoming the first Sikh to hold a ministerial position in Pakistan's Punjab, stated in a phone interview with The Tribune on March 7 that he aims to foster ties between India's east Punjab and Pakistan's west Punjab, emphasizing prosperity on both sides of the border.
India 07-Mar-2024
The Rajpura police on March 7 busted an inter-state drug module, arresting four of its members, identified as Kusum Devi, Guniya Devi, Ram Geya, and Ranju Kumari and seizing 9 kg of charas from their possession at a checkpoint near Basantpura Village in Patiala district.
India 07-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on March 7, in a joint operation, recovered one packet of heroin weighing 565 grams from a farming field adjacent to Sanktara village Tarn Taran district.
India 07-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on March 7, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 5 kg from a farming field adjacent to Neshta Village in Amritsar district.
India 07-Mar-2024
The Police on March 7 busted a module running a drug racket from across the border by a United States (US) resident Satnam Singh, with the arrest of two peddlers identified as Gurlal Singh and Lovedeep Singh and seized 780 grams of heroin, a motorcycle and two mobile phones from their possession, near Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district. The peddlers confessed to receiving heroin from Satnam Singh across the Indo-Pak border.
India 08-Mar-2024
The police on March 8 arrested Nripen Das, Superintendent of Dibrugarh Central Jail, for alleged collusion with detainees associated with Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and his associates, following the discovery of electronic gadgets, including a smartphone, in their possession, in Dibrugarh, Assam. Subsequent investigations revealed evidence of unauthorized activities, prompting additional CCTV installations and preventive measures.
India 08-Mar-2024
Mohali Police on March 8 arrested five of the eight suspects, including two tainted cops, involved in the daylight shooting of Jammu-based gangster Rajesh Dogra, identified as Anil Singh (kingpin), Harpreet Singh, Satvir Singh, Sandeep Singh and Sham Lal, and seized three pistols, two revolvers, a .12 bore gun and 71 live rounds along with four luxury vehicles from Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. The main suspect, Anil Singh, allegedly orchestrated the crime for revenge in a gang war.
India 08-Mar-2024
Police on March 8 registered a case against two persons, identified as Kuldeep Singh and Baljit Singh, following the death of a 24-year-old from a drug overdose, in Azamwala village in Fazilka district. The deceased's father, Paramjit Singh, revealed that his son had been battling drug addiction. On March 7, they found him unconscious with an injection in his hand, and before passing away, he implicated Kuldeep and Baljit as the sources of the drug, known as 'chitta'.
Canada 08-Mar-2024
Canadian government-funded outlet CBC News on March 8 released footage of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The video, captured by a surveillance camera overlooking the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib on the evening of June 18, 2023, shows a white sedan blocking the path of the Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Nijjar. Two assailants then run towards the vehicle, fatally shooting him, before making their getaway in a waiting Toyota Camry.
United States 08-Mar-2024
According to reports, the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple in Stockton, California, United States, serves as a centre for protest and advocacy for Khalistan, a Sikh separatist movement. Tensions have recently escalated, with allegations of government-sponsored assassinations and Khalistani militants operating abroad. While some support armed struggle, temple leaders emphasize the use of referendums. However, the community faces threats and intimidation, highlighting the discord between proponents of Khalistan and those opposed, both within and outside the temple premises.
Canada 08-Mar-2024
A documentary titled 'The Fifth Estate' aired on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on March 8, alleging the direct involvement of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in planning the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and attempting to kill another Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, abroad. Pannun also claimed that PM Modi, advised by National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, sanctioned the plots, involving India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and its chief, Samant Goel.
United Kingdom 09-Mar-2024
Jaspreet Kaur, a Sikh anchor in the United Kingdom (UK), has recently come under criticism from the Indian diaspora in the UK due to alleged pro-Khalistan separatist views after joining BBC's 'Asian Network Chill' show. Complaints have been filed against her with the BBC, citing concerns over her past social media posts and her supposed alignment with Khalistani ideology.
India 09-Mar-2024
A gallery honoring those killed during the Indian Army's Operation Bluestar in 1984 was inaugurated on March 9 at the Golden Temple complex in the Amritsar district. The event was attended by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s son, Bhai Ishar Singh. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, the 16th head of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal (DT), unveiled the Shaheedi Gallery at Gurdwara Shaheede Yadgar, adjacent to Akal Takht. The gallery features a comprehensive list of Sikh leaders and devotees, including women, who were killed from June 1 to 6, 1984, accompanied by their photographs. Additionally, a documentary highlighting the events has been arranged for viewing.
India 09-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 9 recovered a packet containing about 470 grams of heroin from fields adjacent to Chakram Sai village in Gurdaspur district.
India 09-Mar-2024
The Amritsar (Rural) police on March 9 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Baljeet Singh and seized 2.8 kg of heroin and INR 2.5 lakh drug money from his possession, at a naka (checkpost) at Khasa bus stop near Khasa village in Amritsar district. According to the Police, Baljeet was in contact with Canada-based drug peddler Honey, who operated a hawala racket. Further investigations are underway.
India 09-Mar-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) on March 9 announced plans for a 'rail roko' protest in 44 locations across 22 districts in Punjab, scheduled for March 10, aiming to disrupt rail traffic from 12 pm to 4 pm. Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), specified that the protest would only obstruct trains near railway crossings and stations to prevent accidents.
India 09-Mar-2024
Police on March 9 arrested a miscreant, identified as Nikhil Kumar for making extortion calls to businessmen in the region by posing as an aide of gangster Goldy Brar, in Faridkot in Faridkot district. Using a United Kingdom (UK) country code, he demanded INR 6 lakh from a medicine shop owner, threatening to upload photos of the owner's daughter studying in Canada if not paid. The cyber cell traced the calls to a local number, leading to Nikhil's arrest.
India 09-Mar-2024
The State Special Operations Cell on March 9 arrested Chetan Kakkar, an associate of gangster Rajan Bhatti, and seized 270 grams of heroin, a pistol, five cartridges, and INR 7,97,000 of drug money from his possession upon his arrival from Dubai at Hyderabad International Airport in Telangana. Kakkar, originally from Amritsar, had fled to Dubai after Bhatti's arrest in February 2024.
Canada 10-Mar-2024
Nearly nine months after the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a plumber turned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) operative, the Canadian government, led by Justin Trudeau, has failed to provide evidence supporting Trudeau's allegation of Indian government involvement. A documentary aired by CBC, funded by the government, relies on interviews with pro-Khalistan activists and an indictment filed in the United States (US) to implicate India. This move coincides with planned pro-Khalistan protests and a referendum in Sacramento, suggesting possible political motives. Critics argue that, instead of radicalizing the Sikh diaspora, Canada should either produce evidence or refrain from interfering in India's domestic affairs.
India 10-Mar-2024
The Jalandhar police on March 10 arrested nine smugglers identified as Abhi Ram alias Alex, Money, Pawan, Sikandar, Amarjit Kaur, Sunny, Balihar, Amit Shukla, and Parmod and seized 22 kg of opium from their possession, along with frozen bank accounts totaling INR 9 crores and properties worth INR 6 crores suspected to be acquired from drug proceeds. Abhi Ram was arrested in Ranchi, Jharkhand, while the others were apprehended in Delhi. Six Delhi Customs officers are also implicated in the case. According to the police, Abhi Ram was the primary cultivator, while the others were involved in courier operations and money laundering. Additionally, five foreign entities based in the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Australia, and Canada were also involved in the case.
India 10-Mar-2024
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana on March 10 staged a 'rail roko' protest organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), demanding a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waivers. The protest disrupted train services at around 70 locations, leading to the cancellation of nine trains and delays for 25 trains. Despite efforts to garner nationwide support, farmers from other states abstained from participating, while the protest gained momentum in Punjab, Haryana, and other regions, according to union leaders.
United Kingdom 11-Mar-2024
According to sources, the United Kingdom (UK) government, led by Prime Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak, has established a special task force to dismantle the funding network of Khalistan supporters. The government has frozen over 300 bank accounts and seized approximately INR 100 crore linked to these supporters. Notable seizures include INR 20 crore from the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The task force targeting pro-Khalistan extremism was announced in 2023, following a meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat in New Delhi. This announcement highlights joint efforts to combat anti-India extremism. The task force, with over 5000 accounts on its watchlist, has reached out to United States (US) counterparts such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for international cooperation in cracking down on Khalistan support groups in the US.
India 11-Mar-2024
The Government of India, on March 11, notified the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, allowing Indian citizenship for persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, facilitate online applications for eligible individuals under the CAA-2019. Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah emphasized that the legislation aims to provide hope to persecuted minorities and reiterated that it doesn't infringe upon the rights of any Indian citizen.
India 11-Mar-2024
S. Varinderjeet Singh, Chairman of the National Sikh Front (NSF) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), advocated for the release of long-incarcerated Sikh political prisoners who have served their sentences while speaking to the media in Jammu on March 11. He urged both the Central and State Governments to compassionately intervene and rectify injustices faced by Sikhs, calling for collaboration with Pakistan to ensure the security and justice of Sikh families, particularly following the tragic killing of Sardar Satnam Singh in Peshawar.
India 11-Mar-2024
The Chandigarh Police on March 11 invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar and his operatives, including seven members of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang. The gang intended to eliminate gangster Bhupinder Singh Rana during a court hearing, with shooters Sunny alias Sachin, Umang, and Kailash Chauhan alias Tiger planning to disguise as lawyers. Additionally, Maya alias Pooja Sharma was recruited to assist the shooters, while three others provided shelter, money, and transportation. The arms and ammunition for the attack were delivered to the shooters in Chandigarh on Brar's orders.
Canada 11-Mar-2024
Pro-Khalistan protesters on March 11 raised derogatory slogans targeting the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, at an event organized by the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) in Edmonton, Alberta province, Canada. They targeted the envoy over alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada, in 2023. Despite attempts to disrupt, the event proceeded successfully, with Canadian authorities securing the route for the envoy.
India 12-Mar-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 12 conducted raids at 30 locations across Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh in connection with a Khalistan-gangster nexus case. Raids were conducted in Bilaspur village in Moga district in Punjab, with state police cooperation. Additionally, raids were conducted at the residence of a businessman in Faridkot district in Punjab.
India 12-Mar-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 12 praised the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, following their notification by the central government. SGPC spokesperson Gurcharan Singh Grewal hailed the decision as beneficial for Sikhs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
India 12-Mar-2024
Police on March 12 booked two persons identified as Gabbar and Chandu following the death of a youth identified as Gora, due to alleged overdose of drugs in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
India 12-Mar-2024
Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), while speaking in Jalalabad, Fazilka district, accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators of colluding with drug lords and hindering police actions against them, thus contributing to the drug menace in Punjab. He lamented the rise of drugs, goondaism, and extortion culture, attributing it to the lack of investment and the migration of entrepreneurs.
India 12-Mar-2024
The Himachal Pradesh (HP) Criminal Investigation Department (CID)'s crime branch filed a chargesheet against eight individuals from Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh (UP) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for inter-state smuggling of psychotropic substances into HP. The accused were found with over 50,000 capsules and tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride during a vehicle interception near Shivbaadi Mandir, Gagret, in Una district, HP, in September 2023. Investigations revealed the gang's operations spanning Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and UP, utilizing fake invoices to conceal drug shipments. Verender Kumar alias Bindu, identified as the gang leader, faces asset seizure, including 82 properties, 5 vehicles, and 25 bank accounts worth INR 10 crore.
India 12-Mar-2024
Police on March 12 arrested the fourth and primary shooter involved in the targeted attack on Punjabi lyricist and composer Bunty Bains, identified as Ranbir Singh alias Rana and seized two pistols, including a .32 bore and a .30 bore, three live cartridges, and a motorcycle from his possession in Phase 1 Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The attack, orchestrated by Armenia-based gangster Lucky Patial of the Davinder Bambiha gang, aimed to extort INR 1 crore from Bains, who manages the music label Brand B and was previously associated with slain singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
India 12-Mar-2024
On March 12, employees of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) received threatening audio messages warning of economic destruction from March 12 to April 30, purportedly from Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, coinciding with the 1993 bomb blast anniversary, in Mumbai in Maharashtra. The complainant stated that the audio clip advised caution from March 12 to April 30, with Pannun allegedly recommending the selling of Indian stocks and the purchasing of American ones. Several employees' mobile numbers, listed on the website's Contact Us section, received these audio clips. The Mumbai police registered a case against unknown persons under various sections of the IPC, suspecting Pannun's involvement due to his history of issuing threats against India.
India 12-Mar-2024
On March 12, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of a flour mill owner in Kotkapura and a goldsmith in Faridkot district in Punjab. Although NIA officials refrained from disclosing details, sources indicate that the raid aimed to investigate phone calls originating from a number registered under the goldsmith's name.
India 13-Mar-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have planned two major events in Haryana. They intend to hold "Shaheedi Samaroh" on March 22 in Hisar and on March 31 in Ambala, honoring the memory of farmer Shubhkaran Singh. Leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the yatra's plans to cover Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kaithal, and other districts in Haryana.
India 13-Mar-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 13 expressed satisfaction over the decision to introduce Punjabi as a subject in schools of Pakistan Punjab. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami welcomed the announcement by Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, emphasising the significance of teaching Punjabi, the mother tongue of both Punjabs, to the new generation.
India 13-Mar-2024
Police from Udyog Vihar Police Station on March 13 seized nearly 600 grams of opium concealed in face cream jars that were sent from Punjab to New Zealand, in Gurugram, Haryana. The parcel raised suspicion when a courier company reported it contained suspicious items. The sender, Mandeep Singh from Punjab, is currently under investigation. The package was intended for Kuldeep Singh in New Zealand.
India 13-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police conducted a joint operation on March 13 and recovered a grey bag containing 3.236 kg of heroin, along with a metal hook and illuminating strips attached to it, from a residential premise in Mehandipur village in Tarn Taran district. This well-coordinated effort successfully prevented a narco-syndicate from smuggling narcotics into India from across the border.
United Kingdom 13-Mar-2024
According to sources, the United Kingdom (UK) government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has executed a significant crackdown on Khalistan groups in the UK, seizing over 300 bank accounts linked to supporters. Valued at INR 100 crores, this operation has placed an additional 5,000 accounts under scrutiny, showcasing the UK's firm stance against Khalistan extremism and cooperation with India. Intelligence sharing between the UK and India has intensified, with efforts to extradite accused individuals for trial in India underway.
India 13-Mar-2024
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Winston Peters, on March 13 in New Delhi, refrained from commenting on the murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar until the investigation concludes, emphasizing respect for the rule of law. His visit to India aimed at strengthening ties, including signing the air services agreement to enhance connectivity between the two countries. Peters met with Indian officials, discussing bilateral cooperation and emphasizing shared democratic values and principles in the Indo-Pacific region.
New Zealand 13-Mar-2024
Khalistan terrorist and chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on March 13 issued threats against New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, following Peters' challenge to claims linking India to the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Peters' remarks questioning the "Indian link" to Nijjar's killing marked a departure from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's narrative. This incident represents the first open contestation of Canada's assertions by a Five-Eyes partner.
India 13-Mar-2024
Despite more than 39 years having passed since the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, 10 states affected by the carnage have yet to file a compliance report regarding compensation for victims with the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). While some Action Taken Reports (ATRs) have been submitted, the absence of compliance reports hinders progress.
India 13-Mar-2024
Retired Colonel Harisimran Singh wrote to the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging police inaction following an attack on him in January 2024, during a clash over the removal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s portrait at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh in Pahuwind village in Tarn Taran district. He filed a complaint on January 28, but no First Information Report (FIR) was lodged, nor was any investigation ordered, prompting him to seek action from higher authorities including the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
India 14-Mar-2024
A 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat' was organized on March 14 by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) at Ramlila Ground in New Delhi, attended by farmers and agricultural laborers from 18 states protesting against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government’s farm policies. The gathering resolved to launch a nationwide agitation against the BJP during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, demanding a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and accusing Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi of unfulfilled promises. They declared March 23 as "Save Democracy from the Threat of Money and Muscle Power Day" and demanded action against Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni's son in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.
New Zealand 14-Mar-2024
The Government of New Zealand on March 14 reached out to Canada and reaffirmed its stance on the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, emphasizing the need for evidence before drawing conclusions. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters' comments, which suggested a lack of substantial evidence, sparked concerns but were later clarified as being taken out of context.
United States 14-Mar-2024
Eminent Indian Americans in Silicon Valley recently met with senior officials from the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and law enforcement officials from Milpitas, San Francisco, Fremont, and Newark to address the increasing hate crimes against Hindus in California, United States (US). They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of action against individuals supporting terrorism in India and highlighted the presence of the Khalistan movement in the US, including threats against Indian diplomats and temples. Over the past four months, more than 11 temples in the Bay Area in California alone have been attacked, vandalized, or defaced with hateful graffiti. Concerns were raised about the safety of these places of worship and the need for proactive measures to safeguard them against further incidents.
India 14-Mar-2024
Social media platforms, including YouTube and X, blocked access to a CBC documentary on Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on March 14, following directives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The documentary, part of CBC's 'The Fifth Estate' program, featured CCTV footage of Nijjar's murder in British Columbia and an interview with Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who issued threats against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some members of the Indo-Canadian community criticized the documentary for being biased and propagandistic.
India 14-Mar-2024
A sub-committee formed by the Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab, to address the hunger strike of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates, who were detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Assam, criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann for his perceived lack of seriousness toward Sikh affairs on March 14. The committee also announced that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will provide support for a panthic gathering on March 17 to address the deteriorating conditions of the detainees and their protesting family members.
India 14-Mar-2024
On the Sikh New Year, on March 14, Dal Khalsa held prayers at Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar in Punjab and released the original Nanakshahi calendar while urging Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh to resolve the calendar controversy. They criticised the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for publishing a Bikarmi calendar under the Nanakshahi label for nine years, causing division in the Sikh community. Dal Khalsa appealed for unity and resolution of the calendar dispute, dedicating this year's calendar to the 40th anniversary of the Indian attack on Darbar Sahib.
India 14-Mar-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 14 detained an unidentified employee from the Patiala health department for allegedly issuing a fake birth certificate to a wanted member in a terrorist-gangster nexus case in Patiala district in Punjab. The detained employee was in charge of the birth and death certificate branch. This action was taken following NIA raids in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Rajasthan, and Chandigarh in connection with the terrorist-gangster nexus case involving designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and other suspects associated with the Khalistan terrorist outfit Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). The fake certificate, issued between 2016 and 2017, facilitated the individual's procurement of other documents, including a passport used to flee the country.
India 15-Mar-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on March 15 regarding a plea for furlough by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, who is serving life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in New Delhi. Khokhar had sought furlough to maintain social ties, and the matter is listed for further hearing in April 2024. The case involves the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi in 1984 following the assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi.
India 15-Mar-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on March 15 arrested two gangsters identified as Jagdeep Singh alias Rinku and Balwinder Singh alias Babbu and seized two pistols and ten live cartridges from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Both are associated with the Gurpreet Lehmbar and Jassa Nurwala gang, known for various serious crimes across Ludhiana, Jagraon, Moga, Bathinda, and Sangrur districts in Punjab.
India 15-Mar-2024
Kapurthala police on March 15 arrested three gangsters identified as Sukhwant Singh Sukha, Roshan Singh, and Ajay Kumar and seized 12 pistols and 48 cartridges from the trio near a checkpoint on the Phagwara bypass in Kapurthala district. Initially, 4 pistols were found during a search of their vehicle, and subsequent interrogation led to the discovery of 8 more pistols and cartridges hidden at various locations. The gang, led by Sukhwant Singh Sukha from Jalandhar, allegedly procured the firearms from Madhya Pradesh for criminal activities in Punjab. Further investigation revealed links to a local gang with plans to expand and strengthen its presence.
India 15-Mar-2024
The Phagwara Police on March 15 arrested a criminal identified as Dildar Singh and seized one pistol, nine live cartridges, INR 9.80 lakh in cash, and two passports from him near Haveli Restaurant on the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway in Kapurthala district.
India 15-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 15 recovered a package containing a pistol, two magazines, and 3.38 kg of heroin during a search operation in fields near Kakkar village in Ajnala tehsil in Amritsar district. Officials noted the presence of a metal hook and an illumination ball attached to the packet, indicating that it had been dropped by a drone.
India 16-Mar-2024
Dal Khalsa, on March 16, demanded that the Punjab government immediately bring Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim and Honeypreet to Punjab on police remand for interrogation. Paramjit Singh Mand, Dal Khalsa's working president, accused successive governments, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress, of protecting Ram Rahim.
India 16-Mar-2024
Punjab police on March 16 placed Panth Sewak personality Diljit Singh under house arrest. A team of six police officials visited him, informing him of the state government's decision. The circumstances surrounding Diljit Singh's confinement remain undisclosed.
India 16-Mar-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on March 16 arrested three operatives of Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara of the Lawrance Bishnoi gang, identified as Ajay Singh alias Ajaypal, Ankit, and Lakhwinder Singh alias Lucky and seized two .32 caliber pistols, 11 live cartridges, and a car from their possession in Zikapur, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The trio was allegedly tasked with conducting target killings for the Lawrance Bishnoi gang.