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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Pro-Khalistan graffiti found at several locations in Amritsar, juvenile among 2 held
Punjab Police on Friday (August 8, 2025) apprehended two people, including a juvenile, after pro-Khalistan slogans appeared at three locations in Amritsar city. Also Read | Hindu Temple defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in California's Hayward USA-based head of banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannu claimed responsibility for the act in a video on social media, police said. Amritsar Commissionerate Police cracked the graffiti case, with the arrest of two accused persons, including a minor, within 24 hours, said Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav. The slogans appeared at three locations in Amritsar city on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Those arrested have been identified as Jashanpreet Singh (22), a resident of Dargabad village in Batala and a 17-years-old boy, the DGP said. He said preliminary investigation revealed that both the arrested were in contact with foreign-based Shamsher Singh alias Shera Maan, who directed them to carry out the act on instructions from Pannu. The duo executed the act after receiving instructions and designs via social media mobile-app Snapchat, but the promised payment was never made, the DGP said. He added that further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the two were lured into spraying Pro-Khalistan slogans in exchange for monetary rewards, which were never delivered. Probe has revealed that Jashanpreet along with the minor purchased spray paint from Batala and executed the graffiti, later sharing photographs of the vandalism with Shera Maan as proof, he added. In this regard, three separate FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Police Stations' Cantonment, Division-A and Civil Lines, he said.


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Pro-Khalistan graffiti in Amritsar: 17-year-old among two held
Police on Friday apprehended two people, including a juvenile, in connection with the pro-Khalistan slogans that appeared at three locations in Amritsar city on the intervening night between Wednesday and Thursday. Amritsar commissioner of police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar addressing the media about the case. (HT) USA-based head of banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannu had claimed responsibility for the act in a video on social media, police said. Amritsar Commissionerate Police cracked the graffiti case within 24 hours, said Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Apart from the 17-year-old minor boy, the other accused is Jashanpreet Singh, 22, a resident of Dargabad village in Batala. Yadav said preliminary investigation revealed that the duo was in contact with foreign-based Shamsher Singh, alias Shera Maan, who directed them to carry out the act on Pannu's instructions. The accused sprayed the graffiti after receiving instructions and designs via social media mobile app Snapchat, but the promised payment was never made, he said. Sharing more details, Amritsar commissioner of police (CP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the probe revealed that Jashanpreet, along with the minor, bought spray paint from Batala and executed the graffiti, later sharing photographs of the vandalism with Shera Maan as proof. In this regard, three separate FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Cantonment, Division A and Civil Lines police stations. The DGP said further investigations were underway.


News18
2 days ago
- News18
Pro-Khalistan graffiti found at 3 locations in Amritsar: Juvenile among 2 held
Chandigarh, Aug 8 (PTI) Punjab Police Friday apprehended two people including a juvenile after pro-Khalistan slogans appeared at three locations in Amritsar city. USA-based head of banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannu claimed responsibility for the act in a video on social media, police said. Amritsar Commissionerate Police cracked the graffiti case, with the arrest of two accused persons, including a minor, within 24 hours, said Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav. The slogans appeared at three locations in Amritsar city on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Those arrested have been identified as Jashanpreet Singh (22), a resident of Dargabad village in Batala and a 17-years-old boy, the DGP said. He said preliminary investigation revealed that both the arrested were in contact with foreign-based Shamsher Singh alias Shera Maan, who directed them to carry out the act on instructions from Pannu. The duo executed the act after receiving instructions and designs via social media mobile-app Snapchat, but the promised payment was never made, the DGP said. He added that further investigations are underway. Probe has revealed that Jashanpreet along with the minor purchased spray paint from Batala and executed the graffiti, later sharing photographs of the vandalism with Shera Maan as proof, he added. In this regard, three separate FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Police Stations'� Cantonment, Division-A and Civil Lines, he said. PTI SUN ZMN view comments First Published: August 08, 2025, 21:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Canada Faces Backlash As 'Embassy Of Khalistan' Board Installed At Nijjar's Old Stomping Ground
/ Aug 06, 2025, 06:45PM IST A symbolic 'Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan' has been established inside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The gurdwara was previously headed by Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in its parking lot in 2023—a killing that severely strained India-Canada relations. The self-styled embassy, launched by radical Sikh elements, openly supports Nijjar and coincides with preparations for a Khalistan referendum by the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group. Indian security agencies are monitoring the situation closely. The move comes just as India and Canada had begun efforts to repair ties, including a recent Modi-Carney meeting. India views this as further proof of Ottawa's failure to curb Khalistani extremism on Canadian soil.#khalistan #canadaindiarelations #hardeepsinghnijjar #sikhsforjustice #khalistanreferendum #gurudwarasurrey #diplomaticrow #g7summit #markcarney #narendramodi #toi #toibharat


Mint
5 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Embassy of Khalistan in Surrey gurdwara? BJP, Cong leaders flag Canada's ‘free speech', claim ‘…is weakening Sikhs'
A new controversy has erupted between India and Canada following the reported appearance of a so-called 'Embassy of Khalistan' signboard on the premises of a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The makeshift installation, allegedly supported by the separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has reignited diplomatic and political tensions, with Indian MPs urging New Delhi and Ottawa to act decisively. According to a report by News18, a building within the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara complex in Surrey now bears signage labelling it as the 'Embassy of Khalistan', purportedly representing the 'Republic of Khalistan'. The board is said to have been installed by the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), known for its separatist agenda and repeated attempts to revive the Khalistan movement from foreign soil. The structure, which locals claim also functions as a community centre, reportedly received $150,000 in funding from the British Columbia government for infrastructure upgrades, including an elevator. Its repurposing as a 'Khalistani outpost' has sparked outrage and concerns over misuse of public funds and foreign interference. Reacting to the development, Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla highlighted the broad scope of free speech in Canada but called on the Indian government to raise the issue with Canadian authorities. 'There is a lot of freedom of speech there. Our government should raise this issue with the Canadian government,' Aujla said. BJP leader Tarwinder Singh Marwaha took a firmer stance, criticising diaspora-based Khalistan supporters. 'Those living abroad talking about Khalistan are weakening the Sikhs. I appeal to the Canadian government to take action. I would like to say to the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to take appropriate action,' he stated. The latest development comes weeks after Canada's top intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), confirmed in its annual report that Khalistani extremists continue to operate from Canadian soil. Released in June, the CSIS report acknowledged for the first time that such elements are actively involved in fundraising, advocacy, and plotting violence — primarily targeting India. The CSIS stated: 'Khalistani extremists continue to use Canada as a base for the promotion, fundraising, or planning of violence primarily in India.' India and Canada have had strained diplomatic ties since September 2023, when tensions flared following a series of provocations by Khalistani groups and perceived inaction by Canadian authorities. The setting up of what is being described as a symbolic 'Khalistani embassy' adds to the list of grievances New Delhi has with Ottawa's handling of politically motivated violent extremism. New Delhi has consistently urged the Canadian government to crack down on Khalistani sympathisers operating from its territory. The Ministry of External Affairs has previously raised objections to anti-India protests and processions held under the banner of Khalistan, which often coincide with Indian diplomatic missions being targeted or disrupted. The presence of Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) has long been a contentious issue. Since the 1980s, Canada has faced criticism for offering a permissive environment for such groups under the guise of democratic freedoms. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an advocate for Khalistan, was shot and killed on 18 June 2023 in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada. His assassination has sparked a major diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Canada accusing Indian government agents of involvement, a claim strongly denied by India. Experts argue that a lack of stringent enforcement has allowed radical outfits to gain ground, often under the radar of mainstream Canadian politics.