Ajai Sahni
The targeted killing of Ripudaman Singh Malik once again exposes the ugly underbelly of Canada’s networks of crime and Khalistani terrorism, which have flourished under the benign neglect – indeed, the apparent complicity – of the country’s political leadership. Malik was one of the prime movers of the Air India bombings – Flight 182 which exploded in the air off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 on board; and the Narita Airport incident, where two luggage handlers were killed while transferring baggage from a flight that originated in Vancouver, Canada, to Air India Flight 301, to Bangkok. He was acquitted after an utterly disgraceful investigation, where evidence was destroyed, a trail that led right up to the bombings was covered up, and witnesses were murdered. A subsequent commission of inquiry headed by John Majors concluded that a “shoddy investigation” and a “cascading series of errors” led to the acquittal.
Significantly, Malik’s killing comes after he had been turned by Indian intelligence in 2019, to repudiate his commitment to Khalistan and later to praise the Indian Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had also declared that ‘anti-India elements’ were also enemies of the Sikhs. He had named and attacked the Canada-based Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the ‘chief’ of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), accusing him of ‘obviously working at the behest of some agencies of foreign government,’ a reference to Pakistan. These actions and statements facilitated his removal from an Indian blacklist, and repeated visits to his home town and to the Golden Temple at Amritsar. On January 23, 2022, at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Surrey, Nijjar ranted against Malik for over an hour, describing him as a “Qaum da gaddaar” (traitor to the nation) and an “agent.” He added that Malik should be ‘taught a lesson.’ Several other Khalistani elements in Canada had spoken against Malik on a range of issues, including the ‘sacrilege’ of the ‘unauthorized’ printing and distribution of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of the Sikhs. Given his history, of course, Malik is unlikely to have any dearth of those who would have wished him dead. An investigation is now underway, and unless we are to witness another “cascading series of errors,” it is possible that the perpetrator(s) will eventually be identified.
It is useful to remind ourselves, here, that Nijjar featured in a list of nine Category ‘A’ terrorists and extremists that was handed over by the then Punjab Chief Minister, Capt. Amarinder Singh, to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the latter’s awkward 2018 visit to Punjab. Nijjar was accused of multiple crimes in India but, crucially, also of running a terrorist training camp in British Columbia, Canada. Trudeau assured action; Nijjar was briefly detained on Trudeau’s return to Canada, but quickly released without charge.
Significantly, Jaspal Atwal, a Khalistani terrorist convicted in Canada for attempted murder, was invited to, and photographed with the Prime Minister’s wife Sophie Trudeau, at an official reception on February 20, 2018, during this tour; and was again invited to an official reception by the Canadian High Commission in Trudeau’s honour at Delhi, on February 22, but this was scuttled after Terry Milewski of CBC News took up the issue, and the news went viral on Indian media.
Crucially, several Members of Canada’s Parliament continue to maintain close ties with the Khalistanis, purportedly to secure their active electoral support, despite the fact that they represent a minuscule proportion of a tiny Sikh population (1.4 per cent) in the country. This is not, of course, unusual; pandering to extremists is an increasingly common political trend across the world, and India is hardly in a position to take the ‘high moral ground’ in this regard.
What is surprising is that this continues, despite the increasingly visible linkages between the virulent ‘Punjabi’ gangs and the Khalistanis in Canada. From an Indian perspective, a succession of high-profile crimes – targeted killings, extortion, narcotics smuggling, among others – testify to this nexus. Prominently, the Ludhiana court blast of December 23, 2021, was linked by the Punjab Police to Lakhbir Singh Landa as well as Nijjar and Arshdeep Singh of the KTF, all based in Canada. The RPG attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali on May 9, 2022, was, similarly, linked back to Lakhvir Singh, a gangster who has been in Canada since 2017, and was linked to Harwinder Singh Rinda (located in Pakistan) of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
These linkages operate deeply in Canada as well. Malik’s killing certainly has all the markers of a gangland ‘hit,’ and there have been several cases of anti-Khalistan advocates being beaten up by gang-linked groups. Crucially, the ‘Punjabi’ gangs have become among the most violent organised crime groups in Canada. After the gangland killing of the singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu aka Sidhu Moosewala in a targeted hit at Mansa in Punjab on May 29, 2022, a Canadian-Punjabi gangster, Satinder Singh aka Goldy Brar openly claimed responsibility in a widely circulated video. Brar was already wanted in Punjab for multiple cases including murder and a range of other crimes, including the murder of youth Congress leader Gurlal Singh Pehelwan on February 18, 2021. Significantly, after orders were issued to arrest Goldy Brar in Canada, a threat to blow up Canada’s Parliament was received on June 11, 2022. The caller claimed that explosives had already been laid out within the Parliament complex, and the detonation was imminent. However, there was no blast and no explosives were recovered. Brar has reportedly ‘gone underground.’ Significantly, the Punjab Police also believe that the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) leadership in Canada was involved in the identification and facilitation of local gangster Sukhmeet Singh, who was tasked to execute the hit through his associates.
On February 10, 2022, Sarbjit Singh Sander was found murdered in Langley, Canada. He was among the accused of in a INR 6,000 crore drug smuggling case, and featured on the list of 11 drug smugglers handed over to Prime Minister Trudeau by then Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, in February 2018.
On May 17, 2021, the Vancouver Police issued a public warning about six ‘targeted gangsters’ after gang violence escalated, and the Police did not expect this trend to stop “anytime soon.” 20 gang related homicides had been recorded in Metro Vancouver in 2021, till May 17, and another 20 attempted murders. Among the top six ‘targeted gangsters’ were four Punjabis – Garinder Deo (35); Harjit Deo (38); Barinder Dhaliwal (38); and Meninder Dhaliwal (28).
A toxic culture, fed by Punjabi rap music and a twisted nostalgia for the imagined machismo of a ‘Jat’ culture, has drawn Canadian Sikhs into organised crime and Khalistani activities. A third of all gang violence and drug crime in Canada is attributed to Punjabi gangs, though the Punjabi Diaspora accounts for just about 2 per cent of the country’s population (1.4 per cent Sikh). Some 21 per cent of gangsters killed in gang wars or police operations since 2006 are reported to be of Punjabi Origin. Collectively, the Punjabi organised crime groups are ranked among the top three major organised crime problems in Canada, after the Italian-Canadian Mafia and the Asian Triad. A January 18, 2022, report, revealed that in Vancouver and Surrey, violent gang wars between rival factions of the Indo-Canadian Sikh community had seen upwards of 200 young men killed in the last 25 years, with bloody battles fought in nightclubs and bars, and ‘crews of contract killers’ make their presence felt.
The narcotics trade is the principal occupation of the Punjabi gangs of Canada, with Heroin brought in from the Golden Crescent – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran – through Punjab as the principal commodity. However, Punjabi gangs have also linked up with Mexican cartels to bring cocaine and hashish into Canada and the US. Gangs have also ‘diversified’ into extortion, money-laundering and contract killing, much of it linking back to Punjab.
For decades, now, India has sought action against Khalistani and organised criminal elements in Canada, to no avail. At least 10 extradition requests relating to gangsters, and another four to Khalistani terrorism have been sent by New Delhi to Ottawa, but not one has resulted in any effective action. The complicity of political parties with Khalistani formations openly espousing violence and visible entangled with crime and violence on Canadian soil, continues unabated, and often at the highest levels. Terry Milewski, author of Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Global Khalistan Project, observes: “…extremists in Canada went from strength to strength. Even explicit endorsement of political murder did not produce any complaint from Canadian politicians, who were happy to attend rallies called by Khalistanis so as not to erode their Sikh vote bank.”
Canada’s problem is no longer the Khalistani’s alone, but their increasing linkages with organized crime, drug smuggling and an efflorescence of Punjabi gangs. What has long been dismissed as the problem of a faraway country in which Canadian citizens are, at worst, peripherally involved, has repeatedly spilled over in blood on the Canadian street. Unless Ottawa changes its attitudes, policies and practices with regard to the complex of Khalistani terrorism and Punjabi gang operations, this tide of blood can only mount.
INDIA
On June 23, 2022, unidentified gunmen shot at and injured two non-locals - Madan Yadav and Bharat Yadav - at Kakching Wairi Leishangthem Pareng of Kakching District. Madan Yadav later succumbed to his injuries. The two men were construction workers who were staying with four others in a rented house. They belonged to Bihar.
On May 30, 2022, a non-local construction worker, identified as Pankaj Mohato, was killed in a blast inside the Community Hall at Sapam Mayai Leikai of Khongjom in Thoubal District.
According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) database, at least four non-locals have been killed in terrorism-linked incidents in 2022 thus far (data till July 17).
This is the highest number of non-local fatalities recorded in a year in the state since 2014, when eight non-locals were killed. Between 2015 and 2021, four non-locals were killed: three in 2017 and one in 2021.
According to the SATP database, between March 6, 2000 and July 8, 2022, at least 109 non-locals have been killed in insurgency-linked incidents. The highest number, 32 non-locals killed, was in 2009.
The issue of 'insiders' and 'outsiders' (non-locals) has been a cause of major conflict in Manipur - and, indeed, across much of India's Northeast - and has also created tensions between various ethnic communities, catalyzing the growing unity of militant formations in the State. Earlier, in March 2010, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), while describing all those who entered Manipur after 1949 (when the erstwhile princely State was 'forcibly' merged with the Indian Union) as "non-Manipuris," had asked these 'outsiders' to leave the State.
Meanwhile, in another worrying development in the State of Manipur, there has been a significant surge in incidents of explosion in the current year. The SATP database has recorded 17 terrorism-linked explosions in 2022 (data till July 17), resulting in two fatalities (one civilian and one trooper). Some of the recent incidents included:
On July 4, 2022, suspected militants lobbed a hand grenade at the residential compound of Agriculture Director, Nongmaithem Gojendro, at Tera Sapam Leirak Nongmaithem Leikai under the Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West District. The grenade, however, did not explode. The Police, later, recovered the grenade. No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack, (till the time of writing). This is the second attack targeting Gojendro's house. Earlier, on June 24, 2022, suspected militants had lobbed a China-made hand grenade at the director's house
On June 26, 2022, an explosion occurred at the residence of the Director of Settlement and Land Records (Revenue), Pangeijam Gojendro, in Kontha Khabam Maning Leikai, Imphal East District. Though no casualty was reported, a number of household goods, appliances, a water tank and window pane were damaged.
On June 18, 2022, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast took place at the residential gate of one resident, Hijam Ibungo of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai Road in Imphal, Imphal East District. Though, no casualty was reported, a portion of the building gate, window panes and a car were damaged due to the explosion.
During the corresponding period of the preceding year, Manipur had recorded three incidents of explosion, without any fatality. Through 2021, there were nine such incidents with no fatalities. In 2020, there were 12 incidents of explosion with three fatalities (all troopers).
Meanwhile, according to the SATP database, Manipur has, so far, recorded six fatalities (five civilians, one trooper and one militant) in the current year. There were five fatalities (all militants) during the corresponding period of 2021. Through 2021, the State recorded 27 fatalities (eight civilians, five troopers and 14 militants). Significantly, in 2020, the state had recorded its lowest overall fatalities, at seven (one civilian, three troopers and three militants), since 1992.
The overall security situation in the State in recent months has witnessed some deterioration.
Meanwhile, Security Forces have intensified their operations. While 89 insurgents were arrested in 2020, the number increased to 161 in 2021. In the current year, till July 17, at least 97 militants have already been arrested. The prominent arrestees included:
On July 5, 2022, the 'defence secretary' of the Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF) was arrested from Imphal East District.
On June 14, a 'lieutenant', identified as Naorem Ingoba Singh aka Ingo, of People's Liberation Army/Revolutionary People's Front (RPF/PLA) was arrested from Oinam Bazar in Bishnupur District.
On April 19, the 'chief' of the United Tribal Revolutionary Army (UTRA) was arrested from Dampi village in Churachandpur District.
Though only one insurgent has been killed in 2022, thus far, 14 were killed in 2021, the highest in a year since 2017, when there were 22 fatalities in this category.
The State Government has also initiated different measures to bring the militants into the 'mainstream.' Around 17 militants of various outfits, including the United Tribal Liberation Army-James (UTLA-J), Revolutionary People's Front/ People's Liberation Army (RPF/PLA) and the Yung Aung faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K-YA), surrendered in three separate incidents in 2022 (data till July 17). In one such incident, 14 militants of the United Tribal Liberation Army (James), including its 'chairman' Tonthang Singsit, surrendered along with arms and ammunition, before the Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren, on June 1. Encouraging the militants to surrender, Biren, asserted,
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already announced that except those who were involved in heinous crime, everyone should be exempted from any kind of case or FIRs so that they can lead a normal life. It is time to come forward and negotiate with the government of India. Trust me, believe us, we're not your enemies. You are all our people.
Manipur, divided into the Hill and Valley districts, and bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram to the south, Myanmar to the east and the Cachar District of Assam to the west, is one of the insurgency-affected states in the Northeast region of India. Though, the security situation has improved over the years, insurgency-linked violence persists.
While long-drawn negotiations with Hill-based militant groups continue in good faith, Valley-based militant groups continue to create security threats. The proximity with Myanmar is a major problem for the security establishment, as the Valley-based militant formations operate out the territory of the neighbouring country. Though the State Government has taken initiatives to fence the border with Myanmar, fencing is yet to be completed. Manipur Chief Minister Biren, thus noted, on November 13, 2021,
We have a 390 kilometers border with Myanmar. Seeing that this is sensitive, the Union Home Ministry started construction of border fences. There is some dispute in some of the areas and construction was stopped in those areas. However, construction is going on in other areas. Construction of fencing is the priority of the Centre and State governments.
The recent spike in attacks on non-locals and the series of explosions reported from across the state highlights the prevailing insecurities in the State. Both the State and the Central Governments need to address these urgently, as the troubles in Manipur have persisted for far too long.
AFGHANISTAN
US does not support organized violent opposition to the Taliban, tells US State Department official: The US Department of State said that Washington does "not support violent opposition against the Taliban". We are monitoring the recent uptick in violence closely and call on all sides to exercise restraint and to engage. This is the only way that Afghanistan can confront its many challenges," said a State Department spokesperson. Tolo News, July 14, 2022.
Kabul and Doha to Sign Security Agreement, says Acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid: Acting Minister of Defense Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid said that Kabul and Doha are expected to sign an agreement for security cooperation. Mawlawi Yaqoob said that the agreement will be assessed by the officials of the Islamic Emirate to decide whether or not it will be signed. Tolo News, July 11, 2022.
INDIA
Canada-based Ripudaman Singh Malik, acquitted in Air India Kanishka bombing case, shot dead in Canada: Canada-based Sikh leader and businessman Ripudaman Singh Malik, who was acquitted in the 1985 Air India bombing case, was shot dead in British Columbia's Surrey in Canada on July 14. Local Police said that the shots were fired at 9:30 am local time and that the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. They added that the shooting appeared to be targeted attack. The Quint, July 15, 2022.
NEPAL
Five-party alliance agrees to extend term of transitional justice commissions: An agreement has been reached among the five-party ruling alliance to extend the term of transitional justice commissions. Vice-Chairperson of the Rastriya Janamorcha, Durga Pokharel said that the meeting decided to extend the term of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP). My Republica, July 16, 2022.
Pushpa Bhusal elected as Deputy Speaker of the HoR: Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Pushpa Bhusal, a common candidate of the ruling five-party alliance, has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) on July 15. A total of 148 votes were cast in favour of Bhusal in parliament on July 15, of which there were 93 votes against her while one of the lawmakers chose to stay neutral. My Republica, July 16, 2022.
ISI luring Nepal military officers to wage war on India: The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is actively trying to rope in retired Nepalese security forces officers. As per the sources, Intelligence agencies speak of a meeting planned by the ISI involving a retired senior Police officer and also, a retired major general of the Nepal army, previously involved in intelligence. Times Now News, July 16, 2022.
PAKISTAN
33 persons killed and 30 disappeared in June in Balochistan, says HRCB report: According to the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) report, during the month of June, 30 cases of enforced disappearance and 33 killings, including two incident of honour killing, and three cases of extrajudicial killing were reported in different parts of Balochistan, whereas, one dead body of a missing person was found. Overall, 33 people were reportedly killed in various areas of Balochistan in June. However, only twenty-five of them could be identified. The Balochistan Post, July 12, 2022.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka's Acting President declares island wide state of emergency: Sri Lanka's acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared a Public Emergency again in the island from July 18. Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath issued the relevant extraordinary gazette announcement in the night of July 17 on the advice of Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Colombo Page, July 18, 2022.
Sri Lanka President's resignation officially announced: The Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced on July 15 that he had received the resignation letter of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Abeywardena announced that he has received the resignation letter sent by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in accordance with the Article 38 (1) of the Constitution. Colombo Page, July 15, 2022.
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