Editing 2016–17 Targeted killings in Punjab, India

During the year 2016–17, multiple attacks on political activists and religious leaders  in the northern Indian state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] were  perpetrated by individuals who were allegedly affiliated with the Khalistani militant group [[Khalistan Liberation Force]]. Those culpable for the attacks were also arrested. The Pakistani agency [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] was allegedly held responsible by India for financing and aiding the militant acts to foment religious disturbances in the state.

==Attacks==

*18 January 2016 - Two motorcycle-borne persons wearing [[Balaclava (clothing)|monkey caps]] fired gun shots at new Kidwai Nagar Park in [[Ludhiana]] city. The place was to host a [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] ''shakha'' (assembly) later in the day. No one was injured in the firing as the venue was vacant at the time of attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/community/shots-fired-at-rss-shakha-ground-in-ludhiana-none-hurt/184983.html |title=Shots fired at RSS Shakha ground in Ludhiana, none hurt |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2016-01-18 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Press Trust Of India |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/shots-fired-at-rss-shakha-in-ludhiana-none-hurt-1191526.html |title=Shots fired at RSS Shakha in Ludhiana; none hurt |publisher=News18 |date=2018-05-16 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/shots-fired-at-rss-shakha-in-ludhiana-none-hurt/articleshow/50622517.cms |title=Shots fired at RSS Shakha in Ludhiana; none hurt - The Economic Times |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=2016-01-18 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*18 January 2016 - Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader '''Naresh Kumar''' shot at and injured by masked motorcycle-borne men at Kidwai Nagar's Shaheedi Park in Ludhiana city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/2-unidentified-men-open-fire-at-rss-shaka-in-ludhiana/story-Alnk8qG1z2CnGQeDmNe34H.html |title=Unidentified men fire shots at RSS shakha in Ludhiana &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*3 February 2016 - '''Amit Arora''', Shiv Sena leader, was attacked by two motorcycle-borne persons while he was sitting in his car in Ludhiana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/nia-team-recreates-attack-on-sena-leader-in-city/544706.html |title=NIA team recreates attack on Sena leader in city |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2018-02-16 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*16 February 2016 -  Shiv Sena leader '''Deepak Jalandhari''' shot at and injured by motorcycle-borne attackers in [[Jalandhar]] city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Third-Shiv-Sena-leader-shot-at-in-Jalandhar/articleshow/51018147.cms |title=Third Shiv Sena leader shot at in Jalandhar &#124; Chandigarh News - Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2016-02-17 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*24 April 2016 - '''Durga Prasad Gupta''' shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assassins in [[Khanna, Ludhiana|Khanna]] city. He was the President of ''Mazdoor Sena'', labour wing of Shiv Sena Punjab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Shiv-Sena-leader-shot-dead-by-two-motorcycle-borne-youth/articleshow/51961780.cms |title=Shiv Sena leader shot dead by two motorcycle-borne youth &#124; Chandigarh News - Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2016-04-24 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/shiv-sena-leader-gunned-down-in-khanna/story-uuTB1wsq5tP26Fo8sLiqDK.html |title=Shiv Sena leader shot dead in Khanna &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref> Dashmesh Regiment claims responsibility for the killing.<ref name=h1>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/little-known-sikh-group-claims-to-have-killed-punjab-rss-vice-chief-gagneja-shiv-sena-leader/story-hEEpDFiXxACk0q6gNWDRSO.html|title=Little-known Sikh group claims to have killed RSS leader Gagneja|date=September 29, 2016|website= hindustantimes.com }}</ref>
*6 August 2016 - RSS leader [[Brigadier]] (retd) '''Jagdish Gagneja''' was shot at by motorcycle-borne persons in [[Chandigarh]]. He was admitted to hospital and died on Sep 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-punjab-senior-rss-leader-shot-brig-retd-jagdish-gagneja-at-critical-2242030 |title=Punjab: Senior RSS leader Brig (retd) Jagdish Gagneja shot at, critical |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2016-08-06 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=India PTI Sep 22, 2016 14:15:19 IST |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/senior-rss-leader-jagdish-gagneja-passes-away-senior-bjp-members-pay-respect-3015426.html |title=RSS leader Jagdish Gagneja passes away, senior BJP members pay last respects |publisher=Firstpost |date=2016-09-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/jagdish-gagneja-a-low-profile-yet-powerful-rss-leader-in-punjab/story-MtLMyv3FwUNBWBU2WwuSvL.html |title=Jagdish Gagneja: A low-profile, yet powerful RSS leader in Punjab &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref> [[Dashmesh Regiment]], sent emails to media claiming responsibility for the killings.<ref name="h1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/crime/290916/little-known-sikh-outfit-claims-to-have-killed-senior-rss-leader-gagneja.html|title=Little-known Sikh outfit claims to have killed senior RSS leader Gagneja|date=September 29, 2016|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
*14 January 2017 - '''Amit Sharma''', religious preacher at Hindu Takht and political activist of [[Indian National Congress]] killed in Ludhiana city by two motorcycle-borne assassins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/hindu-organisation-leader-shot-dead-in-ludhiana-4474891/ |title=Hindu organisation leader shot dead in Ludhiana |publisher=The Indian Express |date=2017-01-15 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/hindu-organisation-leader-shot-dead-in-ludhiana/articleshow/56543768.cms |title=Hindu organisation leader shot dead in Ludhiana &#124; Ludhiana News - Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2017-01-14 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*25 February 2017 - [[Dera Sacha Sauda]] followers '''Satpal Kumar''' and his son '''Ramesh Kumar''' killed at a ''naam charcha ghar'' (prayer hall) in Jagera village near [[Malaudh]] by two shooters on a motorcycle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/2-dera-sacha-sauda-followers-gunned-down-in-khanna-by-unidentified-assailants/story-fHVKu4LDdIbyqYQsirN6oO.html |title=Video &#124; 2 Dera Sacha Sauda followers shot dead in Khanna village, cops suspect Sikh radicals &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/dera-followers-murder-after-death-of-father-grandpa-this-8-year-old-stares-at-uncertain-future/story-cPo3Cujp07Q4wgvVW31BTP.html |title=Dera followers’ murder: After death of father, grandpa, this 8-year-old stares at uncertain future &#124; punjab &#124; ludhiana |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*15 July 2017 - '''Sultan Masih''', a pastor at Temple of God church, in Ludhiana city was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assassins who fired multiple shots killing him on the spot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pastor-shot-dead-outside-ludhiana-church/437322.html |title=Pastor shot dead outside Ludhiana church |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date= |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ludhiana-pastor-sultan-masih-killing-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-gives-widow-rs-5-lakh-police-job-to-son-4753427/ |title=Ludhiana pastor killing: Punjab CM gives widow Rs 5 lakh, police job to son |publisher=The Indian Express |date=2017-07-16 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*17 October 2017 - RSS and [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] leader '''Ravinder Gosai''' shot dead in Ludhiana by two motorcycle-borne assassins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/rss-leader-ravinder-gosai-shot-dead-in-ludhiana/story-d0DAwBmalUseU0yMGhZzmJ.html |title=RSS leader Ravinder Gosai shot dead in Ludhiana &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>
*30 October 2017 - '''Vipan Sharma''', leader of Hindu Sangharsh Sena, was shot dead in [[Amritsar]] city by two masked men.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/shiv-sena-leader-shot-dead-in-amritsar/story-U55Z1CccyzIgk41DCQUfbI.html |title=Punjab: Hindu outfit leader shot in Amritsar, fifth murder in 2 years &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref> One of the shooter, Saraj Singh Sandhu, was arrested by police on 6 March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/killer-of-amritsar-outfit-leader-in-net/554030.html |title=Killer of Amritsar outfit leader in net |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2018-03-07 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>

==Investigations==

On 4 November 2017, [[Punjab Police (India)|Punjab Police]] [[Arrest of Jagtar Singh Johal|arrested '''Jagtar Singh Johal''']] [[Pseudonym|alias]] Jaggi, from Rama Mandi town of Jalandhar and accused him of the attacks. Jaggi is a non-resident Indian residing in [[Dumbarton]] and ran a website named ‘Never Forget 1984’. He is accused of radicalising people and providing weapons to carry out the attacks.<ref name=a>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/targeted-killings-in-punjab-uk-resident-johal-was-on-police-radar-for-a-year/story-2hxtp6Knu5SSZ2sguuNTPM.html |title=Targeted killings in Punjab: UK resident Johal was on police radar for a year &#124; punjab &#124; top |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2016-04-22 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>

On 12 November 2017, '''Hardeep Singh''' alias Harman alias Shera accused of being one of the shooter's in the assassinations was arrested by police after a massive manhunt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/bushy-brows-lion-tattoo-on-chest-did-shera-in/496741.html |title=Bushy brows, lion tattoo on chest did Shera in |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2017-11-13 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>

'''Gursharanbir Singh''', a British national, described as the mastermind of the attacks has been declared a [[fugitive|proclaimed offender]].<ref name="o">{{cite web|last=Nanjappa |first=Vicky |url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/how-a-british-national-is-orchestrating-the-murder-of-hindus-in-punjab-2599226.html |title=How a British national is orchestrating the murder of Hindus in Punjab - Oneindia News |publisher=Oneindia.com |date=2017-12-10 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref><ref name=t>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/nia-files-chargesheet-in-pastor-rss-leader-s-killings/589386.html |title=NIA files chargesheet in pastor, RSS leader’s killings |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date=2018-05-15 |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref> He is one of the accused in the murder of Rulda Singh, president of the [[Rashtriya Sikh Sangat]], in 2009.<ref name="toi">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnownews.com/india/video/punjab-inter-service-intelligence-isi-khalistan-pakistan-hindu-sikh-leaders-times-now/142211 |title=ISI's dark secret REVEALED: 'Kill RSS leaders in Punjab to instigate Hindu-Sikh riots' |publisher=Timesnownews.com |date= |accessdate=2018-05-21}}</ref>

In lieu of the activities by [[Sikhs for Justice|SFJ]], a [[red corner notice]] was also issued by [[INTERPOL]] in October 2019,<ref name="tribuneindia">{{cite news |title=India for Interpol notice against 3 Khalistan ultras |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india-for-interpol-notice-against-3-khalistan-ultras/847641.html |accessdate=28 November 2019 |work=Tribuneindia}}</ref> against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, and other Khalistani terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zengatv.com/indiatoday.html?v=af6c80f2-9a8a-4164-be44-e925a73c64d5&t=videos|title=India Today|website=www.zengatv.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-11-28}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2016-17 Targeted killings in Punjab, India}}

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[[Category:Terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Khalistan movement]]
[[Category:Sikh terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Crime in Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Victims of Sikh terrorism]]
[[Category:2016 crimes in India]]
[[Category:2017 crimes in India]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in India in 2016]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in India in 2017]]