New Delhi:
In a significant move to counter separatist activities, the Indian government has reinforced its stance against the pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has upheld a 5-year ban on SFJ, citing its persistent engagement in subversive activities that threaten India’s internal security.
A recent incident highlighted the gravity of SFJ’s actions when a pre-recorded threat was sent to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence, warning of bombings and targeting the children of Indian officials studying abroad. This incident is just one of many that underscore the organization’s dangerous agenda.
The tribunal, led by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, confirmed the 5-year ban on SFJ, which was initially imposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in July last year. This decision was based on extensive evidence of SFJ’s involvement in recruiting youth through social media, financing terrorism through smuggling networks, and procuring weapons and explosives to further its separatist goals.
SFJ has been accused of issuing death threats to top Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The group’s activities also include attempts to incite mutiny among Sikh soldiers in the Indian Army and close ties with militant groups and separatists.
The organization has been actively involved in anti-India propaganda, organizing protests and pro-Khalistan rallies against Indian dignitaries globally. SFJ has also filed court cases against Indian dignitaries in Europe, Canada, the USA, and other countries, further exacerbating tensions.
Pannun, the leader of SFJ, has been reported to have raised substantial funds for terrorist acts and the assassination of important leaders to intimidate the Indian government and public. Additionally, SFJ has prepared a list of children of police officers and politicians studying abroad to take revenge if its activists are tortured.
A total of 104 cases have been filed against SFJ, with 96 registered by state and union territory police and eight by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Punjab Police alone has registered 55 cases, while other states and union territories have also filed multiple cases against the group.
SFJ’s activities extend to inciting disruptions of major events, such as the Cricket World Cup, and threatening to avenge the deaths of its foreign-based activists. The group has also been involved in an online campaign, ‘Referendum 2020’, aimed at promoting the creation of a separate Sikh state, Khalistan.
The organization’s collaboration with gangsters, terrorists, and other radical elements, including Kashmiri separatists, has been highlighted as a significant threat to India’s government. Pannun has released audio messages provoking Kashmiri Muslims and has offered monetary rewards for anti-India activities, further destabilizing the region.
The government has emphasized that SFJ’s activities pose a direct threat to the peace, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of India. The tribunal’s decision to uphold the ban reflects the seriousness with which the Indian government is addressing these subversive activities.
