The Indian government has extended the ban on the Khalistani separatist organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for another five years, citing its involvement in inciting communal tensions and planning terror activities. SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun—designated as a terrorist by India in July 2020—has been accused of provoking religious and ethnic minorities to secede from the country, according to a background note from intelligence agencies.
SFJ’s Secessionist Activities and Allegations
The background note, which was part of a Home Ministry tribunal order, states that SFJ has been actively working to divide communities along religious and ethnic lines. Intelligence agencies claim that SFJ has incited Muslims, Tamils, and Christians from Manipur to demand a separate nation. The organization has also attempted to stoke separatist sentiments among Dalits, farmers, and the Sikh personnel within the Indian Army and police forces.
“Dividing people on communal lines by provoking minority communities against the other communities has become a major tool for SFJ to push up its anti-India agenda,” the note read.
“SFJ has been inciting the Christian community in Manipur to raise their voices for a ‘separate country’, the people of Tamil Nadu to raise flags of ‘Dravidstan’ and have been stoking Muslim sentiments by raising the bogey of ‘minority persecution’ and exhorting Muslims of India to carve out a separate ‘Urduistan’.”
ALSO READ: Govt panel suggests action against ‘individual’ for plotting Pannun killing, report suggests it was a R&AW agent
The note further stated that SFJ has attempted to leverage ongoing socio-political conflicts, including the farmer protests in Punjab and Haryana, to push its separatist agenda.
Terror Threats to Indian Leaders
Intelligence reports also highlight SFJ’s direct threats to high-ranking Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The group has been accused of colluding with terrorists, gangsters, and radical elements, including Kashmiri separatists, while allegedly receiving support from Pakistan.
ALSO READ: Sonia Gandhi’s ‘poor thing’ remark for ‘tired’ President Droupadi Murmu draws ‘elitist, anti-tribal’ jibe from BJP
The government has also accused SFJ of raising substantial funds to carry out terrorist acts targeting key public figures. The organization reportedly compiled a list of children of Indian police officers and politicians studying abroad, allegedly to use them as leverage in retaliation for any perceived actions against SFJ operatives.
Manipur Conflict and SFJ’s Role
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023, with conflicts between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes over land rights and political representation. The intelligence background note suggests that SFJ has been attempting to capitalize on these tensions by inciting the Christian Kuki-Zo community to demand a separate administration from Manipur.
The state’s conflict has led to over 250 deaths and displaced 50,000 people internally. The Meitei community, which includes Hindus, Christians, and Meitei Pangals (Muslims), has been pushing for Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kuki tribes seek an independent administration due to alleged discrimination by the Meiteis.
Bangladesh’s Allegation of a Christian Separatist Plot
In May 2024, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina alleged a plot to create a Christian nation by integrating parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India’s northeast. “There will be more trouble. But don’t worry about it,” she told The Daily Star. Three months later, she was ousted from power and replaced by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government.
The tribunal order detailed the extensive legal action against SFJ, with 104 cases registered against its activists in India under various laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Information Technology Act.
Additionally, SFJ has been accused of threatening Indian diplomats. Photographs of diplomats, including Ambassador Vikram Duraiswami and former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, were circulated by SFJ last year, making them vulnerable to potential attacks.
Kuki-Zo Leader’s Speech in Canada Sparks Controversy
In August 2023, a Canada-based Kuki-Zo leader, Lien Gangte, addressed an event at a Surrey gurdwara—the same place where Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in June 2023. Gangte condemned what he termed “attacks on minorities in India” and sought Canada’s intervention. His speech gained widespread attention amid India’s diplomatic tensions with Canada over Nijjar’s killing.
While critics linked Gangte’s speech to Khalistani elements, a Kuki-Zo communications professional dismissed the allegations, stating, “This talk of NAMTA’s association with Khalistanis is a big lie. It has no credibility whatsoever except for troll handles posting this.”
