Union Home Ministry on Wednesday banned pro-Khalistani group “The Sikhs for Justice” for its alleged anti-national activities. US-based The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) pushes for Sikh Referendum 2020 as part of its separatist agenda.
"SFJ is involved in anti-national and subversive activities in Punjab and elsewhere, intended to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. SFJ is in close touch with the militant outfits and activists, and its supporting violent form of extremism and ….carve out a sovereign Khalistan out of territory of India," said the MHA notification.
The outfit wanted to use Kartarpur Corridor for propagating their secessionist ideology, officials said adding SFJ and its secessionist campaign referendum 2020 are supported by Pakistan. India is likely to raise the issue regarding security and safety of pilgrims during Kartarpur talks with Pakistan on July 14.
The official website of SFJ and referendum 2020 were sharing and sourcing content from Karachi-based website, they said. A number of SFJ activists were also linked with same Pakistani websites, they pointed out.
They said there's no concrete evidence that Pakistan has curbed or banned the group.
A meeting of the Union Cabinet decided to declare SFJ as outlawed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Home Ministry officials said. The group's primary objective is to establish an "independent and sovereign country" in Punjab. The SFJ openly espouses the cause of Khalistan and in that process challenges the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, said MHA officials.
The notification also said that SFJ is funding and encouraging and aiding the activities of secession oand supporting many separatist and terrorist groups working against the country. There were occasions and proofs of SFJ's role in escalating tensions and create anti-India sentiments in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh hailed the Union Government's decision to ban pro-Khalistan group 'The Sikhs for Justice' and said it deserved to be treated as a "terrorist organisation". Singh termed the move as the first step towards protecting the nation from "anti-India or secessionist designs" of the ISI-backed organisation.