Centre accuses Khalistani group SFJ of inciting Manipur Christians, Tamils, and Muslims to secede from India

India extends ban on Khalistani group SFJ

The Indian government has extended the ban on the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for another five years, citing its involvement in secessionist activities and terror threats. A Home Ministry tribunal order, based on intelligence agency reports, highlights SFJ’s attempts to incite minorities, disrupt India’s sovereignty, and provoke communal divisions.

SFJ accused of inciting secessionist movements

The tribunal order reveals that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the SFJ chief and a designated terrorist since July 2020, has been actively inciting Muslims, Tamils, and Christians in Manipur to secede from India. According to the intelligence report:

“Dividing people on communal lines by provoking minority communities against other communities has become a major tool for SFJ to push its anti-India agenda.”

The report further states that SFJ has been:

• Encouraging Christians in Manipur to demand a separate country.
• Instigating Tamils to advocate for ‘Dravidstan’.
• Exploiting religious sentiments among Indian Muslims to push for ‘Urduistan’.
• Urging Dalits to support its separatist movement under claims of persecution.
• Influencing farmers in Punjab and Haryana over the farm laws controversy.

Additionally, the intelligence report highlights SFJ’s alleged involvement in:

• Threats to PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and NSA Ajit Doval.
• Colluding with Pakistani agencies, Kashmiri separatists, gangsters, and radical elements.
• Inciting Sikh personnel in the military and police to desert their posts.

Ethnic clashes in Manipur add complexity

The report links SFJ’s activities to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, where over 250 people have died and 50,000 have been displaced since May 2023. The violence primarily involves the Meitei community, which is seeking Scheduled Tribe status, and the Kuki tribes, who demand a separate administration citing discrimination.

Manipur’s Meiteis are predominantly Hindu, while Kukis and Nagas are Christian-majority communities. The intelligence report suggests that SFJ has been influencing Christian groups in Manipur to push for a separate identity, adding a new dimension to the conflict.

Sheikh Hasina’s allegations and international concerns

In May 2024, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina alleged a plot to create a separate Christian nation by merging parts of Bangladesh (Chattogram), Myanmar, and a base in the Bay of Bengal. She warned of future conflicts before being ousted from power three months later.

Kuki-Zo leader’s Canada speech sparks controversy

In August 2023, Lien Gangte, the Canada chapter chief of the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), delivered a speech in Canada’s Surrey Gurdwara, condemning “attacks on minorities in India” and seeking Canada’s support. The same gurdwara was linked to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was assassinated in June 2023.

The speech initially did not cause much controversy, but when India-Canada relations soured after Nijjar’s killing, the video of the event resurfaced, fueling speculations about a possible link between Kuki separatists and Khalistani groups. NAMTA later deleted the videos, dismissing allegations of any connection to Khalistanis.

104 cases against SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

The tribunal order emphasizes the seriousness of investigations against SFJ. Pannun has 104 cases registered against him across India under various laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and IT Act.

According to intelligence reports:

• Pannun has raised substantial funds for terrorist activities and assassinations.
• SFJ has prepared a list of police officers‘ and politicians‘ children studying abroad to use as leverage.
• Photographs of Indian diplomats, including Ambassador Vikram Duraiswami and others, were circulated by SFJ, endangering their security.

Govt justifies ban extension on SFJ

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has justified extending SFJ’s ban for another five years, citing its continued involvement in terror-related activities and attempts to destabilize India. The organization remains a threat to national security, with intelligence agencies closely monitoring its actions.

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