What Are Security Agencies Saying About SFJ's Cultural Infiltration for Khalistan Narrative Revival?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The SFJ aims to revive the Khalistan narrative through cultural infiltration.
- Threats against cultural events have increased this year.
- Intelligence agencies warn of potential violence in India and abroad.
- Funding for SFJ activities comes from various international sources.
- Coordination among Khalistan groups is reportedly being improved by the ISI.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) Each year, as November approaches, the banned terrorist organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), makes headlines while attempting to commemorate the Sikh genocide month.
The link between November and the Khalistan movement is rooted in the tragic events of November 1984, which followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.
Pro-Khalistan factions in Canada, the US, and the UK conduct events to highlight their aspirations for an independent Punjab.
In the previous November, SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued threats towards the Ram Mandir and various temples. He also cautioned against flying Air India from November 1 to 19. This year, his threats extend to Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura 2025 concert set for November 1 in Melbourne.
Amid heightened alert levels from Australian police, Indian intelligence officials have also cautioned that Khalistan sympathizers may attempt attacks within India.
Authorities assert that this year, the primary aim of SFJ is to disrupt India’s cultural diplomacy globally and to instill fear among Sikhs who reject the Khalistan ideology.
By threatening such events, the SFJ aims to deter Sikhs from participating. Reports indicate the SFJ has established numerous groups on social media and messaging applications.
A significant flow of funding is being directed to various groups associated with the SFJ. They are leveraging encrypted Telegram channels for spreading propaganda and inciting hatred, as well as for fundraising purposes.
Investigations reveal that these channels operate from servers in the US and Canada, aiding the SFJ in concealing its activities. The SFJ and affiliated pro-Khalistan factions exploit the emotional resonance of the 1984 genocide to recruit Sikhs into their cause.
This trend is not new, as these organizations have engaged in similar activities for years. However, officials express that this year, the SFJ and its associates appear increasingly desperate, raising concerns about potential escalation.
The SFJ has a history of using foreign territories to cause disturbances, having organized referendums in locations such as Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada.
An official noted that while many past threats have proven ineffective, caution is warranted. Consequently, Melbourne police have upgraded their alert status from moderate to high.
Furthermore, the frustration among these groups due to the lack of momentum in India could lead to reckless actions.
In Australia, there are concerns that the SFJ and its affiliates might resort to using a lone actor to execute an attack or disrupt the concert. These developments coincide with the ISI intensifying its support for the Khalistan movement.
The ISI has recently designated Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) as the umbrella organization for all Khalistan terrorist factions, aiming for better coordination and streamlined operations. While the BKI will manage ground activities, the SFJ is tasked with issuing threats, promoting recruitment, collecting funds, and managing propaganda for the Khalistan agenda.
Having provided shelter to these elements for an extended period, the ISI has now decided to intensify its efforts, especially in Punjab.