The government on Tuesday extended the ban on pro-Khalistan outfit Sikh For Justice (SFJ), founded by US-based separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, for another five years.
The Union home ministry had declared SFJ a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2019 for its anti-national activities.
A ministry notification said the SFJ has been found to be involved in activities that are prejudicial to the internal security of India and public order, including supporting violent extremism and militancy in Punjab and elsewhere to carve out a sovereign Khalistan from Indian territory.
"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby extends the declaration of the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as an unlawful association and directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a further period of five years from 10th day of July, 2024," it said.
It claimed that the SFJ has close ties with militant groups and activists and has supported and encouraged secessionist activities, including efforts to topple the legally established government.
“The government feels that if the SFJ's activities are not curbed, it may escalate its subversive activities, propagate anti-national sentiments, and incite violence in the country,” the MHA noted.
Three years ago, the SFJ had run a referendum campaign for a separate Khalistan. Its founder Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terror charges.