Sikh for Justice Group

Recently, advocate Harish Salve representing a petitioner, alleges the “Sikh for Justice Group” for its involvement in the ongoing farmer’s protest in the backdrop of controversial firm laws. The advocate said that “peace is being threatened as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization has circulated the posters that the protesters joining the protest will be paid a sum of Rs. 10,000”. However, Attorney General of India, K.K. Venugopal, did not mention the name of the organisation but noted a Khalistani presence in the protest.

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)

It is a US-based secessionist group. The group supports the separation of Punjab from India as the Khalistan region. This organisation was founded and by lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The government of India had banned the organisation in the year 2019. The group used to campaign for a Punjab independence referendum in order to separate a region of Punjab and name is as Khalistan.

Khalistan movement

It is a Sikh separatist movement that campaigns for the creation of a homeland for Sikhs. The separatist seeks to establishing their own sovereign state called Khalistan. Khalistan is a proposed state that would comprise of land from the Punjab region of India as well as the Punjab region of Pakistan. The Khalistan movement was started during 1980s.

Background of the Khalistan Movement

The background of the movement to create Khalistan dates back to the time when the British Empire fall in India. The first ever call for Khalistan was made in the year 1940 when a pamphlet titled “Khalistan” came into light.  The movement was at its peak till 1980s. However, in 1990s movement failed to reach its objective because of insurgency, factional infighting, and disillusionment among the Sikh population.

SFJ in India

This group was banned in India on July 10, 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. It was banned because of their anti-India activities. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was also declared as an “individual terrorist” under the UAPA.  The government also banned 40 websites of the group which were attracting people to support their movement.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

This law prevents any of the unlawful activities that disrupt the territorial integrity and sovereignty with respect to India. Under the act, both the Indians and foreigners can be charged. Since August 2019, this act can designate any individual as terrorist.