SIKHS FOR JUSTICE (SFJ) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: The Delhi Lieutenant-Governor recently proposed a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into the jailed Delhi Chief Minister's alleged receipt of political funding from Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)

• About: It is a New York-based pro-Khalistan organization that is banned in India.
• Founded: 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based attorney.
• Purpose: SFJ seeks to achieve "self-determiniation for the Sikh people in their historic homeland" in "Indian-held Punjab", and "establish a sovereign state, popularly known as Khalistan".
• Campaign Objectives: SFJ's main campaign, ‘Referendum 2020’, aims to achieve the "liberation" of Punjab from what they term "Indian occupation."

Banned in India

• India's Perspective: India regards Pannun as a terrorist and has banned SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
• Official Notification: The Home Ministry's 2019 notification states that SFJ is promoting secessionism and militant ideology in Punjab under the guise of a Sikh referendum.
• Operation: SFJ operates from safe havens abroad and receives active support from hostile forces in other countries.