Pro-Khalistani `Sikhs For Justice` unlawful |
India July 10 declared foreign-based, pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice an unlawful association for supporting militancy and secessionism in Punjab. The decision, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, was taken in a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fringe group is run by a few radical Sikhs of foreign nationality in the US, Canada and the UK, a Home Ministry statement said, adding that all the major representative bodies of the Sikh community, during consultations by the Center, have categorically supported the government action. The Ministry said that SFJ is a New York-based fringe group run by a few radical foreign Sikhs and doesn`t have any support or traction in the Sikh community."It openly espouses the cause of Khalistan and has started an online secessionist campaign, the so-called `Sikh Referendum 2020` on the social media advocating secession of Punjab and formation of Khalistan," it said.The ban of the SFJ is said to be the part of Center`s "Zero Tolerance" policy against secessionist and extremist elements. The Ministry said that the group is supporting militancy in Punjab and indulging in activities aimed at vitiating communal harmony in the border state.The step came after the Punjab Police and National Investigation Agency busted several modules of the SFJ indulged in various subversive activities in Punjab.
|
|
|
|