The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) initiated a voter registration drive for a Khalistan Referendum targeting Sikhs in India on April 29. The announcement took place at the Karachi Press Club, where the SFJ and its chief, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who are banned by the Indian government, were present. This move highlights the open support extended by Pakistan to the SFJ, despite the group advocating violent actions in India, including the assassination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Officials have expressed concerns over Pakistan’s overt backing of a terrorist organization like the SFJ. The SFJ openly endorses the assassination of Indian leaders, glorifies figures like Bhindranwale, and regards individuals involved in the Kanishka bombing as heroes. By providing space for the SFJ at the Karachi Press Club, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, aims to promote the Khalistan narrative from its territory, as the group faces increased scrutiny in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Recent revelations by the Punjab police uncovered a deep-rooted conspiracy orchestrated by the ISI and Khalistan outfits. The police seized explosives like RDX, RPGs, and grenades intended for large-scale attacks across the state. Despite multiple such busts in Punjab and neighboring regions, the SFJ, representing Khalistani outfits, proceeded with the voter registration campaign for a Khalistan Referendum.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, during the launch of the voter registration, claimed that 1.8 million individuals globally participated, with plans for a phased rollout in India, starting from Delhi and progressing to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and finally Punjab. He expressed full support for Pakistan in potential future conflicts with India and praised Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir. However, intelligence officials have raised doubts about the SFJ’s inflated numbers, indicating a lack of substantial support for the movement, particularly in Punjab.
Authorities remain vigilant against the SFJ’s efforts to mobilize support in India, emphasizing the limited traction the group has in Punjab and other northern regions. Despite Pakistan allowing the SFJ to propagate its agenda from the Karachi Press Club, security agencies are on high alert to thwart any attempts at conducting the voter registration drive. The focus is on countering the SFJ’s narrative and false propaganda, especially through social media platforms and chat groups.
Intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the SFJ’s activities, particularly its potential dissemination of fake content and propaganda, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to portray Punjab negatively within the Indian context. Efforts are underway to prevent the spread of such misleading campaigns and ensure that the SFJ’s false narratives do not gain traction.
