New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday has extended the ban on the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for an additional five years, citing activities detrimental to India’s internal security.
According to an MHA notification, the SFJ, which advocates for a Khalistan referendum, engages in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in Punjab.
The group maintains connections with militant organizations and activists, endorsing violent extremism to establish an independent Khalistan from Indian territory. The MHA also stated that the SFJ promotes secession and supports separatist factions by engaging in disruptive activities.
Justifying the extension under the UAPA 1967, the MHA highlighted that the SFJ persists in promoting Punjab’s secession and the creation of Khalistan, fostering anti-national sentiments, and inciting violence.
This action represents a significant government effort to suppress separatist and militant endeavours. A similar ban was previously imposed on the SFJ in 2019 which is set to expire on Wednesday.