India’s Global Push for SFJ Ban

Syllabus: GS3/Security

Context

• At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, India reiterated its demand to ban SFJ (Sikh For Justice) globally, especially in the US & New Zealand.
  • SFJ is a pro-Khalistan secessionist organization, banned in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019.

Background

• SFJ has held so-called “referendums” in cities like London, Rome, Geneva, and Brampton since 2021, garnering media attention and diaspora participation. These are often seen as provocative rather than legitimate.
• India has requested the U.S. and other countries to designate SFJ as a terrorist organization and ban its activities, citing threats to India’s security.
• India maintains that SFJ is not merely an ideological outfit but is directly inciting violence, attempting to radicalize Indian youth, and is reportedly linked to Pakistan’s ISI.

What does the global ban on SFJ  mean to India?

• A ban by one of the “Five Eyes” countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand) could trigger a shared approach, and potentially a UNSC listing under resolution 1373.
• If the U.S. designates SFJ as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, it could freeze funds, restrict movement, and prosecute key figures.
• Challenge in banning them:
  • SFJ is viewed by some countries as non-serious, with their actions and threats downplayed, leading to lack of compliance with India’s requests.
  • India fears this inaction could repeat past mistakes, citing the 1985 Air India bombing linked to Canadian inaction.

Khalistan Movement

• Origin: The Khalistan movement seeks the creation of an independent Sikh state, separate from India.
  • Its origins trace back to the time of India and Pakistan’s Independence in 1947 when negotiations leading to the partition of the Punjab region fueled the idea. 
  • Over the years, this demand has resurfaced, with one of its most violent periods occurring during an insurgency in the 1970s and 1980s that gripped Punjab for more than a decade.
• Operation Blue Star: Then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the military’s entry into the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, to remove armed separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his supporters. 
• Events followed after Operation Blue Star: A few months later, the Prime Minister was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
  • In 1986 and 1988, the Indian army undertook operations to root out militants from Punjab. 
  • Militants were also held responsible for the 1985 bombing of an Air India Boeing 747 en route from Canada to India, resulting in the tragic loss of all lives on board. 
• Khalistan Movement in foreign land: Although the Khalistan movement has dwindled in support within India, it continues to find backing among sections of militants in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia. 

Source: TH