New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Wednesday filed a chargesheet against 16 foreign nationals from the US, Canada and UK for allegedly launching a “concerted secessionist campaign” under the banner of ‘Referendum 2020’ for the creation of a ‘Khalistan’.
According to the NIA, all 16 are members of the secessionist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Among those chargesheeted include some key SFJ members such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Paramjit Singh — all three already designated as ‘terrorists’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Gurpatwant also has several other cases filed against him under the UAPA in Punjab and Haryana.
Others who have been chargesheeted are Avtar Singh Pannun, Gurpreet Singh Baagi, Harpreet Singh, Sarabjit Singh Bannur, Amardeep Singh Purewal, J.S. Dhaliwal, Kulwant Singh Mothada, Dupinderjit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Harjaap Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Jatinder Singh Grewal and Himmat Singh.
According to NIA, SFJ has been declared as an ‘unlawful association’ under the UAPA. A case was registered in 2019 under the UAPA, among other sections, against the group.
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‘Secessionist outfit in the garb of human rights group’
According to an officer in the NIA, investigation into the case has revealed that SFJ, which was floated in the name of a human rights advocacy group, is a frontal organisation of “Khalistan terrorists outfits” operating from foreign soil, including Pakistan.
“It was a secessionist outfit floated in the garb of ‘human rights advocacy group’ with its offices in various foreign countries like the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. It is a frontal organisation of Khalistan terrorist outfits which are operating from countries outside India,” the officer said.
The officer also added that under the ‘Referendum 2020’ campaign, numerous social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube channels and a number of websites were launched, which are being used to propagate sedition and enmity among people on the grounds of religion.
“These pages and websites are being used to radicalise youth, to cause disturbance to peace and harmony and to raise funds for terrorist activities,” the officer said.
‘Instigating Sikh Army personnel, backing Kashmir’s secession’
The officer further said that SFJ has been attempting to undermine the security of India by instigating Sikh personnel in the Indian Army to rise up in mutiny against the country.
“They have not just tried to instigate Sikh personnel in the Indian Army and join their cause, they have also been trying to radicalise youth of Kashmir and openly extending support for secession of Kashmir from India,” the officer added.
During their investigation, the NIA also identified immovable properties belonging to Gurpatwant in Amritsar and to Nijjar in Jalandhar, which will now be attached.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, under Section 51-A of the UAPA, has ordered attachment of these properties, the officer added.
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Indian Government and godi media is shamelessly good at diverting attention from the real issues with the farmers. This is just Indian politics. They tried to link poor farmers with terrorism, what a joke. Sikhs understand it, the farmers understand it and the World understands it. Don’t believe me, check this out how India fake media works;
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55232432
BTW, I am all for United India, harmony between all Indians (Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and others), and most important of all I am for seeking justice for the Sikh men, women and children that has been denied by India for the last 30 plus years. The politicians that committed the crimes on behalf of the State, are roaming free. Sikhs made mistakes too and they are willing to admit it but, sadly the godi media and Indian state machinery will never admit any faults.
Good. Go after assets of separatists. Money is language that even fanatics understand.
Indian government is the true terrorist. Maybe they should clean their house first.