Centre Extends Ban On Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s Sikhs For Justice By 5 Years

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday extended its ban on the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for another five years, citing the group’s continued “anti-national activities.”

The SFJ, founded by US-based lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was first declared a banned organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019. The extension, announced by the Union Home Ministry, comes into effect on July 10, 2024.

According to the Ministry, SFJ is actively involved in promoting secessionist and extremist ideologies aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The group is accused of maintaining close ties with militant outfits and supporting violence in Punjab to achieve its goal of creating an independent Khalistan state.

The notification issued by the Home Ministry stated that SFJ’s activities pose a significant threat to national security and public order.

The Centre expressed concerns that if left unchecked, the group could escalate its efforts to destabilize the country and disrupt national unity.