The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India has announced the extension of the ban on the terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) for an additional five years.
This decision, effective from July 10, 2024, has been made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), citing the group’s involvement in activities that threaten the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Background and Legal Framework
The SFJ has been previously banned for its alleged involvement in anti-India and subversive activities. The organisation’s primary objective is to carve out a sovereign Khalistan from Indian territory, a goal that the Indian government views as a direct threat to the nation’s unity and security.
The MHA’s latest notification reinforces the seriousness of these threats, stating that SFJ’s activities are “prejudicial to the internal security of India and public order.”
Activities and Allegations
According to the MHA, the SFJ has been actively supporting violent extremism and militancy, particularly in the Indian state of Punjab, and has maintained close ties with various militant outfits. The notification alleges that the organisation has been encouraging and aiding secessionist activities, with the potential to destabilise the government established by law.
The MHA expressed concerns that if the SFJ’s activities are not curbed, the organisation may escalate its subversive efforts, propagate anti-national sentiments, and incite violence across the country. This assessment is based on SFJ’s history and ongoing activities, which have been closely monitored by Indian security agencies.
Legal Provisions and Government Actions
The extension of the ban is exercised under sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the UAPA, which grants the Central Government the authority to declare any association unlawful if it is involved in activities deemed harmful to the nation’s security and integrity. This move follows a similar ban imposed in 2019, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to counter separatist and militant activities.
The notification states:
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby extends the declaration of the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as an unlawful association and directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a further period of five years from 10th day of July 2024.”
Implications and Future Steps
The extension of the ban on SFJ is seen as a significant step by the Indian government to strengthen its stance against separatist movements and maintain national security. This decision highlights the government’s commitment to countering threats to India’s sovereignty and ensuring public order.
The ban will remain in force for five years unless revoked or modified by the government. During this period, the government is expected to continue its vigilance and take necessary actions to prevent any resurgence of SFJ’s activities.
The ongoing monitoring and legal actions against organisations like SFJ demonstrate India’s robust approach to dealing with internal security challenges. By extending the ban, the government aims to curb the spread of extremist ideologies and maintain peace and stability within the country.
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