Centre accuses Khalistani group of inciting secessionism in Manipur
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A background note from intelligence agencies, which formed part of a Home Ministry tribunal order, has accused the banned Khalistani organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) of inciting various minority communities - including Christians in Manipur, Muslims, and Tamils - to break away from India.
The government has now extended the ban on SFJ for another five years, citing its involvement in secessionist activities and terror threats.
The SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who was designated a terrorist by India in 2020, has allegedly played a role in dividing communities along religious and ethnic lines. According to the intelligence report, the group has encouraged Christians in Manipur to demand a separate nation, Tamils to advocate for "Dravidstan," and Muslims to push for "Urduistan." SFJ has also attempted to rally Dalits and farmers in Punjab and Haryana against the government, citing their grievances.
Manipur has witnessed violent ethnic clashes since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, over land rights and political representation. The state, which shares an open border with Myanmar, has a complex demographic, with Meiteis being predominantly Hindu, while Kukis, Nagas, and some Meiteis follow Christianity. Intelligence agencies claim that SFJ's interference adds another dimension to the ongoing crisis by attempting to fuel separatist sentiments.
The report also highlighted SFJ’s broader agenda of destabilising India by supporting secessionist movements across multiple states. It alleged that the group has actively collaborated with Kashmiri separatists, gangsters, and radical elements, while also attempting to influence Sikh personnel in the Indian armed forces to defect.
The intelligence report further pointed to SFJ’s connections with Pakistan, indicating that the group continues to receive external support. Currently, 104 cases have been registered against SFJ activists and sympathisers in India under various laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had warned in May 2024 about an alleged plot to create a Christian nation by integrating parts of Bangladesh (Chattogram) and Myanmar, with a base in the Bay of Bengal. Her claims, though unverified, have raised concerns about broader geopolitical implications.
In a related controversy, a Canada-based leader of the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), Lien Gangte, sparked debate in August 2023 by condemning alleged attacks on minorities in India and calling for international support. His speech, delivered at a Canadian gurdwara linked to slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was later deleted from social media when tensions between India and Canada escalated over Nijjar’s killing.
Intelligence agencies have flagged concerns over the group's reported efforts to target Indian diplomats and families of officials, making them potential bargaining tools in future conflicts.