Sikhs for Justice - Revision history

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			{{short description\|US-based Sikh separatist group}}
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	{{Infobox organization		{{Infobox organization
	\| name = ~~{{PAGENAME}}~~ <!-- defaults to {{PAGENAME}} if not provided -->		\| name = Sikhs for Justice <!-- defaults to {{PAGENAME}} if not provided -->
	\| native_name = <!-- Organization's name in its local language -->		\| native_name = <!-- Organization's name in its local language -->
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	\| successor =		\| successor =
	\| formation = {{start date and age\|2007\|10\|}} <!-- or: \| established = --> <!--e.g. use {{start date and age\|YYYY\|MM\|DD}}-->		\| formation = {{start date and age\|2007\|10\|}} <!-- or: \| established = --> <!--e.g. use {{start date and age\|YYYY\|MM\|DD}}-->
	\| founder = Gurpatwant Singh Pannu <!-- or: \| founders = -->		\| founder = [[Gurpatwant Singh Pannu]] <!-- or: \| founders = -->
	\| founding_location = [[United States]]		\| founding_location = [[United States]]
	\| extinction = <!-- or: \| dissolved = --> <!--e.g. use {{end date and age\|YYYY\|MM\|DD}}-->		\| extinction = <!-- or: \| dissolved = --> <!--e.g. use {{end date and age\|YYYY\|MM\|DD}}-->
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	'''Sikhs for Justice''' ('''SFJ''') is a US-based secessionist group that supports the secession of [[Punjab, India\|Punjab]] from India as [[Khalistan movement\|Khalistan]]. Founded and primarily headed by lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, it has numerous other active members. It was banned by India in 2019 as an unlawful association after consultation with major representatives bodies of the Sikh community, which was followed by mass appreciation of the ban by the Punjab Government.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/separatist-sikh-group-draws-more-scrutiny\|title=Separatist Sikh group draws more scrutiny\|last=hermes\|date=July 27, 2019\|website=The Straits Times\|language=en\|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> As of 2019 it campaigns for a Punjab independence referendum to carve out a separate Khalistan as a part of its separatist agenda.<ref name="HT">{{cite web \|last1=Sen \|first1=Sudhi Ranjan \|title=Government bans US-based pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/government-bans-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice/story-crKO7zAE1T9lGtfVNxbwsK.html \|website=Hindustan Times\| date=July 10, 2019 \|accessdate=August 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="GN">{{cite news \|last=Kalvapalle \|first=Rahul \|title=Sikh group plans to hold Khalistan referendum polling in Canadian cities in 2020 \|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4439381/khalistan-referendum-2020-sikhs-for-justice-canada/ \|work=Global News \| date=October 3, 2018 \|accessdate=August 9, 2019}}</ref>		'''Sikhs for Justice''' ('''SFJ''') is a US-based secessionist group that supports the secession of [[Punjab, India\|Punjab]] from India as [[Khalistan movement\|Khalistan]]. Founded and primarily headed by lawyer [[Gurpatwant Singh Pannu]], it has numerous other active members. It was banned by India in 2019 as an unlawful association after consultation with major representatives bodies of the Sikh community, which was followed by mass appreciation of the ban by the Punjab Government.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/separatist-sikh-group-draws-more-scrutiny\|title=Separatist Sikh group draws more scrutiny\|last=hermes\|date=July 27, 2019\|website=The Straits Times\|language=en\|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> As of 2019 it campaigns for a Punjab independence referendum to carve out a separate Khalistan as a part of its separatist agenda.<ref name="HT">{{cite web \|last1=Sen \|first1=Sudhi Ranjan \|title=Government bans US-based pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice \|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/government-bans-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice/story-crKO7zAE1T9lGtfVNxbwsK.html \|website=Hindustan Times\| date=July 10, 2019 \|accessdate=August 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="GN">{{cite news \|last=Kalvapalle \|first=Rahul \|title=Sikh group plans to hold Khalistan referendum polling in Canadian cities in 2020 \|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4439381/khalistan-referendum-2020-sikhs-for-justice-canada/ \|work=Global News \| date=October 3, 2018 \|accessdate=August 9, 2019}}</ref>

	==History==		==History==
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	=== Referendum campaign in Punjab ===		=== Referendum campaign in Punjab ===
	SFJ started organizing a campaign for 'Referendum 2020' for secession of [[Punjab, India\|Punjab]] state from [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Amid Protests In India, Separatists to Hold Punjab Referendum 2020 Rally in UK Today\|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/amid-protests-in-india-separatists-to-hold-punjab-referendum-2020-rally-in-uk-today-1841629.html\|access-date=June 27, 2020\|website=News18\|language=en}}</ref> Gurpatwant Singh Panun announced in November 2018 that the SFJ will establish a permanent office in [[Lahore]] for facilitating the registration of voters and giving information to Sikhs about it. He also stated that banners regarding the referendum and images of [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] had been posted around [[Nankana Sahib]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Pak allows SFJ to open 'Referendum 2020' office in Lahore\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/pak-allows-sfj-to-open-referendum-2020-office-in-lahore/articleshow/66758012.cms\|access-date=July 10, 2020\|website=Times of India\|language=en}}</ref> The group also has at times expressed support for a greater Khalistan whose territory straddles parts of [[Punjab, Pakistan\|Punjab]] province of [[Pakistan]] and has invited non-Sikhs to register for voting.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Khalistani outfit SFJ wants Greater Khalistan with headquarters in Pakistan's Lahore\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khalistan-outfit-sikhs-for-justice-sfj-headquarters-lahore-pakistan-1641786-2020-01-30\|access-date=July 10, 2020\|website=India Today\|language=en}}</ref>		SFJ started organizing a campaign for 'Referendum 2020' for the secession of [[Punjab, India\|Punjab]] state from [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Amid Protests In India, Separatists to Hold Punjab Referendum 2020 Rally in UK Today\|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/amid-protests-in-india-separatists-to-hold-punjab-referendum-2020-rally-in-uk-today-1841629.html\|access-date=June 27, 2020\|website=News18\|language=en}}</ref> Gurpatwant Singh Panun announced in November 2018 that the SFJ will establish a permanent office in [[Lahore]] for facilitating the registration of voters and giving information to Sikhs about it. He also stated that banners regarding the referendum and images of [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] had been posted around [[Nankana Sahib]].<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Pak allows SFJ to open 'Referendum 2020' office in Lahore\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/pak-allows-sfj-to-open-referendum-2020-office-in-lahore/articleshow/66758012.cms\|access-date=July 10, 2020\|website=Times of India\|language=en}}</ref> The group also has at times expressed support for a greater Khalistan whose territory straddles parts of [[Punjab, Pakistan\|Punjab]] province of [[Pakistan]] and has invited non-Sikhs to register for voting.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Khalistani outfit SFJ wants Greater Khalistan with headquarters in Pakistan's Lahore\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khalistan-outfit-sikhs-for-justice-sfj-headquarters-lahore-pakistan-1641786-2020-01-30\|access-date=July 10, 2020\|website=India Today\|language=en}}</ref>

	[[Sukhpal Singh Khaira]], MLA of [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] and the Leader of Opposition at the time, said, "Sikh Referendum 2020 was a result of consistent policy of bias, discrimination and persecution towards the Sikhs by successive governments in India”, though he clarified that he did not support the referendum. Chief Minister of Punjab [[Amarinder Singh]] rebuked him.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Referendum 2020 reverberates in Punjab politics\|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/referendum-2020-reverberates-in-punjab-politics\|access-date=June 27, 2020\|website=SBS Your Language\|language=en}}</ref> The [[Shiromani Akali Dal]] and the [[Bhartiya Janata Party]] also criticized Khaira for his statement, with former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister [[Sukhbir Singh Badal]] asking the AAP chief [[Arvind Kejriwal]] to act against the Punjab LoP.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Referendum 2020 reverberates in Punjab politics\|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/referendum-2020-reverberates-in-punjab-politics\|access-date=June 27, 2020\|website=SBS Your Language\|language=en}}</ref>		[[Sukhpal Singh Khaira]], MLA of [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] and the Leader of Opposition at the time, said, "Sikh Referendum 2020 was a result of consistent policy of bias, discrimination and persecution towards the Sikhs by successive governments in India”, though he clarified that he did not support the referendum. Chief Minister of Punjab [[Amarinder Singh]] rebuked him.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Referendum 2020 reverberates in Punjab politics\|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/referendum-2020-reverberates-in-punjab-politics\|access-date=June 27, 2020\|website=SBS Your Language\|language=en}}</ref> The [[Shiromani Akali Dal]] and the [[Bhartiya Janata Party]] also criticized Khaira for his statement, with former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister [[Sukhbir Singh Badal]] asking the AAP chief [[Arvind Kejriwal]] to act against the Punjab LoP.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=Referendum 2020 reverberates in Punjab politics\|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/referendum-2020-reverberates-in-punjab-politics\|access-date=June 27, 2020\|website=SBS Your Language\|language=en}}</ref>
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	==Criminal accusations==		==Criminal accusations==

	As of July 2019, there were 12 criminal cases that were being pursued by Indian agencies namely [[National Investigation Agency]], [[Punjab Police (India)\|Punjab Police]] and [[Uttarakhand Police]] who have also arrested 39 people associated with the SFJ in India.<ref name="HT" /> In lieu of the activities by SFJ, a [[red corner notice]] has also been issued by [[INTERPOL]] in October 2019,<ref name="tribuneindia">{{cite news \|title=India for Interpol notice against 3 Khalistan ultras \|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india-for-interpol-notice-against-3-khalistan-ultras/847641.html \|accessdate=November 28, 2019 \|work=Tribuneindia}}</ref> against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, and other Khalistani terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.zengatv.com/indiatoday.html?v=af6c80f2-9a8a-4164-be44-e925a73c64d5&t=videos\|title=India Today\|website=www.zengatv.com\|language=en-us\|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://medium.com/@MsZubaidaMir/what-does-the-red-corner-notice-issued-against-khalistani-gurpatwant-singh-pannu-mean-9df3b4bb6a51\|title=What does the red corner notice issued against Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannu mean?\|last=Mir\|first=Zubaida\|date=November 20, 2019\|website=Medium\|language=en\|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> According to Chief Minister of Punjab, [[Captain Amarinder Singh]], SFJ "had unleashed a wave of terror in Punjab in recent years" and deserved to be called a terrorist organisation. He welcomed the decision to ban the SFJ as a step towards protecting India from secessionist and anti-Indian plans of the organisation he described as backed by [[Pakistan's ISI]].<ref name="HT" /> Later in January 2020, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal chaired by Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel sustained the decision of ban on the secessionist group. Citing the ~~evidences~~ presented, as the reason for the decision, the committee said that since the activities of the group were "unlawful", "disruptive" and "threaten the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of India" and SFJ was "working in collusion with anti-India entities and forces", therefore, "the Central Government had sufficient cause to take action under the [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act\|Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)]] for declaring Sikhs For Justice as an unlawful association."<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uapa-tribunal-upholds-ban-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice-1635319-2020-01-09\|title=UAPA Tribunal upholds ban on pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice\|date=January 9, 2020\|last=PTI\|website=India Today\|access-date=February 10, 2020}}</ref>		As of July 2019, there were 12 criminal cases that were being pursued by Indian agencies namely [[National Investigation Agency]], [[Punjab Police (India)\|Punjab Police]] and [[Uttarakhand Police]] who have also arrested 39 people associated with the SFJ in India.<ref name="HT" /> In lieu of the activities by SFJ, a [[red corner notice]] has also been issued by [[INTERPOL]] in October 2019,<ref name="tribuneindia">{{cite news \|title=India for Interpol notice against 3 Khalistan ultras \|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india-for-interpol-notice-against-3-khalistan-ultras/847641.html \|accessdate=November 28, 2019 \|work=Tribuneindia}}</ref> against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, and other Khalistani terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.zengatv.com/indiatoday.html?v=af6c80f2-9a8a-4164-be44-e925a73c64d5&t=videos\|title=India Today\|website=www.zengatv.com\|language=en-us\|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://medium.com/@MsZubaidaMir/what-does-the-red-corner-notice-issued-against-khalistani-gurpatwant-singh-pannu-mean-9df3b4bb6a51\|title=What does the red corner notice issued against Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannu mean?\|last=Mir\|first=Zubaida\|date=November 20, 2019\|website=Medium\|language=en\|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> According to Chief Minister of Punjab, [[Captain Amarinder Singh]], SFJ "had unleashed a wave of terror in Punjab in recent years" and deserved to be called a terrorist organisation. He welcomed the decision to ban the SFJ as a step towards protecting India from secessionist and anti-Indian plans of the organisation he described as backed by [[Pakistan's ISI]].<ref name="HT" /> Later in January 2020, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal chaired by Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel sustained the decision of ban on the secessionist group. Citing the evidence presented, as the reason for the decision, the committee said that since the activities of the group were "unlawful", "disruptive" and "threaten the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of India" and SFJ was "working in collusion with anti-India entities and forces", therefore, "the Central Government had sufficient cause to take action under the [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act\|Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)]] for declaring Sikhs For Justice as an unlawful association."<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uapa-tribunal-upholds-ban-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice-1635319-2020-01-09\|title=UAPA Tribunal upholds ban on pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice\|date=January 9, 2020\|last=PTI\|website=India Today\|access-date=February 10, 2020}}</ref>

	A member of the group was arrested in Malaysia alongside 16 other suspects, including [[ISIS]] members, for planning to kill local political leaders in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sikh-woman-among-16-terror-suspects-arrested-by-malaysian-police-2107832\|title=Sikh Woman Among 16 Terror Suspects Arrested By Malaysian Police\|website=NDTV.com\|access-date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> Also, out of the four terrorists arrested in [[Tarn Taran Sahib\|Tarn Taran]] blast case in [[Punjab, India\|Punjab]], one revealed that they were tasked to kill the leaders of various Deras in India by Sikhs for Justice.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punjab-four-khalistan-zindabad-force-terrorists-arrested-in-taran-taran-1602155-2019-09-23\|title=Punjab: Four Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists arrested in Taran Taran\|first=Manjeet \|last=Sehgal\|date=September 23, 2019\|website=India Today\|language=en\|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> Furthermore, the [[Kartarpur Corridor]] that has been opened up for Sikhs, is reportedly being used for Khalistani propaganda by SFJ.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://liistudio.com/security-increased-at-kartarpur-corridor-after-terror-camps-were-spotted-near-gurudwara-darbar-sahib/24563/\|title=Security increased at Kartarpur Corridor after 'terror camps' were spotted near Gurudwara Darbar Sahib {{!}} Liist Studio\|language=en-US\|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref> The [[Haryana Police]] in July 2020 registered a [[first information report]] against Pannun for encouraging terrorism, promoting secessionism through automated phone calls and accusing people of [[Haryana]] of being against the interests of Punjabis as well as the Sikhs.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/case-against-pro-khalistan-group-member-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-in-haryana-for-inciting-terrorism-2256822\|title=Case Against Pro-Khalistan Group Member In Haryana For Inciting Terrorism\|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile in Punjab state, Pannun is booked for alleged links with terror modules. Another member [[Paramjit Singh Pamma]] also faces a murder charge.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/sfj-its-propagators-faces-multiple-cases-in-punjab/articleshow/70183989.cms\|title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannun faces multiple cases in Punjab\|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref>		A member of the group was arrested in Malaysia alongside 16 other suspects, including [[ISIS]] members, for planning to kill local political leaders in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sikh-woman-among-16-terror-suspects-arrested-by-malaysian-police-2107832\|title=Sikh Woman Among 16 Terror Suspects Arrested By Malaysian Police\|website=NDTV.com\|access-date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> Also, out of the four terrorists arrested in [[Tarn Taran Sahib\|Tarn Taran]] blast case in [[Punjab, India\|Punjab]], one revealed that they were tasked to kill the leaders of various Deras in India by Sikhs for Justice.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punjab-four-khalistan-zindabad-force-terrorists-arrested-in-taran-taran-1602155-2019-09-23\|title=Punjab: Four Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists arrested in Taran Taran\|first=Manjeet \|last=Sehgal\|date=September 23, 2019\|website=India Today\|language=en\|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> Furthermore, the [[Kartarpur Corridor]] that has been opened up for Sikhs, is reportedly being used for Khalistani propaganda by SFJ.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://liistudio.com/security-increased-at-kartarpur-corridor-after-terror-camps-were-spotted-near-gurudwara-darbar-sahib/24563/\|title=Security increased at Kartarpur Corridor after 'terror camps' were spotted near Gurudwara Darbar Sahib {{!}} Liist Studio\|language=en-US\|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref> The [[Haryana Police]] in July 2020 registered a [[first information report]] against Pannun for encouraging terrorism, promoting secessionism through automated phone calls and accusing people of [[Haryana]] of being against the interests of Punjabis as well as the Sikhs.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/case-against-pro-khalistan-group-member-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-in-haryana-for-inciting-terrorism-2256822\|title=Case Against Pro-Khalistan Group Member In Haryana For Inciting Terrorism\|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile in Punjab state, Pannun is booked for alleged links with terror modules. Another member [[Paramjit Singh Pamma]] also faces a murder charge.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/sfj-its-propagators-faces-multiple-cases-in-punjab/articleshow/70183989.cms\|title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannun faces multiple cases in Punjab\|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref>

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{{pp-protect|small=yes}}
{{short description|US-based Sikh freedom fightes group}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
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| abbreviation = SFJ
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| formation = {{start date and age|2007|10|}}  
| founder = Gurpatwant Singh Pannu 
| founding_location = [[United States]]
| extinction =  
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| type = [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]] 
| status = Banned in India 
| purpose = Secession of Punjab from India as Khalistan  
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| sec_gen = 
| leader_title = Legal advisor 
| leader_name = Gurpatwant Singh Pannu
| leader_title2 = International policy director
| leader_name2 = Jatinder Singh Grewal
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'''Sikhs for Justice''' ('''SFJ''') is a US-based secessionist group that supports the secession of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] from India as [[Khalistan movement|Khalistan]]. Founded and primarily headed by lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, it has numerous other active members. It was banned by India in 2019 as an unlawful association after consultation with major representatives bodies of the Sikh community, which was followed by mass appreciation of the ban by the Punjab Government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/separatist-sikh-group-draws-more-scrutiny|title=Separatist Sikh group draws more scrutiny|last=hermes|date=July 27, 2019|website=The Straits Times|language=en|access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> As of 2019 it campaigns for a Punjab independence referendum to carve out a separate Khalistan as a part of its separatist agenda.<ref name="HT">{{cite web |last1=Sen |first1=Sudhi Ranjan |title=Government bans US-based pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/government-bans-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice/story-crKO7zAE1T9lGtfVNxbwsK.html |website=Hindustan Times| date=July 10, 2019 |accessdate=August 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="GN">{{cite news |last=Kalvapalle |first=Rahul |title=Sikh group plans to hold Khalistan referendum polling in Canadian cities in 2020 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4439381/khalistan-referendum-2020-sikhs-for-justice-canada/ |work=Global News | date=October 3, 2018 |accessdate=August 9, 2019}}</ref>

==History==

=== Legal proceedings against INC members ===
In 2011, Sikhs For Justice took [[Kamal Nath]] and a few leaders of [[Indian National Congress]] to the US court for their role in [[1984 anti-Sikh riots]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sikhs for Justice v. Nath, 893 F. Supp. 2d 598 {{!}} Casetext Search + Citator|url=https://casetext.com/case/sikhs-for-justice-v-nath-2|access-date=June 26, 2020|website=casetext.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=March 3, 2011|title=US court summons Congress for Sikh 'genocide' in 1984|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/us-court-summons-congress-for-sikh-genocide-in-1984/articleshow/7616384.cms?from=mdr|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref> however, the court dismissed the case, saying that the case does not sufficiently "touch and concern" the US.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=July 8, 2020|title=US court dismisses 1984 rights violation case against Congress|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/us-court-dismisses-1984-rights-violation-case-against-congress/articleshow/45584647.cms?from=mdr|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=December 20, 2014}}</ref> In September 2013, the group filed an amended class action complaint against [[Sonia Gandhi]] for protecting members of her party who were involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, but in June 2014, the case was dismissed due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction and failure to state a claim.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Yoshita|last1=Singh|accessdate=July 8, 2020|title=1984 riots case: US court dismisses lawsuit against Sonia Gandhi|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/9Zc5WkpugH6d3WGjFDkDZP/1984-riots-case-US-court-dismisses-lawsuit-against-Sonia-Ga.html|date=June 11, 2014|website=Livemint}}</ref> SFJ were going to subpoena [[Rahul Gandhi]] as he stated 'some Congressmen were probably involved in 1984 anti-Sikh riots and they have been punished for it.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 30, 2014|title=Sikh rights group to subpoena Rahul Gandhi before US Court|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sikh-rights-group-to-subpoena-rahul-gandhi-before-us-court/articleshow/29604462.cms?from=mdr|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref>

In February 2014, the group filed human rights violation case against then 13th [[Prime Minister of India|Indian prime minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]] for his role as [[Minister of Finance (India)|finance minister of India]] in 1990s accusing him of "funding crimes against humanity perpetrated upon the Sikh community in India".<ref>{{Cite news|last=IANS|date=March 1, 2014|title=US court permits Sikh group to summon Manmohan Singh|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/us-court-permits-sikh-group-to-summon-manmohan-singh-114030100247_1.html|access-date=June 24, 2020}}</ref> They also submitted a report to [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights]] on 1984 anti-Sikh riots.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 8, 2014|title=1984 riots: Sikhs protest outside United Nations headquarters demanding justice|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/1984-riots-sikhs-protest-outside-united-nations-headquarters-demanding-justice/articleshow/45082217.cms?from=mdr|access-date=June 27, 2020}}</ref>

=== Referendum campaign in Punjab ===
SFJ started organizing a campaign for 'Referendum 2020' for secession of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] state from [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amid Protests In India, Separatists to Hold Punjab Referendum 2020 Rally in UK Today|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/amid-protests-in-india-separatists-to-hold-punjab-referendum-2020-rally-in-uk-today-1841629.html|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=News18|language=en}}</ref> Gurpatwant Singh Panun announced in November 2018 that the SFJ will establish a permanent office in [[Lahore]] for facilitating the registration of voters and giving information to Sikhs about it. He also stated that banners regarding the referendum and images of [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]] had been posted around [[Nankana Sahib]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pak allows SFJ to open 'Referendum 2020' office in Lahore|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/pak-allows-sfj-to-open-referendum-2020-office-in-lahore/articleshow/66758012.cms|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The group also has at times expressed support for a greater Khalistan whose territory straddles parts of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] province of [[Pakistan]] and has invited non-Sikhs to register for voting.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Khalistani outfit SFJ wants Greater Khalistan with headquarters in Pakistan's Lahore|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khalistan-outfit-sikhs-for-justice-sfj-headquarters-lahore-pakistan-1641786-2020-01-30|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

[[Sukhpal Singh Khaira]], MLA of [[Punjab Legislative Assembly]] and the Leader of Opposition at the time, said, "Sikh Referendum 2020 was a result of consistent policy of bias, discrimination and persecution towards the Sikhs by successive governments in India”, though he clarified that he did not support the referendum. Chief Minister of Punjab [[Amarinder Singh]] rebuked him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Referendum 2020 reverberates in Punjab politics|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/referendum-2020-reverberates-in-punjab-politics|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=SBS Your Language|language=en}}</ref> The [[Shiromani Akali Dal]] and the [[Bhartiya Janata Party]] also criticized Khaira for his statement, with former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister [[Sukhbir Singh Badal]] asking the AAP chief [[Arvind Kejriwal]] to act against the Punjab LoP.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Referendum 2020 reverberates in Punjab politics|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/referendum-2020-reverberates-in-punjab-politics|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=SBS Your Language|language=en}}</ref>

The Sikh delegation in the [[United States|United States of America]] also met the [[Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] during his visit in September 2019, to highlight their support of India as one country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rajghatta |first1=Chidanand |title=Modi in Houston: PM Modi meets minorities in Houston to showcase India's diversity and complexity {{!}} World News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/amid-protests-and-counterprotests-pm-modi-meets-minorities-in-houston-to-showcase-indias-diversity-and-complexity/articleshow/71244694.cms |accessdate=February 3, 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=September 22, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Agenda behind Kartarpur Corridor ===
[[Kartarpur Corridor]], India's initiative for its Sikh and Punjabi population to help them visit one of the most relevant places in Sikh history, was also used by SIkhs for Justice for promoting the secessionist campaign 'Referendum 2020'. The campaign is backed by Pakistan also, which is a close ally of Khalistanis. The pilgrims using Kartarpur Corridor were urged to attend workshops and seminars in Kartarpur on Referendum 2020, arranged by Sikhs for Justice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/website-of-sikhs-for-justice-has-links-with-pakistan/articleshow/65330890.cms?from=mdr|title=Website of Sikhs for justice has links with Pakistan|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|date=August 9, 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=December 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pak-ministers-disclosure-on-kartarpur-corridor-has-exposed-their-nefarious-designs-amarinder-singh/articleshow/72316888.cms|title=Pak minister's disclosure on Kartarpur Corridor has exposed their nefarious designs: Amarinder Singh {{!}} India News - Times of India|last1=Dec 1|first1=PTI {{!}} Updated|last2=2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=December 20, 2019|last3=Ist|first3=18:22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/u-s--based-sikhs-for-justice-banned-by-india/article_3d807fb0-a81a-11e9-a4d2-3b64ee2eee7b.html|title=U.S.-Based Sikhs For Justice, Banned by India, Has Pakistani Links|last=SINGH/IANS|first=RAJNISH|website=India West|language=en|access-date=December 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kashmirtimes.com/newsdet.aspx?q=96722|title=India won't let ISI-backed SFJ disturb its stability: Captain Amarinder Singh - Kashmir Times|website=www.kashmirtimes.com|access-date=December 20, 2019}}</ref>

==Criminal accusations==

As of July 2019, there were 12 criminal cases that were being pursued by Indian agencies namely [[National Investigation Agency]], [[Punjab Police (India)|Punjab Police]] and [[Uttarakhand Police]] who have also arrested 39 people associated with the SFJ in India.<ref name="HT" /> In lieu of the activities by SFJ, a [[red corner notice]] has also been issued by [[INTERPOL]] in October 2019,<ref name="tribuneindia">{{cite news |title=India for Interpol notice against 3 Khalistan ultras |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india-for-interpol-notice-against-3-khalistan-ultras/847641.html |accessdate=November 28, 2019 |work=Tribuneindia}}</ref> against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, and other Khalistani terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zengatv.com/indiatoday.html?v=af6c80f2-9a8a-4164-be44-e925a73c64d5&t=videos|title=India Today|website=www.zengatv.com|language=en-us|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@MsZubaidaMir/what-does-the-red-corner-notice-issued-against-khalistani-gurpatwant-singh-pannu-mean-9df3b4bb6a51|title=What does the red corner notice issued against Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannu mean?|last=Mir|first=Zubaida|date=November 20, 2019|website=Medium|language=en|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> According to Chief Minister of Punjab, [[Captain Amarinder Singh]], SFJ "had unleashed a wave of terror in Punjab in recent years" and deserved to be called a terrorist organisation. He welcomed the decision to ban the SFJ as a step towards protecting India from secessionist and anti-Indian plans of the organisation he described as backed by [[Pakistan's ISI]].<ref name="HT" /> Later in January 2020, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal chaired by Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel sustained the decision of ban on the secessionist group. Citing the evidences presented, as the reason for the decision, the committee said that since the activities of the group were "unlawful", "disruptive" and "threaten the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of India" and SFJ was "working in collusion with anti-India entities and forces", therefore, "the Central Government had sufficient cause to take action under the [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act|Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)]] for declaring Sikhs For Justice as an unlawful association."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uapa-tribunal-upholds-ban-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice-1635319-2020-01-09|title=UAPA Tribunal upholds ban on pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice|date=January 9, 2020|last=PTI|website=India Today|access-date=February 10, 2020}}</ref>

A member of the group was arrested in Malaysia alongside 16 other suspects, including [[ISIS]] members, for planning to kill local political leaders in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sikh-woman-among-16-terror-suspects-arrested-by-malaysian-police-2107832|title=Sikh Woman Among 16 Terror Suspects Arrested By Malaysian Police|website=NDTV.com|access-date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> Also, out of the four terrorists arrested in [[Tarn Taran Sahib|Tarn Taran]] blast case in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], one revealed that they were tasked to kill the leaders of various Deras in India by Sikhs for Justice.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punjab-four-khalistan-zindabad-force-terrorists-arrested-in-taran-taran-1602155-2019-09-23|title=Punjab: Four Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists arrested in Taran Taran|first=Manjeet |last=Sehgal|date=September 23, 2019|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=October 28, 2019}}</ref> Furthermore, the [[Kartarpur Corridor]] that has been opened up for Sikhs, is reportedly being used for Khalistani propaganda by SFJ.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://liistudio.com/security-increased-at-kartarpur-corridor-after-terror-camps-were-spotted-near-gurudwara-darbar-sahib/24563/|title=Security increased at Kartarpur Corridor after 'terror camps' were spotted near Gurudwara Darbar Sahib {{!}} Liist Studio|language=en-US|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref> The [[Haryana Police]] in July 2020 registered a [[first information report]] against Pannun for encouraging terrorism, promoting secessionism through automated phone calls and accusing people of [[Haryana]] of being against the interests of Punjabis as well as the Sikhs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/case-against-pro-khalistan-group-member-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-in-haryana-for-inciting-terrorism-2256822|title=Case Against Pro-Khalistan Group Member In Haryana For Inciting Terrorism|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile in Punjab state, Pannun is booked for alleged links with terror modules. Another member [[Paramjit Singh Pamma]] also faces a murder charge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/sfj-its-propagators-faces-multiple-cases-in-punjab/articleshow/70183989.cms|title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannun faces multiple cases in Punjab|access-date=July 10, 2020}}</ref>

The [[National Investigation Agency]] booked 16 members of the group on December 9, 2020 for promoting secessionism using the "Referendum 2020" campaign and accused it of being a political front for Khalistani militant groups based outside India, encouraging Sikh soldiers in the [[Indian Army]] to rebel and encouraging secessionism in [[Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/nia-files-chargesheet-against-16-khalistani-separatists-key-members-of-sikhs-for-justice/563677/|title=NIA files chargesheet against 16 ‘Khalistani’ separatists, key members of Sikhs for Justice|access-date=December 13, 2020}}</ref>

== Banned in India ==
Sikhs for Justice was banned on July 10, 2019 by [[Government of India]] under [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act]] for anti-India activities on July 10, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pro-Khalistani Group Sikhs for Justice Banned Over 'Anti-National' Activities; Punjab CM Lauds Move |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/pro-khalistani-group-sikhs-for-justice-banned-over-anti-national-activities-2225183.html |access-date=July 6, 2020 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> The group planned to use [[Google Play]] for spreading its propaganda, and an application was uploaded on it for people to register for Referendum 2020. The application was reported, and thereafter removed by Google Play Store in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/google-removes----2020-sikh-referendum----app-from-play-store.html|title=Google removes '2020 Sikh Referendum' app from Play Store|last=Pioneer|first=The|website=The Pioneer|language=en|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/technology/google-takes-pro-khalistan-2020-sikh-referendum-app-play-store-1502824147.html|title=Google takes down pro-Khalistan "2020 Sikh Referendum" app from its play store|date=November 19, 2019|website=The Statesman|language=en-US|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> Its [[Facebook]] page had already been blocked from India by the company in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/facebook-allowed-to-block-sikhs-for-justice-page-in-india-us-court/story-jRK9DZaOt4862RxlvDBSVL.html|title=Facebook allowed to block 'Sikhs for Justice' page in India: US court|date=November 24, 2015|website=Hindustan Times|language=en-in|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref>

On July 1, 2020, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was declared as an "individual terrorist" under the UAPA for promoting secessionism and allegedly encouraging Punjabi Sikh youth to take up arms.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Punjab: Pro-Khalistan outfit member Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, associates booked for sedition |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/punjab-pro-khalistan-outfit-member-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-associates-booked-for-sedition-856352.html |access-date=July 6, 2020 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> The central government via an order of [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]]<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pandey|first=Devesh K.|date=July 5, 2020|title=India blocks 40 websites of Sikhs For Justice|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-blocks-40-websites-of-sikhs-for-justice/article31996333.ece|access-date=July 6, 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> on the recommendation of the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] on July 5, banned 40 websites belonging to the group for attracting people to its cause.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Govt blocks 40 websites of banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-blocks-40-websites-of-banned-pro-khalistan-group-sikhs-for-justice/story-XGpEigOtBauJegATFLmLpK.html |access-date=July 6, 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:Sikh organisations]]
[[Category:Organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2007]]