New Delhi: The Khalistani extremists have been trying to raise pro-Khalistan sentiments among the Sikh diaspora overseas who can revive the secessionist movement, revealed intelligence inputs compiled by the multi sector security agencies.
“Though the militancy has abated, propaganda by Pro-Khalistani elements continue, especially by some sections of Sikh diaspora, and by extensive use of social media. Recent reports indicate a rise in pro-Khalistan sentiments among the Sikh diaspora overseas who can revive the secessionist movement,” intelligence reports stated.
The report, submitted in the home ministry, assumes significance following the fact that in the recent past a group of Khalistani supporters pulled down a Tricolour on the premises of the Indian High Commission in London.
“Involvement of sections of Sikh diaspora turned out to be important for Khalistan extremists as it provided diplomatic and financial support. It also enabled Pakistan to become involved in the fueling of the movement. Sikhs in the UK, Canada and USA arranged for cadres to travel to Pakistan for military and financial assistance,” the report pointed out.
Apart from propaganda, there have been efforts to revive the militancy. Many Khalistani extremist groups are active, and have executed a few incidents in the recent years. Past few years have seen an increase in Khalistani extremism activities, both on ground and in the cyber space.
The report said that on ground it has been manifested in the form of targeted killings, IED and grenade attacks or attempts on vital installations like law enforcement agencies, court complexes and market places. At least 38 lives have been lost since 2000 in Khalistan militancy related incidents.
Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), Bhindranwala Tiger Force of Khalistan (BTFK; aka Bhindranwale Tiger Force, BTF), Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Khalistan Liberation Force, Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF)-based in the United Kingdom, All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), Dashmesh Regiment and Shaheed Khalsa Force are some of the Khalistani militant group which have been trying to make their presence in India.
“Apart from these militant groups, other groups like Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) provide ideological support to the militants,” the report said.
Referring to the logistics and communication networks of the Khalistani militants, the intelligence agencies have found that they are using gangster networks for logistics.Use of established drug smuggling network - the heroin smuggling network in Punjab is extensively used for initial pickup, safe custody and later drop of terrorists. “Drones are being used for smuggling of arms, ammunition, explosives and narcotics into Indian territory from Pakistan,” the report highlighted.
It has been stated that social media is being widely used to spread Khalistani propaganda. “Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube are flooded with accounts which are being created using virtual numbers or temporary mails or from IPs based in Pakistan, US etc from which Khalistani propaganda is being spread. The frontrunner in this is the unlawful association Sikhs for Justice,” the report stated.
