Banned terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has been in the limelight ever since farmers began protesting against three revolutionary farm laws. The terror outfit had been propagating anti-India sentiments within the Sikh community. But, the Modi government has stepped in with the decision to crack down on such organizations. In such a move, it has banned the online presence of foreign-based ‘Punjab Politics TV’ after its connection with SFJ surfaced.
Government’s crackdown on SFJ backed channels
Invoking the emergency powers provided under the new Information Technology Rules last year, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has banned the apps, websites and social media accounts of ‘Punjab Politics TV’.
It is believed that the channel has links with the proscribed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit. The channel has also been accused of attempting to disrupt the public order during the ongoing Legislative Assembly Elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the I&B Ministry reported that it has “ordered blocking of apps, website, and social media accounts of foreign-based ‘Punjab Politics TV’ having close links with Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an organisation that has been declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967”.
It added, “Relying on intelligence inputs that the channel was attempting to use online media to disturb public order during the ongoing State Assembly Elections, the Ministry used emergency powers under the IT Rules on 18th February to block the digital media resources of ‘Punjab Politics TV’.”
Furthermore, it also noted that the social media accounts could have incited communal disharmony and aimed at gaining traction amidst the ongoing elections. It asserted, “The contents of the blocked apps, website and social media accounts had the potential to incite communal disharmony and separatism; and were found to be detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, and public order. It was also observed that the launch of new apps and social media accounts was timed to gain traction during the ongoing elections,” the ministry added.
Read more: It’s time for moderate Sikhs to call out the Khalistani elements among them
It is pertinent to note that earlier in July 2020, the Home Ministry had blocked 40 websites belonging to pro-Khalistan terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), for supporting secessionist activities, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) 1967.
SFJ and its vicious agendas
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a banned terror outfit that aims at destabilizing India and wants to carve out a huge area of India. Khalistani and Islamists are known to be in bed with each other. Earlier in October 2021, it has released a controversial map of Khalistan which attempts to fulfil the deep desire of the fanatics of the ideologue.
Reportedly, the outfit released a “map” of their vision of Khalistan, which included states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and several districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. However, interestingly, the map didn’t have a square kilometre of Punjab in Pakistan, or for that matter, any state in the neighbouring country of India.
SFJ, last year, had also announced a reward of USD 250,000 for Punjab farmers to hoist the Khalistan flag at India Gate, as well as, Red Fort on the occasion of Republic Day. What followed afterwards has been well documented with hordes of Sikhs breaching the gates of Red Fort and hoisting the flag whilst others plunged Delhi into a state of total anarchy.
However, the government’s action against the terror outfit is a clear indication that it is in no mood to tolerate any anti-India activities.