India is pressing the U.S. and New Zealand to ban SFJ, a pro-Khalistan separatist group.
The demand was raised by PM Narendra Modi with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon and by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
SFJ continues to conduct “referendums” in Western democracies, with the next one scheduled in Los Angeles.
India believes a ban on SFJ would strengthen its stance on Khalistan-related security concerns and counter accusations regarding alleged Indian involvement in overseas assassination plots.
Potential Impact of an SFJ Ban
A ban by any "Five Eyes" intelligence network countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand) would likely lead to coordinated action.
The U.S. Secretary of State could freeze SFJ’s funds and assets, restrict key members' movements, and prosecute them under FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) laws.
The U.K. and Canada have similar anti-terrorism provisions.
A successful ban could allow India to escalate the matter to the UN Security Council (UNSC) under Resolution 1373, which would legally compel member countries to act under FATF (Financial Action Task Force) obligations.
Why Have Other Countries Not Banned SFJ?
Western democracies view SFJ’s activities as "incendiary, but not illegal," citing freedom of expression laws.
India argues that ignoring SFJ’s threats could lead to security risks, citing the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing, where similar extremism was overlooked.
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