Security agencies worried about spike in pro-Khalistan activities

Concerned at a string of activities by pro-Khalistan elements that started from Punjab and spilled over to Jammu & Kashmir, the security establishment has told the government that there was a spike in support during protests abroad to commemorate people killed in Operation Bluestar.

Concerned at a string of activities by pro-Khalistan elements that started from Punjab and spilled over to Jammu & Kashmir, the security establishment has told the government that there was a spike in support during protests abroad to commemorate people killed in Operation Bluestar.

Security agencies have also indicated that there seemed to be a growing convergence between pro-Pakistan Kashmiri separatist elements and radical Sikh organisations that was reflected in the participation of people from Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the protests abroad.

Sources said the reports had also pointed to growing radicalisation of young Sikhs abroad. In United States’ San Francisco, it was a young girl, Puneet, who had delivered a strong speech demanding Khalistan. Other countries from where reports have come in include France, Germany, Malaysia and Pakistan.

Security sources said there was a clear pattern in increase in activities by pro-Khalistan elements in India and abroad, a situation made worse by a section of Punjab’s political class perceived to be going soft on them.

Armed Sikh youth and members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force last month clashed on the Golden Temple premises leaving 12 people injured.