WASHINGTON– The Khalistani separatist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has been accused of running a misinformation campaign after falsely portraying a routine White House letter as official support for its cause.
The letter, dated July 24 and sent to SFJ chief and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was a standard procedural response acknowledging receipt of correspondence—a common practice for the White House, which issues thousands of such replies annually on a wide range of topics. According to Khalsa Vox, the letter did not express endorsement, support, or any policy shift, nor did it mention Khalistan or secession.
Despite this, SFJ and its supporters circulated the letter online, mischaracterizing it as a “response from the American President” endorsing the Khalistani agenda. U.S. officials have not made any such declaration.
Analysts warn that this manipulation is part of a broader pattern by Khalistani outfits—exploiting democratic processes and transparent institutions to falsely claim international legitimacy. “This is nothing more than political theatre,” a report noted. “It’s an attempt to fabricate significance and sway public perception through carefully staged propaganda.”
The letter merely reiterated standard U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic principles, consistent with responses sent to other individuals expressing opinions on global matters.
SFJ and its leader Pannun remain under scrutiny by Indian authorities. In January, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, led by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta of the Delhi High Court, upheld the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision to ban SFJ for another five years.
The tribunal found credible evidence linking SFJ to banned terror outfits like Babbar Khalsa International and the Khalistan Tiger Force, as well as collaboration with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to revive militancy in Punjab. It cited SFJ’s use of social media to radicalize youth, fund terrorism through smuggling routes, procure arms and explosives, and issue death threats to high-ranking Indian officials, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
On July 9, 2024, the MHA officially extended SFJ’s designation as an unlawful association for five more years, citing its continued efforts to disrupt India’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. (Source: IANS)
