PAKISTAN MAY USE KARTARPUR TO FUEL UNREST IN PUNJAB

With Kartarpur Corridor set to be operationalised, there are fears that the initiative may be used by Pakistan to promote its pro-Khalistan agenda. Indian intelligence agencies have warned that Sikh fundamental organisations like Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) plan to use the Kartarpur Corridor to further their secessionist agenda by radicalising pilgrims who travel to Pakistan.

The government in July had announced a ban on SFJ under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for its alleged anti-national activities. Pakistan had in April this year claimed that it has also banned the SFJ, but India is yet to receive any formal communication from Pakistan in this regard.

A Home Ministry official, requesting anonymity, told IANS that the SFJ is being supported by Pakistan-based handlers to provide money and logistical support to local terrorists in Punjab to carry out subversive activities.

The Kartarpur Corridor may be used by such anti-national elements as pilgrims may be approached by these proKhalistani elements in Pakistan. Pakistan has been trying to fuel pro-Khalistan campaign in India.

Intelligence sources have raised alarm that several gurdwaras in Pakistan are still being used to promote pro-Khalistan campaign and they have shared inputs regarding pamphlets being distributed at some gurdwaras in Pakistan that talked about "Sikh Referendum 2020".

The SFJ, headed by Avtar Singh Pannun and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, started advocating a separate Khalistan state as well as an online secessionist campaign, the "Sikh Referendum 2020".