New Delhi: US-headquartered pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has threatened to shut down consulates in various cities across the world in light of the farmers' protests. The outfit has warned that it will close consulates in London, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Toronto, Washington Dc through tractor rallies in support of the farmers in Punjab.
The announcement may be viewed on the backdrop of ongoing protests against farm laws in New Delhi. On Sunday, SFJ functionary Paramjit Singh Pamma was seen along with other supporters waving the Khaliastani flag during a pro-farmer rally in London.
According to a report in Times of India, the outfit was emboldened by the stance taken by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While extending support to farmer protests, Trudeau had said - "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest and human rights".
India had condemned the comments and urged the Canadian government to refrain from indulging in India's internal matters. "These comments have encouraged gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security. We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism," the MEA had said.
In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge-sheeted 16 people under the anti-terror law. These individuals are located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and according to the NIA charge sheet the individuals were involved in a conspiracy to create a campaign under the banner of 'Referendum 2020' for the creation of 'Khalistan'. Three of the individuals - Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Paramjit Singh have been listed as terrorists by the Home Ministry.
