LAHORE: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, General Counsel of the U.S.-based pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), addressed an online press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Tuesday, where he announced the formation of what he described as “Sikh Homeland Security (SHS),” presenting it as a defensive initiative for the protection of the Sikh community.
During the press conference, Pannun claimed the proposed SHS would serve as a self-defense mechanism and not an armed organization. According to him, the initiative is intended to protect Sikhs in the event of attacks and forms part of SFJ’s broader campaign advocating for an independent Khalistan.
Pannun Levels Allegations Against Indian Government
Addressing journalists, Pannun alleged that India’s government was pursuing policies aimed at reducing the Sikh majority in the Indian state of Punjab. He claimed these policies included economic pressure on farmers, drug-related challenges facing youth, and other measures that, according to him, adversely affect the Sikh community.
Pannun also criticized what he described as inadequate recognition of Sikh identity in official procedures and argued that Sikhs should enjoy greater political and religious rights.
Focus on ‘Sikh Homeland Security’
The announcement of Sikh Homeland Security (SHS) was one of the central points of the briefing.
Pannun said the proposed body would function as a defensive organization rather than an offensive force. He stated that its purpose would be to safeguard Sikh communities if they came under attack.
No operational details, organizational structure, or timeline for the initiative were provided during the press conference.
Referendum Campaign
Pannun said SFJ would continue organizing what it describes as a global Khalistan referendum campaign among Sikh diaspora communities in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany.
According to him, the campaign aims to draw international attention to SFJ’s demand for an independent Sikh homeland. He claimed the initiative enjoys support among sections of the Sikh diaspora, although no independently verified figures were presented during the briefing.
Claims Regarding Punjab
During the briefing, Pannun alleged that economic hardship, farmer distress, drug abuse and security operations have negatively affected the Sikh community in Punjab. He also claimed that many Sikh farmers had died by suicide because of economic pressures and accused Indian authorities of suppressing pro-Khalistan voices.
The figures and allegations cited during the press conference were not independently verified.
India has previously rejected accusations that it targets Sikhs as a community and has maintained that law enforcement actions are directed against individuals involved in activities deemed unlawful under Indian law.
Background
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a U.S.-based organization that advocates the creation of an independent Sikh homeland, commonly referred to as Khalistan.
India designated SFJ as an unlawful organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019. In 2020, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs designated Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as an individual terrorist under the same law. SFJ has rejected those designations and continues to campaign internationally for its political objectives.
The Khalistan movement seeks the creation of a separate Sikh state from India’s Punjab region. While the movement witnessed an armed insurgency during the 1980s and early 1990s, contemporary activism largely takes place through overseas advocacy campaigns, legal initiatives, public demonstrations and referendum events organized by pro-Khalistan groups abroad. The issue remains highly sensitive in India and has also featured in diplomatic discussions between India and several Western countries over alleged threats against Sikh activists overseas.
No Immediate Indian Response
There was no immediate official response from the Government of India to Pannun’s latest remarks at the time of publication.
