Australia-based Khalistani groups under scanner for anti-India activities, says intel report
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Australia witnessed a surge in Khalistan-related activities in July, August, and December of this year. Dissidents not only waved Khalistan flags, but also chanted anti-India slogans and engaged in vandalism. This has angered the Indian community. Intelligence agencies have expressed concern about the rapid growth of the Khalistan movement in Australia.
Agencies say that the Khalistani organization has decreased its activities in Canada and the United Kingdom and has increased its presence in Australia in the past few months. Khalistani elements are investing a significant amount of their resources in Australia, and the recent incidents of violence there are a clear indication of this.
Referendums have been held in Australia before, but the scale of these activities has increased significantly in recent months. Social media campaigns run by groups like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) are also largely focused on events in Australia. Authorities say that there is frequent information on social media about sabotage, targeting Indians. Calls to chant anti-India and anti-PM Modi slogans have also been made, and this is happening more frequently these days.
India has contacted both Canada and the UK to express its concerns about Khalistan-related activities. Both countries have acknowledged the problem and agreed to work closely with New Delhi.
In recent months, these two countries have seen some crackdowns against Khalistanis. Therefore, Khalistanis have shifted their focus to Australia. The official said this allows the movement to continue uninterrupted.
During these incidents, Khalistanis trampled the Indian flag and chanted anti-India slogans. In December, during a protest, an Indian flag was torn, and videos of this were widely circulated. The SFJ frequently posts such videos to incite people. Unlike in Canada and the UK, Khalistanis are now facing opposition from the Indian community.
Indians in Australia have responded to chants of "Khalistan Zindabad" with "Bharat Mata ki Jai." Officials say such actions are intended to provoke the Indian community.
As in the UK and Canada, Khalistanis have taken advantage of Australia's emphasis on freedom of expression. Khalistani groups have been able to get away with protesting and raising hate slogans under the guise of freedom of expression.
Officials say the Australian government must take a firm and strict stance when it comes to these elements. Otherwise, the situation could quickly spiral out of control and the problem would become very difficult to resolve.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “We support freedom of expression but take a strong stance on violence or incitement and will continue to engage with Indian counterparts on these matters.”