New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology today banned 40 websites of banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) that had launched an online campaign for registering supporters for its cause.
The Ministry has issued an order in this regard under section 69 of IT Act, 2000 on the recommendation of MHA. Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is an unlawful organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
“Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an unlawful organization under the UAPA, 1967, launched a campaign for registering supporters for its cause. On recommendation of MHA, MeitY has issued orders under sec. 69 A of the I.T. Act, 2000, for blocking 40 websites of SFJ,” the Home Ministry spokesperson tweeted.
Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), an unlawful organization under the UAPA,1967, launched a campaign for registering supporters for its cause. On recommendation of MHA, MeitY has issued orders under sec. 69 A of the I.T. Act, 2000, for blocking 40 websites of SFJ@AmitShah @HMOIndia
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) July 5, 2020
The home ministry had banned SFJ for its alleged anti-national activities last year. The SFJ pushed for Sikh Referendum 2020 as part of its separatist agenda. The US-based organisation had declared July 4 as the inaugural day for registration of referendum on Khalistan.
The Centre has blocked a Russian portal which was used by SFJ for online voter registration for “Referendum 2020” to demand for Khalistan, which seeks a separate homeland for the Sikhs.
The MeitY order came four days after MHA declared nine individuals as designated terrorists under provisions of amended UAPA Act, for trying to revive militancy in Punjab.
According to the ministry, out of nine individuals, four belong to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. They include Wadhawa Singh Babbar, chief of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI); Lakhbir Singh, who heads International Sikh Youth Federation; Ranjeet Singh, chief of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZB) and Paramjit Singh, who leads Khalistan Commando Force.
-ARK
