ISI Reroutes Khalistan Groups: From Crime to Covert Political Campaigns

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has directly instructed pro-Khalistan groups operating abroad to abandon violent criminal activities and instead focus on political campaigning. This strategic shift comes amidst intensified crackdowns by international law enforcement agencies, collaborating closely with Indian authorities, making traditional illicit operations like extortion and money laundering far riskier for these outfits. Previously, groups like Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, were heavily involved in violent crimes, extortion rackets, and narcotic smuggling, which provided law enforcement the leverage needed for severe crackdowns. The ISI directive aims to maintain the Khalistan movement's relevance by portraying it as a legitimate political cause, engaging the Sikh community in Punjab and the diaspora through activities such as 'referendum' and marches, as seen with the recent 'Punjab Independence Referendum' in Indianapolis. Going forward, these groups are expected to dial down anti-India rhetoric and calls for violence against Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as such acts do not align with the narrative of a peaceful political movement. This sophisticated tactic seeks to leverage legal avenues to perpetuate the demand for a separate Khalistan, circumventing security agencies both in India and overseas, and posing a nuanced challenge to India national security framework.