September 15, 2021
3 mins read

Pak-sponsored Khalistani outfits gaining ground in US, reveals report

Hudson Institute’s report says that Washington needs to monitor activities of Khalistani groups to prevent reoccurrence of the violence orchestrated by the Khalistan movement in the 1980s, reports Asian Lite News

In a recent report by a top American think tank, Hudson Institute, ‘Pakistan’s Destabilization Playbook: Khalistani Activism in the US’ published on Tuesday, it examines the conduct of “Khalistan and Kashmir separatist groups within the United States” to investigate their support by Pakistan.

The report looks at these groups’ ties to militant and terrorist outfits in India, and the possible detrimental effects of their activities on US foreign policy in South Asia.

The report demonstrates that “like Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist groups, the Khalistan groups can emerge under new names.”

“Unfortunately, the United States government has shown no interest in violence committed by Khalistan activists, even though the Khalistan campaign’s most ardent supporters are located in western countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States,” it said.

“Unless the US government prioritises oversight of Khalistan-related militancy and terrorism, it is unlikely to identify groups that are currently engaged in violence in Punjab in India or are preparing to do so. One seldom finds what one is not looking for,” it said.

Hudson Institute says that anticipation constitutes a crucial part of national security planning, and, therefore, investigating, within the limits prescribed by law, the activities of Khalistani groups located in North America is important to preventing a reoccurrence of the violence orchestrated by the Khalistan movement in the 1980s.

Importantly, the recent increase in Khalistan-related anti-India activism within the US is occurring as the United States and India are collaborating to confront the rise of China, especially in the Indo-Pacific, it said.

“The Khalistan movement’s history and recent mobilisation should serve as a reminder that, unless the threat it poses is somehow preempted, it could expand to a level where action might be too late to prevent large-scale loss of life,” it said.

The report calls upon the US government to India’s concerns seriously and dedicates the requisite intelligence and law enforcement resources to help India address these concerns.

The report said the US government should Include all groups responsible for terrorist attacks in India in its list of designated global terrorist groups and designate as terrorists the various individuals that India and US intelligence and law enforcement have established as being connected to designated terrorist entities.

“Apply terror financing laws and regulations to the various groups espousing Kashmiri and Khalistan separatism; Investigate US-based groups espousing Kashmiri and Khalistan separatism for possible violations of US laws related to foreign funding,” it said.

“Use legal means established specifically to combat terrorism, including FISA warrants, to monitor suspected Kashmiri and Khalistan terrorism sympathisers and advocates,” the report said.

Observing that Sikh radical groups are active in the New York area and in California, the report said that in addition to disseminating anti-India propaganda, the focus of these organizations is advocating the Khalistan cause, and to secure the support they target local politicians, US think tanks, and human rights activists.

“Khalistan activists also use Sikh places of worship, gurdwaras, to attract followers, organising special events to commemorate the ‘martyrdom’ of terrorists in Punjab. They also commemorate Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to proselytise younger Sikhs into believing that there is a religious conflict between Sikhs and other Indians,” it added.

ALSO READ: Afghans stage 2nd protest against Pakistan in Delhi

Previous Story

Is Russia’s bonhomie with Taliban over?

Next Story

US govt pressuring India to restart Covid-19 vaccine exports

Latest from -Top News

Pak, Iran Crack Down on Afghan Refugees

Most of those affected are in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where authorities have intensified pressure on Afghan nationals to leave….reports Asian Lite News As forced deportation and illegal detention of Afghan refugees continues,

Balochistan Bleeds Under Pakistan’s Iron Fist

The Baloch people have long faced marginalization and exploitation. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and collective punishment have further alienated the Baloch population…reports Deepak Kumar The scale and the audacity of the attack

Luxon’s India Visit Kicks Off Today

Prime Minister Luxon will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior officials, ministers, business leaders…reports Asian Lite News New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is scheduled to arrive in India on

Pakistan Blames Kabul for Jaffar Express Attack

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that the intercepted calls confirmed links between the attackers and Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan continues to accuse Afghanistan of orchestrating the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

New Political Player Enters Pakistani Arena

Slamming the current political turmoil, Miftah Ismail said it was

Setback for Shehbaz in defamation case in UK

Sharif filed a defamation claim against the “grotesque allegation” in