Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 17: The recent threat issued by the banned terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to lay siege to the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada, has once again raised alarm among Indian security agencies, highlighting the growing danger posed by Khalistani groups operating overseas. According to Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials, this threat is part of a larger psychological warfare strategy being pushed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), especially following Pakistan’s diplomatic setback during India’s Operation Sindoor.
Though SFJ is known for using inflammatory rhetoric as part of its psy-ops, Indian security agencies are not taking the threat lightly. Intelligence inputs suggest rising frustration among Khalistani outfits based in countries like Canada and the UK, as their attempts to gain traction in India, particularly Punjab, have failed repeatedly. Despite this lack of support on the ground, these groups continue to escalate their activities abroad.
Security officials believe that Pakistan’s ISI has instructed SFJ and similar outfits to intensify their psychological and narrative warfare against India. This includes issuing threats to Indian diplomatic missions, spreading anti-India propaganda online, and organizing so-called referendums to keep the Khalistan issue alive in the global discourse.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, chatter between Pakistani social media handles and SFJ-linked entities has increased significantly. These interactions reportedly involve calls for ramping up anti-India messaging and actions, part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to project regional dominance and maintain influence after its embarrassment during recent Indian military operations.
Despite these efforts, the Khalistan movement has failed to gain meaningful support in India. The Indian youth, particularly in Punjab, remain largely disengaged from the ideology. Indian forces have successfully dismantled multiple terror modules, and police in Punjab continue to thwart arms smuggling attempts linked to these groups.
As the movement falters domestically, the ISI appears to be shifting tactics by focusing on optics and influencing diaspora communities through digital platforms. The SFJ, which maintains a strong online presence, has been instrumental in spreading propaganda and targeting younger audiences. Intelligence officials say the ISI is now encouraging SFJ to exploit youth sentiment, similar to unrest strategies observed in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
The threat to the Vancouver consulate follows the symbolic opening of a so-called Khalistan “embassy” in Canada, adding to concerns. Canadian authorities, who have already released an assessment report linking Khalistani groups to terror financing and money laundering, are now being urged by Indian officials to step up cooperation and enforcement.
India has issued a high alert, particularly in Punjab, as a precaution. Agencies are closely monitoring developments and believe the surge in Khalistani activity reflects both desperation and external prodding. Officials stress that without local support in India, the Khalistan movement has little chance of revival — leaving groups like SFJ to resort to external theatrics and digital warfare to stay relevant.