NEW DELHI: A poster has been in circulation in Milan, Italy, calling for a lockdown by the pro-Khalistan elements. While one was aware of the presence of Khalistanis in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia, the poster featuring a protest in Italy signals a new shift.
Intelligence Bureau officials say that intercepts clearly suggest the Khalistanis are attempting to expand into more countries, thereby increasing the reach of their messaging. There is a clear attempt being made to project a transnational narrative relating to the Khalistan movement.
While the broader messaging is all about the creation of a separate Khalistan nation carved out of Punjab, the new poster also speaks about the situation in Bangladesh. The protest or lockdown in Milan is being promoted by Jagroop Singh and Gurpal Singh, who are part of the proscribed outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). This is the group that is heading the propaganda wing of the Khalistan movement. It has been responsible for the various referendums that have been held in Canada, the UK, and Australia.