The Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), led by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been accused of spreading false propaganda regarding a standard White House acknowledgment letter.

The letter, dated July 24 and sent to Pannun, was a routine response issued by the U.S. President’s Office to acknowledge public correspondence, as part of standard protocol. However, SFJ circulated the letter claiming it reflected support from the U.S. President for their separatist Khalistan movement.

According to reports by Khalsa Vox, such letters are issued regularly to thousands of individuals addressing various concerns. The letter in question contains no endorsement, recognition, or policy shift, nor does it mention Khalistan or support for secessionist agendas.

Experts warn that this distortion of official communication is part of a wider pattern by SFJ and its affiliates to exploit democratic institutions and mislead the public for political gain. The propaganda tactic aims to falsely signal international legitimacy for a banned extremist agenda.

Earlier this year, India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal confirmed the extension of the ban on SFJ for another five years. The tribunal, led by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, upheld the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification, citing SFJ’s links to terror groups like Babbar Khalsa International and Khalistan Tiger Force.

The government submitted evidence that SFJ had ties with Pakistan’s ISI, was involved in radicalizing youth via social media, financing terrorism through smuggling, and issuing threats to Indian leaders.

The Ministry of Home Affairs reaffirmed on July 9, 2024, that SFJ’s activities continue to threaten India’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity, justifying the extended ban.