In a setback for India, the UK government has rejected India's demand to ban Sikhs for Justice's (SFJ) − a pro-Khalistan body based in the US − plan to issue 'London Declaration' for Referendum 2020, in London on August 12.
A UK government spokesperson said people in the country have the right to air their views provided they do it within the framework of law.
"If anyone spreads hate and deliberately raises tensions and causes disorder or violence the police will take strict action against them," the spokesperson added.
"On August 12, we will unveil the case for Sikhs' right to self-determination as guaranteed in the UN Charter and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,'' SFJ's legal advisor, attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun told HT.
India has been requesting authorities in the UK to clamp down on such activities and Indian High Commissioner to the UK YK Sinha met with British foreign minister Mark Field on the issue.
What is 'Referendum 2020'?
Referendum 2020 is a movement launched by people who want revival of the demand for the independent state of Khalistan. Pakistan's intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is thought to be behind the referendum and has brought together a group of Sikh youth for the purpose.
This group planned a series of assassinations of prominent Hindu leaders in Punjab so as to ignite the communal tinderbox. Funds to carry out such activities have been procured from Sikhs settled in Canada, UK, Italy, Australia and Pakistan, according to intelligence agencies.
Recently, the Punjab police foiled a major plan to revive terrorism in the state. The plan entailed getting like-minded people together and carrying out terror strikes including setting buses and shops on fire and targeting IPL matches before making a declaration that Punjab will become Khalistan by 2020.
According to police investigation, a Facebook page called 'Referendum 2020' was created by an ISI agent. He invited Sikh youth to popularise the page and the idea was to get as many people as possible onboard before unleashing terror and declaring Punjab independent.
