Pro-Khalistan graffiti appear at many Delhi Metro stations ahead of G20 summit; probe under way

Ahead of G20 meet, pro-Khalistani slogans appear at Metro stations


As India prepares to host the G20 summit in New Delhi next month, a security concern has emerged after pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on the walls of several Metro stations in the capital. The slogans, which promote the secessionist movement for a separate Sikh homeland, were allegedly inscribed by activists of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a front for the Khalistan group.

What are the slogans and where did they appear?

The slogans, such as "Delhi Banega Khalistan" (Delhi will become Khalistan) and "Khalistan Zindabad" (Long live Khalistan), were seen on the walls of at least five Metro stations, including Shivaji Park, MadiPur, Paschim Vihar, Udyog Nagar, and Maharaja Surajmal Stadium. The SFJ also released raw footage of the defaced Metro stations on social media. The graffiti also mentioned the name of SFJ and its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is wanted by India for sedition and terrorism charges.

How did the authorities react?

The Delhi Police said that they have taken cognizance of the matter and launched an investigation to identify and nab the culprits. They also said that they are coordinating with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to remove the graffiti and enhance security at the Metro stations. The police suspect that the SFJ activists may have used spray paint or markers to write the slogans during late night hours when the Metro services are closed.

What is the significance of this incident?

The defacement of the Metro stations comes at a time when New Delhi is gearing up to host the G20 summit on September 9 and 10, which will bring together leaders of 20 major economies along with guest nations and international organizations. The summit is expected to witness the participation of several heads of state and diplomats, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The incident also reflects the persistent attempts by the SFJ and other pro-Khalistani elements to create unrest and propaganda in India, especially in Punjab, where they have been trying to mobilize support for their separatist agenda. The SFJ has been advocating for a referendum on Khalistan in 2020, which was later postponed to 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The group has also been accused of instigating violence and vandalism during the farmers' protests against the new farm laws in India.

What is India's stance on Khalistan?

India has consistently rejected any demand or claim for Khalistan as an attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It has also declared the SFJ as an unlawful association and a terrorist organization under its laws. India has also sought the cooperation of other countries, especially Canada, where many pro-Khalistani groups are based, to curb their activities and extradite their leaders. India has also raised its concerns over the glorification of Khalistani terrorists by some Sikh groups in Canada and other countries.

Source: 

(1) G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting: How India’s Heritage is Powering its Global Brand. https://www.news18.com/india/g20-culture-ministers-meeting-how-indias-heritage-is-powering-its-global-brand-8553393.html.
(2) G20 Culture Working Group meeting: Argentina's envoy to India Hugo Javier Gobbi says India is an incredible host. https://www.indiablooms.com/news-details/N/91728/g20-culture-working-group-meeting-argentina-s-envoy-to-india-hugo-javier-gobbi-says-india-is-an-incredible-host.html.
(6) List of G20 summits - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_G20_summits.

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