The Roots of the Khalistani Movement
The Khalistani movement, which aims to carve out an independent Sikh state from India, has its roots in the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s. Sparked by political grievances and fueled by separatist sentiment, the movement reached a crescendo with Operation Blue Star in 1984, followed by the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While the movement has since been largely subdued in India, its members continue to grow abroad, with factions like the US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) promoting the cause internationally through referendums and online campaigns.
Recognizing the risks such campaigns pose to national integrity, the Indian government has taken robust measures, leveraging technology to counteract the digital spread of separatist propaganda. Recently, the Modi administration intensified its efforts, blocking 10,500 URLs linked to pro-Khalistani content over three years. This crackdown not only underscores the government’s resolve but also highlights the growing challenge of combating online extremism.
The Digital Front: Government Blocks Thousands of URLs
In a significant pushback against the Khalistan referendum, organized primarily by SFJ, the Modi-led government has blocked thousands of URLs under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. This law empowers the government to restrict online content that threatens India’s sovereignty, national security, or public order. Between 2022 and 2024, over 28,000 URLs across various platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram were blocked. These actions reflect the critical role of social media in propagating separatist ideologies and fraudulent schemes.
According to reports, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), spearheaded the move. A substantial number of the blocked URLs were linked to Khalistani propaganda, often targeting impressionable youth with calls to action and misinformation campaigns.
A Multi-Platform Crackdown
The scale of the crackdown demonstrates the government’s comprehensive approach. Data reveals the following platform-specific actions:
Facebook: Over 10,976 URLs were blocked, primarily for redirecting users to third-party apps and sites promoting fraudulent activities or separatist ideologies.
X (formerly Twitter): The government blocked 10,139 URLs, with a steady increase from 3,417 in 2022 to 2,950 by September 2024.
YouTube and Instagram: These platforms saw 2,211 and 2,198 accounts blocked respectively during the same period.
Telegram and WhatsApp: Although less targeted, 225 Telegram accounts and 138 WhatsApp profiles were also restricted.
The data underscores how social media has become a potent tool for both legitimate discourse and the dissemination of divisive narratives.
The Role of Intelligence and Collaboration
The decision to block URLs is not arbitrary but stems from meticulous intelligence gathering. Inputs from central agencies and recommendations by the MHA form the backbone of these actions. The URLs were identified as hosting content deemed prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and integrity. Many apps linked to the Khalistan referendum, as well as radicalization posts related to entities like the Popular Front of India (PFI) and LTTE, also fell under scrutiny.
For instance, over 2,100 URLs linked to PFI, a controversial organization accused of fostering extremist views, were blocked during the period. Similarly, posts from groups like Waris Punjab De (WPD) and Jammu & Kashmir militants were flagged for propagating inflammatory content.
Broader Implications of the Digital Battle
The crackdown on Khalistani propaganda is part of a broader strategy to curb online extremism and protect national security. Beyond the separatist movement, the government has targeted fraud schemes that exploit unsuspecting citizens through platforms like Facebook. These schemes often masquerade as investment opportunities or work-from-home offers, siphoning funds and trust from victims.
The reliance on Section 69A to counteract such threats reflects the evolving nature of governance in the digital age. However, it also raises questions about the balance between national security and free speech, as critics argue for greater transparency in the process.
A Continued Commitment to National Integrity
The Khalistan movement, while largely dormant within India, continues to pose challenges due to its international presence and digital reach. The Modi government’s decision to block 10,500 URLs tied to this agenda signals a firm commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty. By leveraging technology and fostering inter-agency collaboration, India has set a precedent for tackling online extremism.
However, the fight is far from over. As separatist groups adapt to circumvent digital barriers, the government must remain vigilant, continually updating its tools and strategies. In doing so, India not only protects its unity but also demonstrates the resilience of its democratic framework against divisive forces.
(With inputs from agencies)
