UK to lift ban on pro-Khalistan body
Thursday, 17/03/2016
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LONDON: Britain on Tuesday initiated the first step towards lifting the 15-year ban on the Inter national Sikh Youth Federation, previously involved in assassinations, bombings and kidnappings, directed at India and Indian interests.
The House of Commons on Tuesday night approved a draft of the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2016, which removes ISYF from the list of organisations proscribed in Britain. The ban imposed on the pro-’Khalistan’ group in 2001 is to be lifted on March 18 after the House of Lords approves the draft on Thursday.
The ISYF was launched in Britain in 1984 as the international branch of the All India Sikh Students Federation. Besides India, the organisation is banned in Canada and other countries.
Minister for security John Hayes said there had been consultations with India and other countries before the decision was taken to “de-proscribe” ISYF.
“After careful and appropriate consideration, the home secretary concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to support a reasonable belief that the ISYF is currently concerned with terrorism, as defined by section 3(5) of the Terrorism Act 2000”, Hayes said.
The move to lift the ban was supported by MPs, including senior Labour MP Keith Vaz.
