India reaches out to FATF, Egmont Group to rein in Khalistani groups active in several countries

India has reached out to international organisations such as Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to seek their help to tackle secessionist Khalistan groups in the UK, the US, Australia and some other countries.

New Delhi has also contacted the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) to check terror financing and money laundering. The Egmont Group is an international network of FIUs working on the goal to fight against financial crimes.

The Egmont Group also supports the efforts of other international stakeholders on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), including the United Nations Security Council, the Financial Action Task Force, and the G20 Finance Ministers, reported The Sunday Guardian. The paper reported that the Egmont Group has been urged to gather inputs and evidence related to the Khalistani groups operating on foreign soil. “India has shared evidence with the FATF and UNODC on the funding and sympathisers of pro-Khalistani groups, urging them to work further on the basis of whatever documents have been provided to them,” a source said, according to the paper. UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime.

The three organizations – FATF, Egmont Group and UNODC – have been requested to extend help dealing with terrorists financing bodies in these countries, sources said. “India has asked all these countries to block funds to these outfits, as their failure to do so will be interpreted as their soft approach to those who are challenging India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from the territory of other countries,” according to the Sunday Guardian which quoted an official.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has intensified diplomatic activities in countries where anti-India activities and protests of Khalistani outfits have been reported. These countries include the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Italy and Malaysia. India has urged the leaderships of these countries to share inputs with New Delhi on the funding and haven of Khalistanis.  The Daily Guardian, quoting top sources said that some of the countries have also been given a strong message, saying that they must not allow their territory to become a safe haven for such elements and their organisations. Their sympathisers need to be singled out and action must be taken,” a source said. “The UK government was asked as to why London has become a haven for those accused of terrorism and other crimes in India. It is unfortunate that the UK has failed to rein in the violent separatists it shelters,” a source added.

Recently, a protest by Khalistani groups outside the Indian High Commission happened in London, with the security personnel finding it difficult to control it.

-INDIA NEWS STREAM