MalissaHoskins at 07:49, 24 January 2026

2026-01-24T07:49:03Z

New page

{{Short description|Banned organisation in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox militant organization
| name = International Sikh Youth Federation
| native_name = ਇੰਟਰਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ ਸਿੱਖ ਯੂਥ ਫੈਡਰੇਸ਼ਨ
| caption = Logo of the ISYF
| logo = Logo of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), a Sikh militancy outfit.jpg
| foundation = 23 September 1984
| leader = [[Jasvir Singh Rode]]
| allies =
| status = Active
| country = [[India]]
| motives = The creation of a [[Sikh]] [[independent state]] of [[Khalistan]]
| dates = 1984 – present
| area = India, United Kingdom, Canada
| headquarters =
| ideology =
* [[Sikh nationalism]]
* [[Khalistan movement]]
* [[Separatism]]
* [[Anti-Indian sentiment]]
* [[Ethnonationalism]]
* [[Anti-establishment]]
* [[Religious nationalism]]
| position = [[Far-right]]
| crimes = Assassinations, bombings and abductions
| attacks =
| size = Believed to have hundreds to possibly thousands of supporters worldwide
| financing =
* [[Sikh diaspora]]
* [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (alleged)
| flag =
| designated_as_terror_group_by = {{flag|Canada}}<br/>{{flag|India}}<br/>{{flag|Japan}}
}}

The '''International Sikh Youth Federation''' ('''ISYF''') is a pro-[[Khalistan movement|Khalistan]] militant organisation that aims to establish an independent homeland for the [[Sikh]]s called Khalistan from the [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] state of [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF)|publisher=Institute for Conflict Management|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/punjab/terrorist_outfits/ISYF.htm|access-date=18 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924094703/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/punjab/terrorist_outfits/ISYF.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is banned as a terrorist organisation under [[Japan]]ese,<ref name="Japan_ban">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2002/7/0705.html |title=MOFA: Implementation of the Measures including the Freezing of Assets against Terrorists and the Like |access-date=2013-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406134416/http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2002/7/0705.html |archive-date=2013-04-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[India]]n,<ref name=IndiaTerrorList /> [[Canada|Canadian]]<ref name = Canada/> and [[United States of America|American]]<ref name="ustreasterror">{{cite web|url=http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/terror/terror.pdf|title=What You Need To Know About U.S. Sanctions|publisher=U.S. Department of Treasury|access-date=2009-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910021822/http://www.treasury.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/terror/terror.pdf|archive-date=2008-09-10|url-status=live}}</ref> [[counter-terrorism]] legislation.<ref name = USterrorlist/> The [[Government of India]] has declared it a terrorist organisation.<ref name="MHA_BanList"/> While banned, the organisation continues to receive siginificant financial support from [[Sikh diaspora]] people based in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/canada-lists-babbar-khalsa-sikh-youth-federation-terror-outfits-1408833-2018-12-13|title=Canada lists Babbar Khalsa, Sikh Youth Federation as terror outfits|date=13 December 2018 |access-date=4 April 2019|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108120139/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/canada-lists-babbar-khalsa-sikh-youth-federation-terror-outfits-1408833-2018-12-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Origin ==
International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) was formed on 23 September 1984 in [[Walsall]], [[United Kingdom|UK]] after the [[Operation Blue Star]] conducted by the Indian Military. It was founded by Jasbir Singh Rode, the nephew of [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]]. Its first conference was held in [[Walsall|Walsall, UK]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=INTERNATIONAL SIKH YOUTH FEDERATION (ISYF) |url=https://www.khalistanextremismmonitor.org/Groups/International-Sikh-Youth-Federation-(ISYF) |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Khalistan Extremism Monitor |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502130119/https://www.khalistanextremismmonitor.org/Groups/International-Sikh-Youth-Federation-(ISYF) |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History and activities ==
In 1984, the [[All India Sikh Students Federation]] (AISSF) started the ISYF in the United Kingdom as an international branch.<ref name = Canada/><ref name = TerrorThreat/>

The 1985 bombing of [[Air India Flight 182]] off [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], the deadliest aircraft terror attack until the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], and the attempted bombing of [[Air India Flight 301]], were allegedly carried out by Sikh extremists.
[[Inderjit Singh Reyat]], a dual British-Canadian citizen and member of the ISYF, was found guilty of manslaughter for making the bombs and had to spend more than 20 years imprisoned in Canada, and is the only individual convicted in these attacks as of 9 Feb 2009.<ref name="ISYFlink">{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/kens-adviser-is-linked-to-terror-group-6640438.html|title=Ken's adviser is linked to terror group|last=Gilligan|first=Andrew|date=2008-04-21|publisher=The London Evening Standard|access-date=2009-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612112108/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-mayor/article-23479477-details/Ken%27s+adviser+is+linked+to+terror+group/article.do|archive-date=12 June 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9bfcf081-3b29-45ea-8bb3-ad82c051bcbb|title=Air India bombmaker sent to holding centre|last=Bolan|first=Kim|date=9 February 2008|publisher=Ottawa Citizen|access-date=2009-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109171020/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9bfcf081-3b29-45ea-8bb3-ad82c051bcbb|archive-date=9 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/convicted-air-india-bomb-builder-inderjit-singh-reyat-gets-bail-1.732447|title=Convicted Air India bomb-builder Inderjit Singh Reyat gets bail|date=9 July 2008|publisher=CBC News|access-date=2009-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710234916/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/07/09/bc-air-india-reyat-bail.html|archive-date=10 July 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

ISYF members have engaged in terrorist attacks, assassinations, and bombings against both Indian figures and moderate Sikhs opposing them.<ref name = TerrorThreat/> The organisation has also collaborated and associated with other Sikh militant organisations, including [[Babbar Khalsa]],<ref name = Canada/> the [[Khalistan Liberation Force]],<ref name = TerrorThreat/> and [[Khalistan Commando Force]].<ref name = TerrorThreat/>

[[Steve Bassam, Baron Bassam of Brighton|Lord Bassam of Brighton]], then [[Home Office]] minister, stated that ISYF members working from the UK had committed "assassinations, bombings and kidnappings" and were a "threat to national security."<ref name="ISYFlink" /> In 2001 it was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the British government for its attacks.<ref name=Hansard2016>{{Cite web|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2016-03-17/debates/7F78B639-B4B5-492C-9FA2-3ED971D9B954/TerrorismAct2000(ProscribedOrganisations)(Amendment)Order2016|title=Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) Order 2016 – Hansard|website=hansard.parliament.uk|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729141151/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2016-03-17/debates/7F78B639-B4B5-492C-9FA2-3ED971D9B954/TerrorismAct2000(ProscribedOrganisations)(Amendment)Order2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

ISYF head [[Lakhbir Singh Rode]] was accused by a chargesheet for a bomb blast in a Ludhiana Court on 23 December 2021. It resulted in 1 death and 6 injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-20 |title=Ludhiana court blast: NIA conducts searches; recovers cash, phones, diaries |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/ludhiana-court-blast-nia-searches-recovery-8394741/lite/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120173632/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/ludhiana-court-blast-nia-searches-recovery-8394741/lite/ |archive-date=20 January 2023 |access-date=2023-04-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-08 |title=Pak-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode planned 2021 Ludhiana court blast |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pak-based-khalistani-terrorist-lakhbir-singh-rode-planned-2021-ludhiana-court-blast-article-96835768 |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=TimesNow |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010123158/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pak-based-khalistani-terrorist-lakhbir-singh-rode-planned-2021-ludhiana-court-blast-article-96835768 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Leadership ==
Jasbir Singh Rode was the nephew of [[Bhindranwale]] and member of fundamentalist Sikh organisation [[Damdami Taksal]]. After [[Operation Bluestar]] while in Pakistan Rode used the Sikh shrines at Pakistan to make [[Indophobia|anti-India]] speeches and provoked the audience to attack the Indian diplomats who were present.<ref name="IT_RODE_Jasbir">{{cite news |title=There will be no sell-out of the Sikh community: Jasbir Singh Rode |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19880331-there-will-be-no-sell-out-of-the-sikh-community-jasbir-singh-rode-797086-1988-03-31 |access-date=26 July 2018 |publisher=India Today |date=31 March 1988 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726234153/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19880331-there-will-be-no-sell-out-of-the-sikh-community-jasbir-singh-rode-797086-1988-03-31 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rode then arrived in the United Kingdom in August 1984.

On 23 September 1984 the formation of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) was announced by Harpal Singh and Jasbir Singh Rode.<ref name="Tatla_Diaspora">{{cite book |last1=Tatla |first1=Darsham Singh |title=The Sikh Diaspora: The Search For Statehood |date=2005 |publisher=Routledge |location=141 |isbn=9781135367442 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Amq_oOeDZNUC&q=pargat+singh+isyf&pg=PA141 |access-date=26 July 2018}}</ref> The group had a 51-member panel headed by Pargat Singh.<ref name = Diasporas1089/> But, by December 1984, Rode was expelled from the UK for publicly advocating violent methods in support of the [[Khalistan movement]].<ref name = Reports>{{cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=FEzBqJIF440C&pg=PA395 | page = 395 | title = International Law Reports | author1 = Lauterpacht, Elihu | author2 = Greenwood, C. J. | author3 = Oppenheimer, A. G. | publisher = Cambridge University Press | year = 1998 | isbn = 978-0-521-58070-0 }}</ref>

Rode was arrested by Indian authorities in [[Manila]] while seeking asylum in a chase spanning [[Thailand]] and the [[Philippines]]. He was imprisoned for two years in India.<ref name="IT_RODE_Jasbir"/> Upon his release, he moderated, now advocating pursuing constitutional changes within Indian framework.<ref name = Reports/> This mode disappointed many of his followers and created a rift in the UK branches roughly along north/south lines: the northern branches known as ISYF (Rode) followed Rode's moderate stance while the southern branches instead followed Dr. Sohan Singh.<ref name = Reports/>

The former leader of ISYF, [[Lakhbir Singh Rode]], was sought for trial in India. He was wanted in cases of arms smuggling, conspiracy to attack government leaders in New Delhi, and spreading religious hatred in Punjab. As per Indian sources, he resided in Lahore, Pakistan after he had escaped to Pakistan due to his association with illegal activities in India while his family settled in Canada. He died of a heart attack in December 2023 in Pakistan's Lahore.<ref name="Express_US to freeze assets of Babbar Khalsa2002">{{cite web |date=28 June 2002 |title=US to freeze assets of Babbar Khalsa, Intl Sikh Youth Federation |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=12067 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011031057/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=12067 |archive-date=11 October 2012 |access-date=11 December 2022 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Reuters |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Who Was Lakhbir Singh Rode, Pak-Based Khalistani Terrorist Wanted In India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jarnail-singh-bhindranwale-lakhbir-singh-rode-who-was-lakhbir-singh-rode-pak-based-khalistani-terrorist-wanted-in-india-4635082 |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2023-12-05 |title=Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode, nephew of Bhindranwale, dies of heart attack in Pakistan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/khalistani-terrorist-lakhbir-singh-rode-nephew-of-bhindranwale-dies-of-heart-attack-in-pakistan/article67606833.ece |access-date=2024-10-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Foreign support==

=== Pakistan ===
There are allegations made by sources from the Indian based website the South Asian Terrorism portal that the ISYF has been supported by [[Pakistan]]'s [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] organisation.<ref name="SATPISYF">{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/punjab/terrorist_outfits/ISYF.htm|title=International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) South Asian Terrorism Portal article|date=n.d.|publisher=[[The Institute for Conflict Management]]|access-date=2009-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310175452/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/punjab/terrorist_outfits/ISYF.htm|archive-date=2009-03-10|url-status=live}}</ref>{{clarify|date=July 2019}}

The Inter-Services Intelligence has long been accused of providing support to the ISYF. Following 1984, ISYF was established in the United Kingdom and later expanded its presence to Pakistan, where it received logistical and operational backing from the ISI. Over the years, the ISI reportedly facilitated training camps, supplied arms and ammunition, and funded ISYF operations. Indian intelligence reports have highlighted the role of the ISI in reviving militancy in Punjab by using Pakistan-based groups like ISYF and Babbar Khalsa International to conduct infiltration and attacks, particularly through the Jammu and Kashmir region.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=India’s Sikh Militants Forming Ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistani Intelligence |url=https://jamestown.org/program/indias-sikh-militants-forming-ties-with-lashkar-e-taiba-and-pakistani-intelligence/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=jamestown.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

In addition to direct support, the ISI is also believed to have brokered linkages between ISYF and pan-Islamist militant groups, most notably [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] (LeT). The ISYF is reported to have been the first Sikh militant group to engage ideologues from Markaz-e-Dawat-ul-Irshad, LeT's parent organisation. These interactions, which began in the mid-1990s, evolved into joint training and operational collaborations. By the early 2000s, LeT and ISYF had reportedly established a shared base near [[Nankana Sahib]] in Pakistan’s Punjab province, with ISI backing. These alliances enabled joint planning of attacks and resource sharing, with meetings reportedly held in international locations such as Berlin to coordinate funding and logistics for future militant operations.<ref name=":0" />

== Bannings ==
===United Kingdom===
In February 2001, the United Kingdom banned twenty-one groups, including the ISYF, under the [[Terrorism Act 2000]].<ref name=Guardian>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/mar/01/ukcrime.humanrights | work = Guardian Unlimited | title = ISYF banned under new terror law | date = 2001-03-01 | first = Richard | last = Norton-Taylor | access-date = 2008-12-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050428142052/http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4144220,00.html | archive-date = 2005-04-28 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name = Diasporas1089>{{cite book | page = 1089 | title = Encyclopedia of diasporas: immigrant and refugee cultures around the world | first1 = Carol R | last1 = Ember | first2 = Melvin | last2 = Ember | first3 = Ian A. | last3 = Skoggard | publisher = Springer | year = 2004 | isbn = 978-0-306-48321-9 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=7QEjPVyd9YMC | access-date = 24 September 2016 | archive-date = 27 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230927203729/https://books.google.com/books?id=7QEjPVyd9YMC | url-status = live }}</ref> The
ISYF was removed from the list of proscribed groups in March 2016 "following receipt of an application to deproscribe the organisation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/612076/20170503_Proscription.pdf|title=PROSCRIBED TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS|date=n.d.|publisher=[[Home Office]]|access-date=2017-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614124613/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/612076/20170503_Proscription.pdf|archive-date=2017-06-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a separate legal challenge by the leadership of the Sikh Federation (UK), including Bhai Amrik Singh, the Home Secretary confirmed on 14 December 2015 that she would be recommending to Parliament that the ban on the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) should be removed (this was removed in March 2016).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ramchurn|first=Sheena|date=2016-09-30|title=Sikh Leader Campaigns for Khalistan, Secures British Passport After Long Legal Battle – Latest, National, Top Stories|url=https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2016/09/30/sikh-leader-campaigns-khalistan-secures-british-passport-long-legal-battle/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=The Asian Today Online|language=en-GB|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406225223/https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2016/09/30/sikh-leader-campaigns-khalistan-secures-british-passport-long-legal-battle/|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

===India===
In 2002, the ISYF was banned in India, under the [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act]] designated as [[terrorist]] organisation by the [[Government of India]].<ref name=IndiaTerrorList>{{cite web|url=http://www.mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=292|title=Terrorism Act 2000|publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)]]|access-date=20 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510212307/http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?id_pk=292|archive-date=10 May 2012}}</ref> It remains [[List of terrorist organisations in India|banned in India]] since then.<ref name="MHA_BanList">{{cite web|title=List of Banned Organisations|url=https://mha.gov.in/banned-organisations|website=Ministry of Home Affairs, GoI|publisher=Government of India|access-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503233101/https://mha.gov.in/banned-organisations |archive-date= 3 May 2018}}</ref>

===Japan===
The [[Japan]]ese government banned it in 2002.<ref name="Japan_ban"/>

===Canada===
In June 2003, Canada banned the organisation.<ref name=Canada>{{cite news | url = http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-en.asp#ISYF | publisher = Government of Canada | title = Currently listed entities | date = 2009-04-06 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090626183402/http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/ns/le/cle-en.asp#ISYF | archive-date = 2009-06-26 }}</ref><ref name = TerrorThreat>{{cite book | url = https://archive.org/details/terrorthreatinte0000hami | url-access = registration | pages = [https://archive.org/details/terrorthreatinte0000hami/page/206 206]–207 | title = Terror Threat: International and Homegrown Terrorists and Their Threat to Canada | author1 = Hamilton, Dwight | author2 = Rimsa, Kostas | publisher = Dundurn Press | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-1-55002-736-5 }}</ref> The Vancouver Sun reported in February 2008 that Singhs were campaigning to have both the [[Babbar Khalsa]] and International Sikh Youth Federation delisted as terrorist organisations.
The article went on to state that the Public Safety Minister had never been approached by anyone lobbying to delist the banned groups and said, "the decision to list organisations such as Babbar Khalsa, Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code is intended to protect Canada and Canadians from terrorism".<ref name="delistingeffort">{{cite news|url=http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=17e39f37-c322-40a7-8b13-e37c29e40881|title=Sikh leader solicits support|last=Bolan|first=Kim|date=18 February 2008|publisher=The Vancouver Sun|access-date=2009-05-31|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603194134/http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=17e39f37-c322-40a7-8b13-e37c29e40881|archive-date=3 June 2009}}</ref>

===United States===
The ISYF was added to the [[US Treasury Department]] terrorism list on 27 June 2002.<ref name="ustreasterror"/>
In April 2004, the United States added four organisations, including the ISYF, to its terror list, allowing the US to deny entry (and to deport) any of its members.<ref name="ustreasterror"/><ref name=USterrorlist>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3674827.stm | work = BBC News | title = Indian groups join US terror list | date = 2004-04-30 | access-date = 2008-12-17 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040714131625/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3674827.stm | archive-date = 2004-07-14 | url-status = live }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Sikh extremism]]
* [[Kharku]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Khalistan movement}}

[[Category:1984 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Sikh organisations designated as terrorist]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by India]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by the European Union]]
[[Category:Youth organizations established in 1984]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Japan]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Canada]]
[[Category:Pro-Khalistan rebel groups]]

International Sikh Youth Federation - Revision history

MalissaHoskins at 07:49, 24 January 2026