Ahead of Republic Day, SFJ sends ‘threat’ e-mails to Delhi schools: ‘stay home, stay safe’

NEW DELHI, Jan 23 – Several schools in Delhi received emails allegedly from the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), urging them to suspend participation in Republic Day celebrations, officials said on Tuesday.
The emails, described as a “direct and urgent directive,” warned against involvement in Republic Day events, claiming they posed a “grave threat” to students and staff. SFJ stated its protest was against the Indian Constitution, which it alleged “erases identity and perpetuates systemic oppression.”
“Ensure families are informed to keep their children at home on January 26. Participation in Republic Day events poses a grave threat to the safety of students and staff,” the email reportedly read. It further claimed a “high risk of violence and state retaliation” during the celebrations.

Delhi Police officials confirmed they are investigating the emails and verifying their authenticity. “We are on high alert for any potential disturbances surrounding Republic Day festivities,” a senior police officer said.
The threat comes amid heightened security in the capital ahead of Republic Day, which marks the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950.

Earlier this month, Delhi Police apprehended a 16-year-old private school student connected to a group that had been sending bomb threat emails to several schools.
Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Madhup Tewari said on January 14, “From February 12 last year, a series of mails were sent to various schools. The juvenile sent around 400 emails, including one case where 250 schools received a bomb threat on the same day in May.”
While the motive of the juvenile remains unclear, authorities noted emails were sent even on days without school examinations.
Authorities have assured the public that stringent security measures are in place to ensure the safety of Republic Day celebrations, despite the ongoing threats.