A US-based pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has issued a threat against Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming performance in Australia, scheduled for November 1, over a ‘contentious’ interaction with Amitabh Bachchan.
The controversy stems from Diljit’s recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, where he was seen respectfully touching Amitabh Bachchan’s feet upon greeting him. SFJ claims this act disrespects victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. According to a statement from the organisation’s leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the gesture “insulted every victim, every widow, and every orphan of 1984 Sikh Genocide.”
“By touching feet of Bachchan the man whose words orchestrated Genocide, Diljit Dosanjh has insulted every victim, every widow, and every orphan of 1984 Sikh Genocide,” the group said in a statement.
The SFJ further alleges that Amitabh Bachchan, on October 31, 1984, had “publicly incited Hindustani mobs with the genocidal slogan ‘Khoon Ka Badla Khoon’ – ‘Blood for Blood’,” and that more than 30000 Sikh men, women and children were killed across India in the aftermath.
The timing of the threat adds further tension. November 1 is observed by the Akal Takht Sahib as Sikh Genocide Remembrance Day, which the SFJ says makes Diljit Dosanjh’s concert on that day a “mockery of remembrance.”
The singer’s world-tour stops include a performance in Melbourne’s AAMI Park stadium on November 1 as part of his Aura 2025 tour, making him the first Indian artist to headline and sell out a stadium show in Australia.
SFJ has not only threatened to disrupt the Australia concert, but has also called on Sikh institutions worldwide to boycott Diljit Dosanjh’s event, stating, “Remembrance is not for sale, and genocide cannot be normalised for applause.” They have also warned of a Panthic Shutdown Rally outside the venue unless action is taken against the singer.
Diljit Dosanjh has not responded to the threat so far.
Meanwhile, SFJ remains a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its anti-national activities, which the Union Home Ministry has said are “prejudicial to the internal security and integrity of the country.” The group continues to be involved in subversive operations in Punjab and abroad, with the stated aim of disrupting India’s sovereignty.
According to the Centre, SFJ maintains close ties with militant outfits and actively encourages secessionist activities, including attempts to destabilise India’s democratically elected government. Its founder, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, reportedly faces over 100 criminal cases, many of which are under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state authorities.
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