Top intelligence agencies in India had discussed Sikhs for
Justice organisation’s plans for Delhi almost three weeks prior to the
Republic Day clashes in the capital, and had also recommended closing the Red Fort for a week, ANI reported, quoting sources. SFJ is a
US-based group that is seeking ‘Khalistan’, a separate homeland for the Sikhs
in Punjab.

The report
stated that earlier this month, a meeting chaired by Special Director Intelligence Bureau was held
during which SFJ’s plans for Delhi, including hoisting the Khalistani flag at
Red Fort were discussed.

During the meeting, which was attended by
8 top Delhi police officers, several tops officials of IB and SPG, and Haryana
police officer, counter arrangements were also discussed.

Also Read: Day after farmers’ tractor rally, security tightened at Red Fort and Delhi borders

SFJ has earlier announced that anyone who
waves Khalistani flags at the Red Fort on January 26 will be rewarded. During
the meeting, it was discussed to temporarily close the Red Fort from January 20
to 27.

“Due to the iconic status of Red Fort, it
will be prudent to exercise caution and mentioning of past SFJ’s plan to hoist
Khalistani flag at Red Fort,” an official communication said, ANI
reported.

Also Read: Here’s what happened at Red Fort during farmers’ Republic Day tractor rally

Plans were also made to secure all the
buildings of national and historical important in the capital in order to prevent
SFJ and other racial Sikhs from accomplishing “any misadventures.”

“Officials in the meeting had also said that
Sikhs observe Republic Day as a “Black Day” every year and this year
a number of leaders from these organisations are at the site of the ongoing farmers’
agitation. SFJ is offering monetary incentives in pursuance of the same. The
farmers at the protest site along the Delhi border are also being proffered financial assistance by
the radical Sikhs,” ANI reported quoting another official.