Fresh Threats by Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Ahead of Republic Day

As the 75th Republic Day celebrations approach, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has reportedly issued fresh threats against India. Graffiti bearing pro-Khalistani messages threatening to “avenge” the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has appeared across New Delhi. Nijjar was killed outside a Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey in June 2023. Pannun, declared a ‘designated individual terrorist’ by the Indian government in 2020, has a history of issuing threats against the country.

Last month, Pannun released a video threatening to attack Parliament on or before December 13, marking the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. In November, he urged the Sikh community not to fly on Air India after November 19, citing potential threats to their lives. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case against him related to the Air India threat video.

The Sikh For Justice (SFJ), founded by Pannun, was banned by the Indian government in 2019, citing its involvement in “anti-national and subversive” activities. Pannun has been actively using social media to encourage gangsters and young individuals to support Khalistan.

The NIA has been pursuing Pannun since 2019, issuing non-bailable warrants against him and declaring him a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ in November 2022. In a significant development, US authorities indicted Indian national Nikhil Gupta for allegedly plotting to kill Pannun in the US in November of the previous year. Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic, had purportedly agreed to pay $100,000 to an assassin for the killing.

The fresh threats by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun ahead of Republic Day raise concerns about security and underline the persistent challenges posed by individuals advocating for Khalistan. The Indian authorities, including the NIA, are actively pursuing legal actions against Pannun, emphasizing the commitment to addressing the threat posed by Khalistani elements.