Defense News ,India :- In the latest development, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the designated terrorist and founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) based in the United States, has once again issued ominous threats as Republic Day approaches.
Social media has been flooded with viral images showcasing pro-Khalistani graffiti in the national capital, carrying explicit threats in anticipation of the Republic Day parade on January 26. The graffiti explicitly states that the outlawed SFJ intends to "avenge" the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was fatally attacked outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on June 18 of the preceding year.
The Indian government declared Sikhs for Justice an 'Unlawful Association' on July 10, 2019. Pannun, labeled a 'designated individual terrorist' by the Government of India on July 1, 2020, has been actively using social media platforms to incite Punjab-based gangsters and youth to support the cause of Khalistan. This poses a direct challenge to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the country, according to investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
This is not the first time Pannun has directed threats towards India. In December of the previous year, he issued a threat to attack Parliament on or before December 13. In November 2023, Pannun urged Sikhs to avoid flying on Air India aircraft after November 19, alleging that their lives could be in danger, and declared that Air India would not be allowed to operate on November 19.
In September 2023, amid escalating tensions following the diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Pannun called for Hindu-Canadians to leave Canada.
The Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that India has raised concerns about the threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with the authorities of the United States and Canada.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has been under the NIA's scrutiny since 2019, with the anti-terror agency registering its first case against him. Pannun has played a significant role in promoting and commissioning terror acts, spreading fear and terror in Punjab and beyond through threats and intimidation tactics.
Non-bailable warrants for Pannun's arrest were issued by the NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021, and he was declared a 'Proclaimed Offender (PO)' on November 29, 2022.
Last year, the NIA seized Pannun's house and land in Amritsar, Punjab, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, following government orders in two different cases.
NIA investigations uncovered that Pannun's organization, Sikhs for Justice, was exploiting cyberspace to radicalize susceptible youth and incite them to engage in terrorist activities. It was also revealed that Pannun was the primary handler and controller of the SFJ. The actions taken by the NIA aim to curb these activities and maintain national security.
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