Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued a warning, urging people not to fly on Air India flights between November 1 and November 19. He claimed there could be an attack during these dates, which mark the 40th anniversary of the “Sikh genocide.”
Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in Canada and the US, is the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an organization pushing for a separate Sikh state. He had made similar threats around the same time last year, following a pattern of issuing such warnings.
Amidst Rising Tensions Between India and Canada
This recent threat comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Canada, following Canadian accusations that India targeted Khalistani elements, including the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Meanwhile, Indian airlines have received several bomb threat calls recently, though all have turned out to be hoaxes.
Past Incidents and Legal Actions
In November 2023, Pannun released a video warning that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would be closed on November 19, urging people not to fly on Air India that day. For this, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between religious groups, and violating the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Pannun also made threats against Parliament last December, following reports of a foiled plot to kill him. He targeted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav earlier this year, calling for attacks on Republic Day.
Terrorist Designation
Since July 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs has designated Pannun as a terrorist for his secessionist activities through SFJ. The group was banned in India in 2019 as an “unlawful association” for promoting anti-national activities.
Ongoing Tensions With the US
In a separate development, on October 17, the United States charged a former officer of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for allegedly planning to murder Pannun, a claim India has denied, calling the accusations baseless.