Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun warned passengers not to fly on Air India flights between November 1 and 19, citing a potential attack during this period. His threat aligns with the 40th anniversary of the “Sikh genocide.” Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and a dual citizen of Canada and the US, had issued a similar threat around the same time last year.
Increased Airline Threats Amid India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions
This fresh threat from Pannun coincides with multiple hoax threat calls received by airlines in India regarding potential bombings. It also comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over allegations that India is targeting Khalistani elements, including the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani terrorist.
Pannun’s Threat to Delhi Airport and NIA Charges
In November 2023, Pannun claimed that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would be renamed and shut down on November 19, warning against flying on Air India that day. He faces charges from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity between religious groups, as well as under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
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History of Threats and Violence
Pannun has a long history of issuing threats. In December 2022, he threatened to attack the Indian Parliament by December 13, marking the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Earlier this year, he threatened to kill Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of State Police Gaurav Yadav on Republic Day. Pannun has been a designated terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs since July 2020 for leading the SFJ, a group that advocates for a separate Sikh state.
US Charges Against Former RAW Officer
In a related development, the United States charged a former officer of India’s intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) on October 17 for allegedly plotting to assassinate Pannun. India has rejected these charges as baseless.
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