In recent events, the United States successfully prevented a conspiracy aimed at assassinating Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist and leader of the Khalistani separatist organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). This thwarted plot unfolded on American soil, prompting the U.S. government to issue a warning to its Indian counterpart due to concerns regarding potential involvement in the scheme.
This development follows closely on the heels of the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in India registering a case against Pannun. The case revolves around his alleged threats directed at both passengers flying with Air India and the airline itself, warning of the closure of operations starting from November 19.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's prominence as a designated terrorist in India underscores the complexity of the situation. The SFJ, under his leadership, has been advocating for Khalistani separatism. The United States' intervention in thwarting the assassination plot adds a layer of international significance to this unfolding narrative, raising questions about the intricate dynamics between nations in addressing terrorism and separatist movements.
Following the foiled murder plot, there's a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pointed fingers at the Indian government, accusing its involvement in Nijjar's death.
In response to these allegations, India has stated that it is carefully assessing information from the United States about the "nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others." The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through spokesman Arindam Bagchi, emphasized the seriousness with which such inputs are taken, citing their direct impact on national security interests.
The ongoing examination of these issues by relevant Indian departments underscores the significance of addressing concerns related to organized crime and terrorism, highlighting the intricate dynamics between nations and the imperative of safeguarding national security.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun ?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a figure of significance in the context of Sikh activism, holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Canada. Currently serving as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Pannun has played a prominent role in advocating for the cause of Khalistani separatism.
Born in Khankot village on the outskirts of Amritsar, India, Pannun's familial ties include his father, Mahinder Singh, who served as an employee of the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board. This background provides insight into his roots and connections within the region.
As the legal face of Sikhs for Justice, Pannun has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting the rights and aspirations of the Sikh community, particularly in the pursuit of an independent Khalistan. The dual citizenship underscores his transnational involvement in Sikh activism, with ties to both North American nations.
Pannun's legal expertise and leadership within Sikhs for Justice have positioned him as a key player in the Khalistani separatist movement, bringing attention to the complex dynamics surrounding issues of identity, activism, and regional aspirations.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, serves as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Born in Khankot village near Amritsar, India, he is the son of Mahinder Singh, a former employee of the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board.
Having graduated from Punjab University in the 1990s, Pannun reportedly founded SFJ in 2007. During his time at law college in New York from 1997 to 2002, he worked as a senior systems analyst at Merrill Lynch after completing a master's in business administration.
Known for organizing nonbinding referendums advocating for a separate Sikh state, Pannun has been a key figure in promoting the cause of Khalistan. Recently declared an 'individual terrorist' in India under the UAPA for promoting secessionism, he has been at the center of international attention. The United States recently thwarted an alleged conspiracy to assassinate him on American soil, leading to heightened tensions and a warning to the Indian government.
Pannun is frequently seen at pro-Khalistan events in Canada, actively participating. He's known for sharing video messages on social media, usually dressed in dark formalwear with a white beard. In these videos, he often makes threats towards Indian leaders and the government.
Which action has been taken by Indian Government ?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been keeping a close eye on Pannun since 2019 when they registered their first case against him. In September of this year, the NIA took control of his share in a house and land located in Amritsar, Punjab, and Chandigarh.
Pannun faces non-bailable arrest warrants issued by an NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021, and he was labeled a "Proclaimed Offender" on November 29 last year. In July 2020, he was also declared an "individual terrorist" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for promoting secessionism and allegedly encouraging Punjabi Sikh youth to take up arms.
On Monday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced that it filed a case against Pannun for making threats against individuals flying with Air India. The case involves charges under both the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In video messages released on November 4, Pannun urged Sikhs to avoid flying on Air India planes starting from November 19, claiming a potential threat to their lives.
What is SFJ?
Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is an organization that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claims to be the general counsel of. However, it's important to note that the Indian government has outlawed this organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) due to its anti-India activities.
Based in New York and established in 2007, SFJ advocates for an independent Sikh state named Khalistan, separate from India. Despite describing itself as a human rights advocacy group, it has been banned in India. SFJ has offices in Washington, London, and Toronto, while Pannun's law firm mentions additional offices in Queens, New York, and Fremont, California.
According to its website, SFJ was created with the goal of achieving self-determination for Sikhs in the Indian-held Punjab region and establishing a sovereign state, commonly known as Khalistan.
In 2019, the Indian government prohibited Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act due to its activities against India. While Pannun's movement has limited support in Punjab and among Sikhs living abroad, the organization gained attention for its "Referendum 2020." This referendum took place among the Sikh diaspora in various cities in Britain, Italy, Australia, and Canada, attracting notable attention to SFJ.
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