Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is pictured in his office(AP)
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a fresh threat to Air India on Monday, warning passengers against flying with the airline between November 1 and 19, according to a report by India Today.
Pannun's threat aligns with what he refers to as the "40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide" in India. As the leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), his warning suggests a potential attack on Air India flights. This follows a similar threat Pannun made last year, the report added.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and what is SFJ?
He is a key figure in the Khalistan separatist movement, which aims to establish an independent Sikh state called Khalistan from India's Punjab region. Based in the U.S., he is a lawyer and the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an organization that advocates for Khalistan's independence through legal and political avenues.
Under his leadership, SFJ has organized referendums and campaigns to bring global attention to the cause, often using digital platforms to spread their message. Pannun has also been involved in legal actions against Indian officials and has promoted initiatives like "Referendum 2020" to gauge Sikh support for the Khalistan movement.
In July 2020, Pannun was designated a terrorist under India's Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for his role in promoting separatism and inciting violence. The Indian government has issued multiple arrest warrants against him and seized his properties in India.
Despite being labeled a terrorist in India, Pannun continues to play an active role on the international stage, particularly in Canada, the UK, and the US, where he lobbies for support for the Khalistan cause.
Holding Canadian citizenship, Pannun's activities have become a point of diplomatic friction, especially between India and Canada. His recent threats have heightened concerns, especially amid a series of hoax bomb threats targeting flights, causing disruptions in India's airline operations.
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