Founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, designated as a terrorist, has issued new threats leading up to Republic Day. Viral social media images show pro-Khalist graffiti in the national capital, containing threats related to the Republic Day parade on January 26. The graffiti suggests that the SFJ, a banned outfit, aims to "avenge" the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, Canada on June 18 last year.
The Government of India declared Sikhs for Justice an 'Unlawful Association' on July 10, 2019. Pannun, labeled a 'designated individual terrorist' on July 1, 2020, has been actively encouraging Punjab-based gangsters and youth over social media to support the cause of Khalistan, challenging the country's sovereignty, integrity, and security, as per NIA investigations.
This is not the first time Pannun has threatened India. In December last year, he threatened to attack Parliament on or before December 13. In November 2023, Pannun urged Sikhs not to fly on Air India aircraft after November 19, claiming their lives could be under threat. He alleged that Air India would not be allowed to operate on November 19. In September 2023, he asked Hindu-Canadians to leave Canada amid tensions arising from the diplomatic row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India informed the Ministry of External Affairs last year that it raised concerns about threats from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with US and Canadian authorities.
Pannun has been on the NIA's radar since 2019. The anti-terror agency registered its first case against him, revealing his significant role in promoting terror acts and activities, spreading fear in Punjab and other parts of the country through threats and intimidation.
Non-bailable warrants of arrest were issued against Pannun 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 confiscated Pannun's house and land in Amritsar, Punjab, and Chandigarh. These properties were previously attached following government orders in two separate cases.
NIA investigations disclosed that Sikhs for Justice misused cyberspace to radicalize vulnerable youth and incite them to undertake terrorist activities. It was revealed that Pannun was the main handler and controller of the SFJ during NIA investigations. US Judge Rejects Nikhil Gupta's Request for Defense Materials in Pannun Case