NEW DELHI, Oct 21: Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun warned passengers on Monday to avoid flying on Air India between November 1 and 19, citing potential threats related to the “40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide.” Pannun, who is the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), indicated that an attack could occur on an Air India flight during this timeframe, according to India Today.
Holding dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, Pannun had made similar threats around this time last year. This latest warning arises amid a series of bomb threat hoaxes affecting various airlines in India and coincides with escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following allegations from Canada that India is targeting Khalistani elements, including the murder of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In a video released in November 2023, Pannun threatened that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would be closed on November 19 and warned against flying Air India that day. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting religious enmity, and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Pannun also previously threatened to attack India’s Parliament on or before December 13, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack, in response to alleged plots against him. Furthermore, he has made threats against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of State Police Gaurav Yadav, calling for gangsters to unite in an attack on Mann on Republic Day.
Designated as a terrorist by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs since July 2020, Pannun faces charges of sedition and secessionism for leading SFJ, which advocates for an independent Sikh state. The Indian government banned SFJ in 2019, classifying it as an ‘unlawful association’ involved in ‘anti-national and subversive’ activities.
