Pro-Khalistani extremist and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued a new warning to international passengers. He told people not to take Air India flights between November 1 and 19. Pannun said an attack might happen during this time because it is the 40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide.

Pannun's warning comes during a time of ongoing issues between India and Canada. The trouble between the two countries started when Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, accused India of being involved in the killing of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. After making these claims, Canada named Sanjay Kumar Verma, the outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Canada, and other Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in the investigation. In response, India recalled its outgoing High Commissioner from Canada.

Last week, Trudeau admitted that Canada doesn't have solid proof to back up the claims against India. He said the accusations were based on intelligence reports. However, even with this admission, the relationship between the two countries is still tense.

 

Pannun repeats past threats

 

Pannun, who has made similar threats before, gave a warning in 2023 as well. He had asked Sikhs not to fly with Air India after November 19 that year, saying their lives might be in danger. In a video, Pannun also claimed that there would be a worldwide block on Air India flights starting November 19 and that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would get a new name.

After Pannun's earlier threats, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a case against him. They accused him of planning crimes and trying to create hatred between different religious groups. He was also charged under several sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deals with serious criminal actions like terrorism.

Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, has long been fugitive. In July 2020, India’s Union Ministry of Home Affairs designated him as a terrorist, accusing him of promoting sedition and advocating for the creation of a separate Sikh state called Khalistan.

The SFJ, led by Pannun, has been actively campaigning for Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh state. The Indian government has consistently opposed these calls, labelling them as a threat to the country’s unity and integrity.