In a disturbing development, designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, known for his association with the Sikh For Justice (SFJ), has issued a grave threat to the lives of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of state Police, Gaurav Yadav, through a statement calling for their assassination on Republic Day. Pannun, notorious for his involvement in anti-national and subversive activities, urged gangsters to unite and launch an attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Minister on January 26.
This alarming incident is part of a series of threats that Pannun has directed against Indian establishments and authorities. In a video released last month, he openly declared his intent to attack the Indian Parliament on or before December 13. Prior to that, another video surfaced in which the Khalistani terrorist threatened individuals planning to travel via Air India on November 19, cautioning them that their lives would be in danger. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken cognizance of the Air India threat video and registered a case against Pannun.
The SFJ, a group advocating for the establishment of an independent Sikh homeland named Khalistan, was declared an “unlawful association” by the Indian government in 2019. The government cited the group’s involvement in anti-national and subversive activities as the basis for the ban. Furthermore, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was listed as an “individual terrorist” by the Union government in 2020, after accusations of him issuing appeals to Punjab-based gangsters and youth to fight for Khalistan.
In a significant turn of events last November, US authorities indicted Indian national Nikhil Gupta for his alleged involvement in a murder plot targeting Pannun on American soil. According to US officials, Gupta had agreed to pay $100,000 to an assassin for carrying out the killing, with an advance payment of $15,000 already made in June of the same year. Gupta’s arrest in the Czech Republic, at the request of US authorities, underscored the international dimension of the threat posed by Khalistani extremists.
The brazen threats issued by Pannun highlight the persistent challenges posed by individuals and groups espousing separatist ideologies. The international community’s efforts to combat terrorism and prevent acts of violence against elected officials are underscored by these incidents. The Indian government’s proactive measures, including the ban on SFJ and the designation of Pannun as an individual terrorist, demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding national security.
As the Republic Day approaches, security agencies in Punjab and across India are likely to intensify their efforts to neutralize potential threats and ensure the safety of public figures. The urgency of addressing such threats underscores the need for continued international cooperation in combating terrorism and upholding democratic values in the face of extremist ideologies.
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