Gurpatwant Singh Pannunn, a prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement and the leader of separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice, has garnered attention not for promoting constructive dialogue or peaceful coexistence, but rather for his inflammatory rhetoric and persistent threats aimed at Indian diplomats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian populace, and the territorial integrity of the nation.
Pannun’s words have often veered far from the path of diplomacy, straying into the realm of aggression and hostility, and raising concerns about the impact of his advocacy on regional stability and bilateral relations.
In the latest instance of Pannun hitting the headlines in India yet again, the declared terrorist threw his weight behind Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi who commented about the condition of the Sikh community in India.
While addressing a gathering in Washington DC where, according to government sources, many pro-Khalistan Sikhs were in attendance, Gandhi “justified SFJ’s global Khalistan Referendum campaign” when he stated: “Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurdwara.”
Soon, Pannun endorsed the Congress leader, putting out a statement: “Rahul’s statement on ‘existential threat to Sikhs in India’ is not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history of what Sikhs have been facing under successive regimes in India since 1947 and also corroborates SFJ’s stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan.”
This is not the first time Pannun has used inflammatory language to instigate violence against India and Indians in utter disregard for diplomatic norms and his apparent willingness to escalate tensions.
Pannun’s public statements almost always cross the line from peaceful advocacy to outright hostility where he has openly called for the secession of Punjab from India, advocating for an independent Khalistan state. Such calls, coupled with his threats against Indian diplomats, raise serious concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and diplomatic relations.
Furthermore, his alleged involvement in orchestrating campaigns against India’s territorial integrity is evident in the dissemination of provocative material through social media channels.
Moreover, Pannun’s vocal opposition to PM Modi has escalated beyond the realm of political disagreement to a level that raises concerns about the potential for incitement of violence.
News18 looks back at the leader’s controversial statements in the past, ranging from threats to blow up an Air India flight to defaming Indian diplomats:
• On November 19 last year, the Khalistani leader threatened to blow up an Air India flight apart from claiming that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport would remain shut on the date and its name would be changed. “We are asking the Sikh people not to fly via Air India. From November 19, there will be a global blockade. Air India won’t be allowed to operate. Sikh people, don’t travel by Air India after November 19. Your life can be in danger,” Pannun said in the video that went viral on social media.
• He called Punjab’s residents “people living under Occupation”, threatening that they will attack India. He added that India was occupying Punjab and “violence will beget violence”.
• Threatening Hindus in Canada in September 2023, Pannun said the Indian High Commissioner was responsible for killing pro-Khalistan terrorist Nijjar. Pannun termed Nijjar a “martyr” and claimed that pro-Khalistan Sikhs “have always been loyal to Canada and they have always sided with Canada”.
• The Khalistani terrorist threatened PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and NSA Ajit Doval. Challenging India’s territorial integrity, he raised slogans of ‘Dilli Banega Khalistan’.
• Pannun threatened to take over areas in Himachal Pradesh and instigated residents to not allow then Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur to raise the Indian Tricolour. He said after liberating Punjab, their next target would be Himachal.
• The declared terrorist also threatened Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over action on radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates. Insisting that Assam is not a part of India, SFJ wrote a letter to ULFA in Assam to destabilise the state and come out to demand an ‘independent’ Assam.
• Calling Renu Yadav, Indian diplomat in Ramallah, Palestine, the face of Indian terror, he instigated people to come out against her and target her online. He also called for shutting down India’s consulate in Palestine.
• After assembly elections in Punjab, Pannun said no party will be allowed to be active in Punjab. “Whoever stands against ‘kesari’ will be branded with the ‘khanda’ (Nishan Sahib),” he said, adding that those who want the Tricolour should leave Punjab and head to Delhi.
• He also issued open threats to PM Modi, saying Indians should stay indoors on January 26 “since this is an issue between Sikhs and India”.
• Pannun issued an ultimatum to Indian diplomats in Canada and openly called for their boycott, blaming them for Nijjar’s assassination. He also released a video from the United Nations HQ and said the flag of Khalistan will be raised at UN.
• The Khalistan sympathiser celebrated perpetrators who defaced Radha Soami Satsang Beas and drew graffiti on walls, reading ‘Khalistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad’. He also raised slogans like ‘Hindustan Murdabad’ and issues an ultimatum to followers of Radha Soami followers.
• He openly instigated violent rallies outside Indian embassies across the world on July 8.