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Those involved in ‘foiled plot’ to kill Khalistan supporter must be held accountable, US tells India

Those involved in ‘foiled plot’ to kill Khalistan supporter must be held accountable, US tells India

The United States has told India that those involved in an alleged foiled plot to assassinate a Khalistan supporter on American soil should be held accountable, the White House said on Wednesday.

This came hours after the Financial Times reported that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American and Canadian citizen, was the target of the alleged conspiracy. The newspaper said that Washington had issued a warning to New Delhi about concerns that the Indian government was involved in the plot.

White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson later said the US has raised the matter “at the senior-most levels” with India, Reuters reported. 

Indian officials “expressed surprise and concern” when approached by the US about the allegations, Watson said. 

“They stated that activity of this nature was not their policy...We understand the Indian government is further investigating this issue and will have more to say about it in the coming days,” she added.

It is not clear how the US authorities became aware of the alleged assassination attempt or how it was derailed. The protest to Delhi was registered after United States President Joe Biden welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a state visit. 

Apart from the diplomatic warning to India, US federal prosecutors have filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect in a New York district court, the Financial Times reported. Prosecutors are debating whether to unseal the indictment.

The report came two months after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there were “credible” allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

According to the Financial Times, the US shared details of the thwarted plot to kill Pannun with a wider group of allies after Canada’s public accusation.

India has rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd and motivated”.

Pannun, like Nijjar, is an advocate for Khalistan, an independent state for Sikhs. He is the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, which was banned in India in 2019. The next year, Pannun was declared an “individual terrorist” in India under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Sikh separatist leader accused the Modi government of “using mercenaries” to target and kill those demanding to carve an independent homeland from India, The Guardian reported.

“The foiled attempt on my life on American soil by the Indian agents is transnational terrorism which is a threat to the US sovereignty, freedom of speech and democracy, so I will let the US government respond to this threat,” he said.

When asked about the Financial Times report, India’s foreign ministry said that the US had shared information about a “nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others” during recent conversations. “India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on our own national security interests as well,” the ministry said.

On Monday, the National Investigation Agency said it has filed a case against Pannun under charges related to terrorism and criminal conspiracy, among others, for threatening those taking Air India flights after November 19.

Source: https://scroll.in/latest/1059515/those-involved-in-foiled-plot-to-kill-khalistan-supporter-must-be-held-accountable-us-tells-india 


23-Nov-2023

‘Khalistan backers’ attack land owner

‘Khalistan backers’ attack land owner

Three persons allegedly removed the national flag from a private property in Morni, thrashed the land owner and occupied his land for not supporting the Khalistan cause. Police have registered a case. In his complaint to the police, Bhajan Lal, a resident of Silyo village, Morni, said the accused had encroached his land and removed the national flag from his property.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/khalistan-backers-attack-land-owner-panchkula/articleshow/105342052.cms 


20-Nov-2023

NIA books Khalistan terrorist & SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for threatening Air India

NIA books Khalistan terrorist & SFJ founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for threatening Air India

The National Investigation Agency, or NIA, has registered a case against “listed terrorist” Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), over his video threatening passengers flying by Air India on 19 November.

Pannun had also threatened Air India Airlines with a global blockade and closure of the operations of the airline from 19 November.

On 4 November, Pannun had asked Sikhs to not fly on Air India planes on and after 19 November as their lives could be under threat.

He also issued a warning to the Government of India that “The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) would remain closed on the 19th of November.”

IGIA, located in New Delhi, is one of the world’s busiest airports.

“We are asking Sikhs not to fly AI on 19th November. There will be a global blockade and AI will not be allowed to fly anywhere across the world on 19th November. Sikhs, you do not travel by AI after 19th. It can be life-threatening,” Pannun had said.

“This is my warning to the government of India. The Indira Gandhi International Airport should remain closed on the 19th of November,” he said.

“It is the same day on which the final match of the World Terror Cup will be played. It will be shown to the world that a genocide of Sikhs happened in India and India did it. When we will liberate Punjab, the name of these airports will be Shahid Beant Singh and Shahid Satwant Singh Airport,” Pannun had said.

On Monday (20 November), the NIA has booked Pannun under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc)  and 506  (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

The SFJ founder has also been charged under sections 10 (member of an unlawful association), 13 (for taking part in or committing or advocating any unlawful activity), 16 (terrorist act), 17 (funding terrorist act), 18 (conspiring or attempting to commit, or advocating, abetting, advising or inciting a terrorist act), 18B (for recruiting of any person or persons for terrorist act) & 20 (for being a member of a terrorist gang or a terrorist organization) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

“Pannun, the self-proclaimed General Counsel’ of the outlawed ‘unlawful Association’, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), is in the eye of the storm yet again following the release and circulation of video messages on various social media platforms urging the Sikhs not to fly on Air India planes on and after 19th November claiming threat to their lives if they flew on Air India. Pannun also threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate in the world. Pannun’s assertions and threats have triggered a high alert as well as investigations by security forces in Canada, India and certain other countries where Air India flies,” NIA said in a release.

“As part of his concerted plan to promote terror acts in India to revive terrorism in India, Pannun has been creating a false narrative around the issues prevailing in the state of Punjab, especially with regard to Sikh religion, by promoting enmity between the Sikhs in the country and other communities. The latest threat is in line with the same narrative, which Pannun has actively promoted in the past by threatening and attempting to disrupt essential transportation network systems, including the Railways, as well as Thermal Power Plants in India,” the NIA said.

SFJ was banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (GoI), on 10 July, 2019, as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its activities.

On 1 July, 2020, Pannun was listed as an ‘individual terrorist’ by the Indian government.

Pannun has been under NIA lens since 2019, when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him. In September 2023, the NIA had confiscated his share of the house and land of the lister terrorist in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh UT. Non-Bailable warrants of arrest were issued against Pannun by the NIA Special Court on 3rd February 2021 and he was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on 29 November 2022.

Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/nia-books-khalistan-terrorist-sfj-founder-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-for-threatening-air-india-13409432.html 


20-Nov-2023

Khalistan for all faiths, says Amritpal Singh’s mother

Khalistan for all faiths, says Amritpal Singh’s mother

Talking about the state of Khalistan, Balwinder Kaur, mother of the pro-Khalistan activistand self-styled preacher Amritpal Singh, said that to her, Khalistan signified a governance model reminiscent of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's era characterised by harmonious coexistence of individuals from diverse faiths. She said that the state would include Sikhs, Hindus and other communities living without fear.

Amritpal is currently detained in Assam’s high security Central Jail in Dibrugarh under the National Security Act.

Balwinder Kaur said this while talking to mediapersons about the ‘ardas’ ceremony scheduled to be held at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib on November 19 for the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners).

“Khalistan is not exclusively intended for Sikhs. It encompasses Hindus as well. The call for Khalsa Raj is not misguided, it extends to everyone, including Hindus and others. This vision aligns with the inclusive governance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's era” said Balwinder.

Calling for ‘amrit sanchar’ (Sikh initiation), to Sikh youth, she appealed to them to converge at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in large numbers for initiation on November 19. The government disapproved of Bhai Sahib’s (Amritpal’s) initiative of Khalsa Vaheer and amrit sanchar as it was fostering awareness among the youth, enabling them to understand their rights,” she remarked.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/khalistan-for-all-faiths-says-amritpals-mother/articleshow/105222045.cms 


15-Nov-2023

Alleged video of Khalistanis clashing with Hindus on Diwali in Canada emerges

Alleged video of Khalistanis clashing with Hindus on Diwali in Canada emerges

A purported video of a mob of Khalistan supporters clashing with a Hindu crowd during a Diwali celebration in Canada's Brampton has gone viral on social media.

In the video, a group of men, carrying Khalistan flags, are seen picking up objects from the ground and reportedly throwing them at a Hindu crowd celebrating Diwali, according to the Toronto Sun.

According to a social media user who shared the video on X, the incident took place at Westwood Mall in Malton. Later, in the video, the police are seen telling the crowd to move back.

Peel Regional Police, in a statement on X, said that it was investigating the incident that took place at Westwood Square Mall on November 12.

"We are taking the appropriate measures and working with the City of Mississauga on any further actions required," the police said.

This alleged incident came a week after India recommended Canada to strengthen its framework to prevent "misuse of freedom of expression" for triggering violence, attacks on places of worship and racial minorities, and address hate crimes and speeches.

KS Mohammed Hussain, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, put forth the recommendations while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) review meeting in Geneva last week.

"In the spirit of constructive dialogue, India recommends the following to Canada - one, further strengthen the domestic framework to prevent misuse of freedom of expression for inciting violence and disallow activities of groups which are promoting extremism. Two, effectively prevent attacks on places of worship of religious and racial minorities, strengthen legislative and other measures to address hate crimes and hate speech," Mohammed Hussain said at the UNHRC meeting


Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/diwali-khalistan-canada-violence-protest-westwood-mall-2462805-2023-11-14 

14-Nov-2023

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s SFJ Attacks Sikh Family in Canada for Picking up Indian Flag

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s SFJ Attacks Sikh Family in Canada for Picking up Indian Flag

Members of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on Monday disturbed an Indian High Commission event organised by the Vancouver Consulate General in Abbotsford, Canada, even attacking a family for attempting to pick up an Indian flag fallen on the ground, said local sources.

Organised by the Khalsa Diwan Society Abbotsford, with the help of local gurdwara, the camp to issue life certificates to community members getting pension, so they don’t have to struggle to reach Vancouver saw a huge turnout.

However, goons of SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been designated terrorist in India, targeted a local Sikh family of grandfather, father and small son, which had come to the Gurudwara Sahib to obtain a life certificate for their aged father, said sources. “They were attacked because they attempted to pick up an Indian flag from the ground which was being disrespected by these referendum goons," said sources.

US-based Sikh leader Sukhi Chahal told CNN-News18: “In light of this, I humbly appeal to all Canadian Gurudwara Management committees to consider boycotting individuals associated with Khalistani SFJ, including Gurpatwant Pannu and their followers. This step is crucial to safeguard the Sikh society from further radicalisation and maintain the sanctity of our places of worship."

Top Indian government sources said this only confirms what they have been maintaining for long. “Only SFJ goons are involved in attacks against India. Sikhs have been always an integral part of India and this family felt bad about the disrespect to Indian flag," they said.

“The SFJ goons and their wanted leader, who is funded by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is doing all these things…Police are watching it without any reaction. These incidents suggest that the Canadian government also want all these things to happen against India. This validates the Indian stand of expelling Canadian diplomats," sources said.

CNN-News18 had earlier reported how Pannun is being funded by Pakistan’s ISI, citing top intelligence sources.

A fortnight ago, Pannun in a statement said that “Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has created more open conversations around India and its handling of the Khalistani independence movement".

Source: https://www.news18.com/world/gurpatwant-singh-pannuns-sfj-attacks-sikh-family-in-canada-gurdwara-for-picking-up-indian-flag-exclusive-from-local-sources-8661688.html 

13-Nov-2023

Pro-Khalistani SFJ chief Pannun offers $100K for arrest of Indian High Commissioner to Canada

Pro-Khalistani SFJ chief Pannun offers $100K for arrest of Indian High Commissioner to Canada

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has made yet another controversial comment targeting Indian diplomats in Canada by offering to pay cash reward of $100K for arresting Sanjay Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada.

The pro-Khalistani separatist accused Verma of "maliciously" fabricating a terror threat against Air India in order to justify the "reward."

A video that Pannun recently shared threatened travellers on Air India planes on November 19, the day of the Ahmedabad ICC World Cup final. It was previously announced by the Canadian government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that they are looking into a potential terror threat.

Pannun has charged Verma with fabricating a terror threat against Air India in order to "divert attention" away from the inquiry into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist. 

SFJ chief's threat follows Trudeau 's fresh statement

Pannun's threat came a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a fresh statement stated that Ottawa does not desire a "fight" with India.

Since Justin Trudeau's charges in September about the June shooting of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the Canadian town of Surrey, diplomatic ties between Canada and India have been strained.

Days following Trudeau's charges, India issued a temporary suspension of visa issuance to Canadian citizens and asked that Ottawa reduce its diplomatic personnel in India in order to achieve parity. Since then, India has started issuing four categories of visas to Canadians. Canada has already removed 41 diplomats and their families from India.

"From the very beginning when we learned of credible allegations that agents of the Indian govt were involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil, we reached out to India to ask them to work with us in getting to the bottom of this matter. We also reached out to our friends and allies like the US and others to work on this really serious violation of international law and of sovereignty of a democracy. This is something that we are taking very seriously,” Trudeau told local reporters in Ottawa. “We will continue to work with all partners as law enforcement and investigative agencies continue to do their work. Canada is a country that will always stand up for the rule of law because if might start to make right again, if bigger countries can violate international law without consequences, then the whole world gets more dangerous for everyone,” he added.

Source: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/canada/pr-khalistani-sfj-chief-pannun-offers-100k-for-arrest-of-indian-high-commissioner-to-canada.news

13-Nov-2023

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun threatens to blow up Air India flight, India asks Canada to enhance security

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun threatens to blow up Air India flight, India asks Canada to enhance security

Indian officials have asked Canada to enhance security for Air India flights amid threats issued by the pro-Khalistan Sikhs for Justice group. Secessionist leader Gurpatwant Pannun urged people to avoid flying with the Indian carrier after November 19 as their 'lives may be in danger'. The missive – shared in Punjabi – also called for a ‘global blockade’ of the airline from Vancouver to London.

“We shall take up the threat against Air India flights originating from and terminating in Canada, with the concerned Canadian authorities," Indian High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, told Hindustan Times.

Air India currently operates multiple flights per week from Delhi to Vancouver and Toronto.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun – a designated terrorist in India – recently claimed that Air India would not be allowed to operate on November 19. He noted that the final of the “World Terror Cup" would also be played on this date and claimed that the Delhi airport would be closed and renamed when Punjab was ‘liberated’.

"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…The name of this airport will be Shahid Beant Singh, Shahid Satwant Singh Khalistan airport, when Punjab will be liberated," Pannun can be seen saying in the now viral clip. 

The development comes amid growing strain on India-Canada ties. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Indian government agents of involvement in the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar – a claim that New Delhi dismissed as ‘absurd’. 

"Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it," Verma told the Globe and Mail newspaper on Friday.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-pannun-threatens-to-blow-up-air-india-flight-india-asks-canada-to-enhance-security-11699175959575.html

05-Nov-2023

‘Pak’s ISI Funds Khalistani Pannun’: Referendum to Immigration, Intel Sources Decode Strategy

‘Pak’s ISI Funds Khalistani Pannun’: Referendum to Immigration, Intel Sources Decode Strategy

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who has been designated as a terrorist in India, is being funded by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), according to top intelligence sources. The numbers he gives out on Khalistani referendums, too, are fabricated, they said.

Initially, Pannun had denied his association with the ISI, but he recently attended the Pakistan HC Kashmir Day event in London, said sources.

“He is running an immigration racket. His idea is to instigate the youth of Punjab born after 1984 against India over alleged atrocities against the Sikh community. A majority of youth from Punjab wants to migrate to Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and United State of America (USA) and Pannun is using them as free labour. His idea is to attack leaders, the map and flag of India," said sources.

WHY IT WORKS FOR ISI

According to intel sources, the ISI has approved the plan. “Despite spending a huge amount of money, Pakistan never won any war against India, be it in 1965, 1971 or 1991. However, by just spending USD 20,000 on Pannun’s propaganda war against India, they are getting big results," they said.

Pannun is getting money from innocent youths and donations in the name of war. “He has made all gurdwaras of the UK, Canada and USA breeding grounds for anti-India sentiments. According to a witness, ISI operatives are regular visitors there," said sources.

Sources said that Pannun’s actions serve ISI’s purpose in India too. “In the name of spoiled sentiments, they create overground workers (OGW) in border areas and send drugs and weapons through drones regularly, which is a major source of earning for junior-level ISI officials," sources said.

Pannun’s referendum rallies in Canada were complete failures, said local sources, adding the numbers being given out, alleging public support for Khalistan, too, are fake.

“In the September 10 poll, the SFJ claimed they got 1.35 lakh votes, but in reality only 2,398 people came out to vote. In case of the October 29 poll too, contrary to the claims of 2 lakh voters, only 2,000 voters, mostly students and old set of supporters, voted," said local sources.

After looking at the response, the SFJ wants to conduct one more referendum


Source: https://www.news18.com/amp/india/paks-isi-funds-khalistani-pannun-forged-referendum-figures-to-immigration-racket-intel-sources-decode-strategy-exclusive-8641824.html 

31-Oct-2023

Punjab Police bust Babbar Khalsa module with arrest of four operatives

Punjab Police bust Babbar Khalsa module with arrest of four operatives

Punjab Police on Saturday busted a terror module with the arrest of four operatives of the banned pro-Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International.

State director general of police Gaurav Yadav said the terror module was tasked by its handlers to carry out targeted killings.

“In a major breakthrough, @sasnagarpolice has busted a terrorist module and arrested 4 operatives of outfit BKI (Babar Khalsa International) The BKI module was tasked for targeted killings,” Yadav posted on X.

The state police chief said the module was backed by Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, who was providing them with logistical support with the help of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

“Drones were used to smuggle the weapons from Pakistan,” Yadav said.

 

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/punjab-police-bust-babbar-khalsa-module-with-arrest-of-four-operatives-101698479675192.html 

28-Oct-2023

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