Washington D.C: Khalistani separatist and founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has sparked fresh concerns with a threatening message to international travelers, warning them against boarding Air India flights. In a chilling video statement ahead of the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Pannun declared that “an attack could occur on an Air India flight” following November 19, urging the Sikh community to boycott the airline in a global blockade.
Air India in the Crosshairs
Pannun’s message, which directly targets Air India operations worldwide, has sent shockwaves across intelligence agencies. “We are asking the Sikh ‘panth’ not to fly via Air India. From November 19, there will be a global blockade. Air India won’t be allowed to operate,” the SFJ leader stated. This alarming declaration comes as the anniversary of the 1984 riots approaches, raising fears of potential violence in connection with the sensitive historical event.
Designated Terrorist with Global Reach
Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, has long been on India’s radar. He was officially designated a terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs in July 2020 under charges of sedition and secessionism. Known for his aggressive anti-India stance, Pannun has openly insulted the Indian flag and has been involved in multiple threats against Indian diplomats. His notoriety extends beyond Indian borders, with his involvementin instigating hate-filled rhetoric against the Indian government and people in countries like the UK and Canada.
This isn’t the first time Pannun has threatened Air India. Last year, around the same period, he issued similar warnings, though authorities have been vigilant in mitigating any potential harm to flights.
Intelligence Agencies Raise the Alarm
Top intelligence sources reveal that Pannun’s connections with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have intensified in recent years. Pannun has been accused of running an immigration racket, which is allegedly supported by ISI funding, donations from Sikh youths, and contributions raised under the pretext of a “war” against India. “Pannun’s strategy is aimed at instigating the younger generation of Punjabis, particularly those born after 1984, against India, painting the Sikh community as victims of ongoing atrocities,” a senior intelligence official told CNN-News18.
Sources further disclosed that Pannun has misused his access to Western countries like Canada and the UK, turning gurdwaras into breeding grounds for anti-India propaganda. These places of worship have allegedly become hubs for spreading Khalistani ideologies, fostering a narrative that encourages secession and hostility towards the Indian state.
Ties to ISI and Global Radicalization
Pannun’s activities have garnered support from Pakistan’s spy agency ISI, which sees him as a key figure in stirring up unrest within India’s Sikh population. Despite initially denying his association with ISI, Pannun was openly seen at a Pakistan High Commission event in London, commemorating Kashmir Day a day that symbolizes Pakistan’s disputed claims over the Indian-administered region of Kashmir.
The funding pipeline for Pannun’s operations is concerning. While some financial backing comes from ISI, Pannun also taps into donations from unsuspecting Sikh youths, leveraging their emotional attachment to the community’s historical grievances to fund his separatist agenda.
Escalating Threats and Global Blockade
As November 19 looms closer, Air India and Indian authorities are on high alert, with stringent security measures expected to be put in place for flights. The global boycott call by Pannun adds a new layer of complexity to the threat, as the separatist leader continues to push for international attention to his cause. Indian officials are working closely with international partners, particularly in the US, UK, and Canada, to ensure that any attempts to disrupt Air India’s operations or endanger passengers are thwarted.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s relentless pursuit of his separatist agenda, coupled with his increasingly bold threats, has made him a significant security concern not just for India, but globally. As intelligence agencies continue to monitor his activities, his deepening ties with the ISI and misuse of international platforms highlight the transnational nature of the threat he poses. The countdown to November 19 now brings with it heightened caution and vigilance, with Air India and its passengers at the center of a dangerous geopolitical storm.
