Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization, has a history of making provocative statements and issuing threats against Indian leaders. In a disturbing video recently surfaced on the internet, he warns Prime Minister Narendra Modi about drawing lessons from the Israel-Palestine conflict to avoid a potential similar "response" within India. He goes on to state, "We are prepared to carry out an attack on India similar to what Hamas does."

Hamas conducted a series of airstrikes in southern Israel on Saturday, resulting in a significant loss of life, with the death toll surpassing 1,000 individuals.

Pannun's video emerges during a period when India confronts a growing menace from Khalistani terrorism. Over the past few months, there have been multiple assaults on Hindu temples and Sikh leaders in Punjab. The Indian authorities have attributed these attacks to the SFJ.

"People under illegal occupation from Punjab to Palestine will react. And violence begets violence," Pannun said, adding that if India continues to "occupy" Punjab, there will be a "reaction" and "India and PM Modi will be responsible for it".

In the video, Pannun employed dramatic language and suggested a possible shift, asserting that "the liberation of Punjab is on the cards." Additionally, Pannun emphasized that the SFJ places its faith in the "ballot and vote," endorsing peaceful democratic mechanisms to attain its goals. While gesturing as if shooting toward the camera, Pannun conveyed, "India, the decision is yours: ballot or bullet."

This recent threat message emerges amid an ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada concerning the alleged assassination of the designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, located in the western Canadian province of British Columbia.

Recently, the Ahmedabad police initiated an FIR against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in response to his threats to disrupt a World Cup match between India and Pakistan, scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat. The FIR was lodged in Ahmedabad under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The police took action following the publication of menacing pre-recorded messages on various social media platforms and an attempt to disturb the prevailing atmosphere. "FIR registered against Pannu under 121(A),153(A)(B), 505 IPC, UAPA, and IT Act 66 F," stated Ajit Rajian, Cyber Crime DCP, Ahmedabad, according to ANI.

In the video clip, Pannun can be heard proclaiming, "Pro Khalistan Sikhs from Canada are in Delhi to avenge the assassination of Shaheed Najjar.”

Previously, this SFJ leader had issued threats against Indian diplomats in Canada, specifically targeting Sanjay Verma, India's High Commissioner to Canada. The Khalistani terror organization went as far as 'recommending' that India close its embassy in Ottawa and recall its diplomatic representative stationed there.

Furthermore, on September 23, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took action to seize significant assets in Chandigarh and Amritsar that were linked to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in Punjab.

Pannun, a resident of Canada, was designated as a wanted terrorist in 2020 and is facing over 20 criminal charges in Punjab. He has consistently issued threats against Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

The Special NIA Court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Pannun on February 3, 2021, and he was declared a "Proclaimed Offender" (PO) on November 29 of the previous year.

Image source: ANI