On October 21, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a new threat to airline passengers, advising them against boarding Air India flights from November 1 to November 19. He claimed that an attack could occur on these flights during this period, which marks the 40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a designated Khalistani terrorist wanted by the Government of India. He is the founder of the Khalistani terrorist organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), which operates from the US. Holding dual citizenship in Canada and the US, Pannun has previously issued similar threats regarding attacks on Air India flights.
Notably, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s threats surfaced amid a wave of hoax bomb threats targeting several Indian airlines. This situation is further complicated by diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following Canada’s allegations that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Additionally, Canada has accused the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats of engaging in criminal activities within the country, escalating tensions between the two nations.
In November 2023, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video announcing that the Indira Gandhi International Airport would undergo a name change and would remain closed on November 19. He also threatened people not to board Air India flights on that day. As a result, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charged him with criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different religious groups, and several offences under the UAPA.
“We urge the Sikh community not to travel with Air India. Starting November 19, there will be a global blockade, and Air India will not be permitted to operate. Sikh individuals, please avoid flying with Air India after this date, as your safety could be at risk,” Pannun stated.
In December 2023, Pannun threatened to attack the Parliament of India on or before December 13. The threat came after claims made by the US authorities that they had foiled a plan by Indian agents to assassinate Pannun. Notably, December 13 marks the anniversary of a 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament by Pakistani terrorists.
In another threatening statement, Pannun declared that he intended to assassinate the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, and the Director General of State Police, Gaurav Yadav, on January 26, 2024. He also called on gangsters to unite and carry out an attack on Mann.
