India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated legal action against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent figure linked to the Sikh separatist movement, for issuing threats against Air India. Pannun, associated with the group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), allegedly warned of impeding Air India’s global operations and cautioned passengers about potential safety risks.
The NIA disclosed that Pannun’s threats, disseminated via video messages around November 4th, prompted heightened security measures. The agency invoked provisions from the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code to register the case against Pannun, who serves as the general counsel for SFJ, advocating for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland distinct from India.
While these video messages circulated widely on social media, their authenticity remains unverified by independent sources. SFJ, contacted for comment, did not respond immediately, and Air India also refrained from providing an immediate statement regarding the issue.
Pannun, categorized as an “individual terrorist” by India in 2020, holds residency in the United States and purportedly possesses dual citizenship in the US and Canada. SFJ, with offices in multiple countries including Britain, Canada, and the United States, was outlawed as an “unlawful association” by India in 2019
India's anti-terror agency files case against Sikh separatist for Air India threat https://t.co/O22aiXmXos pic.twitter.com/ENtWEI5ZMS
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 21, 2023
The threats against Air India follow ongoing investigations in Canada and other nations where the airline operates, sparked by credible allegations implicating Indian government agents in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader earlier in the year. Despite Canada’s assertions, India has dismissed any involvement in the incident, straining bilateral relations.
Pannun’s history includes prior threats to disrupt Indian railways and thermal power plants, as disclosed by the NIA. Despite India’s requests, Interpol declined to issue a red corner notice against Pannun, according to reports from the Indian Express last year.
This alarming incident involving Air India recalls the tragic bombing of its Boeing 747 in 1985, an attack attributed to certain elements, which claimed the lives of all 329 individuals on board off the coast of Ireland.
Khalistan, a separatist aspiration recurrent in history, currently holds minimal support within India, largely perceived as a security hazard. The movement previously led to a prolonged and violent insurgency during the 1970s and 1980s, significantly impacting Punjab, a state where Sikhs form a majority.
Investigations are ongoing, spanning multiple countries, as authorities delve into the ramifications of these threats against Air India, owned by the Tata Group conglomerate, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in addressing such security challenges.
