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{{Short description|Indo-Canadian leader of Khalistan movement}} {{Short description|Indo-Canadian leader of Khalistan movement}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Gurpatwant Singh Pannun | name = Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
| image = | image =
| caption = | caption =
| birth_date = | birth_date =
| birth_place = Khankot village, ], ]. | birth_place = Khankot village, ], ].
| nationality = | nationality =
| occupation = Lawyer | occupation = Lawyer
| organization = ] (SFJ) | organization = ] (SFJ)
| known_for = Promoting the ]
| known_for = Promoting the creation of a religion-based Sikh nation carved out from Punjab and many neighbouring areas in India, to be known as Khalistan
| notable_works =
| notable_works = Filing lawsuits against Indian officials and institutions for alleged human rights violations against Sikhs, posting videos and posters calling for damaging India, Indians and their diplomats
| website = | website =
}} }}
'''Gurpatwant Singh Pannun''' is one of the main leaders of the ], which advocates for a religion-based separate state carved out from ] and many neighbouring areas in ], to be known as Khalistan.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://royalpatiala.in/nia-court-issues-proclamation-notice-against-sfjs-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-on-punjab-govt-information/ | title=NIA court issues Proclamation notice against SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Punjab Govt information | date=13 August 2022 }}</ref> He is the legal advisor and spokesperson for ] (SFJ), which aims to promote the idea of a separate Sikh state.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-and-the-sfj-whom-india-wants-put-on-interpols-red-notice-8204363/ | title=Who are Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the SFJ, whom India wants on Interpol's Red Notice? | date=12 October 2022 }}</ref> As of July 2020, the ] of India has declared Pannun a terrorist on the grounds of ] and ], and has requested an ] for him.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/punjab-pro-khalistan-outfit-member-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-associates-booked-for-sedition-856352.html | title=Pro-Khalistan outfit member Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, associates booked for sedition | date=2 July 2020 }}</ref> '''Gurpatwant Singh Pannun''' is a ] lawyer and a socio-religious activist who is one of the main leaders of the ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://royalpatiala.in/nia-court-issues-proclamation-notice-against-sfjs-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-on-punjab-govt-information/ | title=NIA court issues Proclamation notice against SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Punjab Govt information | date=13 August 2022 }}</ref><ref name="reuters_thwarted_2023" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Shivam |date=2023-11-23 |title=FACTBOX Who is Gurpatwant Pannun, target of foiled murder plot in US? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/who-is-gurpatwant-pannun-target-foiled-murder-plot-us-2023-11-23/ |website=Reuters}}</ref> He is also the legal advisor and spokesperson for ] (SFJ), which aims to promote the creation of Khalistan as a separate Sikh state.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-and-the-sfj-whom-india-wants-put-on-interpols-red-notice-8204363/ | title=Who are Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the SFJ, whom India wants on Interpol's Red Notice? | date=12 October 2022 }}</ref>

Designated as a terrorist by the government of ] in 2020, in 2023 he was the subject of an attempted assassination, believed to be linked to India by the United States.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2023-12-21 |title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: The Sikh separatist at the centre of US murder plot allegation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-67725254 |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-18 |title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannu: US charges ex-India agent in Sikh separatist murder plot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2949p14k4o |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> He has denied the accusations and says he is persecuted for his separatist beliefs.<ref name="reuters_thwarted_2023" /><ref name=":2" />


==Early life and background== ==Early life and background==
Pannun was born and brought up in Khankot village at the outskirts of ], ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/khankot-village-few-know-of-pannus-ancestral-roots-6589028/|title=In Khankot village, few know of Pannu's ancestral roots|date=9 September 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-and-the-sfj-whom-india-wants-put-on-interpols-red-notice-8204363/|title=Who are Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the SFJ, whom India wants on Interpol's Red Notice?|date=12 October 2022 }}</ref> Pannun was born and brought up in Khankot village at the outskirts of Amritsar, Punjab, India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/khankot-village-few-know-of-pannus-ancestral-roots-6589028/|title=In Khankot village, few know of Pannu's ancestral roots|date=9 September 2020 | first=Kamaldeep Singh | last=Brar
| newspaper=The Indian Express | accessdate=21 July 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-and-the-sfj-whom-india-wants-put-on-interpols-red-notice-8204363/|title=Who are Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the SFJ, whom India wants on Interpol's Red Notice?|date=12 October 2022 }}</ref> He moved to the United States in 1992.<ref name=":6" /> As of 2023, he described himself as a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.<ref name="reuters_thwarted_2023"/>


== Activities == == Activities ==
Pannun has been actively involved in lobbying for the cause of Khalistan and has been organizing events and rallies in different parts of the world, including the ], ], and the ]. He has also been involved in filing lawsuits against Indian officials and institutions in international courts, alleging human rights violations against Sikhs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Detailed info of terrorist Pannun and SFJ discussed |url=https://www.khalistanextremismmonitor.org/individual-profile/Gurpatwant-Singh-Pannun}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and What is SFJ? |url=https://newsroompost.com/world/who-is-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-and-what-is-sfj/5096759.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gurpatwant Pannu wanted in 22 cases but Interpol won't act : The Tribune India |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pannu-wanted-in-22-cases-but-interpol-wont-act-440702}}</ref> Pannun has campaigned for a separate Sikh state called ], organizing events and rallies around the world, including the ], ], and the ]. He has also been involved in filing lawsuits against Indian officials and institutions in international courts, alleging human rights violations against Sikhs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Detailed info of terrorist Pannun and SFJ discussed |url=https://www.khalistanextremismmonitor.org/individual-profile/Gurpatwant-Singh-Pannun}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and What is SFJ? |url=https://newsroompost.com/world/who-is-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-and-what-is-sfj/5096759.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gurpatwant Pannu wanted in 22 cases but Interpol won't act : The Tribune India |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pannu-wanted-in-22-cases-but-interpol-wont-act-440702}}</ref> He has said that the Modi government wants him dead and that Indian politicians have threatened him and other Sikh separatists in parliament.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Ryan |date=2024-10-27 |title=Sikh separatist, targeted once for assassination, says India still trying to kill him |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/27/g-s1-29561/sikh-separatist-assassination-india |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=NPR}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> The Washington Post has described some of these potential threats as credible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=2024-04-29 |title=An assassination plot on American soil reveals a darker side of Modi’s India |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/29/india-assassination-raw-sikhs-modi/?utm_campaign=wp_post_most&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_most&carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F3d8ce65%2F662fcaf27f4e8a2cca38251c%2F600db0ff9bbc0f746520a957%2F8%2F51%2F662fcaf27f4e8a2cca38251c |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=The Washington Post}}</ref>

According to the BBC, Pannun has released hundreds of videos censuring India and offering monetary rewards to people who write anti-India graffiti or hoist Khalistan flags on government buildings, or desecrate the Indian flag. In September 2023, he was recorded calling for the "political death" of Prime Minister Modi and two of his ministers. Pannun has also claimed responsibility for posters which read "kill India" along with the names and pictures of Indian diplomats. He has denied that the posters incite violence against the diplomats.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-21 |title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: The Sikh separatist at the centre of US murder plot allegation |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-67725254 |access-date=2023-12-22}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-11-27 |title=An Exclusive Q&A With Gurpatwant Singh Pannun |url=https://time.com/6339942/india-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-sikh-separatist-qa/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=TIME |language=en}}</ref>

⚫ In September 2023, a video surfaced in which Pannun warned ] ] to leave Canada, further accusing them of having "repudiated their allegiance to Canada".<ref name="The Statesman 2023 r153">{{cite web | title=Khalistani leader Pannun threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus, asks them to leave | website=The Statesman | date=2023-09-20 | url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/khalistani-leader-pannun-threatens-indo-canadian-hindus-asks-them-to-leave-1503223821.html | access-date=2023-09-20}}</ref><ref name="Bhaumik 2023 x924">{{cite web | last=Bhaumik | first=Anirban | title=Khalistanis threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, plan huge protest to shut down India's missions in Canada | website=Deccan Herald | date=2023-09-20 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/khalistanis-threaten-indo-canadian-hindus-plan-huge-protest-to-shut-down-indias-missions-in-canada-2694543 | access-date=2023-09-21}}</ref><ref name="India Today 2023 a171">{{cite web | title='Go to India': Khalistani terrorist threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus in new video | website=India Today | date=2023-09-20 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/khalistanis-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-threaten-canadian-hindus-2438147-2023-09-20 | access-date=2023-09-21}}</ref> The video elicited widespread condemnation from Canadian politicians. Federal party leaders, ] and ], along with ministers in the federal cabinet, denounced the video. Canada's ], ], described the video as "offensive and hateful".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Officials, politicians denounce 'hateful' video telling Indian Hindus to leave Canada |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/politicians-government-react-hateful-video-1.6976302 |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=CBC}}</ref>

⚫ In November 2023, Pannun warned of danger to individuals planning to travel by ] on 19 November (the date of the ] finals).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rai |first=Arpan |date=2023-11-05 |title=Tensions strike India and Canada once again as separatist leader warns of threat to Air India flights |url=https://www.aol.com/news/tensions-strike-india-canada-once-092506510.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Don't travel by Air India on Nov 19 or...: Khalistani terrorist in threat video |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khalistan-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-video-air-india-flight-threat-2458111-2023-11-04 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=India Today |date=4 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Shortly after, Canada's Transport Minister, Pablo Rodriguez and the ] (RCMP) announced an investigation into the incident. Spokesperson Kristin Kelly stated that the RCMP was collaborating with domestic and international partners and "industry stakeholders" in an investigation into "the threat against Air India flights."<ref>{{Cite web |author-link=The Canadian Press |title=Transport minister, RCMP say Canada is investigating 'threats' against Air India |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/air-india-threats-sikhs-for-justice-khalistan-referendum-1.7024951 |website=CBC}}</ref> Pannun stated that his message was about boycotting, not bombing Air India.<ref name="reuters_thwarted_2023"/>


==Assassination attempt==
Pannun has claimed responsibility for various terror incidents in India. In April 2023, in a video, he issued a threat to the ] ] during his visit to ].<ref name="India Today 2023">{{Cite web |title=Separatist Gurpatwant Pannun in hiding as 3 Khalistani terrorists die in 45 days |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/separatist-gurpatwant-pannun-in-hiding-as-3-khalistani-terrorists-die-in-45-days-2395895-2023-06-21 |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> In June 2023, Pannun reportedly went into hiding after the death of three other prominent Khalistani leaders in 2 months.<ref name="India Today 2023"/>


In November 2023, the '']'' (FT) reported that United States authorities had thwarted a plot to kill Pannun in the United States, and that federal prosecutors had filed a sealed indictment against a suspect in a New York district court.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Sevastopulo |first=Demetri |date=2023-11-22 |title=US thwarted plot to kill Sikh separatist on American soil |url=https://www.ft.com/content/56f7d6d6-6a93-4172-a49e-d8a91991e29d |access-date=2024-11-17 |work=Financial Times}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Ryan |date=October 27, 2024 |title=Sikh separatist, targeted once for assassination, says India still trying to kill him |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/27/g-s1-29561/sikh-separatist-assassination-india |access-date=November 17, 2024 |website=]}}</ref> The FT also reported that the US had issued a diplomatic warning to India over concerns that the Government of India was involved in the plot.<ref name=":4" /> The report came two months after Canada accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of ].<ref name=":5" /> A White House spokesperson confirmed the US had informed India about the incident sometime after the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June 2023. The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson ] stated that the Indian authorities were examining the US inputs.<ref name="reuters_thwarted_2023">{{cite news |author1=Jeff Mason |author2=Shivam Patel |title=US thwarted plot to kill Sikh separatist in America |publisher=Reuters |date=2023-11-22 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-thwarts-plot-kill-sikh-separatist-issues-warning-india-ft-2023-11-22/ }}</ref> In October 2024, a former Indian intelligence official was charged by the US with the attempted murder of Pannun.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |date=2024-10-17 |title=US charges former Indian spy allegedly linked to foiled murder plot |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/17/vikash-yadak-indian-spy-charged |access-date=2024-11-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shamim |first=Sarah |title=Who is Vikash Yadav, Indian agent accused by US in Sikh assassination plot? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/18/who-is-vikash-yadav-indian-agent-accused-by-us-in-sikh-assassination-plot |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>
⚫ In September 2023, a video surfaced in which Pannun warned ] ] to leave Canada.<ref name="The Statesman 2023 r153">{{cite web | title=Khalistani leader Pannun threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus, asks them to leave | website=The Statesman | date=2023-09-20 | url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/khalistani-leader-pannun-threatens-indo-canadian-hindus-asks-them-to-leave-1503223821.html | access-date=2023-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-20 |title=Nijjar killing: Sikhs for Justice asks Hindus of Indian origin to leave Canada |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/nijjar-killing-sikhs-for-justice-asks-hindus-of-indian-origin-to-leave-canada-101695183977090.html |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |quote=Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation banned in India in 2019, has threatened Hindus of Indian origin and asked them to leave Canada for supporting the country of their origin and “promoting violence” by celebrating Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India warns students as Nijjar’s lawyer asks Indo-Hindu to leave Canada |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/india-claims-students-at-risk-after-envoy-insists-safety |website=National Post |quote=Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, Nijjar’s lawyer, questioned Indian Canadians’ loyalty to Canada in a video that has gone viral on social media. “Indo-Hindu leave Canada; go to India. You not only support India, but you are also supporting the suppression of speech and expression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs,” he says in the video.}}</ref><ref name="Bhaumik 2023 x924">{{cite web | last=Bhaumik | first=Anirban | title=Khalistanis threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, plan huge protest to shut down India's missions in Canada | website=Deccan Herald | date=2023-09-20 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/khalistanis-threaten-indo-canadian-hindus-plan-huge-protest-to-shut-down-indias-missions-in-canada-2694543 | access-date=2023-09-21}}</ref><ref name="India Today 2023 a171">{{cite web | title='Go to India': Khalistani terrorist threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus in new video | website=India Today | date=2023-09-20 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/khalistanis-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-threaten-canadian-hindus-2438147-2023-09-20 | access-date=2023-09-21}}</ref> The video elicited widespread condemnation from Canadian politicians. Federal party leaders, ] and ], along with ministers in the federal cabinet, denounced the video. Canada’s ], ], described the video as "offensive and hateful".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Officials, politicians denounce 'hateful' video telling Indian Hindus to leave Canada |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/politicians-government-react-hateful-video-1.6976302 |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=CBC}}</ref>


⚫ In November 2023, Pannun issued a threat to individuals planning to travel by ] on November 19 (the date of the ] finals). In a video widely circulated on social media, he stated: "We are asking the Sikh people not to fly via Air India on November 19. There will be a global blockade. On November 19, don't travel by Air India or your life will be in danger."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rai |first=Arpan |date=2023-11-05 |title=Tensions strike India and Canada once again as separatist leader warns of threat to Air India flights |url=https://www.aol.com/news/tensions-strike-india-canada-once-092506510.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-04 |title="Don't travel by Air India, your life will be in danger": Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issues threat, security concerns arise |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/dont-travel-by-air-india-your-life-will-be-in-danger-khalistani-leader-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-issues-threat-security-concerns-arise/articleshow/104973128.cms |access-date=2023-11-04 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Don't travel by Air India on Nov 19 or...: Khalistani terrorist in threat video |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/khalistan-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-video-air-india-flight-threat-2458111-2023-11-04 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> In response, the ] of India directed airport operators in ] and ] to prohibit the entry of visitors in airports.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=Visitors not allowed at Delhi, Punjab airports after Canada-based SFJ's threat |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/visitors-not-allowed-at-delhi-punjab-airports-after-canada-based-sfjs-threat-101699348948261.html |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Shortly after, Canada's Transport Minister, Pablo Rodriguez and the RCMP announced an investigation into the threats. RCMP spokesperson, Kristin Kelly, stated that the RCMP was collaborating with domestic and international partners and "industry stakeholders" in an investigation into "the threat against Air India flights."<ref>{{Cite web |author-link=The Canadian Press |title=Transport minister, RCMP say Canada is investigating 'threats' against Air India |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/air-india-threats-sikhs-for-justice-khalistan-referendum-1.7024951 |website=CBC}}</ref> Pannun later offered a $100,000 cash reward for a citizen's arrest of the Indian High Comissioner, Sanjay Verma, accusing him of misrepresenting his earlier statements on Air India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-13 |title=Khalistani Separatist Issues Threat To Indian Envoy In Canada: Report |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/khalistani-separatist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-announces-100000-reward-for-citizens-arrest-of-indian-envoy-in-canada-sanjay-verma-article-105176739 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref>
== Legal issues == == Legal issues ==
In 2020, Pannun was declared a designated terrorist by ] and his agricultural land was attached under Section 51A of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Government of India Gazette on Individual Terrorists under UAPA |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Individual_Terrorists/SL%20NO%2005%20TO%2013_WADHWA%20SINGH%20BABBAR%20TO%20PARAMJIT%20SINGH%20PAMMA.PDF}}</ref> Pannun is facing 22 criminal cases, including three of sedition, in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Gurpatwant Pannu wanted in 22 cases but Interpol won't act |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pannu-wanted-in-22-cases-but-interpol-wont-act-440702}}</ref> In October 2022, ] rejected India's second request to issue a ] on terror charges against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on the grounds of insufficient information.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interpol rejects Delhi Red Corner request for Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun |date=12 October 2022 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/interpol-rejects-delhi-red-corner-request-for-khalistan-separatist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-8203347/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Why Interpol Refused India's Request For Notice Against Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/why-interpol-refused-india-s-request-for-notice-against-khalistani-leader-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-news-229450}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Interpol Sent Back India's Request For Notice Against Khalistan Separatist |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/interpol-sent-back-indias-red-corner-request-for-khalistan-separatist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-3424188}}</ref> In 2020, Pannun was designated as a terrorist by the ] and his agricultural land was attached under Section 51A of the ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Government of India Gazette on Individual Terrorists under UAPA |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/Individual_Terrorists/SL%20NO%2005%20TO%2013_WADHWA%20SINGH%20BABBAR%20TO%20PARAMJIT%20SINGH%20PAMMA.PDF}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-20 |title=Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: Narendra Modi breaks silence on US murder plot allegation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-67770036 |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> though he has rejected this charge<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> In October 2022, ] rejected India's second request to issue a ] on terror charges against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on the grounds of insufficient information.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why Interpol Refused India's Request For Notice Against Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun |date=12 October 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/why-interpol-refused-india-s-request-for-notice-against-khalistani-leader-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-news-229450}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Interpol Sent Back India's Request For Notice Against Khalistan Separatist |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/interpol-sent-back-indias-red-corner-request-for-khalistan-separatist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-3424188}}</ref> International criminal law and human rights lawyer Richard Rogers, who represents Pannun, has accused India of falsifying evidence through the Interpol red-notice system.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-17 |title=Indian intelligence officials targeted in New York lawsuit for alleged role in assassination plots |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-india-intelligence-assassination-lawsuit/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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Latest revision as of 02:21, 4 December 2024

Indo-Canadian leader of Khalistan movement

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
BornKhankot village, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
OccupationLawyer
OrganizationSikhs for Justice (SFJ)
Known forPromoting the Khalistan movement

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a Canadian-American lawyer and a socio-religious activist who is one of the main leaders of the Khalistan movement. He is also the legal advisor and spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which aims to promote the creation of Khalistan as a separate Sikh state.

Designated as a terrorist by the government of India in 2020, in 2023 he was the subject of an attempted assassination, believed to be linked to India by the United States. He has denied the accusations and says he is persecuted for his separatist beliefs.

Early life and background

Pannun was born and brought up in Khankot village at the outskirts of Amritsar, Punjab, India. He moved to the United States in 1992. As of 2023, he described himself as a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.

Activities

Pannun has campaigned for a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, organizing events and rallies around the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He has also been involved in filing lawsuits against Indian officials and institutions in international courts, alleging human rights violations against Sikhs. He has said that the Modi government wants him dead and that Indian politicians have threatened him and other Sikh separatists in parliament. The Washington Post has described some of these potential threats as credible.

According to the BBC, Pannun has released hundreds of videos censuring India and offering monetary rewards to people who write anti-India graffiti or hoist Khalistan flags on government buildings, or desecrate the Indian flag. In September 2023, he was recorded calling for the "political death" of Prime Minister Modi and two of his ministers. Pannun has also claimed responsibility for posters which read "kill India" along with the names and pictures of Indian diplomats. He has denied that the posters incite violence against the diplomats.

In September 2023, a video surfaced in which Pannun warned Indo-Canadian Hindus to leave Canada, further accusing them of having "repudiated their allegiance to Canada". The video elicited widespread condemnation from Canadian politicians. Federal party leaders, Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, along with ministers in the federal cabinet, denounced the video. Canada's Public Safety Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, described the video as "offensive and hateful".

In November 2023, Pannun warned of danger to individuals planning to travel by Air India on 19 November (the date of the 2023 Cricket World Cup finals). Shortly after, Canada's Transport Minister, Pablo Rodriguez and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced an investigation into the incident. Spokesperson Kristin Kelly stated that the RCMP was collaborating with domestic and international partners and "industry stakeholders" in an investigation into "the threat against Air India flights." Pannun stated that his message was about boycotting, not bombing Air India.

Assassination attempt

In November 2023, the Financial Times (FT) reported that United States authorities had thwarted a plot to kill Pannun in the United States, and that federal prosecutors had filed a sealed indictment against a suspect in a New York district court. The FT also reported that the US had issued a diplomatic warning to India over concerns that the Government of India was involved in the plot. The report came two months after Canada accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A White House spokesperson confirmed the US had informed India about the incident sometime after the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in June 2023. The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that the Indian authorities were examining the US inputs. In October 2024, a former Indian intelligence official was charged by the US with the attempted murder of Pannun.

Legal issues

In 2020, Pannun was designated as a terrorist by the Government of India and his agricultural land was attached under Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, though he has rejected this charge In October 2022, Interpol rejected India's second request to issue a Red Corner Notice on terror charges against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on the grounds of insufficient information. International criminal law and human rights lawyer Richard Rogers, who represents Pannun, has accused India of falsifying evidence through the Interpol red-notice system.

References

  1. "NIA court issues Proclamation notice against SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Punjab Govt information". 13 August 2022.
  2. ^ Jeff Mason; Shivam Patel (22 November 2023). "US thwarted plot to kill Sikh separatist in America". Reuters.
  3. ^ Patel, Shivam (23 November 2023). "FACTBOX Who is Gurpatwant Pannun, target of foiled murder plot in US?". Reuters.
  4. "Who are Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the SFJ, whom India wants on Interpol's Red Notice?". 12 October 2022.
  5. ^ "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: The Sikh separatist at the centre of US murder plot allegation". BBC News. 21 December 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Gurpatwant Singh Pannu: US charges ex-India agent in Sikh separatist murder plot". BBC News. 18 October 2024. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  7. Brar, Kamaldeep Singh (9 September 2020). "In Khankot village, few know of Pannu's ancestral roots". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  8. "Who are Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the SFJ, whom India wants on Interpol's Red Notice?". 12 October 2022.
  9. ^ Lucas, Ryan (27 October 2024). "Sikh separatist, targeted once for assassination, says India still trying to kill him". NPR. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  10. "Detailed info of terrorist Pannun and SFJ discussed".
  11. "Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and What is SFJ?". 12 May 2022.
  12. "Gurpatwant Pannu wanted in 22 cases but Interpol won't act : The Tribune India".
  13. Miller, Greg (29 April 2024). "An assassination plot on American soil reveals a darker side of Modi's India". The Washington Post. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  14. "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: The Sikh separatist at the centre of US murder plot allegation". 21 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  15. ^ "An Exclusive Q&A With Gurpatwant Singh Pannun". TIME. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  16. "Khalistani leader Pannun threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus, asks them to leave". The Statesman. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  17. Bhaumik, Anirban (20 September 2023). "Khalistanis threaten Indo-Canadian Hindus, plan huge protest to shut down India's missions in Canada". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  18. "'Go to India': Khalistani terrorist threatens Indo-Canadian Hindus in new video". India Today. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  19. "Officials, politicians denounce 'hateful' video telling Indian Hindus to leave Canada". CBC. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  20. Rai, Arpan (5 November 2023). "Tensions strike India and Canada once again as separatist leader warns of threat to Air India flights". www.aol.com. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  21. "Don't travel by Air India on Nov 19 or...: Khalistani terrorist in threat video". India Today. 4 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  22. "Transport minister, RCMP say Canada is investigating 'threats' against Air India". CBC.
  23. ^ Sevastopulo, Demetri (22 November 2023). "US thwarted plot to kill Sikh separatist on American soil". Financial Times. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  24. ^ Lucas, Ryan (27 October 2024). "Sikh separatist, targeted once for assassination, says India still trying to kill him". NPR. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  25. Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (17 October 2024). "US charges former Indian spy allegedly linked to foiled murder plot". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  26. Shamim, Sarah. "Who is Vikash Yadav, Indian agent accused by US in Sikh assassination plot?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  27. "Government of India Gazette on Individual Terrorists under UAPA" (PDF).
  28. "Gurpatwant Singh Pannun: Narendra Modi breaks silence on US murder plot allegation". BBC News. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  29. "Why Interpol Refused India's Request For Notice Against Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun". 12 October 2022.
  30. "Interpol Sent Back India's Request For Notice Against Khalistan Separatist".
  31. "Indian intelligence officials targeted in New York lawsuit for alleged role in assassination plots". The Globe and Mail. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
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