Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his organization, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), are currently under investigation in India. They are involved in a case related to a video in which Pannun announced a bounty of Rs 11 crore for anyone who prevents PM Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated legal action based on this video, which allegedly undermines India’s sovereignty. This video was part of a ‘Meet the Press’ event organized by SFJ at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10. During the event, Pannun, who serves as SFJ’s general counsel, delivered his remarks via video link from the US.
In his speech, he purportedly criticized India and presented a map of Khalistan, which would include Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The FIR filed against Pannun and SFJ claims that their actions are aimed at jeopardizing India’s sovereignty, security, and encouraging Sikhs in India to oppose the government and commit offenses against the nation. Additionally, the organization is accused of forming a ‘martyr’s group’ to advance their agenda against India. The case has been referred to the NIA, India’s leading anti-terror agency, given the serious nature of the threat posed to national security.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against him under Section 61(2) of the BNS (criminal conspiracy) and relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, following directives from the Union Home Ministry. The ministry emphasized that Pannun’s address on August 10 aimed to undermine India’s sovereignty over Punjab while promoting the Khalistani cause, representing a significant Rs 11 crore threat to India’s security.