New Delhi: The Indian government has accused Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader and founder of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), of making a threatening call to the official residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This revelation was made in an affidavit submitted to a UAPA tribunal, which recently reaffirmed the government’s decision to classify SFJ as an “unlawful association” for five more years.
Threatening Call from an International Number
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), a recorded voice message was received on July 22, 2024, via the landline at Rajnath Singh’s residence. The message, allegedly from Pannun, claimed that Sikhs were under existential threat in India and issued a warning to Members of Parliament. The caller advised them to stay home if they wished to avoid repercussions related to the Khalistan referendum.
Authorities have confirmed that the call originated from an international number, and Interpol has been involved in tracing its exact source. The government maintains that this incident is part of a broader pattern of SFJ’s attempts to spread anti-India propaganda, instigate violence, and encourage separatist movements.
Government’s Case Against SFJ
The Indian government has long regarded SFJ as an organization engaged in destabilizing activities, rather than a peaceful advocacy group. In its submission to the tribunal, the MHA highlighted SFJ’s involvement in:
Organizing protests abroad targeting Indian dignitaries visiting Europe, Canada, and the US.
Filing false legal cases against Indian officials to create diplomatic hurdles.
Encouraging Indian farmers to arm themselves and resist government policies.
Compiling a list of children of Indian police officers and politicians studying abroad, allegedly to retaliate if SFJ activists face persecution.
SFJ has also been accused of attempting to smuggle weapons to farmers during the protests, further solidifying the government’s claims of terror-linked activities.
Legal and International Ramifications
The UAPA tribunal, led by Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, upheld the government’s decision, stating that SFJ’s activities pose a direct threat to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The tribunal emphasized that SFJ’s promotion of secessionism and its violent extremist advocacy warranted a ban under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen, has been designated a terrorist by Indian authorities. Last year, a US district court issued summons to the Indian government, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and former R&AW chief Samant Goel in response to a civil lawsuit filed by Pannun, alleging an assassination plot against him in 2023.
Ongoing Investigations and International Cooperation
The MHA revealed that SFJ’s operations are largely conducted from Pannun’s New York and California offices. The group has been linked to over 104 criminal cases, with 96 filed by state police and 8 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In a significant development, Delhi Police submitted a recorded call sample and a video interview of Pannun for forensic examination by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Delhi. The forensic report, received on January 6, 2023, confirmed that the voice in the call matched Pannun’s voice sample.
Additionally, a Mutual Legal Assistance request was sent to the United States, seeking information from US-based social media platforms linked to SFJ’s activities. However, US authorities declined to provide the requested data. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with India pushing for further cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts.
The government’s firm stance on SFJ underscores its commitment to curbing separatist activities and safeguarding India’s national security. With international investigations ongoing, authorities are closely monitoring SFJ’s global network to prevent further anti-India propaganda and potential security threats.
