Chandigarh: Punjab Police has intensified efforts to counter threats from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the designated terrorist and leader of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Terming Pannun a “fugitive hiding like a scared mouse in the USA,” Patiala DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu released a video message urging him to stop misleading youths with false promises of money and foreign settlement in exchange for disturbing peace.
DIG Sidhu emphasized that Pannun’s threats are empty and that he is afraid of the Punjab Police’s resolve. The police are determined to bring him to justice soon, Sidhu asserted. The Punjab Police’s revised strategy, discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by DGP Gaurav Yadav in Chandigarh, involves robust responses on social media to counter Pannun’s attempts to intimidate the public.
Pannun has been accused of luring young people with promises of immigration in return for acts such as painting pro-Khalistan graffiti across Punjab. This week, such graffiti was found near Nehru Stadium in Faridkot, leading to heightened security. The Republic Day celebrations, initially planned at Faridkot Stadium, were shifted to Polo Ground in Patiala after the incident raised concerns.
Patiala SSP Nanak Singh reassured the public that elaborate security measures are in place for the Republic Day event. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has urged officials to stay on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents. Schools in Patiala had reportedly received emails, allegedly from SFJ, advising them to avoid participation in Republic Day celebrations, which the police dismissed as a tactic to garner foreign funding.
Meanwhile, U.S. authorities are reportedly taking steps to deport individuals like Pannun, who are involved in illegal immigration and criminal activities. Punjab Police remains committed to ensuring peace and stability, calling on citizens to ignore such threats and participate in the Republic Day celebrations without fear.
