New Delhi: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a known Khalistani separatist and leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has issued a new warning urging passengers to avoid Air India flights between November 1 and 19. The threat, Pannun claims, is linked to the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Pannun’s warnings come amid heightened security concerns in India’s aviation sector, with several recent hoax bomb threats creating unrest. Last year, the separatist had made a similar threat, vowing to disrupt flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on November 19.
This development surfaces against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following the controversial killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader. Canada has accused India of involvement in Nijjar’s death, a claim the Indian government has firmly denied, further straining relations between the two nations.
Pannun has previously been linked to high-profile threats, including an alleged plan to attack the Indian Parliament in December 2022. Designated a terrorist by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020, he faces multiple charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for inciting enmity and criminal conspiracy.
Adding to the diplomatic complexity, on October 17, the United States charged a former officer of India’s intelligence agency, RAW, with allegedly plotting to assassinate Pannun—an accusation India has dismissed as unfounded.
Airlines and passengers have been advised to remain vigilant as the travel window outlined in Pannun’s latest warning approaches. Security measures are expected to be ramped up to prevent disruptions and ensure public safety during this sensitive period.
