Centre attaches properties of pro-Khalistan designated terrorists under UAPA
What's the story
The central government has ordered the attachment of properties of designated terrorists Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Hardeep Singh Nijjar under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA.
This is the first time that the government has attached properties under the legislation since last year's amendment which notably empowered the Centre to designate individuals as terrorists.
Here are more details.
Details
Pannun's two properties in Punjab attached as per order
The Centre's order for the attachment of properties was issued after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) approached the government.
Two properties owned by Pannun— 46 Kanal in Village Khankot; and 11 Kanal, 13.5 Marlas in Sultanwind Suburban Bhainiwal of Amritsar district—have been attached, according to the order.
Nijjar's 11 Kanal 13 Marlas in Village Bhar, Singhpura, Pillaur of Jalandhar district has also been attached.
Twitter Post
You can view the order here
Govt. Orders Attachment of Immovable Properties of Designated Terrorists Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and Hardeep Singh Nijjar pic.twitter.com/7mOpa7UEkb
— NIA India (@NIA_India) September 8, 2020
Quote
Pannun's 'Sikhs for Justice' mobilizing diaspora for secessionist campaign: Government
The government stated, "Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), headed by USA-based terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is presently making efforts to propagate 'Sikh Referendum-2020' on social media."
'Sikh Referendum 2020' is a secessionist campaign demanding Khalistan—a separate homeland for Sikhs.
The SFJ is "also trying to hold meetings at certain places in the US and other countries to instigate and mobilize diaspora for their illegal activities."
Designated terrorists
Pannun, Nijjar among those designated terrorists under UAPA
Pannun was designated a terrorist by the Union Home Ministry earlier in July. The government said he has been mobilizing youngsters in Punjab to join militancy.
The others designated as individual terrorists under UAPA include Hardeep Singh Nijjar of Khalistan Tiger Force; Paramjit Singh of Babbar Khalsa International; and Gurmit Singh Bagga and Ranjeet Singh of the Khalistan Zindabad Force.