Gujarat: FIR against Khalistani terrorist Pannun over World Cup threat
An FIR has been registered against proscribed group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Gujarat's Ahmedabad over his alleged terror threats to disrupt the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. A purported audio message issued by Pannun said that the Cricket World Cup, set to begin from October 5, will be the "beginning of the World Terror Cup."
Why does this story matter?
This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian government has designated Pannun, a Canadian citizen, as a terrorist who is reportedly at the top of India's list of the most wanted Khalistani separatists. India repeatedly asked Canada to act against Khalistani elements on its soil, especially Pannun and Nijjar, but in vain.
Here is the purported audio of Pannun issuing threats
India, Modi regime insulted Trudeau: Pannun
In the audio, Pannun is allegedly heard mentioning Nijjar's assassination and saying, "We are going to use ballot against your bullet," referring to Canada's allegations that the Indian government killed Nijjar. He further threatened India to shut down its embassy in Ottawa, accusing "India and the Modi regime" of insulting Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who leveled the allegations in the Canadian parliament.
Pannun issued video threat after Nijjar's death
Weeks after Nijjar's murder in June, purported videos showed Pannun threatening to disrupt the Cricket World Cup to avenge Nijjar's death. The video contained computer-generated imagery (CGI) showing a grenade attack on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the tournament will kick off. He called for stopping the World Cup until "Sikhs' right of self-determination is met."
Pro-Khalistan graffiti in Delhi, Punjab
In another video released on Thursday, Pannun claimed responsibility for the defacement of some walls and subways with anti-India messaging in Delhi. He is heard saying, "Delhi banega Khalistan (Delhi will become Khalistan)." The Punjab Police registered an FIR against Pannun in Ludhiana after pro-Khalistan graffiti was spotted on the walls in Dehlon's Gill village, The Indian Express reported last week.
Pannun's property in Punjab confiscated
Notably, Pannun was Nijjar's lawyer, while Nijjar proactively worked to organize a referendum to carve out Khalistan, an ethnostate for Sikhs, from India. India designated both as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2020 and the government recently seized Pannun's property in Punjab.
