NIA seizes pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's property in Punjab
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday seized Canada-based pro-Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's property in Punjab, NDTV reported. This comes days after he issued threats to Hindus living in Canada and asked them to leave the country. Meanwhile, ties between India and Canada are at their lowest following a diplomatic spat over the murder of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June.
Why does this story matter?
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India's involvement in the killing of Nijjar on June 18 in Surrey, British Columbia. Days later, Indian intelligence agencies warned Indians in Canada of possible attacks by Khalistani groups. They claimed that Indian businesses, staffers, and temples might also be targeted. The accusations soured bilateral relations, which were already strained due to pro-Khalistan elements in Canada.
NIA seized Pannun's Chandigarh house, confiscated land in Amritsar
The NIA reportedly seized Pannun's house in Punjab's Chandigarh and confiscated around 46 kanal of agricultural property in Khankot in Amritsar district. Pannun, who is the founder of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has allegedly been promoting extremist sentiments against India through the "Khalistan referendum." The Indian government has previously expressed concerns over the issue with Canada, calling the SFJ's activities "unfortunate."
Confiscation notice put up outside Pannun's residence
SFJ leader Pannun's threat against Hindus in Canada
In his recent threat video to Indo-Canadian Hindus in Canada, he claimed that pro-Khalistan Sikhs "have always been loyal to Canada, and they have always sided with Canada." His video surfaced two days after Trudeau claimed there was a "potential link" between Indian government agents and the killing of Nijjar, which led to the tit-for-tat expulsions of one senior diplomat each from both countries.
More about Pannun
Pannun is the founder of the SFJ and has been advocating a religion-based Sikh state split from India: Khalistan. In 2020, the Union Home Affairs Ministry declared him a terrorist and requested an Interpol red corner notice for him. However, Interpol reportedly twice rejected India's request against him, citing insufficient information. His organization has also conducted the so-called "Khalistan referendum" in Canada and Australia.
