The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a new case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated individual terrorist associated with the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). This action was taken in response to Pannun's recent viral video threatening Air India passengers with a global blockade of the airline starting from November 19.
Pannun, identified as the self-declared General Counsel of SFJ, issued threatening messages via social media, warning Sikhs against flying on Air India planes from November 19 onward, alleging a threat to their safety if they did so. He further threatened a global closure of Air India's operations.
These threats have prompted heightened alerts and investigations by security agencies in multiple countries, including India and Canada, where Air India operates. Pannun's activities are seen as an attempt to incite terrorism and create unrest by exploiting issues in Punjab and promoting hostility among different communities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously outlawed SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2019, with Pannun listed as an individual terrorist in 2020. The NIA has been tracking Pannun since 2019, seizing his properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh in 2023. He has also been issued non-bailable warrants and declared a 'Proclaimed Offender.'
The recent case registered against Pannun encompasses various sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, marking the NIA's continued efforts to curb his activities and thwart potential threats to public safety and security.
(With Agency Inputs)
