Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Reportedly Untraceable Since 48 Hours

If media and Twitter speculation is to be believed, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is reportedly untraceable since 48 hours.

The development comes a day after designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who headed pro-Khalistan outfits Khalistan Tiger Force and the Canadian arm of SFJ, was shot dead by unknown attackers at a parking lot of a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on Monday.

It must be noted that in just over a month, three Khalistani separatists including Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who were wanted in India have died. In May, news emerged regarding the killing of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, a 63-year-old Khalistani terrorist based in Pakistan.

Who Is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?

Pannun, a lawyer based in New York, USA, reportedly hails from Khankot, a village in Punjab's Amritsar district. According to The Caravan, Pannun established Sikhs for Justice in 2007 while residing in the United States.

Pannun has been actively involved in lobbying for the cause of Khalistan and has been organising events and rallies in different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is spearheading a campaign 'Referendum 2020'. He has issued an appeal to Punjab based gangsters and youth to fight for the cause of independent state of Khalistan. He has demanded a separate Sikh state on the pattern of Catalonia, Spain. He also travelled to Spain for studying the referendum on self-determination that held in Catalonia, Spain in 2017.

Pannun has also been involved in filing lawsuits against Indian officials and institutions in international courts, alleging human rights violations against Sikhs.

In 2020, Pannun was declared a designated terrorist by Government of India and his agricultural land was attached under Section 51A of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Pannun is currently facing 22 criminal cases, including three of sedition, in Punjab, India.

In October 2022, Interpol rejected India's second request to issue a Red Corner Notice on terror charges against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, citing not enough information.

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a separatist organization, has been banned in India due to its activities that aim to foster animosity among various groups and incite Khalistan sentiment within the Sikh community. However, the founder of SFJ, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has not faced any consequences thus far.

Crackdown on Khalistan movement

In a concerted effort to curb separatist sentiment, India has taken strict measures against organisations and individuals involved in activities aimed at fueling division in various countries.

On September 23, India issued an advisory urging Indian nationals and students residing in Canada to maintain a state of vigilance due to the rising incidents of crimes and anti-India activities within the country.

In response to the resurgence of militancy in Punjab, Indian diplomats have engaged in discussions with various foreign governments, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken proactive steps in addressing this issue, reflecting their heightened focus on the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his concerns regarding this during his recent visit to Australia, emphasising the need for collective action in countering the threat.