Despite widespread backlash and criticism, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a Khalistani terrorist group, has purportedly threatened to “besiege” Indian diplomatic missions on Independence Day, according to a recent report.

SFJ’s legal advisor, Gurpatwant Pannun, is said to have issued the latest threat during a video announcement, hinting at plans for a ‘Khalistan Freedom Rally’ on July 8.

In the video, Pannun supposedly warned about further demonstrations from the Sikh community against what he referred to as ‘terror houses’, which are Indian embassies, on August 15. This video was reportedly disseminated widely by numerous recently created handles, suspected of either operating from Pakistan or supporting pro-Pakistan sentiment.

India has allegedly reported this issue to Canadian authorities, given the threat extends beyond India’s High Commission and two consulates in Canada to include diplomatic missions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and European nations. As conveyed in a Hindustan Times report, a senior Indian official voiced concerns over a lack of decisive action against the SFJ, such as imposing a ban or classifying it as a terrorist entity. This perceived inertia is seen as a factor that emboldens SFJ’s actions.

Notable incidents, including an arson attack at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA, last week and a breach of the Indian High Commission Ottawa’s security perimeter in March, where smoke bombs were allegedly used by pro-Khalistan protesters, have heightened concerns.

Pannun reportedly condemned India for the “assassination” of prominent SFJ member Harjit Singh Nijjar on June 18 in a Surrey, British Columbia parking lot. While the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team continues to investigate the murder, the motive remains unclear, and the perpetrators are yet to be apprehended.

According to Indian law enforcement, Nijjar, who was allegedly the head of the Khalistan Tiger Force and faced multiple terrorism-related charges, was offered a reward by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for information leading to his capture. However, none of these charges have been corroborated in Canadian courts, and SFJ maintains that it does not endorse violence.

Following rumors of Pannun’s demise on social media, he purportedly released another video affirming that the forthcoming protests would be peaceful.

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, and Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, have both publicly stated that threats against Indian officials are “unacceptable,” affirming Canada’s commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign diplomats.

  India, Khalistan, Pakistan, Sikhs For Justice, United Kingdom