Sikhs for Justice chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu has said that Delhi will become a part of Khalistan and Sikhs should stand with the freedom movement.
Addressing a press conference via video link, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that a referendum will be held in the US on August 17 on whether Delhi will become Khalistan. He said that our only resolve is that Delhi should become a part of Khalistan.
Accusing India, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that the Indian army attacked Pakistan and martyred women and children. He said that the Sikh nation will fight India alongside the Pakistani army.
He added that Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to the White House as a guest is a matter of pride for Pakistan and that the Canadian Prime Minister has held India responsible for the unpleasant events taking place globally.
Garpatwant Singh Pannu further said that Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi will be part of Khalistan. The Indian government is continuously imposing restrictions on the Sikh community, against which voice will be raised at the global level.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (sometimes spelled Pannu) is a US- and Canadian-citizen attorney of Indian origin. Originally from Khankot village near Amritsar, Punjab, he earned a law degree from Panjab University before basing his legal practice in North America .
He is the founder and legal advisor of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an organization formed in 2007 advocating for Sikh self-determination and the creation of an independent Khalistan .
Over the years, SFJ under Pannun’s leadership launched high-profile campaigns—most notably the “Referendum 2020,” aimed at gauging diaspora support for secession from India—but these efforts ultimately fizzled out .
Legal and Security Developments
- In 2020, the Government of India designated Pannun as an “individual terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and banned SFJ, citing its secessionist agenda .
- Indian authorities have filed multiple cases against him, including sedition and secessionism, and attempted to secure an Interpol Red Notice—which was later rejected due to insufficient information provided .
- During the 2020-21 farmers’ protest, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered cases and issued summons concerning alleged funding links .
Foiled Assassination Plot and International Fallout
In 2023, the U.S. Justice Department indicted two Indian nationals—one identified as a government-linked individual—for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot to assassinate Pannun in New York. The target reportedly paid an undercover law-enforcement operative believing him to be a hitman .
Following media leaks in 2024, U.S. officials confirmed ongoing investigations and expressed concerns over extraterritorial plots targeting Pannun .
In an October 2024 interview, Pannun claimed that Indian consulates in the U.S. and Canada were operating a “spy network” targeting dissidents, and he called on Western governments to counteract such activity—though he offered no concrete proof .
Key Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Lawyer originally from Punjab, now US/Canadian citizen |
| Organization | Founder of SFJ; spearheaded “Referendum 2020” campaign |
| Legal Status | Designated terrorist in India; multiple cases filed |
| Interpol | Red Notice request rejected |
| Threats | Alleged assassination plot foiled in US |
| Claims | Accuses Indian consulates of espionage—unverified |
Khalistan is a proposed independent state that some Sikh separatist groups advocate for, envisioned to be carved out of India’s Punjab region and, in some versions, adjoining areas in Pakistan. The idea has deep political, religious, and historical roots, but it remains one of the most controversial and sensitive topics in modern Indian history.
Origins of the Khalistan Movement
- Religious and Cultural Identity: Sikhs, who follow Sikhism (founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak), have a distinct religious and cultural identity. Punjab, where Sikhism originated, has been central to Sikh heritage.
- Post-Partition Tensions: After India’s partition in 1947, Punjab was split between India and Pakistan. Many Sikhs felt that their community’s political and cultural influence diminished in the new Indian state.
- Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973): The Akali Dal political party drafted this document to demand greater autonomy for Punjab, protection of Sikh rights, and control over resources. Although it didn’t explicitly call for secession, many saw it as a step toward independence.
Escalation in the 1980s
- Rise of Militancy: By the late 1970s and early 1980s, some Sikh leaders and armed groups began openly calling for Khalistan. Militancy intensified, leading to violent clashes.
- Operation Blue Star (1984): The Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar to remove militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers. This military action caused heavy casualties and damage to the holy shrine, sparking anger among Sikhs worldwide.
- Indira Gandhi’s Assassination: In retaliation for Operation Blue Star, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, triggering nationwide anti-Sikh riots in which thousands of Sikhs were killed.
- Punjab Insurgency (1980s–1990s): The state experienced widespread violence between militants and security forces. Thousands died before the movement largely lost momentum in the mid-1990s due to security crackdowns and waning public support.
Global Diaspora Influence
While the armed insurgency in Punjab diminished, the Khalistan idea found support among sections of the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada, the UK, and the US.
- Some overseas groups organize referendums or public campaigns for Khalistan.
- The Indian government accuses some diaspora activists of funding or encouraging separatism.
Current Status
- In India, the Khalistan movement has minimal political presence and no mainstream support in Punjab’s electoral politics.
- However, pro-Khalistan activism occasionally resurfaces, especially online and in diaspora communities.
- Indian authorities treat Khalistan-linked militancy as a national security issue, with certain organizations banned under anti-terror laws.
Symbolism & Goals
- Flag & Name: “Khalistan” means “Land of the Pure,” similar in meaning to “Pakistan.”
- Religious Center: Many envision Amritsar (home to the Golden Temple) as the capital.
- Vision: Supporters argue it would protect Sikh rights and heritage. Critics say it would destabilize the region and harm Punjab economically and socially.
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