Pro-Khalistani leader Pannun, SFJ booked by NIA over threat to Air India passengers

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case against designated individual terrorist and Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) operative Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly threatening passengers against flying on Air India flights.

The agency has invoked Sections 12B, 153A and 506 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 10, 13, 16, 18, 18B and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

A self-proclaimed ‘General Counsel’ of the banned outfit had recently warned through videos that Sikhs should avoid flying on Air India flights on and after November 19. He had also threatened to prevent Air India from operating across the world.

Pannun had also claimed that those flying Air India on and after November 19 would face a threat to their lives. He had further warned the Indian government of a shutdown of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on November 19, the birth anniversary of the former PM.

These messages on social media had led to a high alert and had prompted investigations by security agencies in Canada, India and other countries where Air India flies.

The SFJ was banned on 10 July, 2019 and Pannu was designated ‘individual terrorist’ under the UAPA on 1 July, 2020.

Pannun has been under the NIA radar since 2019 after it registered its first case against him. In September this year, the NIA had confiscated his share of the house and land in Amritsar and Chandigarh. Non-bailable warrants were also issued against him by a court on February 3, 2021 and he was declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ on 29 November, 2022.

According to the NIA, Pannun has been creating a “false narrative” around the issues in Punjab and Sikhs.

“The latest threat is in line with the same narrative, which Pannun has actively promoted in the past by threatening and attempting to disrupt essential transportation network systems, including the Railways, as well as thermal power plants in India,” a statement said.