Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun revealed that he has been alerted by both the FBI and the RCMP about a credible new threat to his life. Pannun, who serves as the general counsel for Sikhs For Justice, disclosed that FBI agents advised him on August 12 not to travel until the threat is resolved. The RCMP also contacted him on Tuesday to warn about the threat, without providing specific details. The law enforcement agencies have not responded to requests for comments.
Under the “duty to warn” protocol in the U.S., intelligence and law enforcement authorities must inform individuals of credible threats involving murder, severe bodily harm, or kidnapping. Sikhs for Justice has been conducting referendums worldwide, advocating for an independent Sikh nation known as Khalistan. Recently, an event was held in Indianapolis, and another is scheduled for Edmonton on October 18.
Following the tragic death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, Inderjeet Singh Gosal took over the leadership of Sikhs for Justice in Canada. Nijjar was killed in Surrey, B.C., on June 18, 2023. Four individuals from India are awaiting trial in connection with Nijjar’s killing after being arrested in Edmonton and Ontario in the spring of 2024. Additionally, two men in California face charges for ordering the killing, although they are not in U.S. custody.
Meanwhile, Nikhil Gupta from India is awaiting sentencing in a Manhattan federal court on November 20. Gupta pleaded guilty earlier this year to plotting with others in 2023 to assassinate Pannun. The FBI revealed that Gupta was instructed by an Indian government employee to carry out the assassination. Gupta pleaded guilty to various charges, such as murder for hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which could result in a minimum of twenty years in prison according to federal sentencing guidelines.
Pannun, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, emphasized that he remains undeterred by the threats against him. He urged both the U.S. and Canadian governments to address the threats posed to their sovereignty by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the dangers he faces, Pannun expressed determination to continue his advocacy work, stating, “I’m going to continue, even at the cost of a bullet.”
