Dismantling the Khalistani ecosystem! NIA Confiscates Canada-Based Khalistani Terrorist & SFJ Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s Properties in Punjab
Sagarika Mitra, Content Head of JAN KI BAAT breaks down details from NIA’s statement in this article
In a significant move to dismantle the terror and Khalistani network being operated from various countries, including Canada, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confiscated the properties of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a ‘designated terrorist’ and self-styled General Counsel of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit. The action, involving the seizure of Pannu’s house and land in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh UT, comes as a strong step in curbing the activities of this notorious Khalistani leader.
Pannu, who has been on the NIA’s radar since 2019, has played a major role in promoting and commissioning terrorist acts, spreading fear, and inciting terror in Punjab and other parts of India through threats and intimidation tactics. He was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on 29th November last year, with non-bailable warrants of arrest issued against him in February 2021.
NIA investigations have revealed that Pannu’s organization, Sikhs for Justice, was misusing cyberspace to radicalise vulnerable youth and instigate them to undertake terrorist crimes and activities. It was also found that Pannu was the main handler and controller of the SFJ, declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ by the Government of India in July 2019.
The government had designated Pannu as a ‘designated individual terrorist’ in July 2020, due to his active exhortations of Punjab-based gangsters and youth on social media to fight for the cause of an ‘independent Khalistan’.
As per the NIA’s official statement he posed a direct challenge to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India.
Notably, Pannu had recently made headlines for issuing explicit threats to senior Indian diplomats and government officials in public forums. He had also targeted Canadian Hindus, urging them to leave Canada and accusing them of adopting a ‘jingoistic approach’ by supporting India.
The properties seized today include 46 Canal agricultural land in Village Khankot, Amritsar, and 1/4th share of House Number 2033 in Sector 15/C, Chandigarh.
These properties were attached earlier following government orders in two separate cases. Today they have been confiscated by the court under section 33(5) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
The case, originally registered in October 2018, has seen a total of 10 accused, including Pannu, being charge-sheeted.
This significant move by the NIA reflects the Indian government’s determination to combat terrorism and dismantle the networks that pose a threat to national security. Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who has been operating from Canada, now faces the consequences of his actions as his properties are seized, adding another layer to the global fight against Khalistani extremism and terrorism.
The action against Pannu’s properties sends a strong message that those who promote terror and secessionist agendas will be pursued relentlessly, regardless of their location. It reinforces the commitment of Indian authorities to safeguard the sovereignty and security of the nation.
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