Canada increases security for Air India flights after warning from Khalistani terrorist Pannun

Canada has informed India of an increase in security measures for Air India flights to and from its airports after a warning issued by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Canada’s federal police said it is investigating a warning in videos circulating online not to fly Air India starting November 19.

A week back, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) founder and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had released a video message asking Sikhs not to fly Air India.

What

• Canada has heightened security for Air India flights operating to and from its airports.
  This response follows a video released by SFJ, advising Sikhs against flying Air India after November 19, citing potential threats to their safety.
• Gurpatwant Pannun, SFJ's general counsel, called for a global boycott of the airline.

Canada's federal police are investigating this warning, emphasizing the seriousness of any threat related to airlines, as stated by Transportation Minister Pablo Rodriguez.

The video, featuring Pannun, has caused concern, but he insists it's a call to boycott, not a threat. 

The Toronto Star reported that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is looking into the threat.

Pannun said that there is no threat and welcomes the RCMP's investigation. He views calling for a boycott of Air India and Indian businesses as civil disobedience, not terrorism.

This situation adds to existing tensions between India and Canada, including allegations of Indian involvement in a Sikh leader's murder near Vancouver.

On November 19, the ICC World Cup comes to an end in Ahmedabad, a event mentioned by Pannun in the video as the "World Terror Cup."

A Canadian government report from 2005 concluded that the 1985 Air India bombings, which claimed 331 lives, were the result of a conspiracy by Sikh separatists that was "planned and executed" in Canada.

Canada observes this day as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

Pannun has played a leading role in conducting non-binding referendums among diaspora communities, advocating for the establishment of an independent state within India.

Canada has around 770,000 Sikhs, making up about two percent of the total population.

India-Canada tensions

• India and Canada have experienced tensions since September when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed "credible" intelligence connections between Indian government agents and the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey.
• India refuted these claims, labeling Nijjar as a "terrorist" and demanding evidence from Canada.
• The Indian High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, emphasized the lack of specific or relevant information provided to assist India in the investigation, emphasizing the need for proof.