Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatens Parliament attack before Dec 13 in latest rant

In a new video Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a threat to carry out an attack on the Indian Parliament on or before December 13, reported India Today.

The US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief said he would "shake the very foundation of the Indian Parliament," in response to reports of his failed assassination attempt earlier this year.

December 13, 2023, would mark the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack.

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Provocative video message

• In the video statement, Pannun, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada, said that the Indian agencies alleged attempt to assassinate him had failed, vowing to retaliate by targeting the Parliament.
• The video prominently displayed a poster featuring his image alongside that of Afzal Guru, the convicted mastermind of the 2001 attack, with the caption 'Delhi Banega Khalistan' (Delhi will turn into Khalistan).
• The threat is a matter of concern as the ongoing Winter Session of the Parliament is scheduled until December 22.
• Pannun had also threatened to blow up Air India Flights and attack the World Cup Final at Ahmedabad.

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High alert

• Indian security agencies are reportedly on high alert following Pannun's video.
• Sources told India Today, that the Kashmir-Khalistan (K-2) desk of Pakistan's ISI has purportedly directed Pannun to advance their agenda of propagating an anti-India narrative.
• "We are taking the threat seriously and have enhanced security measures in and around New Delhi," said a source from the security agencies.

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Alleged assassination plot

• This threat comes in the wake of recent developments where US authorities claimed to have foiled a plot to assassinate Pannun.
• The US Justice Department revealed that an Indian government employee, in collaboration with others, including Indian national Nikhil Gupta, orchestrated the plan, reported Financial Times.

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• Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic and handed over to US authorities.
• India, responding to the allegations, expressed concern about the involvement of one of its government officials in the plot.
• Last week, the Indian government announced a formal investigation into the matter.

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Campaign against India

• Pannun, the chief of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organisation, has been on an aggressive global campaign against India over the past two years.
• There have been incidents of Khalistan supporters targeting Indian missions and officials in Canada and the UK.
• Pannun's outfit has issued 'kill posters' naming top diplomats posted in various missions.
• In the aftermath of the US claim to have thwarted the assassination plot, pro-Khalistan elements have targeted Indian diplomats abroad.
• Indian ambassadors in the US and the UK faced hostile situations.

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As the Winter Session of the Parliament continues, security forces remain on high alert, ensuring the safety of the legislative body amid the looming threat from Pannun and his associates.

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