Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and dual US-Canadian citizen, has found himself at the center of an alleged assassination plot on American soil. The United States has accused Delhi of orchestrating the murder conspiracy, claiming that an Indian national, in collaboration with an Indian government official, attempted to hire a hitman for $100,000 to assassinate Pannun. However, the plot was foiled when it was revealed that the hitman was actually an undercover federal agent. Pannun is the legal counsel and spokesman for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based Sikh separatist group that has been banned in India since 2019. The Delhi government has denied any involvement in the murder plot but has acknowledged that Pannun is wanted for violation of the law. This article delves into the controversy surrounding Pannun, his role in advocating for Khalistan, and the impact of the alleged assassination plot on Indo-US relations.
Pannun’s background and activism:
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun hails from the state of Punjab in India and moved to the United States several years ago. He obtained degrees in management and law and worked at Wall Street before becoming actively involved in Sikh activism. Pannun gained media attention in 2012 when SFJ started filing lawsuits against prominent Indian politicians and celebrities, accusing them of playing a role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He utilized the Alien Tort Statute, a law that allows American courts to try cases related to human rights abuses committed by non-US citizens outside of the country. While none of the lawsuits traveled far, they provided Pannun with the publicity he sought for his anti-India campaign. In 2015, he sued Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, accusing him of making provocative statements during the riots. Pannun’s activism culminated in the announcement of a global Sikh referendum in 2015 to push for the creation of Khalistan. Non-binding referendums have been conducted in various Western countries with substantial Indian diasporas, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Pannun’s controversial rhetoric and alleged involvement in inciting violence:
Pannun’s inflammatory rhetoric and alleged involvement in inciting violence have drawn widespread criticism. In numerous videos posted on the SFJ website and social media platforms, he is seen castigating India and offering rewards for anti-India graffiti, hoisting Khalistani flags on government buildings, or desecrating India’s national flag. His statements have been interpreted as radicalizing the youth through online propaganda. Pannun has called for the death of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and two of his ministers, as well as avenging the death of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He has admitted to being behind posters with names and photographs of Indian diplomats in the US, UK, and Canada that were labeled “kill India,” although he denies that they incited violence. Pannun’s statements, along with his calls for the critical death of Indian officials and his threat to harm India’s economy, have raised concerns about his intentions and the potential destabilization of Indo-US relations.
India’s response and concerns over Pannun’s activities:
The Indian government has designated Pannun a terrorist and has stated that he is wanted in nearly two dozen cases, including terrorism and sedition. In September, his properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh were seized. Delhi has expressed its dislike for the Sikh separatist movement and has accused Pannun of attempting to instill fear in the minds of Indian citizens through his propaganda videos. The Indian government has shared information about Pannun’s criminal activities and the threats made by extremists against India and Indian diplomats with the US government. However, many Indians have expressed frustration that the US has not taken any action against him. Prime Minister Modi has called attention to the concern that certain extremist groups based overseas, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence. He questions the US stance on freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, emphasizing India’s deep concern over such activities.
Impact on Indo-US relations:
The alleged assassination plot and Pannun’s activities have the potential to strain Indo-US relations. The United States accusing Delhi of involvement in the murder conspiracy raises questions about the level of trust and cooperation between the two countries. India’s frustration over the lack of action on Pannun by the US government adds to the existing tensions. The controversy surrounding Pannun and his promotion of Khalistan may further complicate bilateral relations, as India considers the Sikh separatist movement a threat to its national security. The response of the US government to the alleged plot and its stance on Pannun’s activities will be closely watched by both India and the international community.
In conclusion, the alleged assassination plot involving Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has brought him into the spotlight and raised questions about his controversial role as a Sikh separatist advocating for Khalistan. Pannun’s activism, inflammatory rhetoric, and alleged involvement in inciting violence have garnered attention and criticism. The impact of the assassination plot on Indo-US relations remains uncertain, with India expressing frustration over the lack of action by the US government. The response from both countries will shape the future dynamics between them and the handling of Sikh separatism on Indian soil.
