India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case against US-based Khalistani Gurpatwant Singh Pannun after he allegedly announced a reward of ₹11 crore (AUD 2 million) for ‘Sikh soldiers’ to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) accessed by Indian media, Pannun, who serves as the General Counsel for the India banned extremist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), allegedly made the announcement on 10 August during a “Meet the Press” event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan, addressing journalists via video link from Washington.
At the event, the India designated terrorist also unveiled a new “Delhi Banayga Khalistan” referendum map that incorporated Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is reported that he further allegedly claimed that SFJ had formed a “Shaheed Jatha” to fight against India.
As per reports, the NIA stated that Pannun’s actions were aimed at disrupting India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security while spreading disaffection among Sikhs. The case has been filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Union Home Ministry, which directed the NIA to investigate, noted that Pannun allegedly used the Lahore event to reject India’s sovereignty over Punjab, promote Khalistan, and appeal for international support. Given the alleged gravity of the offence and its global ramifications, the ministry said the case warranted an NIA probe to unearth the larger conspiracy.
Pannun and SFJ have long been accused by India of working with Pakistan’s ISI and international gangster-terror networks to fuel separatism. Despite little traction within India, the group has stageda bogus Khalistan “referendum” votes across Australia, the UK, Canada, and other countries to amplify its anti-India campaign.
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