India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally initiated proceedings against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a declared terrorist and leader of the US-based proscribed group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The charges stem from his alleged attempts to incite Sikh military personnel to disrupt Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15, an act for which he reportedly offered a substantial ₹11-crore reward.
This significant action by the NIA follows a direct directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The case was built upon ‘credible intelligence’ and a disturbing video shared on SFJ’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on August 10, where Pannun publicly announced the reward for preventing the Prime Minister from performing the national ceremony.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Pannun went further, revealing a new ‘Khalistan’ map that audaciously claims territories including Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh as part of a separate state. He also announced the formation of a ‘Shaheed Jatha’ (martyr squad) by SFJ, ostensibly to wage war against India. The FIR explicitly states that these actions constitute attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, as well as to foster disloyalty among Sikh communities within India.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Central Government received intelligence reports indicating that Pannun held a ‘Meet the Press’ event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10. During this virtual appearance from Washington, his primary focus was rejecting India’s legitimate claim over Punjab and aggressively promoting his separatist agenda.
During this event, the FIR alleges, Pannun reiterated his offer of ₹11 crore to provoke Sikh soldiers. He also unveiled SFJ’s provocative ‘Delhi Banayga Khalistan’ referendum map, which controversially includes Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi within its proposed ‘Khalistan’ boundaries.
In response to these grave allegations, the NIA has invoked relevant sections of India’s newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.