SFJ Leader Threatens Indian Sovereignty, Canada Cautious on Alleged Influence

The general counsel of Sikh separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has released a video making controversial threats against India‘s territorial integrity. Designated as a terrorist by India, Pannun appears in the video threatening to instigate independence movements beyond Punjab, which he claims will destabilize India by 2047. His remarks have drawn international attention.

In his video, Pannun, a lawyer based in New York City, outlines his “mission” to divide India through independence campaigns in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. He also controversially claims that Arunachal Pradesh belongs to China and calls on Chinese President Xi Jinping to “order the Chinese army to take Arunachal Pradesh back.”

He further asserts that his organization will exploit legal protections in Canada and the USA to advance these movements. A poster visible in the video brands the provocative slogan, “2047 None India,” reflective of the aim to disrupt India’s current political borders.

This development comes in response to remarks made by David Morrison, Canada’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who emphasized respect for India’s territorial integrity, indicating no support for SFJ’s objectives.

Meanwhile, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA), Nathalie G Drouin, discussed the impact of pro-Khalistan separatist sentiments on Canadian-Indian relations. She commented during a public inquiry, “The objective of India… I’m not sure if they really want to influence our policy. I think they really want to influence the pro-Khalistan debate and conversation.” She highlighted the significance of the Sikh diaspora in Canada and historical context, referring to the tragic bombing of Air India Flight 182 as a backdrop to current tensions.

Relations between Canada and India have been strained recently, exacerbated by allegations of Indian involvement in the June 2023 murder of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Though Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alluded to “credible allegations” regarding Indian agents’ involvement, India has dismissed these claims as “absurd” and “motivated.” Investigations continue on this front, as Canada insists on accountability.

Advisor Drouin suggested that a wider public inquiry could address the alleged Canadian instances, including the attempted murder of Pannun. She responded to a report naming India as a significant foreign interference threat, advocating for a more nuanced approach than ranking threats by countries.