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Protect Temples: Canada’s Call to Action

Pic credits Twitter @CaHiHaOfficial

The leading Indo-Canadian advocacy body warns politicians of escalating threats from violent extremists within the community…reports Asian Lite News

Expressing its disappointment over no action against pro-Khalistan elements for vandalism at various Hindu temples, the Canada-India Foundation has asked politicians in the country to break their silence and rein in these radicals before it is too late.

In an open letter to the politicians, the top Indo-Canadian advocacy body says: “The threats issued by a group of violence-prone extremists to our community have taken on dangerous dimensions of late. One such self-appointed extremist leader issued a warning to Canadians not to travel on Air India in the month of November.”

Wondering why Canadian politicians and the media have ignored this threat, the letter says:“We are even more disappointed that our political leaders have maintained a total silence on this grave issue. This selective approach to dealing with terrorism and threats will not make this world a safe place.”

Calling the vandalism at Hindu temples — Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Vishnu Mandir in Richmond Hill, BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey — an attack on the freedom of religion and a dangerous trend, the letter says that the extremists have started even targeting ordinary Hindus, telling them leave Canada.

Highlighting the latest incident at the Kalibari Temple in Mississauga on November 25 when the pro-Khalistan extremists disrupted a special service senior citizens by the Indian Consulate, the letter says fresh threats to the Indian diplomatic staff will impact the Indo-Canadian community and hamper progress in the bilateral relationship.

Urging the Canadian government, its law enforcement agencies and media not to ignore the targeting of Hindus, the Canada-India Foundation in its letter said: “We have written separately to the Minister of Public Safety to take immediate and decisive action… and groups that have a violent agenda are not treated with kid gloves.”

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‘India cooperating with US probe on Nijjar assassination bid’

High Commissioner to Canada said India was absolutely and decidedly not involved in the homicide, terming it a motivated and absurd allegation…reports Asian Lite News

India’s High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma said that Indian government is cooperating with an American investigation into alleged thwarted assassination attempt and not Canada’s probe into the June killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia’s Surrey due to a disparity between the information both nations shared in their investigation.

Speaking to CTV’s Question Period host Vassy Kapelos, Sanjay Kumar Verma said that his understanding is that US authorities have shared more specific information regarding the investigation with India than Canada has and that he stressed is likely the differentiating factor in the level of India’s cooperation in both cases.

Recently, UK-based Financial Times published a report claiming that the US thwarted a plan to allegedly assassinate India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. According to the Financial Times which quoted people familiar with the matter, the US had informed India of concerns regarding the alleged plot to kill Pannun.

Earlier in September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations regarding India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India has rejected the allegations and called them “absurd” and politically motivated.”

Verma said India was “absolutely” and “decidedly” not involved in the homicide, terming it a “motivated and absurd allegation.” The allegations caused diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

The Indian envoy stated that ties between India and the US are not under his purview. However, his understanding is that Indian authorities are cooperating in the American investigation as they have been presented with “inputs which are legally presentable.”

“One is that the investigation in the case of the US, as far as I know and understand, because again, I don’t oversee India-US relations is at a much advanced stage. And therefore, I presume that there would be better information shared within India,” he told CTV News.

Speaking about Canada’s inputs related to Nijjar’s killing, he said that Indian authorities will not be able to respond on the case as conversations could have some facts of the case. However, allegations and facts do not make it specific and relevant.

Asked whether Canada’s national security advisor shared inputs related to allegations related to Nijjar’s killing, he said, “Until the time it is not specific or relevant to the case, we will not be able to respond to it. There could be a lot of conversation. Conversations could have allegations, conversations could have some facts of the case, but allegations and facts do not make it specific and relevant.”

“So we need to have those facts. And we are always ready to do that. If you look at the most recent incident to where there are some allegations put out in one of the newspapers against India, the US did provide us inputs. And we have already started following up on that,” he told CTV News.

Verma stressed that conversations between India and Canada did take place during Canada’s National Security Adviser’s visit to India. However, he added that India needed specific information to seek permission from legal authorities to conduct an investigation.

Asked whether Canada’s National Security Advisor did not share any specific allegation, Sanjay Kumar Verma said, “So conversations took place. But we needed something specific and relevant to go back to our legal authorities to seek permission to do investigation that we would have wanted to do. So until the time that those kinds of inputs are not there, in a country of rule of law, it will not be possible for us to move forward on the investigations.”

Revealing details regarding the inputs shared by US with India, Verma said that these inputs are regarding a nexus between gangsters, drug peddlers, terrorists and gun runners in the US and there are beliefs that there are some Indian connections with it, which he stressed were not government of India connections, CTV News reported.

“Those inputs are a nexus between gangsters, drug peddlers, terrorists, and gun runners in the U.S., and there is a belief that some of the Indian connections — now when I say Indian connections, I don’t mean the government of India connections, there is 1.4 billion people, so some of the Indian connections are there — they are ready to investigate. Because we have got inputs, which are legally presentable,” Verma told CTV News.

On November 22, Ministry of External Affairs said that the US side shared some inputs pertaining to the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others during the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation and issues in the context are already being examined by relevant departments.

Responding to media queries on reports of discussions between India and the US on security matters, the MEA said India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on its own security interests as well. He said the inputs are the cause of concern for both countries and necessary follow-up action is being taken. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Nijjar Killing: Envoy Says India ‘Convicted’ Even Before Completion of Probe

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Indian High Commissioner Honors 26/11 Mumbai Victims in Canada

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the victims of the dastardly 26/11 terror attacks, which shook the country’s commercial capital, Mumbai, in 2008….reports Asian Lite News

Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma led a solemn ceremony to pay tributes to victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Canada’s Foreign Policy Executive Director Patrice Cousineau, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Indian diaspora and officials participated at the event.

Taking to X, the High Commission of India in Canada stated, “High Commissioner Shri Sanjay Kumar Verma led a solemn ceremony in paying tributes to victims of 26/11 #MumbaiTerrorAttacks. Mr. Patrice Cousineau, Executive Director, @CanadaFP, members of Diplomatic Corps, Indian Diaspora and officials participated at the event. Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji’s message on the occasion set the tone for the event.”

Fifteen years ago on November 26, a group of heavily armed terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba unleashed mayhem on the streets of Mumbai, spraying bullets on unarmed civilians at multiple key public installations in the city. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, was named after the date in 2008.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital and the Nariman House Jewish Community Centre, now renamed Nariman Light House, were some of the places targeted by the Pakistani terrorists.

The attacks left over 166 dead, including foreigners, and over 300 injured. While one of the terrorists, Ajmal Amir Qasab, was captured alive, the others were taken out in the final stages of the siege over four days. In May 2010, Qasab was sentenced to death and was hanged in a maximum security prison in Pune, two years later.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the victims of the dastardly 26/11 terror attacks, which shook the country’s commercial capital, Mumbai, in 2008.

Addressing countrymen in the latest edition of his monthly radio broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, on Sunday, PM Modi said it was the country’s indomitable resilience and capability that helped it recover from the deep scars left by the coordinated attacks by heavy-armed terrorists from across the border in Pakistan.

“Now we are cracking down and crushing terrorism with full might and courage,” PM Modi said during his monthly radio address.

“We can never forget November 26 and the deep wounds that the attacks inflicted on us. On this day, 15 years ago, the country suffered its most heinous terror attack. The terrorists shook up not just Mumbai but the entire country and the ripples of it were also felt across the world. However, it was our inherent capability that helped us recover from the 26/11 attacks and crush terrorism with all our might,” PM Modi said.

“I pay homage to all those who lost their lives in the Mumbai attacks. The nation is and will remain eternally grateful to the bravehearts who lost their lives defending us during these attacks,” he added. (ANI)

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Nijjar Killing: Envoy Says India ‘Convicted’ Even Before Completion of Probe

Indian envoy to Canada maintained that New Delhi would look into anything “very specific and relevant” is communicated to them to back up Justin Trudeau’s allegations.

Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma has raised objections to the fact that New Delhi was “convicted” even as the investigation into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjat on Canadian soil was not fully concluded.

Urging Canada to release evidence to back up its allegation in connection with the killing, the Indian envoy maintained that New Delhi would look into anything “very specific and relevant” is communicated to them to back up Justin Trudeau’s allegations.

In an interview with CTV news channel, the high commissioner was asked about the allegations raised by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau of possible Indian government’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing.

Responding to this, Verma said, “There are two points on that. One is that, even without the investigation being concluded, India was convicted. Is that a rule of law?”

On being asked “how was India convicted”, the high commissioner said, “Because India was asked to cooperate and if you look at the typical criminal terminology, when someone asks to cooperate, it means you have already been convicted and you better cooperate”.

“So, we took it in a very different interpretation. But, we have always said that if there is anything very specific and relevant, and communicated to us. We will look into it,” the Indian envoy added.

Ties between India and Canada have been strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil earlier this year. Nijjar was shot dead outside Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.

India had rejected the allegations and called them “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa asked a senior Indian diplomat to leave.

Notably, Canada has not been able to present any evidence to back its claims over the killing, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier this week, India resumed the electronic visa services for eligible Canadian citizens with effect from November 22, 2023. This came after India decided to resume visa services in Canada for four categories after a considered review of the security situation last month.

In October, Canada pulled out 41 diplomats from India and also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates in the wake of the Union government’s decision to strip them of their immunity.

This came after New Delhi conveyed its concerns to Ottawa over the disproportionate number of diplomats in India and sought a ‘parity’ in diplomatic strength. (ANI)

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Int’l Students Call for Permanent Work Rule Change

According to media reports, many international students have to share beds and single rooms, and some even end up homeless or sleep under bridges…reports Asian Lite News

International students in Canada, who have off-campus work authorisation on their study permit, say that the country should permanently lift the 20-hour-per-week work rule.

The Canadian government had announced temporary lifting of the cap from November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023 as employers were facing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining workers they needed for economic recovery post Covid.

According to students, many of whom are from India, working more hours gives them stability amidst rising costs in the country, CBC News reported.

Krunal Chavda, a 20-year-old Indian student at the University of Saskatchewan, said he has around $40,000 in student loans and was able to pay off $10,000 with full-time work.

“The past year has been quite good in terms of finances because I could work 40 hours a week and have been able to pay off my tuition fees,” Chavda told the Canadian news outlet.

With the previous rule coming back, Chavda is worried about his finances as his grocery budget has gone up from $100 to as much as $300 a month due to inflation.

Most post-secondary international students are allowed to work on and/or off campus, with their authorisation to work printed directly on their study permit.

In the past, nearly half of the post-secondary international students in Canada reported earning income during their studies.

“I’ve found myself in situations where I was like, ‘OK, should I buy this or not?’ It basically comes down to necessities and not the wants,” he said.

“There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiousness in the air. We’re on the edge… It’s becoming more and more difficult to sustain,” said Meghal, Chavda’s classmate.

Domenici Medina, an international student at the university from Ecuador, told CBC that the extra money earned helps with “medical appointments like a dentist, which is not covered by the university’s insurance”.

Medina said that making the rule permanent will have an impact on their “well-being and mental health”.

Karandeep Singh Sanghera, the student union president at Capilano University in North Vancouver, said international students like him are feeling the pressures of the housing market.

“Most of the students have to work on minimum wages, which is some $16 right now. It’s not possible to live working 20 hours in this condition,” said Sanghera, who shares a three occupancy space with five people.

The demand from the students come as Canada continues to grapple with a severe cost of living and housing crisis with nearly seven million people there struggling to put food on the table, according to a recently released Food Banks Canada report.

According to media reports, many international students have to share beds and single rooms, and some even end up homeless or sleep under bridges.

The immigration department, in an email statement to CBC, said it is assessing the impact the policy has had, and it would let the public know if there were any changes to the current plan.

Canada welcomed more than 800,000 international students last year, with the country on track to bring in 900,000 international students in 2023, according to immigration minister Marc Miller.

According to Immigration Refugees, Citizenship of Canada (IRCC), international students contribute more than $22.3 billion per year to the Canadian economy.

Indian students account for nearly four out of every 10 foreign students.

ALSO READ-Explosion on Border Bridge Puts US, Canada on High Alert

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Explosion on Border Bridge Puts US, Canada on High Alert

Ottawa, Aug. 13, 2020 (Xinhua) -- Canadian and the U.S. national flags are seen from the Canadian side of the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, on May 19, 2020. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua/IANS)

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that “at this time” there was “no known terrorist connection”….reports Asian Lite News

On the eve of a major US holiday, the fiery explosion of a car on a bridge to Canada has put the two neighbouring nations on high alert and shut down bridges and train services between them.

Two people in the vehicle heading towards Canada were killed in the crash before noon Wednesday on the US side of the Rainbow Bridge that leads to Niagara Falls, the world-famous tourist attraction.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said that “at this time” there was “no known terrorist connection”.

Soon after the crash, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament that the situation was “very serious”.

“We’re taking this extraordinarily seriously,” he said before rushing out of the chamber.

The explosion took place on the eve of Thanksgiving Day amid heightened tensions over the Israel-Hamas war that has spawned high emotions and protests across the two neighbours.

The annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City attracts a crowd of about 3 million along its route and the city’s Mayor Eric Adams said that “the NYPD (police department) and our team have been closely monitoring the situation”.

There will be “increased security at locations across New York City, including entry and egress points into and out of the city”, he said.

All four bridges in the Niagra area were shut down and other crossings were put on “heightened alert status”, the New York State Transportation Department said.

Amtrak, the railway system, announced that it was suspending service from the US to Toronto.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation authority said it was “increasing security system-wide. Cars and passengers coming into the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports”.

Hochul said that the explosion so completely demolished the vehicle that only the engine remained.

The persons in the car were a man and a woman and Hochul said that one of them was from the area.

A video from the border checkpoints showed the vehicle flying several feet high in the air.

Hochul likened the video of the crash to something generated by artificial intelligence.

An eyewitness told NBC News: “The car was coming, flying back here, like over 100 miles an hour.”

The car went up “like 30-40 feet high” after hitting a barrier and then caught fire, the man said.

ABC News said that according to its sources, the vehicle traveling at a high speed hit a concrete barrier, careened into an area where cars waited for secondary inspection, burst into flames and exploded.

The bridge explosion initially raised fears of a terrorist incident because of the dramatic nature of the crash, the strategic location where it happened and the day.

Local Sheriff John Garcia told CNN, “we didn’t know if it was a terrorist attack or not at the beginning”, but every precaution was taken to ensure the community’s safety. Fox News had reported earlier that according to its sources, the FBI was looking into it as “an attempted terrorist attack”.

ABC News said that according to its sources a suitcase or briefcase was found nearby and investigators treated it as a potential explosive device.

But Hochul said that no explosives were found.

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India allows e-visa services for Canadians

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requested Canada to give evidence to support the claims…reports Asian Lite News

India has resumed electronic visa services for eligible Canadian citizens, the High Commission of India in Canada announced on Wednesday.

The notification released by the Indian High Commission in Canada reads, “Indian eVisa facility has been restored w.e.f. 22 November 2023, for all eligible Canadian citizens holding Regular/Ordinary Canadian passports.”

“Holder of any other category of Canadian passport will need to apply for regular paper visa, in accordance with the existing modalities – details may be found on the respective websites of the High Commission of India, Ottawa; Consulate General of India, Toronto and Consulate General of India, Vancouver,” it added.

The move to restore e-visa services comes amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada. Earlier in September, the Indian Mission in Canada suspended visa services until further notice, citing operational reasons, according to BLS International.

BLS International Services Limited is an Indian outsourcing service provider for government and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages visa, passport, consular, attestation and citizen services.

“Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from September 21, 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates,” the BLS website said.

However, in October, India decided to resume visa services in Canada for four categories after a considered review of the security situation, which “takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard”. Entry visa, business visa, medical visa and conference visa were four categories in which India decided to resume visa services in Canada with effect from October 26.

Notably, the ties between India and Canada have been strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil earlier this year. Nijjar was shot dead outside Gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.

India had rejected the allegations and called them “absurd and motivated.” Notably, Canada has not been able to present any evidence to back its claims over the killing, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requested Canada to give evidence to support the claims.

During a conversation with journalist Lionel Barber, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of credible evidence. When asked if there was any evidence of the Indian government’s involvement in the killing, the EAM categorically stated, “None.”

Speaking about Trudeau’s allegations, Jaishankar revealed that he has discussed the matter with his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, urging the Canadian government to share any evidence they may have. He highlighted India’s willingness to consider an investigation but emphasised that no evidence has been provided thus far.

“Now, in the case of Mr Trudeau, I have discussed it also with my own counterpart. And we have told them, look, if you have a reason to make such an allegation, please share the evidence with us. We are not ruling out an investigation and looking at anything which they may have to offer. They haven’t done so,” Jaishankar said. (ANI)

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Good News for Canadians: Indian E-Visas Active Again

VFS Global reopens BKC visa application centre.(Photo:IANSLIFE)

In September, the Indian Mission in Canada temporarily halted visa services due to operational reasons, with no specified date for resumption….reports Asian Lite News

India on Wednesday resumed e-visa services to Canadian nationals, according to Sources.

Earlier in September, the Indian Mission in Canada suspended visa services until further notice, citing operational reasons, according to BLS International.

BLS International Services Limited is an Indian outsourcing service provider for government and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages visa, passport, consular, attestation and citizen services.

“Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from September 21, 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates,” the BLS website said.

However, in October, India decided to resume visa services in Canada for four categories after a considered review of the security situation, which “takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard”.

Entry visa, business visa, medical visa and conference visa were four categories in which India decided to resume visa services in Canada with effect from October 26.

Following the development, Canada welcomed India’s decision to partially resume visa services calling it a “good sign” and stating that the suspension should “never have happened in the first place”, Canada-based CTV News reported.

Notably, amid a diplomatic standoff with Canada, India had halted its visa services until “further notice” in September.

This came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

Najjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara in a parking area in Canada’s Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.

Trudeau, during a debate in the Canadian Parliament, claimed his country’s national security officials had reasons to believe that “agents of the Indian government” carried out the killing of the Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.

India had rejected the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move over Canada’s decision.

“We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as well as the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of the government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated,” the statement said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Respect Vienna Convention, India Urges Canada

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Khalistan Leader Pannun Sets Date for ‘Picket’ at Air India Flights

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened the shutdown of Delhi's IGI Airport on November 19, the day on which the final of the ongoing cricket World Cup will be played in Ahmedabad.(IANS/Video Grab)

Pannun said that his video message is a “non violent call” to “boycott” Air India, and not “bomb” it….reports Asian Lite News

Pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a fresh video on Wednesday giving a call to “picket” Air India flights on December 1 at Toronto and Vancouver international airports in Canada.

Pannun’s call to target the outbound AI 188 and AI 186 flights from Terminal One comes a day after National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case against the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) group leader over a November 4 video threatening the Indian flag carrier.

“As General Counsel to SFJ, I reaffirm my call to boycott Air India, and Modi government cannot stop SFJ from running secessionist Khalistan referendum which is the real motive behind NIA’s frivolous terror case,” Pannun said in his new video.

Pannun said that his video message is a “non violent call” to “boycott” Air India, and not “bomb” it.

He said that his campaign to boycott the airline will continue as “every dollar that goes to Air India and other Indian businesses is being used to perpetuate existential threat to the Sikh population in India, Pannun said.

In the video, Pannun dedicated this campaign to Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was gunned down outside a gurdwara in Surrey in June this year.

Listed as an ‘individual terrorist’ by India in 2020, Pannun had said in his video that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport’s (IGIA) name would be changed and remain shut on November 19.

He also threatened people planning to travel via Air India airlines on that day, saying their “lives would be in danger”, and that the flag carrier would not be allowed to operate in the world.

NIA booked Pannun under sections 120B, 153A & 506 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 18B & 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

An NIA spokesperson said that as part of his concerted plan to promote terror acts in India and revive terrorism here, Pannun has been creating a false narrative around the issues prevailing in Punjab, especially with regard to Sikh religion, by promoting enmity between the Sikhs in the country and other communities.

“The latest threat is in line with the same narrative, which Pannun has actively promoted in the past by threatening & attempting to disrupt essential transportation network systems, including the Railways, as well as Thermal Power Plants in India,” the spokesperson stated.

Pannun has been under the NIA’s lens since 2019, when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him.

In September 2023, the NIA had confiscated his share of the house and land of the listed terrorist in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh.

Non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against Pannun by the NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021 and he was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on November 29, 2022.

ALSO READ: NIA Books SFJ’s Pannun For Threatening Air India Flyers

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NIA Books SFJ’s Pannun For Threatening Air India Flyers

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened the shutdown of Delhi's IGI Airport on November 19, the day on which the final of the ongoing cricket World Cup will be played in Ahmedabad.(IANS/Video Grab)

The Ministry of Home Affairs, on July 10 2019, banned SFJ as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its activities…reports Asian Lite News

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday said that it has registered a fresh case against “listed individual terrorist” Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned terror organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) over his latest viral video threatening the passengers flying on Air India with a global blockade and closure of the operations of the airline from November 19.

An NIA spokesperson here said that the agency has booked Pannun under several Sections of the IPC and of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The official said that Pannun, the self-proclaimed General Counsel’ of the outlawed SFJ, had issued a threatening video message on various social media platforms urging Sikhs not to fly on Air India planes on and after November 19 claiming threat to their lives if they flew on Air India.

Pannun also threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate in the world.

Pannun’s assertions and threats have triggered a high alert as well as investigations by security forces in Canada, India and certain other countries where Air India flies.

In his video messages, released on November 4, Pannun had urged Sikhs to stop flying on Air India planes on and after November 19, citing potential threat to their lives.

Pannun also issued a warning to the Indian Government that, “The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) would remain closed on November 19”.

The IGIA, located in New Delhi, is one of the world’s busiest airports. The official said that as part of his concerted plan to promote terror acts in India and revive terrorism here, Pannun has been creating a false narrative around the issues prevailing in Punjab, especially with regard to Sikh religion, by promoting enmity between the Sikhs in the country and other communities.

“The latest threat is in line with the same narrative, which Pannun has actively promoted in the past by threatening & attempting to disrupt essential transportation network systems, including the Railways, as well as Thermal Power Plants in India,” the official stated.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, on July 10 2019, banned SFJ as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its activities.

On July 1, 2020, Pannun was listed as an ‘individual terrorist’ by the Indian Government. Pannun has been under the NIA’s lens since 2019, when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him. In September 2023, the NIA had confiscated his share of the house and land of the listed terrorist in Amritsar (Punjab) and Chandigarh UT.

Non-Bailable Warrants of arrest were issued against Pannun by the NIA Special Court on February 3, 2021 and he was declared a ‘Proclaimed Offender (PO)’ on November 29, 2022.

ALSO READ-SFJ Asks Kashmiri Muslims To Disrupt Delhi G20