Under Trudeau, Khalistan Supporters Have Become More Vocal Without Fear Of Retribution: Pannun

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and labeled a terrorist by India, has acknowledged that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sparked more open discussions regarding India and its approach to the Khalistani independence movement.

In a statement on Sunday (29 October) evening, Pannun said, “Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has created more open conversations around India and its handling of the Khalistani independence movement", News18 reported.

The statement mirrors long-standing assertions by the Indian authorities, according to top government sources cited in the News18 report.

“The statement is a clear reflection of what the Government of India has been saying for a a period of time," the sources said.

“Trudeau is engaging with terrorists in his country without understanding the repercussions," they added.

Pannun added that Trudeau’s move has allowed “Khalistani supporters to become more vocal without fear of retribution".

Bilateral ties between India and Canada have deteriorated significantly following Trudeau's allegation in the Canadian Parliament that a "foreign agent" was implicated in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Trudeau even claimed that he had intelligence inputs and evidence that the Indian government could be behind Nijjar’s death.

These claims, vehemently refuted by New Delhi, led to a reciprocal expulsion of diplomats from both nations.

He was the chief of banned Khalistan Tiger Force, and was designated a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in 2020.

Moreover, Interpol had circulated several red corner notices for him, starting in 2016.

Following two unsuccessful Khalistan referendums in Canada, Pannun revealed plans for additional polls in cities such as Abbotsford, Edmonton, Calgary, and Montreal in 2024.

According to reports, Pannun's earlier referendum rallies in Canada have been complete failures, with allegations that the numbers being presented as public support for Khalistan are also fabricated.

The SFJ claimed to have received 1.35 lakh votes in the 10 September poll, but in actuality, only 2,398 people cast their votes.

Similarly, in the October 29 poll, despite claims of 2 lakh voters, only 2,000 voters, predominantly students and long-time supporters, participated.

Pannun is allegedly collecting funds from unsuspecting young individuals and receiving donations under the pretext of supporting a war effort.

According to sources cited in the News18 report, he has transformed gurdwaras in the UK, Canada, and USA into hubs for fostering anti-India sentiments. There are regular visits from operatives affiliated with the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI.