News Brief
Days After Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Issued Threat To Air India Flights, Canada Enhances Security Measures
Nayan Dwivedi
Nov 10, 2023, 10:30 AM | Updated 10:30 AM IST
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In response to a video posted by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Canada has informed India of heightened security measures for Air India flights operating to and from its airports.
The video, featuring SFJ's general counsel Gurpatwant Pannun, warned Sikhs against flying Air India after 19 November, citing potential danger to their lives.
As reported by Hindustan Times, the Canadian government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, stating that any threat to aviation is under investigation in collaboration with security partners.
India's High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, labeled Pannun's statement as having "serious criminal intent," urging Canada to take cognizance of the matter.
Air India, which operates multiple weekly direct flights between Toronto, Vancouver, and New Delhi, has been at the center of this controversy.
The situation echoes historical events, particularly the 1985 bombing of Air India flight 182, perpetrated by Khalistani terrorists.
This remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history, claiming 329 lives.
While Canada commemorates the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism annually, extremist groups still honor Talwinder Singh Parmar, considered the mastermind behind the attack.
In June this year, pro-Khalistan elements held a rally in his memory at the Air India terror attack memorial in Toronto.
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Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
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