A Khalistani group warned Assam's chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, to avoid involvement in the Sikh-Indian government conflict, or face severe consequences.

On 2 April, an individual claiming to be "Gurpatwant Singh Pannu" from the separatist group Sikhs for Justice reportedly issued a warning to Sarma over a phone call to some journalists in Assam.

"Pro-Khalistan supporters imprisoned in Assam are being tortured. Listen very carefully, Chief Minister Sarma, the fight is between pro-Khalistan Sikhs and the Indian regime. So, do not fall prey to this conflict," the person said.

"We are seeking the liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation through a peaceful democratic process of Khalistan referendum. If your government continues to torture and harass the six (Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh aides lodged in eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh Central Jail), you will be held accountable," he said.

The threat call was shared with the central agencies to verify its authenticity, and all Superintendents of Police were alerted.

In a tweet, Assam's Director-General of Police, G P Singh, referred to Pannu as "a designated individual terrorist under Indian law and heading an unlawful association called Sikh for Justice."

Singh said a case under appropriate sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been registered at the Special Task Force police station of Assam.

The Assam police have also strengthened the security cover for Sarma, who is currently a Z+ category protectee.

"In view of global events, the threat is being taken very seriously by Assam Police," Singh said in his tweet.

Police began going after Waris Punjab De members from 18 March after they had raided the Ajnala police station to release a detainee. While many were caught, Amritpal Singh remains at large.

The 30-year-old is said to style himself after the Sikh terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.