India's Anti-Terror Move Over 'Rs 11 Crore' Khalistani Threat Against PM Modi

India's Anti-Terror Agency Takes Action Against Khalistani Threat to PM Modi

Pannun delivered inflammatory anti-India statements during his address at the Lahore Press Club event.

New Delhi:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case against US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his organization 'Sikhs For Justice' for offering a Rs 11 crore reward to anyone preventing Prime Minister Narendra Modi from raising the national flag during Independence Day celebrations.

The NIA initiated the investigation following a video where Pannun explicitly challenged India's sovereignty. This announcement was made during a 'Meet the Press' event at Pakistan's Lahore Press Club on August 10. Pannun, who serves as the general counsel of SFJ, participated in the event remotely via video link from the United States.

During his address, Pannun made virulent anti-India statements. He presented a map depicting a proposed 'Khalistan' that would encompass Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. According to the FIR, "He has engaged in activities aimed at undermining India's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security while fostering anti-India sentiment among Sikhs."

The FIR also noted that SFJ claimed to have established a 'martyr's group' intended to combat India.

Given the severity of these actions, the government has transferred the case to the NIA, India's leading counter-terrorism agency. The NIA has filed charges under BNS Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) and applicable sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, following directives from the Union Home Ministry.

The ministry's instructions to the NIA indicated that Pannun's Lahore Press Club address on August 10 "primarily emphasized rejecting India's sovereignty over Punjab and advocating for Khalistan."

"Considering the seriousness of the offense, its domestic and international implications, and the necessity to uncover the broader conspiracy, investigation by the National Investigation Agency is warranted," the order stated.