The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained recently due to a concerning development. A Canada-based Sikh extremist has issued a threat against an Air India flight scheduled for November 19th, further complicating the already tense bilateral ties. This incident seems to validate India’s long-standing concern about Canada providing refuge to Sikh extremists who pose a significant threat to Indian security.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistani separatist leader labeled as a terrorist by Indian authorities, has circulated a video warning Sikhs against traveling on Air India flights later this month. He ominously hinted at life-threatening consequences for those who choose to ignore his warning. The threats were specifically targeted at the Air India flight scheduled for November 19th.
US and Canada based Khalstani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun now threatens to Blow-up an Air India flight on 19th Nov, urges Sikhs to not travel by Air on 19th Nov. All this terror threats to India right under the nose of @JustinTrudeau @JoeBidenpic.twitter.com/WhN6zHxGIm
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) November 4, 2023
This date was not chosen randomly. It coincides with the final match of the international men’s cricket World Cup hosted by India. Pannun’s threats seem to be aimed at garnering global attention by disrupting this high-profile event. He also called for the renaming of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport to honor the assassins of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Indian officials have taken these threats seriously and plan to discuss the matter with Canadian authorities. India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, stated that they would address the threat against Air India flights originating from and terminating in Canada with the concerned Canadian authorities.
Khalistani sikh terrorist mostly refugee seekers attempting a murder in open plaza in crime capital of Canada. There has been a steady rise in Canada by khalistani sikh from vehicle stolen to drugs supply. #khalistaniterrorist#Brampton pic.twitter.com/aOZ19sgxCL
— Arjun007 (@Arjun0074659783) October 31, 2023
The video issued by the Khalistani leader is being studied by Indian authorities. They believe it clearly violates the Chicago Convention, which provides a framework for international civil aviation operations. Both Canada and India are signatories to this convention.
These threats bring back memories of the tragic terrorist attack orchestrated by Khalistan leaders in 1985, which resulted in the death of 329 people onboard Air India flight 182. This incident has been a sore point in India-Canada relations, with India accusing Canada of not doing enough to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Adding to the tension, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has claimed Indian involvement in the murder of Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response, India asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence, leading to Canada withdrawing 41 diplomats from India.
This is not the first time Pannun has issued such threats. In September, amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada over Nijjar’s killing, he urged Hindu-Canadians to leave Canada. He claimed that pro-Khalistan Sikhs have consistently shown loyalty to Canada and threatened Indo-Canadian Hindus, urging them to leave the country.
In conclusion, this recent threat by a Canada-based Sikh extremist has further strained the already tense relations between India and Canada. It remains to be seen how both countries will navigate this complex situation and work towards ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.
