NIA Seizes Khalistani Terrorist Pannu’s Properties in Chandigarh-Amritsar

National Investigation Agency (NIA) Seizes Khalistani Extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu’s Properties in Punjab and Chandigarh

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confiscated properties belonging to Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in Punjab and Chandigarh. Pannu is associated with the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and has been known for anti-India activities in Canada and other countries. Recently, he also issued threats to Hindus in Canada during the Canada-India controversy.

Pannu No Longer the Owner of the Property

NIA has seized 46 acres of land in Khan Kot village, Amritsar, which was previously owned by Pannu. Khan Kot is his ancestral village, and the property consists of agricultural land. Pannu’s residence is in Sector 15 of Chandigarh, which was attached in 2020. However, Pannu is no longer the owner of these properties as they are now government-owned.

Pannu’s Involvement in Promoting Extremism in 2020

In 2020, the Indian government had banned Pannu’s organization SFJ for its alleged involvement in anti-national activities and promoting extremism. Under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), SFJ was accused of supporting separatism and radical ideologies in Punjab. The Ministry of Home Affairs had noted in its notification that SFJ had been providing support to pro-Khalistani elements in Punjab.

In 2020, Pannu was also accused of encouraging extremism and persuading Sikh youth to take up arms in support of their cause. After this, on July 1, 2020, the Central government declared Pannu as a terrorist under the UAPA. In the same year, the government also banned more than 40 websites and YouTube channels associated with SFJ.

According to a report by the Canadian media outlet CBC, Canada has evidence of the involvement of Indian agents in an assassination plot. Canada possesses recordings that allegedly link Indian agents to this plot. Diplomats from India have been recorded in conversations, and all of these details have been under investigation.

India Suspends Visa Services for Canadians

India has decided to suspend visa services for Canadians. This move comes as a response to recent developments and concerns, and it marks a temporary halt in visa services for Canadian citizens.

Timeline of India-Canada Dispute

September 18: Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in June 2023. On September 18, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held India responsible for Nijjar’s assassination. PM Trudeau’s public statement revealed that Canada had evidence linking Nijjar’s murder to Indian agents. This statement led to heightened tensions between the two nations.

September 19: In response to Canada’s allegations, India also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, Olivier Silvestre. He was given five days to leave the country.

September 19: Responding to Trudeau’s allegations, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has accused Canada of consistently supporting pro-Khalistan groups, undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have criticized Canada for allowing such elements to flourish within its borders.

September 19: The Canadian government issued travel advisories for its citizens, advising them to exercise extreme caution while traveling to India, particularly in violence-affected regions like Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur.

September 20: Following Canada’s travel advisories, India also suspended visa services for Canadians. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated that Indian diplomatic missions in Canada had been receiving threats from Khalistani groups. Therefore, visa services were suspended for Canadian citizens.

September 22: The United States’ National Security Advisor (NSA), Jake Sullivan, spoke to the media at the White House, expressing support for Canada’s efforts in investigating the assassination case. Sullivan emphasized that there would be no special treatment for any country involved in such activities, implying that India’s actions would not be overlooked.

September 23: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a media interaction in Ottawa, reiterated his accusation that India’s agents were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He also mentioned that he had shared evidence with the Indian government just a few weeks ago, indicating his government’s commitment to resolving the issue.