Punjab not India: Pannu threatens Mann, offers 1 cr to stop flag hoisting

New Delhi: Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a leader of the banned terrorist organization Sikh for Justice (SFJ), has issued a direct threat to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, warning him not to hoist the tricolor in Punjab on Independence Day. In a video released by Pannu, he claimed that Punjab is not a part of India and alleged that Sikhs have suffered genocide under the Indian tricolor. He further accused the current government of injustice towards the farmers of Punjab.

Pannu, known for his support of the Khalistan movement, stated, “August 15 is not a day of independence for Sikhism and Punjab.” He criticized CM Mann for planning to hoist the tricolor in Jalandhar and blamed his government for the suicides of Sikh farmers.

Bounty offered to stop tricolor hoisting

In a shocking declaration, Pannu offered a bounty of Rs 1 crore to anyone who prevents CM Bhagwant Mann from hoisting the national flag on August 15. “Sikh for Justice will reward Rs 1 crore to anyone who stops Bhagwant Mann from hoisting the tricolor,” Pannu announced, equating Mann to former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated by Khalistani terrorists.

A push for separatism

Pannu has long been a vocal proponent of separating Punjab from India and has repeatedly spewed venom against the nation. He was closely associated with terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Canada last year. Since Nijjar’s death, Pannu has intensified his anti-India rhetoric and has been involved in promoting pro-Khalistan slogans across various Indian cities.

Pannu is also behind the controversial Referendum 2020 initiative, which seeks to encourage Sikhs to vote for the secession of Punjab from India. In 2019, the Indian government banned SFJ under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and declared Pannu a terrorist on July 1, 2020.