The US-based pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit, has once again issued a public threat—this time targeting the high-profile Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police Conference-2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. In a chilling video released on Thursday, Pannun not only incited violence but also labeled India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval as the “axis of evil,” urging disruptive actions against the event.
Threatening the conference, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun called Bhubaneswar a “terror city" in a video message.@manojkumargupta | #Khalistani #Canada #Bhubaneswar https://t.co/QEjFn0Q6fO pic.twitter.com/ypJrWiR66H
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 28, 2024
Weaponizing Free Speech for Terror
This is not the first time Pannun has spewed venomous threats and attempted to incite violence. Yet, despite his blatant terror-mongering, the Western nations, particularly the United States where he resides, have failed to act decisively against him. Instead, they continue to shield such provocations under the guise of “free speech,” turning a blind eye to the dangerous consequences.
While jihadists are going on a genocidal rampage on minorities in Bangladesh, Pannun (the CBC’s favourite Khalistani) is calling for the government to start rounding up people who run Hindu organizations.
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) November 28, 2024
Again, this is the guys who claims to be advising Trudeau on India… pic.twitter.com/SijUs7rUmd
Pannun’s latest tirade is a clear attempt to destabilize a sovereign nation. In his video, he described Bhubaneswar—a city celebrated for its temples—as a “city of terror” and openly called for the disruption of the three-day conference, which will be attended by the highest security and intelligence officials, including PM Modi and NSA Ajit Doval. He further urged Naxals, Maoists, and Kashmiri separatists to “internationalize” their agendas by taking cover in the city’s temples and hotels.
India’s Security Efforts Undermine the Threats
Given the gravity of Pannun’s threats, Indian security agencies have implemented robust security measures for the conference. A senior police official has confirmed the deployment of BSF, CRPF, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and intensive patrolling. CCTV surveillance, anti-sabotage checks, and human intelligence teams have also been mobilized to ensure the safety of VVIPs and delegates.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Cuttack Police Commissioner, Suresh Dev Datta Singh has addressed threats made by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), says, "This year, the 69th All India Director General and Inspector General Conference will be held… pic.twitter.com/efsJqRnwSy
— IANS (@ians_india) November 28, 2024
However, these extensive precautions highlight a troubling dichotomy: while India is compelled to fortify its defenses against threats emanating from a foreign land, the very nations harboring these individuals remain inert. By failing to recognize and act against Pannun, the West is indirectly enabling his dangerous rhetoric.
A Pattern of Silence
The leniency towards Pannun is part of a disturbing trend. Pannun has previously called for violent secessionist activities and has glorified acts of terrorism under the pretense of advocating for Khalistani separatism. His Sikhs for Justice organization, banned in India for its extremist activities, continues to operate with impunity in the US.
This raises uncomfortable questions about the West’s moral compass. How can nations that profess to champion human rights and global peace justify allowing individuals like Pannun to incite violence with no repercussions? The irony is glaring when the same countries impose stringent counter-terrorism measures within their borders but tolerate—if not nurture—extremism against other nations under the ambiguous banner of “free speech.”
Free Speech or Complicity?
Pannun’s case exemplifies how a dangerous double standard is applied to terrorism. While free speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, it cannot be a shield for calls to violence. Pannun’s video is not an exercise in free speech—it is a clear incitement to terrorism. Failing to act against such rhetoric is not a defense of liberty; it is complicity.
The Need for International Accountability
Western nations must recognize that tolerating extremists like Pannun undermines not only India’s security but global stability. Terrorism knows no borders, and the West’s reluctance to act sends a message of encouragement to other extremists.
If Pannun’s actions are continuously ignored under the pretext of “free speech,” it risks setting a dangerous precedent—one where threats and incitement are protected, emboldening individuals and groups that seek to destabilize societies.
A Call for Justice
It is time for the international community to hold individuals like Pannun accountable. Countries that claim to stand against terrorism cannot selectively apply their principles. By failing to act against a known instigator of violence, the West is not defending free speech; it is enabling terror.
The question now is simple: will the West continue to shield Pannun and his ilk, or will it finally stand up against those who misuse its democratic freedoms to sow chaos and violence abroad? The world is watching, and the inaction is nothing short of shameful.
