In recent years, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based Khalistani “activist,” has been increasingly under the spotlight for his inflammatory rhetoric and violent threats directed at India. While the West upholds freedom of speech as a democratic right, a critical line is being crossed as Pannun’s speech escalates from hate to incitement, triggering dangerous real-world consequences. This distinction is crucial: his statements are not merely hateful; they are inciteful, sparking ground-level violence that demands accountability.
Pannun is the leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an organization advocating for the creation of a separate Sikh state, Khalistan. But SFJ has gone far beyond advocacy. Pannun’s inflammatory statements have been consistently backed by action, reflecting a disturbing evolution in his influence. Most recently, his group’s rhetoric has emboldened attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, openly violent threats to Indian diplomats, and the burning of Indian flags and effigies of Indian leaders. Such actions reveal the very real impact of his words and the dangerous environment his provocations create.
#Pannu warning flying on AirIndia would be risking life.
— Puneet Sahani (@puneet_sahani) November 4, 2023
PS:
1) Same warning was given by Parmar & Bagri in Malton Gurdwara, days before #AI182 bombing that killed 329 passengers onboard.
2) After bombing, Bagri’s wife had blamed victims as they’d been warned not to fly AirIndia. https://t.co/1Sv8Wo037H pic.twitter.com/3bTq1hDWwP
The words Pannun chooses are far from harmless or hypothetical. Following a recent blast at a school in India run by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Pannun called for a shutdown of all such schools. He then went further, announcing a $1 million reward for information about the foreign trips of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah. While a skilled lawyer might argue this isn’t a direct threat, the implications of such rhetoric—especially when aimed at high-profile officials—are undeniable. Such inflammatory declarations are calculated for ambiguity, just enough to avoid the appearance of an outright threat but unmistakable in their potential consequences.
US based extremist Pannun of the SFJ releases a video taking credit for vandalization at a primary school in Delhi
— Journalist V (@OnTheNewsBeat) October 26, 2024
This is the 2nd time a school has been targeted by SFJ, the last time weapons and alcohol being found at the school vandalized by SFJpic.twitter.com/Bu9pQVUsJe
Equally concerning is Pannun’s recent call for Sikhs to avoid flying with Air India, citing “safety concerns.” In a post-Kanishka bombing world, such statements are hardly benign. They carry a dark historical weight, reminding us of one of the most devastating acts of airline terrorism. Here, Pannun’s rhetoric toys with the dangerous suggestion that violence against Indian targets could resurface, fueling fear and deepening social divides.
However, Pannun’s most flagrant transgression came in his call for Hindus to leave Canada following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader. This is not merely hateful—it’s a direct, targeted threat to an entire community, violating international laws against hate speech and falling squarely within legal territory concerning incitement. Pannun’s words to ferment into further hate and division, endangering lives and exacerbating community tensions.
In response to the call of #Pannun and in exercise of their rights to “halla bolna” and “Disrupt karna” those not aligning with them on breaking India, guaranteed under the current dispensation, Khayalistani forces in Canada have attacked two Hindu temples in Ontario and Surrey.… pic.twitter.com/W05G3vqQ3b
— Amar Jit Singh IFS(Retd)🇮🇳 (@AmarJit_IFS) November 4, 2024
Pannun’s international activities, funding sources, and affiliations demand scrutiny. His organization’s involvement in anti-India activities stretches beyond the U.S. to Canada, the UK, and several other nations. And while U.S. law enforcement has been quick to crack down on organizations funding terrorism, Pannun’s SFJ and its support for listed groups like Babbar Khalsa remain under-investigated. Comparisons to cases like the U.S.-designated Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network are telling: both organizations are purportedly tied to terror-linked entities but are framed under a humanitarian guise. If Washington were to examine SFJ’s finances, they might uncover disturbing connections to violence on foreign soil—a revelation that would reflect poorly on the U.S.’s own tolerance of Pannun’s activities.
The anti-Hindu pogroms in Canada were reportedly organised by ‘Sikhs for Justice’, a US-based Khalistani group.
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) November 4, 2024
The group is run by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has threatened India with terror attacks.
Pannun has admitted to directly working with Justin Trudeau’s office. https://t.co/PuUsXmFves pic.twitter.com/hWJheOO2oi
The mounting evidence of Pannun’s association with groups openly hostile to India and his speeches calling for violent actions should push authorities in the U.S and Canada to reassess what constitutes incitement versus protected speech. Free speech, yes, is a cherished American value, but when speech incites violence—when it’s weaponized to mobilize attacks on communities and instill fear—it must be scrutinized under the lens of incitement and actionable hate. The evidence suggests that Pannun’s incitement has crossed this line and is now dangerously tangible.
The West must seriously examine the unchecked spread of this rhetoric under the banner of “free speech.” The freedom to speak does not equate to a license to incite violence. The on-ground attacks on temples, threats to Indian officials, and the atmosphere of fear Pannun’s words create call for immediate and responsible action by the international community—before further damage is done.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
