Sikh activist claims FBI warning

Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen and general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, claims FBI warned him of imminent threat to his life.

“FBI agents told Pannun they are investigating leads and said the threat is connected to potential travel to Canada to participate in the referendum but did not provide him with any further information”

Khalistan referendum in Edmonton

Sikh separatists organise non-binding Khalistan referendum in Edmonton, Canada on Oct 18 where participants will vote on Indian Punjab becoming independent and renamed 'Khalistan'.

FBI 'Duty to Warn' notification

FBI issued 'Duty to Warn' notification on Oct 15 specifically concerning Pannun's planned travel to Canada for Khalistan referendum.

RCMP warnings reported

Pannun has also reported receiving warnings from Royal Canadian Mounted Police about threats to his life and residence in Ontario.

Assassination plot in February

In February, Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in US federal court to plotting assassination of Pannun with $100,000 payment for killing.

Indian government employee involved

Gupta acted at direction of Indian government employee Vikash Yadav from India's Cabinet Secretariat who recruited him to arrange Pannun's killing.

Plot disrupted before attack

The assassination plot was disrupted before any attack could take place with about $15,000 paid in advance of $100,000 total payment.

Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar killed

Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated in Surrey, British Columbia in June 2023 which strained Canada-India relations.

Pannun questions Canada-India security ties

Pannun questioned Canada's response to assassination threats against Khalistan referendum activists as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthen bilateral security cooperation.

Khalistan movement background

Sikh separatists demand creation of 'Khalistan', meaning 'the land of the pure', from Indian Punjab.