Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has claimed that he has been communicating with the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for the last 2-3 years, adding fire to the ongoing diplomatic row between Ottawa and New Delhi.
Pannun, a US-Canada dual citizen of Indian descent, is leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit which bats for the creation of a balkanised nation called Khalistan. He appeared on Canadian broadcaster CBC News where he made the claim.
“(Canadian Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau’s statement shows Canada’s unwavering commitment to justice, rule of law, and national security. And Sikhs for Justice has been communicating with the Prime Minister’s Office for the last 2-3 years, detailing all the spy network,” said Pannun.
Pannun has been rabid in his anti-India stance and often issues death threats against Indian government officials and political leaders. He gained publicity last year after the US alleged that an Indian government official was involved in a murder plot involving him.
Last month, Pannun filed a civil lawsuit in a US federal district court against the Indian government and sought damages for the alleged assassination plot.
The civil action suit lists National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, former R&AW chief Samant Goel, senior R&AW officer Vikram Yadav, and Nikhil Gupta as defendants.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, India’s designated Khalistani Terrorist confesses on Canadian National Broadcaster @CBCNews on direct links with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau since last three years
Pannun reportedly gave information against India on which Trudeau acted without evidence pic.twitter.com/Tg0oRKKp3e
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 16, 2024
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Watch | Gurpatwant Singh Pannun case: Nikhil Gupta has been extradited to US
Canada-India ties and Khalistan movement
The development comes in the backdrop of the Khalistani separatist movement gaining pace in Canada with the liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seemingly giving its tacit backing.
Canada, in recent days, has doubled down on its claims that the Indian government was behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Ottawa claims it was an attack on a Canadian citizen while New Delhi has asked for proof while refuting the allegations.
On Monday (Oct 14), India recalled its High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, and other top diplomats, saying it has lost faith in the Trudeau government to protect its assets.
“We have no faith in the current Canadian Government’s commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials,” read a statement by the ministry.
Later in the day, six Canadian diplomats, including Charge d’Affaires, Stewart Wheeler were asked to leave India by or before 11:59 pm local time on Saturday (Oct 19).
(With inputs from agencies)
