Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), is notorious for his provocative rhetoric and threats against India’s sovereignty. Operating from abroad, Pannun has been at the forefront of advocating for Khalistan—a separate Sikh state—through incendiary campaigns and frequent calls for disruption. His threats often target high-profile events or symbols of Indian unity, though historically, these threats have rarely materialized into action.
In his latest video, Pannun has threatened to disrupt the upcoming DG-IG Conference in Bhubaneswar, a key national security meeting to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
The Latest Threat to Bhubaneswar
Ahead of the three-day DG-IG Conference 2024, Pannun released a video labeling Bhubaneswar as a “terror city” and called on Maoists, Naxals, Khalistani supporters, and Kashmiri separatists to disrupt the event. He referred to the gathering as an “axis of evil,” accusing the Modi-Shah-Doval trio of orchestrating violence against pro-Khalistan Sikhs, Naxals, and Kashmiri fighters.
Pannun urged his followers to infiltrate the event, disguise themselves in temples and hotels, and disrupt proceedings. However, the Odisha police, led by DGP YB Khurania, assured the public that “unprecedented security arrangements” were in place, including no-fly zones, no-drone zones, and deployment of 39 platoons of police along with SPG, CRPF, and BSF personnel.
Pannun’s History of Empty Threats
While Pannun’s threats often grab headlines, they have repeatedly failed to translate into real action.
Republic Day Parade 2021: Pannun called for disrupting the parade, urging supporters to hoist Khalistani flags at the Red Fort. While a protest by farmers turned violent, there was no direct link to Pannun’s threats.
Haryana’s Independence Day Celebrations: In 2022, Pannun threatened to disrupt events, but the celebrations proceeded without incident, revealing the lack of ground support for his rhetoric.
G20 Summit in Delhi: Pannun issued warnings against the summit, claiming global Khalistani protests, but the event concluded without disruptions.
Recent Elections in Punjab: Pannun vowed to interfere, yet polling was carried out peacefully, undermining his credibility.
Current Measures in Bhubaneswar
Despite Pannun’s largely symbolic threats, security agencies are not taking any chances. Bhubaneswar has been fortified with a comprehensive security blanket. High-level coordination among state police, Special Protection Group (SPG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Border Security Force (BSF) ensures preparedness for any eventuality.
Provocative Rhetoric, Limited Impact
Pannun’s repeated threats serve more as a propaganda tool than a credible danger. While his statements underline the persistent challenges posed by extremist narratives, his lack of operational capacity within India diminishes the immediate risk. However, the authorities’ proactive response highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety of national leaders and maintaining public order.
As the DG-IG Conference unfolds under tight security, Pannun’s threats are likely to join a long list of unfulfilled promises of disruption. His inability to mobilize on-ground support continues to expose the gulf between his rhetoric and reality.
(With inputs from agencies)
