13 November, 2024; In a chilling video statement, Khalistani terrorist and secessionist leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has issued threats targeting religious sites in India, specifically the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and other temples across the country. Pannun, who is known for his radical pro-Khalistan stance, warned of imminent attacks on temples on November 16 and 17, escalating tensions between India and the separatist movement.
In the video, Pannun not only called for violence against Hindu temples in India but also threatened Indian diplomats abroad, particularly in Canada. He singled out temples in Toronto and Brampton, claiming that Indian diplomats would be attacked at these locations. This alarming statement has intensified fears of further violence in the diaspora, particularly in North America, where tensions related to the Khalistan movement have been rising in recent years.
The threat against temples, especially the iconic Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which has immense religious significance for Hindus, is particularly disturbing. The temple, which was inaugurated in January 2024 after decades of legal and political struggles, has been a focal point of religious devotion and national pride. An attack on such a prominent site would not only be an assault on India’s religious identity but could also lead to widespread unrest.
In addition to his threats against religious sites, Pannun also issued an open warning to Hindu Member of Parliament (MP) Chandan Arya. He accused Arya of being a key proponent of the Indian government’s policies and implied that the MP was a target for the Khalistani movement. This direct threat further highlights the growing risks faced by Indian political figures and diplomats abroad.
The Indian government has reacted strongly to Pannun’s threats. A spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs condemned his statement, labeling it as a direct “terror act.” The government expressed deep concern over the potential for such threats to escalate into actual violence, calling on international authorities, particularly in Canada, to take swift action against individuals advocating terrorism and violence under the guise of the Khalistani movement.
India’s security agencies are on high alert in the wake of Pannun’s statement. Intelligence reports suggest that the Khalistani movement, which seeks to create an independent Sikh state, has been gaining traction among certain factions, both within India and in the Sikh diaspora, particularly in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The situation remains tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments. India’s diplomatic efforts to address the growing threat of Khalistani extremism in the international community are ongoing, as the government seeks stronger cooperation from countries harboring elements sympathetic to the separatist cause.
In conclusion, Pannun’s threat to attack temples and target Indian diplomats is a serious development that underscores the ongoing risk of radical violence fueled by the Khalistani ideology. India continues to call on the international community to take decisive action against such extremist elements, while also reinforcing security measures at home to protect religious sites and public figures from potential attacks. The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on November 16 and 17 as the global community braces for the potential impact of these threats.
