The leader of “banned” pro-Khalistan outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on Tuesday issued dire threats against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Pannun, in a video posted on the banned outfit's social media handle, urged the gangsters to unite and contact him to launch an attack on Mann during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. He has already been declared a “terrorist” by the Indian Government.

The threat reportedly comes in the wake of strict actions against gangsters in Punjab, following the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy by the Punjab Police. Pannun’s history of incendiary calls for violence against India escalated after the US Government alleged Indian involvement in a failed attempt on the Khalistan leader's life on American soil.

In the video, Pannun not only targeted Mann but also challenged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the Republic Day parade without any security cover, while referring to the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader ‘Shaheed’ Nijjar.

“I dare Modi, you come to Delhi without your security. If you are a popular leader, come to Delhi on R-Day without security and SFJ is going to avenge the assassination of Shaheed Nijjar by raising the Khalistan flag,” he said in the video.

Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist leader, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Canada’s Surry, with the Justin Trudeau government alleging possible role of Indian agents behind the incident.

Pannu also compared Chief Minister Mann to former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated in 1995. He also compared DGP Gaurav Yadav to former state police chief …..

In another video, Pannun appealed to the gangsters in Punjab to join SFJ, encouraging them to be recognized as “shaheeds” or martyrs.

He not only targeted the Punjab Police's efforts to reform law and order through legal and judicial means but also criticized recent encounters and encouraged gangsters, both incarcerated locally and those residing abroad, to establish communication with him.

The threat doesn't stop at challenging law enforcement. Pannun directed his ire towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann warning that wherever he would unfurl the national tricolour, Pannun and his associates are prepared to mar the atmosphere. Pannun explicitly expressed his intent to disrupt Republic Day celebrations, hinting at potential repercussions if his demands were not met.

An NIA Special Court had issued non-bailable warrants against Pannun in February 2021, declaring him a 'Proclaimed Offender' in November 2022. In September, the National Investigation Agency confiscated his properties in Amritsar and Chandigarh.