Security forces went on the alert after a pro-Khalistan group—Sikhs for Justice—threatened on Friday that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would not be allowed to hoist the national tricolour on Independence Day.
An audio message from an international phone number (+6478079192) was received by UP Police and it not only threatened the Chief Minister against hosting the national flag on August 15 but also warned of shutting down thermal plants across the state.
The audio message from the foreign phone number, purportedly is in the name of SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and claimed that western areas in Uttar Pradesh i.e. from Saharanpur to Rampur, would be taken over by the Khalistanis.
Meanwhile, ADG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said that the police were trying to track the source of the call and check the authenticity of the audio.
He said it was suspected that the call could be a “mischief” but assured a speedy and thorough probe.
Earlier, similar warning messages were issued against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
In telephonic calls to journalists, a person identifying himself as Pannu had said, "We will not allow Jai Ram Thakur to hoist the Indian tricolour. Himachal Pradesh was part of Punjab and we are seeking a referendum in Punjab. Once we liberate Punjab, we will make sure that we take over areas of Himachal Pradesh which were parts of Punjab."
The Himachal Pradesh Police have already charged Pannu of sedition for his act.
It may be mentioned that US-based SFJ advocates Sikh Referendum 2020 and openly supports the cause of Khalistan and challenges the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.