The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case against Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) general counsel and US-based terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly instigating Sikh soldiers to disrupt Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day celebrations. According to the FIR, Pannun offered a reward of ₹11 crore to anyone who could prevent PM Modi from hoisting the national flag at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15.
The NIA cited credible evidence, including a video shared on the official SFJ ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle on August 10, 2025, in which Pannun issued the provocative call. During the same event, he also unveiled a new Khalistan map that included Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh as part of a proposed separate state.
The FIR further revealed that Pannun addressed a press conference at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan through a video link from Washington, where he rejected India’s sovereignty over Punjab and promoted a “Delhi Banayga Khalistan” referendum.
The central government stated that Pannun’s actions were aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and spreading disaffection among the Sikh community. He has been booked under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal conspiracy) and Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
The NIA is investigating the case to uncover Pannun’s network and prevent any attempts to incite violence or disturb national security. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against those threatening India’s unity and territorial integrity.
