Pro-Khalistan Leader Warns India of 'Last War' Over Pakistan Conflict

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a member of the pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), released a video statement stating that any military action by India against Pakistan would result in the “last war for India and Modi.” In this situation, Pannun stated, Punjab would “free itself from Indian occupation” and support Pakistan “like a backbone.” Pannun stated that Pakistan should bring up the Khalistan referendum at the UN as an international issue.

The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs by establishing an ethno-religious sovereign state called Khalistan in the Punjab region.

Pannun alleged that the ramping up of pro-Khalistan slogans and flags appeared near military cantonments in India’s Punjab state and that the messages called on Sikh soldiers serving in the Indian Army not to fight against Pakistan. He even bubbled the idea for community kitchens (langars) for Pakistani soldiers, claiming it was a strategic way to resist Indian forces. SFJ has shared videos of folks spray painting graffiti that says “Pakistan-Khalistan Zindabad" that was positioned near Patiala’s Army Cantonment, but there is of yet no verification of the authenticity of the materials.

Pannun also advised Sikh youth not to join the Indian military, arguing that Prime Minister Modi's policies would likely leave Sikh youth "orphaned." His phraseology draws on the grievances that some Sikh communities have felt for decades.

The comments come in the context of increased tensions after an April 22 assault in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir an attack India holds Pakistan responsible for without evidence. Islamabad denies any involvement. Global powers urged both countries to show restraint, but the publicity statements from the SFJ heighten existing tensions, even if Indian authorities dismiss such threats as insignificant.