In a significant development in India's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and separatist activities, the country's federal anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has seized properties owned by Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, an alleged Khalistani militant accused of promoting terror activities in India.
This move comes at a crucial juncture as tensions between India and Canada continue to escalate over Sikh separatist concerns.
The properties confiscated by the NIA include a house and land located in India's northern state of Punjab. According to an official statement released by the agency, this action represents a substantial step forward in India's crackdown on the global terror and secessionist network, which is alleged to be operating from various countries, including Canada.
The simmering tensions between India and Canada reached a boiling point following remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau suggested the existence of "credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada in June. The slain leader had been an advocate for the establishment of an independent Sikh homeland known as "Khalistan."
In the wake of this diplomatic standoff between the two nations, videos surfaced on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter) featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, in which he appeared to issue threats against Indian Hindus living in Canada. These videos have further exacerbated the strained relations between the two countries.
