India will be addressing the issue of security threats directed at Air India flights to and from Canada by a Sikh separatist group. They will be urging the authorities to bolster security measures on Indian flights.
Intelligence sources disclosed that India is raising the security protocols for airlines and has forwarded a threat analysis to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Urgent measures are anticipated to be implemented soon. The threat was issued in a video released by the Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Pannun.
Pannun, in the video, cautioned Sikhs in Punjabi, stating, “Don’t fly Air India after November 19, your lives may be in danger.” This warning was reiterated twice. In a statement accompanying the video, Pannun also called for a ‘Global blockade’ of the airline from Vancouver to London.
Commenting on the video, Singh stated, “We have examined the contents of the video, which blatantly violates the Chicago Convention that outlines a framework for international civil aviation operations. Canada and India, along with several other nations, are Parties to the Convention.”
The official further added that the civil aviation agreement between India and Canada includes provisions to address such threats, and the matter will be urgently discussed with the authorities.
This development arises at a time when the relationship between India and Canada is ‘experiencing a challenging phase,’ particularly following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
“Pannun is openly threatening a nation while situated in these countries, and despite multiple requests, no action has been taken. He has previously targeted the Indian High Commission in the UK and Canada,” mentioned the sources.
“We have conducted a briefing in accordance with security guidelines, and our missions will be liaising with the relevant authorities in their respective countries. There is a fear that Pannun could radicalise individuals, potentially leading to hostage situations or physical harm to Air India,” the sources added.
Further, the Air India crew will receive briefings during their layovers in various cities in these countries, which last for 24/48 hours.
