A chilling development, Delhi Police find themselves on high alert after US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu issued a direct threat to attack the Parliament building. The terrorist, known for his extremist views, released a video where he vowed to “shake the very foundations of Parliament” on or before December 13, marking the anniversary of the 2001 attack.
The alarming video featured Pannu alongside a poster displaying his photo alongside that of Afzal Guru, the terrorist responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, who was subsequently hanged in 2013. The ominous message on the poster, “Delhi bangea Khalistan,” only intensified concerns about potential unrest in the capital. Pannu also claimed that a conspiracy to assassinate him orchestrated by Indian agencies had failed.
The Delhi Police wasted no time in responding to the threat. “When Parliament is in session, we remain alert. We are taking all precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident,” emphasized a police officer, revealing the increased security measures implemented throughout Delhi.
Indian security agencies are also on high alert, with reports suggesting that Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI directed Pannu to propagate an anti-India narrative. This revelation raises serious concerns about external influences attempting to destabilize the region.
In a twist of events, last month, US authorities reportedly foiled a plot to kill Pannu and issued a warning to the Indian government over potential involvement in the scheme. A 52-year-old Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, allegedly working with an Indian government employee, was charged in connection with the foiled plot. Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic in June on charges of conspiring to commit murder for hire, is currently facing extradition proceedings initiated by Washington.
The US government has declared its intention to await the results of India’s investigation into the allegations surrounding the involvement of the Indian official in the assassination plot. This development adds a layer of complexity to the already delicate India-US relations.
This is not the first time Pannu has raised alarm bells. In a previous video, he urged Sikhs to avoid flying with Air India after November 19, citing potential threats to their lives. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken a stern stance against the Sikh separatists, booking them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
As Delhi remains on edge, the nation watches closely, hoping that the security measures put in place will deter any potential threats. The situation underscores the intricate challenges posed by terrorism and the need for international cooperation to ensure the safety and stability of nations.