Pannun is a fugitive hiding like a scared mouse in USA: Punjab Police

Tribune News Service

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The Punjab Police termed designated terrorist Gurpatwant Pannun a fugitive hiding like a mouse in the USA, from where he’s issuing threats to intimidate the public. This comes after Pannun attempted to dissuade people from participating in Republic Day celebrations.

As part of the revised strategy, Patiala DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu, in a video message, challenged Pannun to stop misleading youths with promises of money and foreign settlement in exchange for disturbing law and order. Sidhu asserted that Pannun is scared of the Punjab Police and will soon be brought to justice.

The strategy gained ground in a meeting of senior police officials under DGP Gaurav Yadav in Chandigarh, where it was decided to combat his threats via social media with strong reply from the force.

Pannun, leader of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has been accused of promising immigration to youths in exchange for carrying out his orders, including painting graffiti on walls in Punjab. The USA authorities are reportedly set to deport illegal immigrants and criminals like Pannun involved in illegal immigration.

Earlier, several schools in Patiala received emails allegedly from SFJ, urging them to suspend participation in Republic Day celebrations. Police officials dismissed these threats as a “mere ploy to collect foreign funding”.

Patiala SSP Nanak Singh said they have already made elaborate security arrangements for Republic Day event at Polo Ground.

The venue was shifted to Patiala on Thursday after pro-Khalistan graffiti at Faridkot stadium — the earlier location for the CM’s function — triggered a security scare.

On January 23, pro-Khalistan graffiti and flags were found near Nehru Stadium in Faridkot, leaving the local police in a precarious situation ahead of Republic Day.

Security has been heightened across Punjab, particularly in Patiala, where the Republic Day event will be held. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has put the police on alert and urged the Deputy Commissioner to remain vigilant in light of Pannun’s threats.