'Stay home, stay safe': Ahead of Republic Day, SFJ sends 'threat' emails to Patiala schools

A day ahead of Republic Day, several schools across Patiala received an email allegedly from the banned pro-Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), urging them to suspend participation in Republic Day celebrations.

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The email allegedly sent by the group was also received by journalists in the district. The subject line of the mail reads, “R-Day Patiala: SFJ faceoff with Bhagwant Mann”.

“Children stay home – stay safe… Parents, this is a stern advice: Do not send your children to the Republic Day celebrations at Polo Ground with Bhagwant Mann”, it reads.

“SFJ will be present in Patiala on January 26,” it also mentions.

Reacting to the developments, a senior police officer said, “We are verifying the threat mail as it is yet not clear as to how many in Patiala has received it.”

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

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

The proscribed Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) led by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has claimed responsibility for the act.

Meanwhile, a new pro-Khalistan graffiti was found on the main entrance of the town in Faridkot on Saturday. The graffiti are believed to be written during the wee hours and the police came to know about it at around 9 am.

On January 23, pro-Khalistan graffiti and flags were found near Nehru Stadium in Faridkot. The incident occurred despite heightened security measures in place for Punjab CM’s scheduled participation in the Republic Day event.

A case was registered under relevant sections against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu and some unidentified members of the SFJ.

After the graffiti was discovered, Pannun released a video making inflammatory statements and issuing threats to CM Mann. In the video, he called upon the youth to display Khalistan flags on Republic Day, instead of the Tricolour.