The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the US-based general counsel of the banned pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The action follows Pannun’s virtual press conference on August 10, 2025, where he allegedly offered a reward of ₹11 crore to “Sikh soldiers” to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day.
The FIR, filed on August 19 under instructions from the Union Home Ministry, alleges that Pannun’s statements and actions were aimed at disrupting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to the agency, Pannun unveiled a map depicting a proposed Khalistan that would encompass Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, and announced the formation of a “Shaheed Jatha” to carry out anti-national activities. The NIA cited videos posted on the SFJ’s social media channels as evidence of the threats and conspiracies.
This is the seventh FIR registered by the NIA against Pannun, who has been designated an individual terrorist by the Indian government. The SFJ, founded by him, was banned under the UAPA due to its alleged involvement in separatist activities, incitement of violence, and efforts to undermine the territorial integrity of India. Indian authorities have consistently flagged the organization’s cross-border operations and have been pursuing legal action to curtail its influence.
The NIA has also arrested one of Pannun’s associates in connection with the case, signaling ongoing investigations into the network supporting the SFJ. The agency is working to identify additional individuals involved in planning or facilitating activities against the Indian state and to assess the full extent of Pannun’s operations from abroad.
India has repeatedly sought international cooperation to counter the SFJ’s activities, highlighting the organization’s use of foreign soil to plan and promote separatist campaigns. In March 2025, Indian authorities requested the United States to designate the SFJ as a terrorist organization, citing concerns over its operations in the US and its role in inciting violence against India.
The FIR against Pannun underscores India’s continued vigilance against external threats to national security and the government’s intent to prevent any attempts to incite violence or disrupt the functioning of constitutional processes. Authorities maintain that cross-border and online threats to national sovereignty will be met with strict enforcement of legal provisions, including the UAPA, to ensure the safety and integrity of the nation.
The NIA’s action has been welcomed by officials as a necessary step to uphold law and order, sending a strong message that attempts to threaten India’s leadership or territorial unity will not be tolerated.
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