Washington | October 16, 2026
The True Post | Web News Muhammad Aman Ullah The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reportedly issued a “Duty to Warn” security alert to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistan activist and general counsel of the US-based organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), amid concerns about a potential threat to his life.
According to SFJ, the warning was issued on October 15 and specifically concerned Pannun’s planned travel from the United States to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where a Khalistan referendum is scheduled to take place on October 18.
Pannun, who holds both American and Canadian citizenship, has also said that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently warned him about alleged death threats and security concerns involving his residence in Ontario.
The reported warnings come amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On October 13, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
Pannun Questions Canada’s Trade and Security Engagement With India
Pannun has questioned the Canadian government’s efforts to expand trade and security cooperation with India while, according to him, organizers of the Khalistan referendum continue to face threats to their safety and homes.
He argued that Canada should clarify whether the Indian government has stopped alleged assassination plots targeting individuals in Canada or whether Ottawa has changed its approach to addressing such security concerns.
Responding to the reported FBI warning, Pannun reiterated his commitment to the Khalistan movement, saying: “Freedom for Punjab or death, nothing in between.”
He acknowledged the possibility that the Indian government could succeed in killing him before he witnesses the establishment of Khalistan. However, he expressed confidence that a future generation of Sikhs would live in an independent Punjab.
Pannun said the central question was not whether he would survive a potential assassination attempt, but whether threats and violence could prevent the Sikh community from pursuing its claimed right to self-determination.
He described the October 18 referendum in Edmonton as another chapter in what he characterizes as a peaceful campaign for Punjab’s independence.
Khalistan Referendum Scheduled for October 18 in Edmonton
Sikhs for Justice has said that the Khalistan referendum will proceed as scheduled in Edmonton on October 18 despite reported threats against its organizers.
The referendum is a non-binding public vote in which participating Sikh voters can express support for or opposition to Punjab’s independence from India and the proposed creation of Khalistan.
According to the organizers, the initiative is intended to provide members of the Sikh community with an opportunity to express their views on their political future and the principle of self-determination.
The vote is not legally binding and cannot, by itself, bring about Punjab’s separation from India.
The planned event is taking place against the backdrop of continuing tensions over allegations of threats against Sikh separatist activists, as well as broader discussions surrounding Canada-India relations, trade and national security.
