Pannun Offers $111,000 to Stop Modi From Hoisting Indian Flag, Announces Next Khalistan Referendum in US

In response to Ali Imran Chattha’s question about whether Sikhs want freedom, Pannun claims 150,000 Sikhs were killed after 1984; announces Indiana referendum on August 16

LAHORE — Ali Imran ChatthaJournalist & Bureau Chief, Nazrana Times Pakistan

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has offered a $111,000 reward to anyone who prevents Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the Tricolour on August 15, while announcing the next phase of the Global Khalistan Referendum in the United States.

Speaking from the United States through a communications link with the Lahore Press Club, Pannun announced that voting for the next phase of the Global Khalistan Referendum would be held in Indiana on August 16.

$111,000 reward for stopping Modi

Calling the Indian Tricolour a “blood-stained flag,” Pannun said that when Narendra Modi hoists the Indian flag on August 15, anyone who stops him from doing so would receive a $111,000 reward.

Shimla announced as proposed capital of Khalistan

Pannun announced Shimla as the proposed capital of Khalistan, saying the decision was aimed at countering what he described as attempts by the Indian government to change the demographic character of the region.

He said that once an independent Republic of Khalistan was established, Kashmir would also become free, while the path towards freedom for other states would be opened.

Pannun further said that after Shimla, the Khalistan flag would be raised in Delhi, which would subsequently become part of Khalistan.

Pannun claims 150,000 Sikhs were killed after 1984

Responce to a question from journalist Ali Imran Chattha about whether Sikhs in India want freedom, Pannun said the answer could be found in the history of the Sikh community since 1984.

Pannun referred to the Indian military operation at the Golden Temple in 1984, saying that hundreds of Sikhs were killed, including Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and other senior Sikh leadership.

He claimed that the armed struggle that followed the operation was subsequently targeted by the Indian state and alleged that, on the orders of the Indian state, Punjab Police killed around 150,000 people in an effort to crush the Sikh struggle.

Pannun referred to the figures and investigations associated with Sikh human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, and claimed that Sikh youth and elderly people had sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Khalistan.

Pannun alleges Sikh genocide continues in India

Pannun claimed that the “genocide of Sikhs” is still continuing in India.
He alleged that Sikh political activists, young people and supporters of Khalistan continue to face persecution and that the killings and disappearances that followed 1984 were part of a continuing campaign against the Sikh community.

Pannun raises issue of drugs among Sikh youth

Pannun also claimed that Sikh youth are being pushed towards drugs, describing narcotics as a serious threat to the future of the Sikh community.
He alleged that the use of drugs among young Sikhs was weakening the community and urged Sikh youth to reject narcotics and remain committed to the struggle for freedom.

Message to Sikhs in Indian forces

Pannun congratulated the people of Pakistan on Independence Day and referred to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, as a place of profound significance for Sikhs.
He said Sikhs serving in the Indian armed forces should not take part in any action against Pakistan or act against Pakistan’s interests.

Kashmir, Delhi and other freedom movements

Asked whether SFJ would join hands with other freedom movements and minorities that Pannun said were facing oppression under the Indian government, he said every freedom struggle had to be fought by its own people.

He maintained that Sikhs would fight their own battle for Khalistan and claimed that they would ultimately win their struggle.

Global Khalistan Referendum

Pannun said the next phase of the Global Khalistan Referendum would be held in Indiana on August 16.

He described the referendum as an expression of the Sikh community’s right to self-determination and said the campaign would continue in different parts of the world.

Disclaimer
This entire story is based on statements made by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun during his press conference. The views and claims expressed in the story are attributed to him. Nazrana Times does not necessarily agree with or endorse the statements made in the press conference.

Ali Imran Chattha
Journalist & Bureau Chief, Nazrana Times Pakistan, Lahore