Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader and advocate for an independent Khalistan, attended President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony today. Pannun shared videos on the social media platform X, where he can be seen calmly saying “Khalistan Zindabad” (Long live Khalistan) for the camera at the ‘Liberty Ball’ event.
Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, was born and raised in Khankot village near Amritsar, Punjab, India. He pursued a law degree from Panjab University before moving to North America. As the legal advisor and spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Pannun has become a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, advocating for a referendum to establish a sovereign Sikh state.
In November 2023, U.S. authorities reportedly thwarted an assassination plot targeting Pannun on American soil. Federal prosecutors filed a sealed indictment against a suspect in a New York district court. The Financial Times reported that the United States issued a diplomatic warning to India, expressing concerns about potential involvement by the Indian government. The report followed Canada’s allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Sikh separatist leader.
In October 2024, a former Indian intelligence official, Vikash Yadak, was charged by U.S. authorities with attempted murder in connection with the Pannun case. More recently, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has recommended legal action against individuals allegedly linked to the plot.
Pannun’s presence at President Trump’s inauguration underscores the challenges of navigating international diplomatic tensions amid growing scrutiny of the Khalistan movement. His decision to share the “Khalistan Zindabad” slogan at such a high-profile event highlights his continued advocacy for the cause, despite ongoing threats to his safety.
