Did Gurpatwant Singh Pannun attend Donald Trump inauguration? Video of Khalistani separatist from event emerges
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a controversial Khalistani separatist, was seen chanting 'Khalistan Zindabad' at Donald Trump's inauguration, raising eyebrows and questions about his presence at such a high-profile event.
Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was seen in videos attending US President Donald Trump's inauguration in US Capitol on Monday, January 20.
In the video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun can be seen chanting ‘Khalistan Zindabad’, as the crowd continues to cheer for the 47th US President and First Lady Melania Trump.
Mint couldn't independently confirm the authenticity of the video shared by media reports, including Times of India. Some reports said Pannun had got access to the high-security event through a ticket purchased by a friend.
The incident took place at The Liberty Ball during the official inaugural ceremony. While the others chanted pro-US slogans, Pannun quickly said 'Khalistan Zindabad' as the camera, supposedly his own, panned towards him, the Times of India report said.
The video was apparently recorded during one of Donald Trump's inaugural ball events. As US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walked on the stage to greet the crowd cheering “USA! USA!” in the video, the camera pans out to show the massive crowd cheering for the US president.
Donald Trump took over as the 47th US president on Monday, January 20. The swearing-in ceremony was followed by a range of inaugural events including three inaugural ball events.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun holds a dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. A staunch advocate for Khalistan, Pannun has even proposed independent Sikh nation to be separated from India. Pannun was born in Punjab and is a US-based lawyer.
Pannun has posted several videos against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government. In one of his videos, he has even issued a death threat for the Indian prime minister. A few months ago, the separatist leader had issued a threat to blow up Air India flights.
Pannun established the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) foundation in the US in 2007. Years later, the Indian government banned his group, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Gurpatwant Pannun assassination bid
India received a diplomatic warning from the United States in 2023 over an assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.
According to news agency Reuters, former Indian officials, Vikash Yadav and Nikhil Gupta, are facing inquiry by the US government in connection with the alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy against Pannun.
- The presence of controversial figures at major political events can stir international relations.
- Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's dual citizenship complicates his role in separatism and his interactions with both India and the US.
- The incident reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding Khalistani separatism and its global implications.
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