The banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has recently issued a threat against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, escalating concerns about security and potential unrest in the region. Simultaneously, pro-Khalistani graffiti was discovered on the house of Mehal Kalan MLA Kulwant Pandori in Barnala district, further heightening tensions.
SFJ, an organization advocating for a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan, has been banned by the Indian government since 2019. Its leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist, has been a vocal critic of the Indian establishment and has previously issued threats against prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In the recent threat, SFJ has targeted CM Bhagwant Mann, vowing a "political death" for him starting August 31, coinciding with the anniversary of Beant Singh's assassination. Beant Singh, the former Chief Minister of Punjab, was assassinated in 1995. Pannun has accused Mann of "misguiding the youth, getting them arrested and killing them in encounters". Earlier in the year, Pannun had also issued an open threat to kill Mann and the Punjab DGP on Republic Day. He urged gangsters to unite and attack the Aam Aadmi Party leader.
The appearance of pro-Khalistani graffiti on the residence of MLA Kulwant Pandori adds another layer of complexity to the situation. This incident is not isolated, as similar instances of pro-Khalistani slogans and graffiti have been reported in various parts of Punjab. In August 2025, two people, including a juvenile, were apprehended after pro-Khalistan slogans appeared at three locations in Amritsar. Pannun claimed responsibility for the act in a video on social media. In June 2025, a key SFJ operative was arrested for vandalizing a statue of B.R. Ambedkar and painting pro-Khalistan graffiti in several places in Punjab.
These incidents raise concerns about the potential for escalating unrest and the activities of separatist elements within the state. Authorities are likely to increase security measures and vigilance to maintain peace and order. The Punjab police have previously stated a zero-tolerance policy against gangsters and are taking strict action. Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the network involved in these activities and to prevent any potential escalation of violence.
