The United Kingdom’s intelligence agency has informed Pramjit Singh Panjwar, the coordinator of the Khalsa Referendum Campaign in the UK and Europe, that he is at risk of being targeted by Indian state agents. Panjwar is a close associate of the slain Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The UK intelligence agency has advised Panjwar to take protective measures, with sources indicating that the warning was issued by MI5, Britain’s premier intelligence agency. According to British media, Panjwar is so concerned that he no longer resides at his home in Southall, and he is not allowed to share his residential information with anyone.
Panjwar has been a vocal critic of Indian policies and has participated in protests in front of the Indian High Commission. In recent days, Panjwar has clashed with supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Panjwar has consistently informed the British police about threats and intimidation he has faced. In 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agencies of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. An Indian agent is accused of plotting to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. The British Home Office stated that the UK values the strength of the Sikh community, and the safety of the Sikh people is of utmost importance, just like that of any other citizen.
The Indian High Commission has refused to comment on the matter. The British Home Office stated that the Indian government links Panjwar to the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people. Panjwar has denied the allegations, stating that he condemns terrorism and will cooperate with any investigations. Panjwar’s elder brother was killed in 1991 for his involvement in Sikh extremism. Panjwar has been beaten by Indian police on multiple occasions and sought political asylum in the UK in 2000. In 2015, Panjwar was detained in Portugal during a holiday but was released when a judge refused to extradite him to India. A senior Indian diplomat, Smeet Kumar Goyal, met with Panjwar in 2015 and offered him a deal to abandon the movement in exchange for financial benefits. Panjwar informed the UK intelligence agency about the meeting and the offer.
