Canada investigates alleged ‘threats’ against Air India after Sikh boycott call

Canadian officials and the Royal Canadian Mounted police are investigating alleged “threats” against Air India after a separatist leader warned Sikhs against flying with the airline on 19 November.

The US-based activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun posted a video last week in which he called for a boycott of India’s flagship carrier.
Middle-aged Sikh man with long white beard and black turban raises left fist while holding large yellow flag with black writing that says KHALISTAN and has a symbol and other writing on it.

“We are asking the Sikh people not to fly via Air India on November 19. There will be a global blockade. On November 19, don’t travel by Air India or your life will be in danger,” he said in the video, a mix of Punjabi and English.

The controversial video marks latest threat to diplomatic relations between India and Canada, which have been strained since September when the prime minister, Justin Trudeau, alleged there was credible evidence linking India to the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader in British Columbia.

Read more: The Guardian (UK)