Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned pro-Khalistan outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has reportedly announced financial support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest movement in India, describing the backing as part of a “fifth-generation warfare” campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Speaking in Edmonton, Canada, Pannun said SFJ would support CJP’s protests and provide funds for the agitation. He also urged foreign investors to withdraw their investments from India, signalling his intention to target the country’s economic interests alongside his opposition to the Modi government.
Pannun claims SFJ is funding CJP protests as part of a “fifth-generation warfare” campaign to topple PM Modi’s government Speaking in Edmonton, Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun outlined support for anti-government movements and urged foreign investors to withdraw from India He also called on Sikh youth worldwide to undergo firearms training, describing it as lawful community defence The funding claim remains unverified
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) October 19, 2026
Pannun spoke about supporting CJP’s demonstrations and providing financial assistance. His remarks have triggered a political controversy over the potential involvement of a pro-Khalistan separatist organisation in an Indian protest movement.
Pannun invokes ‘fifth-generation warfare’ against India
Pannun’s description of the proposed support as “fifth-generation warfare” is a central aspect of the controversy. The term refers to unconventional forms of conflict that may involve political influence, information campaigns, psychological operations and efforts to exploit existing social or political divisions.
SFJ’s support for CJP protests underscores the perils of foreign actors seeking to influence anti-government agitation in India.
Pannun also reportedly called on foreign investors to withdraw their investments from India. Such a demand, if made as reported, would extend his campaign beyond street protests to the economic sphere, seeking to put pressure on India through its international investment relationships.
In addition, Pannun called on Sikh youth around the world to undergo firearms training, portraying it as a form of lawful community defence. His remarks have to be viewed in the context of his leadership of SFJ, an organisation advocating the creation of a separate Khalistan.
The Indian government designated Pannun a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in July 2020. SFJ is also banned in India.
Nishikant Dubey shares video of Pannun’s announcement
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey shared a video on X on October 19, 2026, in which Pannun is seen announcing support for CJP protests alongside a group of Khalistani activists.
Reacting to the video, the BJP MP from Godda, Jharkhand, questioned the people associated with the demonstrations and their possible sources of support.
In his post, Dubey wrote in Hindi:
“Ye Delhi main pradarshan karne waalon ka asli chehra hai? Deshbhakt ya Deshdrohi faisla aapka?”
Translated, he asked: “Is this the real face of those protesting in Delhi? Patriots or traitors? The decision is yours.”
Dubey has previously raised concerns about possible foreign involvement in the CJP movement. During demonstrations in July 2026 over the NEET examination paper leak, he questioned the movement’s background and flagged the possibility of foreign funding.
Pannun’s remarks come amid detention of CJP leaders
The announcement comes amid extended detention of CJP activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka following a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The Delhi Police have also transferred a trespassing case involving CJP leaders to a Crime Branch unit, according to media reports.
CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke cried hoarse on Monday after the judicial custody of Das and Ranka was extended, accusing the government of using law enforcement agencies to intimidate young protesters.
