Security has been tightened at airports in Delhi and Punjab with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) directing airport operators in Delhi and Punjab to restrict the entry of visitors following a threat by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), asking Sikhs not to travel by Air India flights on or after November 19.
In a video message of Sunday, Pannun had threatened to “blow up” an Air India flight on November 19, the day of the ICC World Cup final.
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In an order issued on Monday evening, the BCAS said the issue of temporary airport entry pass (TAEP) entry of visitors to the terminal building of the IGI airport in Delhi will be banned along with the sale of visitor entry tickets. The restrictions are scheduled to be in force till November 30.
A Delhi Airport official said that the BCAS order has been implemented and all airport entry passes, except for those involved in operational work, will remain suspended till November 30. The BCAS said that the step was being taken as a precautionary measure following the threat perception and alerts being shared by central agencies.
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In a video clip shared on November 4, Pannun issued a threat asking all Sikhs to avoid Air India flights on November 19. “We are asking all Sikhs to avoid boarding Air India flights on November 19. On that day, there will be a global blockade, and Air India will not be allowed to fly anywhere across the world. Sikhs, you do not travel by Air India after November 19. It can be life-threatening. This is my warning to the government of India.”
India has also asked Canada to step up security for Air India flights and sought action against Pannun for issuing threats to India.