We take the threat seriously, but terrorists have tendency to want media coverage: MEA on Pannun

The Ministry of External Affairs Thursday reacted to US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s threat to attack the Indian parliament on or before 13 December, saying the Indian government “do take threats seriously.”

“We are caught in a bind here. I don’t want to amplify or give too much credence to search extremists, who make threats and get a lot of coverage,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a weekly briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

He further informed that the India government has taken up this matter with the US and Canadian authorities. “Extremists and terrorists have the tendency to want media coverage on an issue,” he added.

#WATCH | On SFJ chief Pannu’s threat to attack Parliament, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, “We do take threats seriously. We are caught in a bind here I don’t want to amplify too much credence to search extremists who make threats and get a lot of coverage. We have taken up… pic.twitter.com/zbmiu51TMx

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2023

The security across the national capital has been amped up by the Delhi Police.

Earlier this week, Pannu, the chief of the proscribed organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), released a video message in which he threatened to "shake the very foundation of Parliament" on 13 December — the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament.

Bagchi further said Pannun is wanted by Indian agencies for violation of the law and there is a process under which India seek assistance and that they are prosecuted, depending on whether the crime is committed.

"In our case, I think requests have gone through detailing the kind of crimes that he is responsible for, in India...We have also flagged concerns to our partners regarding any threats made by extremists or terrorists against India or India diplomats...," he added.

#WATCH | On the prosecution of SFJ chief Pannu, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "He is wanted by our agencies for violation of the law and there is a process under which we seek assistance and that they are prosecuted, depending on whether the crime is committed. In our… pic.twitter.com/EOf3NApUfb

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2023

Responding to a question on LeT commander Adnan Ahmed killed by unidentified assailants, Bagchi said: "Those who are wanted in India to face justice for criminal and terrorist activities, we would like them to come to India and face our legal system but I cannot comment on developments that are taking place in Pakistan."

#WATCH | On terrorists' being killed by unknown gunmen in Pakistan, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "...Those who are wanted in India to face justice for criminal and terrorist activities, we would like them to come to India and face our legal system but I cannot comment on… pic.twitter.com/5ua9KXg9Ok

— ANI (@ANI) December 7, 2023

Adnan Ahmed was killed in Karachi. He was shot multiple times despite a security cover provided by the ISI.