Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez and the RCMP have said that an investigation is underway into “threats” against Air India. The remarks came after Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun told the community, in an online video, not to fly with the airline on November 19.
Alternating between Punjabi and English, Pannun reportedly tells Sikhs to “not fly Air India” on November 19 as there will be a “global blockade” against the airline that day.
In a social media post, Rodriguez wrote that “our government takes any threat to aviation extremely seriously”.
“We are investigating recent threats circulating online closely and with our security partners. We will do everything necessary to keep Canadians safe,” the transport minister posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Canadian Press reported that his press secretary confirmed Rodriguez was referring to comments about Air India.
CBC News also reported that it has seen another video circulating online that appears to show Pannun asking Sikhs to not travel on Air India flights on November 19 as “there could be a danger to life.”
Meanwhile RCMP spokesperson Kristine Kelly said police are collaborating with domestic and international partners and “industry stakeholders” in an investigation into the threat against Air India flights.