Security agencies have launched an investigation after slogans supporting Khalistan and targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi were found written inside a train coach at Ferozepur Cantonment railway station in Punjab, days before the Prime Minister's proposed visit to the state.

The incident came to light after a video purportedly showing the graffiti was circulated by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist and the leader of the banned separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by authorities.

According to officials, the slogans were allegedly written inside a sleeper coach of a Delhi-bound train, near the toilet area. Following the emergence of the video, security agencies began reviewing CCTV footage from the railway station and surrounding areas to identify those responsible.

Security Tightened Ahead of PM Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab between July 15 and July 17 for multiple official engagements. During the visit, he is expected to inaugurate the newly developed Jalandhar Cantonment railway station building and may also participate in the inauguration of four development projects in Chandigarh.

Given the upcoming visit, police and intelligence agencies have placed railway stations and other sensitive locations under heightened security. Investigators are examining surveillance footage and other evidence to establish when the slogans were written and who was involved.

Pannun Releases Video

In the video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun referred to the legacy of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra while making several provocative remarks and attempting to mobilise supporters. He also called upon individuals to gather during the Prime Minister's proposed visit to Punjab.

The statements made in the video contain separatist rhetoric and allegations that authorities are examining as part of the investigation. Officials have not commented on the content beyond confirming that the matter is under scrutiny.

Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra?

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a human rights activist and a former director of the Amritsar Central Cooperative Bank. He became known during the 1990s for documenting cases involving unidentified bodies allegedly cremated during Punjab's militancy period.

His research and documentation brought national and international attention to alleged custodial disappearances and encounters. Khalra himself disappeared in 1995, and his case later became the subject of legal proceedings and public debate.

His life recently returned to public discussion after the release of the film Satluj, which was based on his work. The film was subsequently removed from streaming platforms and later banned.

SFJ Remains a Banned Organisation

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), founded in 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, advocates the creation of a separate Khalistan state through its "Referendum 2020" campaign.

The Government of India declared SFJ an unlawful organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019, citing its alleged involvement in separatist activities and extremist propaganda. In July 2020, Pannun was designated an individual terrorist under the UAPA. Several websites and digital platforms associated with the organisation have also been blocked by Indian authorities.

Investigation Continues

Police officials said efforts are underway to identify those who allegedly entered the train and wrote the slogans. Investigators are analysing CCTV footage, gathering forensic evidence where possible and coordinating with intelligence agencies.

Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in the case. Security arrangements across Punjab, particularly at transportation hubs and venues linked to the Prime Minister's proposed visit, have been further strengthened as the investigation progresses.