Alleged Khalistan supporters have reportedly issued death threats to an Indian-Canadian news professional after his television show in which some guests criticized Amritpal Singh.  The reporter was identified as Pardeep Bains who hosts a programme in Punjab in Greater Toronto Area.

These threats came days after the Khalistan backers blocked the entry of Indian High Commission to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma in British Columbia on Sunday last to a venue to honour him.  The reception was organized by Friends of India and Canada Foundation. Some of the protestors were also wielding swords.  The envoy’s visit was called off due to security reasons.  An Indian origin journalist Sameer Kaushal covering the event was also assaulted.

Meanwhile, Pardeep Bains reportedly said the threats included photographs he was sent of his family residence in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab as well as those of the location of his studio in the GTA.

“I’ve only done honest reporting,” Bains said, and presented both sides of the argument but started receiving threats since January this year, before receiving the images this week.

Some of the threats came via WhatsApp calls, with the numbers shown as originating in Pakistan and Malaysia. He also received a threatening letter ostensibly from the Khalistan Liberation Force in February.

Bains said he has informed local law enforcement, Peel Regional Police (PRP), about the threats.

Bains said he was concerned over not just his personal safety but also that of his family and staffers at the studio.  He also said he had not taken a side in the issue of Amritpal Singh and his outfit. He said he wanted to make it “clear” that he was “not against or in support of any organisation”