The US seriously considered a reported plot to assassinate an American Sikh separatist (terrorist labeled by India) on US soil. The White House has expressed its worries to the Indian government at leadership level. This is the response in response to the recent Financial Times article that appeared earlier on the issue.
National Investigation Agency’s case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for advising the people not to fly Air India.
The Financial Times reported that Washington warned New Delhi regarding alleged participation in the conspiracy. The report, however, failed to indicate if anyone had tried to kill Pannun or how advanced the plot was. At least one alleged perpetrator has been named by sources close to the case in reports that the US federal prosecutors have sealed an indictment against the person and filed in the New York district court.
Currently, the United States Department of Justice is considering either revealing the indictment or waiting for Canada’s investigation over Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder. New Delhi is also assigned blame for the latter incident without any evidence. Adding to the problem is the fact that one of the people indicted is alleged to have fled the US.
“Do Not Choose Air India on November 19”: K-Terrorist Pannun’s Warning to Sikhs, Suggests Possible Threat to Airline on Day of CWC Final; Watch the Video.
– In a video marked with the Sikhs For Justice watermark, Pannun is heard urging the Sikh community to avoid flying with Air… pic.twitter.com/Kj9TLzgmPG
— National Guardian (@NatlGuardian) November 4, 2023
In line with this, the White House National security council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said, “We understand that the Indian Government is doing more investigations on this subject and will come up with more statements in the near future. We have communicated that whomever may be deemed responsible should be
America is said to have issued this warning following successful PM Modi’s visit to Washington, in June, which was a high point in US-India relations. After the visit, allegations surfaced implicating New Delhi in the Nijjar murder.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, purportedly an American and Canadian citizen, serves as the general counsel for Sikhs for Justice, a US-based group advocating for an independent “Khalistan.” However, this cause has minimal support among Sikhs in India, the US, or globally. India has outlawed Sikhs for Justice.
The Financial Times report also mentioned that Washington informed some allies about the plot following the Nijjar murder. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implicitly suggested India’s role in the killing, citing “credible allegations” linking New Delhi to the shooting without providing evidence. Initial information about the plot is said to have originated from US intelligence agencies.
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