News Headlines
India Examining US Inputs On Alleged Assassination Plot Against Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Swarajya Staff
Nov 23, 2023, 09:39 AM | Updated 09:39 AM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
India has said that it is scrutinising information from the US regarding the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others.
This comes in light of reports that the US has prevented an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on its soil.
"India takes such inputs seriously since it impinges on our own national security interests as well. Issues in the context of US inputs are already being examined by relevant departments," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Aridam Bagchi said in response to media queries.
The White House has said the US is handling a reported scheme to assassinate a Sikh separatist in America with the "utmost seriousness", adding that the issue has been raised with the Indian government "at the senior-most levels".
When questioned about the report from the Financial Times, Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White House, shared that Indian officials had shown both "surprise and concern" and "stated that activity of this nature was not their policy".
"We understand the Indian government is further investigating this issue and will have more to say about it in the coming days. We have conveyed our expectation that anyone deemed responsible should be held accountable," Watson was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The Financial Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the US has conveyed its concerns to India about an alleged assassination plan against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the prohibited group, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
The report said the US authorities also issued a warning to India over concerns the government in New Delhi was involved.
Pannun holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Canada.
The report came two months after Canada said there were "credible" allegations linking Indian agents to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India has rejected the allegations and sought evidence.
The National Investigation Agency on Monday lodged a case against Pannun, accusing him of issuing social media messages where he warned that individuals traveling with Air India were at risk. Furthermore, he asserted that Air India's operations would be halted on 19 November.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.