US Thwarts Assassination Plot on Sikh Separatist, Flags Concerns of Indian Government Involvement
US Thwarts Assassination Plot on Sikh Separatist, Flags Concerns of Indian Government Involvement
US authorities successfully thwarted a conspiracy aimed at assassinating a Sikh separatist within American borders. This led to a warning issued to the Indian government, expressing concerns about its potential involvement in the plot. This development, based on information from various sources familiar with the case, sheds light on an intricate scenario involving international implications. The intended target was Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American-Canadian citizen and the legal advisor for Sikhs for Justice, an organization advocating for an independent Sikh state known as "Khalistan." The US actions followed the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh separatist killed in Vancouver in June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's acknowledgment of "credible allegations" linking New Delhi to Nijjar's killing further fueled the gravity of the situation.
Amidst these events, the US raised concerns with India, possibly affecting diplomatic relations, especially following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in June. Besides the diplomatic warning, reports indicate that US federal prosecutors filed a sealed indictment against at least one alleged perpetrator in a New York district court. However, decisions on unveiling these allegations to the public depend on ongoing investigations in Canada regarding Nijjar's murder. Additionally, the involvement of an indicted individual leaving the US adds complexity to the case.
While the US Department of Justice and FBI declined to comment, the National Security Council emphasized the importance of safeguarding US citizens' safety. Subsequently, they reiterated the seriousness of the matter and communicated their expectations for accountability to the Indian government.
The sharing of details about the Pannun case with allied nations raised concerns about a potential pattern of behavior. India, in response to Canada's claims, dismissed allegations of involvement in Nijjar's murder as "absurd." The Indian external affairs ministry highlighted ongoing discussions between India and the US on security cooperation, acknowledging shared concerns about organized crime, gun smuggling, and terrorism.
When approached for comment, Pannun chose not to confirm whether US authorities had alerted him to the plot. Instead, he emphasized the challenge to American sovereignty posed by threats to an American citizen on US soil. Amidst the unfolding events, the White House noted India's surprise and concern over the issue but emphasized that such activity was not part of their policy. However, tensions escalated when Pannun issued a video advising Sikhs against flying Air India, sparking further contention.
While Washington has urged India's cooperation in the Canadian investigation, it has maintained a delicate stance publicly, acknowledging India's significance in countering China as a crucial member of the Quad security group. Discussions within the Biden administration highlighted the potential ramifications of publicly disclosing the plot and its protest to New Delhi, raising concerns about India's reliability as a trusted partner.
