The United States has reportedly alerted India to a thwarted plot targeting Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Here’s the whole story.
Alleged Assassination Plot
The United States has reportedly raised concerns at the “senior-most” levels with India regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, according to the White House.
Terrorist or Activist?
The intended target, Mr. Pannun, a US-Canada dual national, is known for advocating an independent Sikh homeland and has been labeled a terrorist by India.
Previous Accusations
The revelation follows Canada’s recent assertion that India might be implicated in the murder of another Sikh separatist.
India Under Fire
US authorities intervened to prevent the conspiracy against Mr. Pannun and subsequently issued a warning to India, expressing apprehensions about its potential involvement in the plot.
Murder Is Not a Policy
The White House stated that Indian officials expressed surprise and concern at the accusation. “They stated that activity of this nature was not in their policy,” commented White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson. The US expects accountability for anyone found responsible for the plot.
Unclear Outcomes
The outcome of the US protest to India remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether the operation was halted due to diplomatic efforts or was disrupted by US authorities.
Homeland for Sikhs
Mr. Pannun serves as the general counsel for Sikhs for Justice, an organization based in the US supporting the Khalistan movement. This movement advocates for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India.
“Transnational Terrorism”
In response to the alleged plot, Mr. Pannun described it as “transnational terrorism threatening US sovereignty” and deferred further comments to the US government.
A Fading Force
The Khalistan movement, once prominent in the 1980s in the Indian state of Punjab, has diminished over time, losing majority support in modern Punjab politics.
Calls for Independence
However, Sikh diaspora supporters continue to push for a separate state, with intensified calls for independence in recent years.
“Unlawful Association”
Sikhs for Justice, labeled an “unlawful association” by Indian authorities in 2019, and Mr. Pannun, listed as an “individual terrorist” in the subsequent year, have faced scrutiny from the Indian government.
Tensions Building
Recent tensions arose when Mr. Pannun issued a video warning Sikhs against flying on Air India, prompting India’s National Investigation Agency to file a case against him. Mr. Pannun clarified that he intended to advocate a boycott of the airline, not issue a threat.
Murder Most Foul
The US reportedly shared details of the foiled plot with some allies after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that Indian agents might be linked to the death of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Relations Become Strained
The ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s murder has strained relations between Canada and India, leading to diplomatic expulsions. India has consistently denied involvement in Nijjar’s murder, and Canada has not publicly disclosed the evidence or intelligence supporting its allegations against India.
Worrying Precedent
The tense situation led to many online discussions, with many people speaking out against what they saw as another failure of the international rule-based system. One such commenter posted, “Modi’s government really worries me. We get so many headlines about China, but Modi’s Hindu nationalists seem to be itching to start trouble around the world.”
Beating a Dead Horse
Others noted the so-called Streisand effect, where trying to cover something up on the internet leads to more interest in the topic, with one user commenting, “Wasn’t the Khalistani movement dead long ago? Why is India tryna chase down fringe elements in foreign countries? They’re just going to ignite more anger.”
The post Tensions Rise as US Alerts India of Assassination Conspiracy Against Sikh Activist first appeared on Wealthy Living.
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