In his first public comments on the U.S. accusations of an Indian citizen’s involvement in a plot to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized his government’s dedication to the “rule of law”. He stated that his administration is prepared to investigate any actions, good or bad, taken by an Indian citizen though he asserted the need for evidence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to investigate U.S. claims of an Indian conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist based in New York. Despite these serious allegations, he remains confident that such incidents will not hinder the diplomatic relationship between India and the U.S.
PM Modi in an interview for UK’s Financial Times
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr. Modi stated that his government is ready to scrutinize any information provided to them. He also voiced his concerns about extremist groups operating abroad, seemingly referring to organizations like the one led by Pannun that advocate for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state within India. He criticized these groups for inciting violence under the pretense of freedom of expression.
Mr. Modi reassured that the allegations, along with previous claims of a successful Indian plot to assassinate a Sikh leader in Canada, are unlikely to impact India-U.S. relations. He emphasized that security and counter-terrorism cooperation have been fundamental to their partnership.
Relation between two nations
He further highlighted the strong bipartisan support for enhancing India-U.S. relations, indicating a mature and stable partnership. He expressed his belief that it’s inappropriate to associate a few incidents with the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Mr. Modi also stressed the importance of accepting the reality of our interconnected and interdependent world. He pointed out that in this era of multilateralism, absolute agreement on all matters should not be a precondition for collaboration.
The Pannun case against Indian citizens
Who is Nikhil Gupta And the allegations?
Nikhil Gupta, a 52-year-old Indian national, has been implicated by the U.S. Justice Department in a scheme to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and U.S. citizen of Indian descent. Gupta is alleged to have been enlisted for this task by an unidentified official from the Indian government.
Gupta, who is believed to have ties to international drug and arms trafficking, was apprehended by authorities in the Czech Republic on June 30, 2023. His arrest was made possible through a bilateral extradition treaty between the U.S. and the Czech Republic.
U.S. Justice Department
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Gupta engaged a hitman for the assassination, providing a $15,000 advance for the job. Interestingly, the person Gupta assumed to be a criminal accomplice and the alleged hitman were both working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
It’s important to bear in mind that these details are based on the charges brought forward by the U.S. Justice Department, and the investigation into the case is ongoing.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a key advocate for the Khalistan movement, which seeks to establish a separate state for Sikhs in Punjab and surrounding regions in India, known as Khalistan. He holds the position of legal advisor and spokesperson for the organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which supports the concept of an independent Sikh state.
He now holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. He has been actively campaigning for the Khalistan cause and has organized numerous events and rallies worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Pannun lawsuits
In addition, Pannun has lodged lawsuits against Indian officials and institutions in international courts, accusing them of violating the human rights of Sikhs. As of July 2020, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has labeled Pannun a terrorist on charges of sedition and secessionism and has sought an Interpol red notice against him. However, it’s important to note that opinions about Pannun can vary widely. While some view him as a national security threat, others see him as a vocal activist championing a cause that resonates with a significant portion of the Sikh diaspora.
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