The US has thwarted a plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, an AP source says

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In a recent development, it has been disclosed that the United States successfully thwarted a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist leader, on American soil. This revelation comes from an unnamed U.S. official who is well-versed in the matter, and it was made public on Wednesday.

U.S. authorities have conveyed their concerns to New Delhi, raising the possibility that the Indian government may have been aware of this plot. The official, who was not authorized to provide further details on this sensitive issue, refrained from commenting on when and how U.S. officials first became aware of the plot, as well as the specifics of how the alleged assassination attempt was foiled. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has initiated an investigation into this matter, according to the official.

Spokespeople for both the FBI and the Justice Department opted not to comment on this matter when approached on Wednesday.

This development follows a previous disclosure in September by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in which he asserted credible allegations of potential links between the Indian government and the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India vehemently denied these accusations, dismissing them as absurd. Nonetheless, Canada took decisive action by expelling a high-ranking Indian diplomat during its investigation.

The thwarted assassination plot, initially reported by the Financial Times, appears to have been communicated to select international allies by the United States.

The unnamed official who spoke to the Associated Press (AP) emphasized that U.S. authorities have raised their concerns regarding this plot at the highest levels of the Indian government. Officials in New Delhi have indicated that they are treating this matter with utmost seriousness.

In a statement, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson confirmed the seriousness with which this issue is being treated. She noted that the U.S. government had engaged with the Indian government on this matter, including at senior levels. Indian authorities expressed surprise and concern, categorically stating that such activities were not aligned with their policy. Furthermore, based on discussions with senior U.S. government officials, it was revealed that the Indian government is actively investigating this issue and intends to provide further information in the coming days. It has been conveyed that anyone found responsible will be held accountable.

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly cautioned about a troubling trend involving foreign governments attempting to intimidate, stalk, or harass dissidents and political opponents within the United States.

India’s foreign ministry issued a statement acknowledging that the U.S. had shared information regarding a potential “nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others” during recent conversations. The statement acknowledged this as a source of concern for both countries and emphasized India’s commitment to taking this matter seriously.

This significant development has been reported with contributions from Eric Tucker, a writer for Big Big News based in Washington.

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More about Assassination Plot

• AP News – U.S. thwarts assassination plot against Sikh leader
• Financial Times – U.S. informs allies of alleged plot
• Indian Ministry of External Affairs Statement
• Background on Sikh separatist movement
• FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation