Sikh Separatist: In a startling revelation, US authorities have successfully foiled a Sikh separatist plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based group advocating for a separate homeland for Sikhs known as “Khalistan.” The alleged plot has sparked tensions between the US and India, with concerns raised over New Delhi’s possible involvement.
This revelation comes on the heels of Canada’s claim two months ago linking Indian agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a Vancouver suburb. India vehemently rejected these allegations, deepening the diplomatic strain.
Sikh Separatist Warnings Viral
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American and Canadian citizen, is at the center of the latest Sikh separatist plot. SFJ, the group he leads, has been actively involved in the movement for Khalistan. The report indicates that it remains unclear whether a protest from US authorities prompted the plotters to abandon their plan or if the FBI intervened to thwart an already-set scheme.
Sources reveal that the US issued a diplomatic warning to India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in June. Simultaneously, a sealed indictment was filed by US federal prosecutors against at least one alleged perpetrator of the Sikh separatist plot in a New York district court.
The US Justice Department is deliberating whether to unseal the indictment, make the allegations public, or await the conclusion of Canada’s investigation into Nijjar’s killing.
Complicating matters further, one person charged in the indictment is believed to have left the US, adding a layer of complexity to the case. Despite requests for comments, both the US Justice Department and the FBI have remained silent on the matter.
The National Security Council emphasized that the US does not comment on ongoing law enforcement matters or private diplomatic discussions but underscored the paramount importance of upholding the safety and security of US citizens.
This development was shared with a broader group of allies after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly detailed the Vancouver killing, intensifying the diplomatic tension. India, however, has firmly rejected Canada’s claims regarding New Delhi’s possible involvement in Nijjar’s murder, maintaining its stance of non-involvement.
Reacting to the situation, Pannun chose not to disclose whether US authorities had warned him about the Sikh separatist plot. He stated, “The threat to an American citizen on American soil is a challenge to America’s sovereignty, and I trust that the Biden administration is more than capable of handling any such challenge.”
On November 4th, Pannun released a video urging Sikhs to refrain from flying on Air India planes, citing a potential threat to their lives. Clarifying his stance, Pannun emphasized that he was not making a violent threat against the airline.
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