An alleged plot by Indian government agents to kill a Sikh separatist on US soil is a serious issue that Washington has raised with New Delhi, US officials said.
“We take this issue very seriously and the US government has raised this issue with the Indian government, including at the highest levels. Indian colleagues expressed surprise and concern. They have stated that this type of activity is not their policy,” White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson told Voice of America.
“Following conversations with senior US government officials, we understand that the Indian government continues to investigate this matter and will have additional information in the coming days. “We hope that anyone found guilty will be held accountable,” Watson added.
US authorities thwarted the plot and issued a warning to the Indian government over fears it was involved, the Financial Times reported.
According to the publication, the target of the conspirators was the general counsel of the Sikhs for Justice organization, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has American and Canadian citizenship.
Pannun’s organization is part of a movement that has been advocating for an independent Sikh Khalistan state in India for decades.
The Indian government has often accused these separatists of terrorism.
