US and India Discuss Alleged Assassination Plot of Khalistani Leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
The United States recently held a meeting with an Indian Inquiry Committee to discuss the alleged foiled assassination plot of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani terrorist. US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed satisfaction with India’s cooperation in the investigation.
Miller stated that the individual named in the US Justice Department indictment is no longer an employee of the Indian government. He described the meeting as productive and appreciated the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
The US had accused Nikhil Gupta, an associate of an Indian government employee, of plotting the assassination of Pannun in New York City. Gupta, who was extradited from the Czech Republic to the US, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
India formed a high-level inquiry committee last November to address the security concerns raised by the US. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of such inputs for national security and confirmed that relevant departments are examining the issue.
Background on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Pannun is an India-designated terrorist with American and Canadian citizenship. The US Justice Department had previously unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for involvement in the foiled plot to assassinate Pannun, a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement.
Doubts Revealed
Khalistani -: Khalistani refers to a movement that seeks to create a separate country for Sikhs, called Khalistan, in the Punjab region of India. It is a controversial topic in India.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun -: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a leader associated with the Khalistani movement. He is based in the United States and is considered a terrorist by the Indian government.
US State Department -: The US State Department is a part of the United States government responsible for international relations and foreign affairs. They work on issues like diplomacy and security with other countries.
Indictment -: An indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime. It means that someone is officially accused of doing something illegal.
Nikhil Gupta -: Nikhil Gupta is the person accused by the US of plotting the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He has pleaded not guilty, meaning he says he did not do it.
