US foiled plot to kill Khalistan supporter on American soil, warned India, claims FT report

NT Correspondent

New Delhi/Washinton: The United States had foiled a plot to assassinate Khalistan supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil and issued a warning to India over concerns that the Modi government was involved in the conspiracy, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.

Pannun, an American and Canadian citizen, is the founder of an organisation called Sikhs for Justice. The organisation advocates for Khalistan, an independent state for Sikhs.

It was banned in India in 2019. The next year, Pannun was declared an “individual terrorist” in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The Indian foreign ministry is yet to comment on the allegations. It is not clear if Washington’s protest to New Delhi led to the plan being abandoned or if it was thwarted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Financial Times said.

The concerns were reportedly conveyed to the Indian authorities after PM Modi went to the US on a state visit in June. In a video message on November 4, Pannun had urged Sikhs not to travel on Air India aircraft.

“From November 19, there will be a global blockade,” he had said, according to ANI. “Air India won’t be allowed to operate. Sikh people, don’t travel by Air India after November 19. Your life can be in danger.”