Foiled New York Assassination Plot Raises Concerns

Senator Ben Cardin expressed concern over the alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York City, calling it "disturbing" and highlighting the global rise in transnational repression. The accused, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, is facing murder-for-hire charges, with prosecutors alleging involvement of an Indian government employee. Cardin plans to hold a Foreign Relations Committee hearing to address the extent of transnational repression and discuss countermeasures. The victim, identified as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leads a U.S.-based organization advocating for the secession of Punjab. The news follows recent reports of an assassination plot against an American Canadian Sikh separatist leader, raising tensions between Canada and India.