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Sikh Activist

All articles tagged with #sikh activist

crime2 years ago

Foiled Murder-for-Hire Plot Strains US-India-Canada Relations

A murder-for-hire plot targeting a prominent Sikh American activist living in New York City, orchestrated by someone within India's government, was foiled by an elaborate sting operation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The plot was uncovered after an informant working for the DEA received a tip from Nikhil Gupta, a resident of India known for his involvement in drug and weapons trafficking. Gupta had been recruited by an Indian government official to arrange the assassination. A DEA agent posed as a hitman, and Gupta provided information about the target's address and routine. However, the assassination could not take place during high-level visits between US and Indian officials, including President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, to avoid geopolitical fallout. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic and awaits extradition to the US. The Indian government denies involvement in the murder in Canada and has opened an investigation into organized criminals and terrorists.

crime2 years ago

Indian Man Charged in US Murder-for-Hire Plot Targeting Sikh Activist

US federal prosecutors have charged an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, in an alleged murder-for-hire plot to assassinate a Sikh political activist in New York City. Gupta, along with an unnamed Indian official, set up a meeting with an undercover officer posing as a hitman to target the victim, who is described as an attorney and vocal critic of the Indian government. The victim is believed to be Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of "Sikhs for Justice." Gupta has been charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. The case highlights tensions between the US and India, as another Sikh separatist was recently assassinated in Canada, with the Canadian government linking India to the murder.

crime2 years ago

Foiled Plot: Indian Man Charged in Attempted Murder-for-Hire Against Sikh Activist in New York

An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, has been charged by federal prosecutors in Manhattan with attempting to kill a U.S. citizen who is a Sikh separatist. The indictment alleges that the plot was devised by an Indian agent, potentially straining relations between the U.S. and India. This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the June killing of another Sikh separatist in Vancouver. The target in New York was identified as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, general counsel for the New York-based group Sikhs for Justice. The charges highlight concerns about the safety of Sikh activists and the potential involvement of foreign governments in their targeting.

crime2 years ago

"US Foils Alleged Sikh Activist Assassination Plot, Urges India to Prosecute"

The US Department of Justice has charged an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, with murder-for-hire over an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh activist in New York. The target, believed to be Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen and member of a US-based Sikh activist group, was not named in the indictment. Gupta was allegedly directed by an Indian government official, who was not named or charged. The White House has raised the issue with the Indian government, which has responded with "surprise and concern." Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic and is currently detained at the US's request.

international-relations2 years ago

"Unveiling the Dark Secrets: The Assassination of a Sikh Leader Exposes India's Covert Spy Agency"

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim that the murder of a Sikh activist in Canada was likely ordered by India and carried out by its foreign intelligence service has sparked a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. The assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar has raised questions about the role of India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), which has traditionally focused on regional operations. While RAW has a history of covert actions and influence operations, targeted assassinations have not been a known part of its modus operandi. However, experts suggest that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RAW has been given a more aggressive approach, with a "Doval doctrine" advocating for a tougher stance in intelligence operations. If Trudeau's allegations are true, it would be the first time that Indian intelligence has been directly linked to a targeted assassination on foreign soil.

international-relations2 years ago

India's Friendship with America Under Test

Relations between Canada and India have deteriorated following allegations linking India to the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist. While India denies the allegations, it is facing pressure as it has been revealed that some of the intelligence pointing to Indian involvement was provided by the United States. The incident highlights the delicate nature of India's relationship with the West, as it seeks to deepen security ties with the US while remaining reluctant to cede any aspect of its security to another power. The partnership between the US and India is primarily driven by mutual concerns over China, but India risks losing support if it starts behaving like China.

international-relations2 years ago

"Western intelligence implicates India in Sikh activist's assassination, US Ambassador reveals"

The US Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, confirmed that intelligence shared among the "Five Eyes" network, which includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, led to Canada publicly accusing the Indian government of potentially being involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil. The allegations have strained relations between the two countries, with India vehemently denying the claims and suspending visa services for Canadian citizens. Both nations have expelled senior diplomats, raising concerns about a rift between key partners of the US. Canada's Defense Minister emphasized the importance of the ongoing investigation and called for evidence to support the allegations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged India to cooperate and ensure justice. The Indian government has accused Canada of inaction in dealing with Sikh separatist extremism, while Sikh organizations overseas argue for the peaceful advocacy of Khalistan and highlight human rights abuses faced by the community in India.

world2 years ago

Tensions Rise as Canada Accuses India of Involvement in Sikh Activist's Death

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed "deep concern" over the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that India was involved in the murder of a Canadian Sikh activist. Blinken called for accountability and urged India to cooperate with Canada's investigation into the killing. The tension between Canada and India has escalated, with both countries expelling senior diplomats and issuing travel advisories. The U.S. is actively coordinating with Canada on the investigation and sees the case as an opportunity to discourage other countries from engaging in acts that violate international rules-based order. Blinken did not comment on the impact of the tension on U.S.-India relations but stated that the U.S. has been engaged directly with the Indian government.

international-relations2 years ago

Tensions Rise as Canada Rejects Indian Travel Advisory and Investigates Sikh Leader's Killing

Canada rejects an Indian travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise "utmost caution" when visiting Canada, while Canada updates its travel information warning travelers to exercise a "high degree of caution" when visiting India due to the "threat of terrorist attacks." The travel advisory dispute comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries, with Canada investigating potential links between Indian government agents and the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India's foreign ministry expressed concern for the safety of its citizens in Canada due to "politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence." The investigation announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has inflamed long-running tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi over Sikh advocacy in Canada.

diplomatic-relations2 years ago

"India and Canada Clash Over Sikh Activist's Death: Diplomats Expelled"

India and Canada have expelled diplomats in a tit-for-tat move following allegations that Indian government operatives were involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the accusation during a speech before Parliament, straining relations between the two nations and potentially impacting ties between the U.S.-led alliance and India. India rejected the allegations as "absurd and motivated" and accused Canada of sheltering Khalistani terrorists. The controversy comes at a sensitive time as Western nations seek to strengthen ties with India while refraining from criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's authoritarian policies.

international-relations2 years ago

Canada Probes Alleged Indian Involvement in Sikh Activist's Murder

Canadian security agencies are investigating a possible link between Indian government agents and the killing of Sikh-Canadian activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on the Indian government to cooperate with the probe, stating that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of sovereignty. The allegations come amid strained relations between Canada and India, with issues including a stalled trade deal and Sikh activism. Canadian lawmakers have denounced India for its potential role in the activist's killing, and authorities continue to investigate the incident.