Concerns in Congress Pannun Murder Plot Risks Upending India-US Diplomatic Relations
Indian-American members of the US Congress praised the Biden administration for a classified briefing on the indictment of Indian intelligence agent Nikhil Gupta and a foiled murder-for-hire plot against US citizen and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Members, including Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, commended the briefing, emphasizing their constitutional duty to protect citizens. They urged a thorough investigation by the Government of India to address concerns over potential harm to the US-India partnership.
The US Department of Justice charged Gupta with attempting to murder Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City, alleging involvement by an unnamed Indian government employee. Pannun welcomed the statement by US Congress members, expressing reassurance that they are upholding their constitutional duty to protect US citizens.
The Congress members wrote, “The allegations outlined in the indictment are deeply troubling.” They appreciated the Government of India’s establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot and urged a thorough investigation, holding those responsible accountable. They also expressed concern that the actions, if not addressed appropriately, could harm the significant US-India partnership.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed alarm over India’s increased transnational targeting of religious minorities and advocates. USCIRF called on the US Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to its systematic and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief. The organization highlighted India’s alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States, describing them as severe violations of religious freedom.
USCIRF Commissioner Stephen Schneck stated, “We call on the Biden administration to acknowledge the Indian government’s perpetration of particularly severe religious freedom violations and designate it as a country of particular concern (CPC).” The USCIRF raised concerns about transnational repression by states targeting activists, journalists, and members of religious and ethnic minority groups living outside their borders. It emphasized the need for the US government to engage with Indian officials and international partners to ensure the safety of religious minorities.
