India will examine any information on plot to kill Khalistani extremist in US: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has for the first time responded to US allegations about India’s involvement in the assassination plot of a Sikh extremist, saying that New Delhi will look into any evidence provided by Washington.
In an exclusive interview with Financial Times, PM Modi added that a “few incidents” will not affect ties between India and US.
The US Justice Department had last month charged an Indian citizen with plotting to assassinate Sikh terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu on US soil, alleging an Indian government official was also involved in the planning.
Breaking his silence on the issue, PM Modi affirmed India’s committment to the rule of law and said that it’s ready to look into the matter if any such information is provided to it.
“If someone provides us any information, we would definitely look into it. If a citizen of ours has done anything good or bad, we are ready to look into it. Our commitment is to the rule of law,” he said.
PM Modi’s remarks come after the White House said it was treating the alleged plot with “utmost seriousness,” and had raised the issue with the Indian government.
PM Modi, however, dismissed any diplomatic fallout over the incident.
“There is strong bipartisan support for the strengthening of this relationship, which is a clear indicator of a mature and stable partnership.
“Security and counter-terrorism co-operation has been a key component of our partnership … don’t think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries,” the Prime Minister told Financial Times.
PM Modi also expressed deep concern over the activities of Khalistani groups overseas, saying that such elements have engaged in “intimidation and incited violence under the guise of freedom of expression.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks can be seen in the backdrop of rising Khalistani activities in countries like US and Canada in recent months.
India has raised the issue of Khalistani extremists targeting Indian consulates and threatening diplomats with both US and Canada.
Pannun, who has been designated as a terrorist by New Delhi, had also openly issued threats against India. He currently resides in New York.
Canada and India also had a major diplomatic row after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September linked New Delhi to the June killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
New Delhi called the Canadian allegations “absurd.”
Source » timesofindia.indiatimes.com
