Indian Man Charged For Attempted Murder-For-Hire On Sikh Activist
One AmericaNOV 20 2023
US prosecutors have charged alleged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav of plotting to assassinate US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist.
Yadav's indictment was unsealed in a Manhattan court Thursday. Attorney General Merrick B Garland said the DOJ will go after anyone targeting US citizens.
FBI Director Christopher Wray Thursday also warned that the agency "will not tolerate acts of violence" against US residents exercising constitutional rights.
The US government takes these allegations extremely seriously. The plot to assassinate a US citizen on American soil is a direct threat to national sovereignty and the rule of law. It's crucial to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that foreign governments respect international norms and diplomatic relations.
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While Thursday's indictment of Vikash Yadav in a US assassination plot raises serious concerns, America's strategic partnership with India remains vital. The broader context of Khalistan extremism and its violent history, including terrorist attacks and temple assaults, underscores the complex security challenges India faces. With mounting global crises and China's growing influence, the US cannot afford to damage relations with this key democratic ally. India's demonstrated cooperation in investigating the Pannun case suggests a commitment to accountability that deserves recognition.