PM Modi reacts to Pannun 'murder plot' allegations, raises concern over extremist groups abroad

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his first response to the allegations by the United States of a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, saying he will “look into” any evidence, but assured that a “few incidents” would not derail India-US ties.

In an interview to a UK-based Financial Times newspapers, PM Modi said: “If someone gives 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.”

The remarks by Prime Minister Modi come weeks after the US authorities accused an Indian intelligence official of planning and directing a plot, from India, to allegedly kill Pannun in New York. The plot allegedly involved another Indian citizen and two individuals, a source and a hitman, who turned out to be undercover US officers.

‘Deeply concerned’

PM Modi also said India was “deeply concerned about the activities of certain extremist groups based overseas. These elements, under the guise of freedom of expression, have engaged in intimidation and incited violence.”

PM Modi on India-US relations

PM Modi also denied reports claiming that the alleged assassination plot had caused friction in India-US relations and said, “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. I don’t think it is appropriate to link a few incidents with diplomatic relations between the two countries,” the Prime Minister further said.

“We need to accept the fact that we are living in the era of multilateralism. The world is interconnected as well as interdependent. This reality compels us to recognise that absolute agreement on all matters cannot be a prerequisite for collaboration,” PM Modi added.

Last month, the US Justice Department charged Nikhil Gupta, 52-year-old Indian national, with involvement in the alleged plot to kill Pannu.

For the unversed, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a designated terrorist in India and heads the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) outfit.



from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/Tna4MZE
Umang Sharma

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