'EXPECT ACCOUNTABILITY FROM INDIA...': US REACTS TO WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE ON PANNUN MURDER PLOT

Days after The Washington Post report identified a R&AW official involved in the assassination plot of Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the US on Tuesday said that it expects accountability from the Government of India based on the results of the Indian inquiry committee's work, and Washington is regularly working with them and inquiring for additional updates.

Addressing a briefing on Tuesday, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, US Department of State, said, "We'll also continue to raise our concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels...."

On Monday, The Washington Post revealed that an R&AW operative, identified as Vikram Yadav, was implicated in a plot to assassinate Pannun in the US, allegedly sanctioned by the former head of the Indian intelligence agency Samant Goel. Pannun is a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, serving as the legal advisor and spokesperson for the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which advocates for an independent Sikh state. The Indian government has designated Pannun as a terrorist.

Reacting to The Washington Post's article, India had said that the report in question was "speculative and irresponsible."

"The article in question contains unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations on a matter of grave significance," Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said on Tuesday.

Jaiswal added that a High-Level Committee set up by the Indian government is carrying out an investigation into the security concerns shared by the US government on networks of organised criminals, terrorists, and others.

The US spokesperson also spoke about Israel's 'imminent' Rafah operation, saying that Washington has not yet seen a credible plan that would address the varying areas of concerns.

"...Primarily the ability to address the serious humanitarian concerns surrounding again, Rafah is a region with more than 1 million people seeking refuge. It's an area that continues to be an important conduit for humanitarian aid, as well as safe departure for foreign nationals. So any kind of operation that does not address some of these key concerns would certainly be opposed by us," said Patel.

He said that the US is continuously engaging with its partners in Israel and is having conversations at  all levels.

"We'll continue to press forward on those conversations and ask what their plans may or may not be as it pertains to Rafah...," said Patel.

Talking about its partnership with Pakistan regarding combat terrorism, the US said that the two countries have a shared interest in combating threats to regional security.

"...We support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights," said the US spokesperson.

Patel said that US and Pakistan is working together on security issues including, a high-level counter-terrorism dialogue, funding, robust counterterrorism capacity and building programs, and supporting a series of military-to-military engagements.

With inputs from agencies

2024-05-01T03:54:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd