‘Fake, Completely Fabricated’: MEA Dismisses Report On ‘Secret Memo’ Naming Nijjar
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday categorically dismissed a media report alleging the existence of a “secret memo” instructing consulates to crack down on Sikh diaspora organisations in Western countries. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi denounced the claims, labeling them as “fake and completely fabricated.” He stated unequivocally, “There is no such memo,” and asserted that such reports are part of a sustained disinformation campaign against India.
Bagchi in a statement emphasised, “The outlet in question is known for propagating fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence. Those who amplify such fake news only do so at the cost of their own credibility.”
The response comes after The Intercept in a report claimed that the MEA issued a “secret memorandum” in April 2023, instructing consulates in North America to launch a “sophisticated crackdown scheme” against Sikh diaspora organisations. The memo listed Sikh separatists, including Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, under investigation by intelligence agencies, the report claimed.
The report further alleged that the document called for cooperation between consulate officials and Indian intelligence agencies to confront groups such as Sikhs for Justice, Babbar Khalsa International, Sikh Youth of America, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast, World Sikh Parliament, and Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar America.
ALSO READ | ‘Want It Fully Investigated’: US Says Glad India Taking Alleged Pannun Murder Plot ‘Seriously’
US Shared Inputs, Canada Didn’t: EAM S Jaishankar On Pannun, Nijjar Plots
Earlier, the US linked an Indian official to an alleged attempt to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the matter in the Rajya Sabha, stating that India had instituted an inquiry committee to examine inputs received from the U.S. regarding the alleged conspiracy to kill Pannun. Jaishankar emphasised that the issue had implications for national security, leading to the decision to initiate an inquiry.
Regarding Canada’s allegations of potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaishankar clarified that India received no specific evidence or inputs from Ottawa. He stated, “Insofar as Canada is concerned, no specific evidence or inputs were provided to us. So the question of equitable treatment to two countries, one of whom has provided input and one of whom has not, does not arise”, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, faces charges from U.S. federal prosecutors for allegedly collaborating with an Indian government official in a thwarted conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in September, raised concerns about a “potential” role of Indian agents in the June killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian territory. India has vehemently denied these allegations.
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