US watchdog urges Biden govt to designate India as ‘country of particular concern’ amid Pannun ‘murder’ row
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the Joe Biden-led government to designate India as a ‘country of particular concern’. The development came even as both countries probe an alleged bid to assasinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US Justice Department claims that unnamed an Indian government employee had recruited Nikhil Gupta for the mission. The Indian national in turn hired a hitman to carry out the foiled assassination bid.
“USCIRF implores the US Department of State to designate India a Country of Particular Concern due to India’s systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief,” said an official statement from the organisation.
The call to action echoes similar demands made by the USCIRF since 2020. Such a categorisation under the US Religious Freedom Act would allow a range of policy responses — including sanctions or waivers. Indian officials meanwhile deny involvement in the alleged Pannun murder plot.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Published: 16 Dec 2023, 07:25 PM IST
