Sat Sep 21 11:06:23 UTC 2024: ## White House Meets with Sikh Separatists, Sparks Concerns Amid Modi’s US Visit
The White House has met with a group of Sikh individuals sympathetic to the Khalistan movement, marking the first official engagement of its kind. This meeting, held hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the US for the Quad summit and UN General Assembly, has raised concerns about the US stance on separatist activities.
The White House assured the Sikh group of protection from transnational aggression within the US borders, citing its commitment to safeguarding American citizens. This comes amid concerns that both the US and Canada are providing shelter and asylum to Khalistani separatists, some of whom have been linked to terrorist activities in India.
India has expressed its displeasure with this situation, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating that while India respects freedom of speech, it does not extend to supporting separatism, threatening foreign diplomats, or advocating violence.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the American Sikh Caucus Committee, Sikh Coalition, and SALDEF, was initiated by the White House. This development, coupled with the introduction of the ‘Transnational Repression Reporting Act 2024’ by US Congressman Adam Schiff, has further fueled concerns about the US’s approach to dealing with separatist groups.
The act, supported by SALDEF, aims to report cases of transnational repression against individuals in the US, sending a message that violating American constitutional rights will not be tolerated. However, SALDEF has openly supported Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and blamed India for his killing, raising further questions about the group’s motives.
The meeting also involved Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist who holds US and Canadian citizenship and operates the banned separatist group SFJ from New York. Pannun has claimed responsibility for terror incidents in India and has openly threatened Prime Minister Modi.
The White House has not commented on the specifics of the meeting with the Sikh separatists. However, the meeting’s timing and the context of the ongoing debate surrounding the US and Canada’s stance on Khalistani separatists have heightened tensions between the two countries.
First Piper 