The Ministry of External affairs on Thursday pointed out that designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun represents an unlawful organisation while dismissing the allegations he had filed a lawsuit against the Indian government in the US.
“I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known. I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967,” Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.
The leader of banned Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh, had filed a lawsuit against the Indian government in the US where he claimed there was an attempt on his life.
“As we’ve said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesn’t change our views about the underlying situation,” Misri further added.
Pannun has sought damages in his lawsuit while claiming that he evaded an attack arranged by the Indian government because he advocated for a sovereign state for Sikhs.
The lawsuit names National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Samant Goel, and senior R&AW officer Vikram Yadav and accuses Yadav of coordinating the murder attempt.
Earlier, top government sources told CNN-News18 that Pannun’s lawsuit is a strategic move aimed at undermining India’s reputation on the international stage ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US.
Sources said Pannun is a ‘plant’ of Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
“This (case) is just before the Prime Minister visits the US. It is aimed at creating embarrassment for India. Pannun is an immigration lawyer looking to attract clients from India who seek refugee status under the guise of alleged atrocities, which he facilitates. He is an ISI plant and is supported by US agencies against India. All allegations are baseless and false,” sources said.
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