Khalistan referendum
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller navigated inquiries about the United States’ stance on Khalistan referendum. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
When pressed for the official U.S. position on the Khalistan referendum organized by the U.S.-based group Sikhs for Justice, Miller responded, “Allow me to revisit that question as well.”
During a press briefing at the White House, the same journalist sought clarification regarding India’s classification of another Khalistani leader and U.S. citizen, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Concerns were raised about Pannun’s safety in light of these developments and his potential status as the next target of the Indian government.
“I don’t have specific comments on that matter, except to reiterate that, as the Secretary underscored in remarks, we are concerned about transnational repression wherever it occurs around the world,” Miller stated.
He further affirmed that the U.S. had previously articulated its policy on numerous occasions.
Miller later addressed the killing of Nijjar, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had attributed to Indian involvement.
This raised questions about the tactics employed by the Narendra Modi-led government to suppress dissent on foreign soil.
“We have taken note of Prime Minister Trudeau’s allegations, and they are deeply troubling. Such serious allegations warrant a thorough and impartial investigation,” the spokesperson added.
He noted that Canada had expressed its commitment to ensuring a comprehensive investigation and urged the Indian government to cooperate.
In response to a question regarding the impact of the Nijjar incident on U.S.-India relations, Miller expressed, “We are monitoring the situation in Canada. We have been working with our Canadian counterparts. We continue to encourage India’s cooperation in the ongoing investigation.”
He underscored the significance of India as a crucial partner for the United States, emphasizing their collaboration on various issues.
However, with regard to this particular matter, the U.S. continued to urge India’s cooperation with the Canadian investigation.
