India Denies Allegations of Issuing 'Secret Memo' Targeting Sikh Separatists as Fake News
In response to a recent media report published by the American outlet "The Intercept," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has vehemently dismissed the claims of a "secret memo" issued in April to take "concrete" measures against Sikh separatists, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi labeled the report as "fake" and "completely fabricated" during a press briefing on Sunday.
Bagchi asserted that the report is part of a "sustained disinformation campaign" against India and criticized the credibility of the outlet, stating that it is known for propagating "fake narratives" peddled by Pakistani intelligence. "We strongly assert that such reports are fake and completely fabricated. There is no such memo," Bagchi emphasized.
The spokesperson further commented on the questionable credibility of the media outlet, noting, "The outlet in question is known for propagating fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence. The posts of the authors confirm this linkage." He cautioned against amplifying such fake news, stating that those who do so jeopardize their own credibility.
The Intercept's report, published online, alleged that the Indian government issued instructions for a "crackdown scheme" against certain Sikh entities in western countries. The report claimed that the secret memorandum issued by the MEA in April listed several "Sikh dissidents under investigation by India's intelligence agencies, including the Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar."
In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had raised concerns about the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Nijjar on Canadian soil on June 18. India dismissed the charges as "absurd" at that time.
As tensions rise over the disputed report, the Indian government continues to stand firm in refuting the allegations and categorically denies the existence of any such "secret memo" targeting Sikh separatists.
Also Read-Supreme Court’s verdict expected today on Article 370 Abrogation
OTT India updates you with the latest news, Country’s no.1 digital news platform OTT India, Keeps you updated with national, and international news from all around the world. For more such updates, download the OTT India app on your Android and IOS device.
.