Sikh Demonstrators in NYC Protest Modi's Alleged Involvement in Murder Plot

Sikh demonstrators protested outside a New York courthouse against the Indian government, accusing it of a murder-for-hire plot targeting Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Following new charges against an Indian government employee, protestors focused their anger on India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom they hold accountable.

Sikh demonstrators gathered outside a Manhattan courthouse in protest, accusing the Indian government of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against prominent Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The protest unfolded after a hearing for Nikhil Gupta, charged in connection with the foiled plan, as new accusations surfaced against Indian government employee Vikash Yadav.

Protestors, venting their anger, beat an effigy of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and placed another likeness behind bars to symbolize their claims. They assert that the directive for the assassination, foiled by DEA intervention, originated from Modi's office, maintaining that they 'have more jobs' intended as targeted killings.

Pannun, who seeks a sovereign Sikh state and is dubbed a terrorist by India, did not attend the hearing. He claims that additional charges against Yadav will not deter what he describes as Modi's campaign of transnational repression, warning of ongoing intelligence operations loyal to Modi within the U.S.

(With inputs from agencies.)