India Slams Media Report On Secret Memo Against Sikh Separatists As Fake

India on Saturday strongly refuted a media report alleging that New Delhi issued a secret memo in April to take specific actions against certain Sikh separatists, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, denounced the report as fake and entirely fabricated, asserting that it is part of an ongoing disinformation campaign against India.

Disinformation Campaign and Fake Narratives

Bagchi emphasized that such reports are completely fabricated and there is no such memo. He highlighted that the outlet that published the report is known for promoting false narratives propagated by Pakistani intelligence, as evident from the posts of its authors.

Response to Media Queries

Responding to media inquiries about the report, Bagchi cautioned that those who amplify such fake news do so at the expense of their own credibility. He reiterated India's strong rejection of the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Nijjar on Canadian soil.

The Intercept's Claims

The Intercept, an online American media outlet, published a report claiming that the Indian government issued instructions for a crackdown scheme against certain Sikh entities in western countries. According to the report, the secret memorandum issued in April by the Ministry of External Affairs lists several Sikh dissidents under investigation by India's intelligence agencies, including Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India's Strong Rejection

India vehemently rejected the report's claims, dismissing them as absurd. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson asserted that there is no truth to the allegations and that India does not engage in such activities.

India's swift and strong response to the media report underscores its commitment to combating disinformation campaigns and upholding its national security. The government's efforts to counter fake news and promote accurate information are crucial in maintaining public trust and preserving India's reputation on the global stage.