AMRITSAR: In a statement issued today, the Panch Pradhani Jatha asserted that the confession made in a New York court by Nikhil Gupta—an operative of Indian agencies—regarding the plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States using hired hitmen, has laid bare the role of the Indian intelligence agency ‘RAW’ and its officer Vikas Yadav.
The statement was issued by Parmjeet Singh Gazi, the spokesperson for the Panch Pradhani Jatha. The Jatha is a collective comprising 11 prominent figures associated with the Sikh struggle, including Bhai Daljit Singh, Bhai Narayan Singh, Bhai Satnam Singh Khanda, Bhai Satnam Singh Jhanjian, Bhai Hardeep Singh Mehraj, and Bhai Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan.
The leaders stated that this development exposes the Modi government’s policy of transnational repression directed at Sikhs. They appealed to Sikhs residing in the United States to ensure the legal accountability of the actual conspirators by engaging with the US government, the public, and the media, and to prevent the issue from being swept under the rug amidst US-India trade agreements.
LtoR : Bhai Hardeep Singh Mehraj, Bhai Narain Singh, Bhai Daljit Singh, Bhai Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan, and Bhai Satnam Singh Khandewala.
Placing special emphasis on the current situation in Punjab, the leaders remarked that, similar to the cycle of repression abroad, an atmosphere of instability and chaos is being deliberately orchestrated in Punjab through extortions, targeted killings, and violent incidents. They alleged the direct involvement of Indian intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs behind this unrest. The agencies initially attempted to provoke infighting by reviving issues of internal conflict; however, the restraint shown by sincere Sikh factions thwarted this ploy. Nonetheless, certain individuals continue to persistently raise these divisive issues in interviews, attempting to construct a government-backed narrative detrimental to the Sikhs.
The statement further maintained that attempts were previously made to target Sikh leaders using the Punjab based gang networks, but even gangsters refused to act as direct pawns of the government. Now, much like its overseas operations, the Indian government may conspire to eliminate prominent Sikh activists, farmer leaders, and pro-Punjab personalities using hired hitmen brought in from outside the state.
The leaders recalled that in January 2025, officials from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) had also expressed grave concern over the “dangerous circumstances” developing in Punjab due to ongoing attacks on Sikh activists.
They categorically clarified that this statement is not being issued out of fear or as a plea for security. Rather, they view it as a duty to expose before the world the policy of state oppression operating behind the facade of Indian democracy.
The statement observed that in the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Punjab’s strategic importance has significantly increased. Consequently, the government aims to defame and weaken the Sikh community. The leaders appealed to the global Sikh community and the Khalsa Panth to resolve internal differences through mutual dialogue rather than airing them publicly. They reiterated that efforts are actively underway to establish a unified leadership and a common platform for Sikhs, reaffirming their absolute commitment to fulfilling the declarations made regarding this at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on January 26, 2026