India denies 'secret memo against Nijjar' report: 'Peddled by Pak intelligence'

The ministry of external affairs denied the report of any memo and called it part of a sustained disinformation campaign against India.

Updated on: Dec 10, 2023, 23:20:22 IST

By HT News Desk

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The ministry of external affairs on Sunday denied a report on Hardeep Singh Nijjar that claimed that New Delhi sent a 'secret memo' to consulates in North America to launch a "sophisticated crackdown scheme" against Sikh diaspora organisations in Western countries. Calling the report by The Intercept fake and completely fabricated, the ministry said there was no such memo. "This is part of a sustained disinformation campaign against India. The outlet in question is known for propagating fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence. The posts of the authors confirm this linkage," the MEA said. "Those who amplify such fake news only do so at the cost of their own credibility," the statement read.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi issued a statement on reports on 'India's secret memo'

The Intercept report claimed that a secret memo was issued in April 2023. It "lists several Sikh dissidents under investigation by India's intelligence agencies including the Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar", the report termed fake by the government read. It claimed the memo was sent two months before Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Vancouver.

India-Canada relationship received a jolt after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was behind Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination. India rejected the claim and assured that it would cooperate in the investigation process if Canada provided evidence. There was a diplomatic row between the two countries and India temporarily suspended its visa services in Canada. The services resumed but Ottawa had to withdraw around 40 diplomats from India as New Delhi pointed out a disparity in the number of diplomats between India and Canada. India also accused Canadian diplomats posted in India of interfering in internal affairs.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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