Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canadian security agencies are actively investigating “credible allegations” of a potential connection between Indian government agents and the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. Trudeau made this statement during an emergency address to the House of Commons.
In a related development, Canada’s Foreign Minister revealed that the government had expelled a diplomat identified as “the chief of India’s intelligence agency” in Canada. The expulsion reflects Canada’s deep concerns regarding the unsolved murder of Nijjar, whom India had labeled a wanted terrorist. Nijjar was fatally shot on June 18 in a Vancouver suburb with a significant Sikh population. He had been an advocate for the establishment of an independent Sikh state, while India had accused him of involvement in terrorist activities, a claim he denied.
Tensions between India and Canada have escalated over the handling of right-wing Sikh separatists and the unsolved murder case. PM Trudeau disclosed that he had raised concerns about Nijjar’s killing directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent Group of 20 summit.
Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to the rule of law, the protection of its citizens, and the defense of its sovereignty. He stated that any involvement of a foreign government in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of sovereignty. The Canadian government is closely cooperating with allies to address this serious matter.
Trudeau acknowledged the emotions within the Indo-Canadian community and called on citizens to remain calm and steadfast in upholding democratic principles.
The expulsion of the Indian diplomat underscores the gravity of the situation and the diplomatic repercussions surrounding this investigation.
By Reuters
