Canada investigates Indian government link to killing of Khalistani activist, expels Indian diplomat
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada is investigating potential connections between the Indian government and the assassination of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Additionally, the Canadian government has taken action by expelling a high-ranking Indian diplomat.
Mr. Trudeau addressed the Canadian Parliament on Monday, revealing that Canadian intelligence agencies had been examining these allegations after the tragic killing of Nijjar, who held Canadian citizenship, on June 18 near a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia.
During the G-20 summit, Mr. Trudeau discussed this matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and made it clear that any involvement of the Indian government would be deemed unacceptable. He sought cooperation from Mr. Modi regarding the investigation.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed the expulsion of the head of Indian intelligence in Canada as a consequence of these developments. She emphasized that if these allegations were proven true, it would constitute a serious violation of Canadian sovereignty and fundamental principles governing international relations.
Mr. Trudeau stressed that Canadian security agencies have actively pursued credible leads regarding potential connections between agents of the Indian government and the murder of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada has expressed its profound concerns to the Indian government, and Mr. Trudeau personally conveyed these concerns to Prime Minister Modi during the G-20 summit. He underscored that any foreign government's involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable infringement on Canada's sovereignty.
Furthermore, Mr. Trudeau mentioned that his government has been closely cooperating and coordinating with Canada's international allies in relation to this case. He called on the Indian government to collaborate with Canada to uncover the truth in the matter.
Recognizing the concerns within the Indo-Canadian community, Mr. Trudeau urged for calm among its members.
Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre stated that if the allegations were substantiated, they would represent a severe challenge to Canada's sovereignty.
It is important to note that the Khalistan movement is prohibited in India, where authorities view it and affiliated groups as a significant national security threat. Nonetheless, the movement still garners support in certain regions of North India, as well as in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, which host sizable Sikh diaspora communities.
Photo Credit: Reuters
