New Delhi: The Indian government is continuing its pursuit of “specific and relevant” evidence from Canada in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case, despite dismissing the allegations about the possible involvement of Indian agents as unsubstantiated and absurd. The Indian high commissioner in Ottawa, Sanjay Verma, stated that India’s conviction in the case was premature, even before the probe could be completed. Canada, however, believes its “credible allegations” against India received a boost with the US endorsing reports of an alleged plot involving Indian authorities to eliminate another Khalistan leader and US-Canadian citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Verma questioned this preemptive conviction of India and emphasized India’s willingness to look into the matter if provided with specific and relevant evidence.
“India was convicted even without…” Indian High Commissioner to Canada asks for Evidence on Nijjar Killing
India’s response to the US claims about the Pannun assassination plot substantially differed from its reaction to the Canadian allegations. The Indian government almost immediately admitted to receiving inputs from the US about a nexus between organised criminals and terrorists, but refrained from acknowledging the US’s link of Indian agencies to the plot. However, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau expressed hope for India to take the concerns seriously while speaking about the importance of upholding the rule of law and international law at the virtual G20 Summit on Wednesday.
