British Columbians are expressing concerns over diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, particularly due to the recent suspension of visa services in Canada by the Indian government. This suspension has impacted individuals who planned to travel to India for medical reasons or to visit family.
The tensions between the two countries escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented “credible” intelligence suggesting Indian government involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist and community leader in Surrey, B.C. India has vehemently denied these allegations and expelled Canadian diplomats.
The temporary halt on visa services in Canada was accompanied by claims from India that Canada is a “safe haven for terrorists.” However, India’s foreign ministry clarified that individuals with valid visas can still travel to India.
The suspension of visa services has come at a challenging time, with upcoming Sikh and Hindu celebrations, as well as wedding season, which attracts many tourists to India. This situation has caused panic among individuals who may now be unable to attend these events.
While some individuals believe that both Canada and India share blame for the current crisis and could have handled the situation better, they are calling for cooperation between the two countries in the investigation of Nijjar’s murder. They also urge the governments to grant exemptions to those with medical reasons or family emergencies.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated on June 18, causing shockwaves in the Sikh community and Metro Vancouver. Nijjar was an advocate for a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, which is outlawed in India. Prior to his death, he had been warned by CSIS about threats to his life.
The tensions between India and Canada have impacted the Indian diaspora in Canada, with over 80,000 Canadian tourists visiting India in 2021. Surrey, in particular, has a significant Indian population, with close to 96,000 residents listing India as their home country.
Individuals like Shikha Garg are concerned about the quick escalation of tension between the two countries and the impact it may have on their future plans. However, they believe that it is essential to ignore the politics and focus on the well-being of the public.
The investigation into Nijjar’s murder is ongoing, with authorities searching for three suspects and identifying a suspect vehicle but making no arrests. Trade talks between Canada and India have been suspended, and it is uncertain how much cooperation India will provide in the investigation.
It is important to note that the information provided in this content is based on reports and interviews from various sources.
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