Canada Expels Top Indian Diplomat Amidst Probe Into Alleged Government Links to Sikh Activist’s Assassination
In a move to investigate credible allegations of India’s government having ties to the assassination of a Sikh activist in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the expulsion of a top Indian diplomat on Monday. The assassination occurred on June 18, when Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a proponent of an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan, was fatally shot outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia.
Trudeau informed the Canadian Parliament that their intelligence agencies have been actively investigating these allegations. During the recent G-20 Summit, Trudeau raised the matter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing that any involvement by the Indian government would be deemed unacceptable and requesting cooperation in the investigation.
Mélanie Joly, the Canadian Foreign Minister, revealed that the head of Indian intelligence in Canada has been expelled as a consequence of their actions. She emphasized that if these allegations are true, it would constitute a violation of Canada’s sovereignty and the basic principles governing international relations.
The Indian Embassy in Ottawa has not yet responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Canada is home to more than 770,000 Sikhs, accounting for approximately 2% of its total population.
Trudeau stated, “In recent weeks, Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of potential links between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.”
Expressing deep concern, he reiterated that the involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of their sovereignty. Trudeau assured that his government is collaborating closely with their allies to address this matter.
To address the issue, Canada’s national security adviser and the head of their spy service have traveled to India to meet with their counterparts and confront Indian intelligence agencies regarding the allegations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are leading an active homicide investigation, according to Dominic LeBlanc, the Public Safety Minister.
Trudeau also discussed the matter with U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Furthermore, Mélanie Joly vowed to raise the issue during the G7 meeting in New York City prior to the United Nations General Assembly.
Relations between Canada and India have been strained, resulting in derailing trade talks and the cancellation of a planned trade mission to India by Canada.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Opposition Conservatives, condemned the allegations as an affront to Canada’s sovereignty. He called on the Indian government to ensure transparency throughout the investigation, stating that Canadians deserve protection on their own soil.
Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the Opposition New Democrats and a Sikh himself, expressed outrage and shock. Singh revealed that he grew up hearing stories that criticizing India’s human rights record could hinder acquiring a visa to visit the country.
The Khalistan movement is outlawed in India, where it and associated groups are considered a national security threat. Nevertheless, the movement continues to find support not only in northern India but also in countries with significant Sikh populations, such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada characterized Nijjar as a vocal advocate for Khalistan, often leading peaceful protests against human rights violations in India and showing support for the Khalistan cause. The organization also stated that Nijjar had been publicly expressing concerns about his life being in danger and believed he was targeted by Indian intelligence agencies.
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