India assassination in Canada
The New Delhi government could resort to any means to suppress opposition and dissent.
“Daniel Block”
Who Is Hardeep Singh Nijjar:
Nijjar became wanted in India because of security worries about Sikh separatists in other countries. In 2016, Indian media claimed him of being involved in a bombing in Punjab, a Sikh-majority state, as well as terrorist training near Toronto, which he rejected.
The recent shooting of a Sikh independence supporter, which raised tensions between India and Canada, has produced competing narratives. The victim has been praised as a human rights worker by Sikh organizations, while the Indian government has labeled him a criminal.
On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a probe into “credible allegations” of Indian government complicity in Nijjar’s assassination in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18.
India explicitly denied any role in the murder and has dismissed the charges as ridiculous.
What Canada’s Prime Minister Said:
On September 18, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a shocking announcement in front of the Canadian Parliament. He stated that there was “credible proof” connecting the Indian government to the assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Nijjar was assassinated outside the Sikh temple where he was president. Trudeau called the assassination “an intolerable breach of our democracy” and a violation of the fundamental ideals that underpin free, open, and democratic countries.
“In recent weeks, Canadian security agencies have been actively investigating credible allegations of a potential link among officials of the Indian government and the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” Trudeau said in parliament on Monday. His government would do everything to bring the murderers to justice.
Diplomatic Expulsions in Canada-India Tensions:
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly acknowledged the removal of a top Indian diplomat, Pavan Kumar Rai, who led India’s foreign intelligence organizational structure, RAW, in Canada. Joly requested India to assist with the investigation.
In response to allegations of interference and anti-Indian activities by Canadian diplomats, India dismissed a Canadian diplomat.
“RCMP Leading Murder Inquiry; Progress Reported”
The RCMP is in charge of the murder investigation, according to Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Nijjar’s case is being investigated by British Columbia’s Joint Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT). ” The probe, according to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, is moving forward. Nijjar had raised worries regarding risks to his life before his alleged murder, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, which promotes Sikh causes. According to a WSO statement, Nijjar also claimed that he was an objective of India’s intelligence agencies.
Diplomatic tensions rise as both Canada and India dismiss diplomats in the wake of claims and disputes. The scenario is putting a strain on bilateral relations.
According to a Sikh organization, “India purposely targets Sikhs in Canada:
The WSO highlights their importance for the Sikh community by stating that further Canadian Sikhs are on Indian “hit lists” The Canadian Prime Minister publicly acknowledged what the Sikh community in Canada has known for a long time — that India is pursuing Sikhs in Canada,” Trudeau said, adding that he discussed the issue with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at last week’s G20 summit in New Delhi.
Trudeau and Modi’s relationship has been shaky for some time:
Following their summit personal meeting, the Indian government released a brief statement highlighting Modi’s worries about “anti-Indian activists and extremist elements in Canada.” Among other things, the statement mentioned groups in Canada supporting secessionism and promoting violence against Indian officials. India has asked for international collaboration to overcome these threats. Conversely, the Canadian statement at the same meeting made no reference to “secessionism,” which raises new concerns.
Canada-India Relations at an All-Time Low as Justin Trudeau Declares Indian Role in Hardeep Nijjar’s Death.
Due to airline problems, Trudeau’s travel to India was delayed. During this period, National Security Adviser Jody Thomas went to London and informed the British government of deteriorating Canada-India relations as a result of compelling proof linking India to Nijjar’s death. Trudeau then briefed Opposition leaders on the developments before speaking to the Canadian public.
During his address, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh criticized the Indian government, led by Hindu Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh accused the government of Modi of inciting discord, violence, and persecution, citing a habit of attacking critics of its policies.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that the Canadian government has been in contact with Indian officials since learning of “credible allegations” several weeks ago.
Singh promised to use “all possible tools” to bring the culprits to justice, leaving little evidence left in the probe. He proposed expanding the probe into foreign meddling to look into Indian efforts in Canada.
B.C. Premier David Eby expressed serious concern and anger over the findings, vowing to strengthen safeguards for British Columbians against state actors’ aggression or threats. He expressed his complete support for federal measures to hold those involved accountable.
