TORONTO – Canada has expelled a senior Indian diplomat amid an ongoing investigation into credible allegations that the Indian government may have been linked to the assassination of a prominent Sikh activist on Canadian soil.
Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a strong advocate for an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan, was fatally shot on June 18 outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian intelligence agencies have been diligently examining the allegations ever since.
In a statement to Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that he had raised the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent G-20 summit. Trudeau made it clear that any involvement by the Indian government would be deemed unacceptable and requested cooperation in the investigation.
As a consequence, Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, informed the public that the head of Indian intelligence in Canada has been expelled. This action is a direct response to the potential violation of Canadian sovereignty and the breach of fundamental diplomatic protocols.
The Indian Embassy in Ottawa has thus far provided no official comment on the matter.
Trudeau emphasized that Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing the case by thoroughly exploring the alleged connection between Indian government agents and the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These ongoing efforts underscore Canada’s deep concerns about the situation, which have been expressed to the Indian government.
Canada remains resolute in its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring the protection of its citizens both at home and abroad.
Trudeau Urges India to Cooperate in Investigation of Canadian Citizen’s Killing
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly expressed his concerns regarding the alleged involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Speaking at the G-20 summit, he emphasized that such an act is an unacceptable violation of Canada’s sovereignty.
Trudeau assured that his government has been actively collaborating with Canada’s allies to address this matter. He stated that he has personally delivered this message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in clear and forceful terms.
The Prime Minister called on the Indian government to cooperate with Canada in order to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. Recognizing that some members of the Indo-Canadian community might be feeling angry or frightened, Trudeau urged for calm in the midst of this situation.
To investigate the alleged crime, Canada’s public safety minister, Dominic LeBlanc, revealed that their national security advisor and the head of Canada’s spy service have traveled to India to meet their Indian counterparts and confront the Indian intelligence agencies with these allegations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is leading an active homicide investigation into the incident.
Moreover, Trudeau also brought up the matter during his conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing this issue.
The opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative party, strongly condemned the alleged actions, stating that if they are true, they represent an outrageous affront to Canada’s sovereignty.
It is worth noting that the Khalistan movement, which is banned in India due to its perceived threat to national security, still garners support in various countries including Canada and the United Kingdom, where a significant Sikh diaspora exists.
The Canadian government remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and urges India to work together in resolving this incident promptly.