Canada Expels Indian Diplomat Amidst Controversy Over Alleged Indian Government Links to Sikh Separatist Leader’s Murder
19-09-2023 : In a development that has raised tensions between Canada and India, Canada has expelled an Indian diplomat as part of an ongoing investigation into what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has termed “credible allegations” of the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the murder of a Sikh extremist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey, British Columbia, in June. These allegations have been strongly denied by New Delhi, which has characterized them as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and was considered one of India’s most-wanted terrorists, with a significant cash reward on his head. He was fatally shot by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a speech to the House of Commons, disclosed that Canadian security agencies had been actively investigating the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar over the past several weeks. Trudeau also mentioned that the results of these investigations would be announced within three weeks of the last test.
Following Trudeau’s remarks, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the expulsion of “a senior Indian diplomat.” In response, India swiftly rejected Trudeau’s claims, dismissing them as baseless and driven by ulterior motives. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) further took the diplomatic step of asking a Canadian diplomat to leave India within the next five days.
The MEA asserted that any allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in acts of violence in Canada are not only absurd but also motivated. Similar allegations were previously raised by the Canadian Prime Minister during a discussion with his Indian counterpart and were categorically dismissed. The MEA emphasized India’s commitment to the rule of law and accused Canada of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and extremists who pose a threat to India’s sovereignty.
The MEA has long expressed concerns about Canada providing a platform for various illegal activities, including human trafficking, organized crime, and extremist elements. India urged the Canadian government to take swift and effective legal action against anti-India elements operating from Canadian soil.
Prime Minister Trudeau, addressing the Canadian lawmakers, underlined that any foreign government’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil constitutes an “unacceptable violation of our sovereignty” and goes against the fundamental principles of free, open, and democratic societies. Trudeau also mentioned that he had discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the G20 summit in New Delhi.
Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc assured that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is leading the murder investigation and that the perpetrators will be held accountable. The Mounties’ Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is handling the Nijjar case.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar had been designated a “terrorist” by India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in July 2020, with his assets in the country being attacked by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in September 2020. Interpol had also issued a Red Corner Notice against him in 2016. Although Nijjar was briefly placed under house arrest by the Surrey police in 2018 due to suspected terrorist involvement, he was later released.
Bilateral relations between India and Canada have been strained in recent months, with trade talks coming to a halt and Canada canceling trade discussions. The resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the two countries is contingent on the resolution of political issues, which India has raised objections to and expressed strong resentment against.
Canada is home to a Sikh population of more than 770,000, constituting about 2 percent of its total population.
