Canada Investigates Possible Indian Involvement in Sikh Leader's Murder
Canada has taken an active stance in investigating potential connections between Indian government agents and the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. This move has cast a shadow over diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau, in an urgent address to the House of Commons emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that any foreign government's involvement in the death of a Canadian citizen constitutes a severe violation of their sovereignty.
The victim in question, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver known for its significant Sikh community, on June 18. Nijjar was an advocate for an independent Khalistani state for Sikhs and had been labeled a 'terrorist' by the Indian government in July 2020.
Prime Minister Trudeau revealed that Canadian security agencies are actively pursuing credible allegations suggesting a potential link between individuals connected to the Indian government and Nijjar's tragic demise.
Furthermore, Trudeau disclosed that he had addressed this matter directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 summit held in New Delhi the previous week. He urged the Indian government to collaborate with Canada in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Trudeau emphasized the depth of Canada's concerns by stating, 'Canada has communicated its profound apprehensions to the highest-ranking intelligence and security officials of the Indian government. Last week, at the G20 summit, I personally and explicitly conveyed these concerns to Prime Minister Modi.'
This recent announcement by Trudeau marks a notable escalation in the ongoing tensions between Canada and India, primarily stemming from India's dissatisfaction with Sikh separatist activities taking place within Canada's borders.