On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the Canadian House of Commons. He disclosed that national security agencies had been conducting investigations. These investigations focused on allegations suggesting India’s role. The allegations pertained to a state-sponsored assassination. The target of this alleged assassination was a prominent Canadian Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These investigations have been ongoing in recent weeks.
Trudeau stressed that foreign government involvement in a Canadian citizen’s murder on Canadian soil violates sovereignty. He reiterated Canada’s dedication to the rule of law. Protecting citizens and defending sovereignty are fundamental principles for Canada.
“Our foremost priorities include ensuring the ongoing safety of all Canadians through our law enforcement and security agencies. Additionally, we are committed to taking every necessary measure to hold those responsible for this alleged murder accountable,” stated Trudeau.
Trudeau emphasized that the alleged killing goes against the core principles that free, open, and democratic societies uphold.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, disclosed the expulsion of a “key Indian diplomat” and expressed Canada’s expectation of India’s full cooperation in uncovering the truth behind the incident.
India response
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected Trudeau and Joly’s statements, dismissing the allegations as “absurd and motivated.” They emphasized India’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law and announced the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat due to concerns about Canadian diplomats interfering in India’s internal matters.
These allegations from Canada’s Prime Minister are likely to strain relations between the two nations further. Trudeau raised the issue during his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, called for consequences in response to the assassination, expressing disbelief at the potential link between a Canadian citizen’s murder on Canadian soil and a foreign government’s involvement.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, condemned the allegations as an affront to Canada and stressed the importance of protecting citizens from extrajudicial killings. He called for transparency in the investigation.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a proponent of the Khalistan movement, was fatally shot in June in Surrey, British Columbia. The movement seeks an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region. India previously had accused Nijjar of involvement in a plan to kill a Hindu priest in Punjab, offering a reward for his capture, which led to suspicions of India’s involvement in his murder.
The World Sikh Organisation stated that Trudeau’s public acknowledgment aligns with what Sikhs in Canada have believed for years, that India targets Sikhs in the country.
The Canadian diplomat expelled by India was identified as the head of India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is leading the murder investigation.
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.
This announcement follows tensions between Trudeau and Modi during the recent G20 summit in New Delhi. Modi’s office expressed concerns about the presence of anti-Indian activists and extremist elements in Canada, leading to a pause in trade agreement negotiations between India and Canada.
Bilawal’s Statement Regarding the Assassination of a Sikh Leader in Canada
Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reacted to Canada’s accusations. He called for the global community to recognize India differently. He referred to India as a nation promoting extremist Hindutva ideologies. Canada announced its active investigation into the allegations. These allegations link Indian government agents to the Sikh leader’s assassination.
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