OTTAWA: Canada stated on Monday (Sep 18) it had credible info linking Indian authorities brokers to the homicide of a Sikh separatist chief in British Columbia in June and stated it had expelled a senior Indian intelligence official.
The announcement marks a major worsening of bilateral ties at a time when India is already sad that Canadian authorities usually are not cracking down on Sikh protesters who need their very own impartial homeland.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated any involvement of a overseas authorities within the killing of a Canadian citizen was “an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty”.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot lifeless outdoors a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on Jun 18.
Nijjar supported a Sikh homeland within the type of an impartial Khalistani state and was designated by India as a “terrorist” in July 2020, India’s The Tribune newspaper stated.
“Canadian safety businesses have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a possible hyperlink between brokers of the federal government of India” and Nijjar’s demise, Trudeau stated in an emergency assertion to the Home of Commons.
“Canada has declared its deep considerations to the highest intelligence and safety officers of the Indian authorities. Final week on the G20 I introduced them personally and on to Prime Minister Modi in no unsure phrases.”
The Indian excessive fee (embassy) in Ottawa didn’t reply to requests for remark.
New Delhi stated final week that Modi had conveyed sturdy considerations about protests in Canada in opposition to India to Trudeau.
Canada has the best inhabitants of Sikhs outdoors their dwelling state of Punjab in India, and the nation has been the location of many demonstrations which have irked India.
Canada is dwelling to one of many largest abroad communities of Indian origin, which quantity roughly 1.4 million out of an general Canadian inhabitants of 40 million. About 770,000 folks reported Sikhism as their faith within the 2021 Census.
The 2 international locations, which earlier this yr stated they might agree the outlines of a commerce deal by end-2023, have now frozen talks on the settlement. Canada gave few particulars whereas India cited “sure political developments.”
Bilateral commerce in 2022 amounted to only C$13.7 billion out of a complete of C$1.52 trillion, based on Statistics Canada.
Trudeau didn’t straight accuse India of undoubtedly being concerned and Overseas Minister Melanie Joly later used extra cautious language, saying “if confirmed true” the allegations could be unacceptable.
Joly instructed reporters that Ottawa had expelled the Indian head of intelligence in Canada however gave no additional particulars.
“Within the strongest potential phrases, I proceed to induce the federal government of India to cooperate with Canada to unravel this matter,” stated Trudeau.
Public Security Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated a number of senior Canadian authorities officers had visited India lately to specific Ottawa’s considerations.
In April, India requested Britain for elevated monitoring of UK-based supporters of a Sikh separatist motion. New Delhi was upset after protesters carrying “Khalistan” banners indifferent the Indian flag from the diplomatic mission’s constructing in London.
