The expulsion of an Indian diplomat by Canada has sent ripples through the diplomatic sphere, unveiling a simmering controversy surrounding the tragic assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on the soil of British Columbia (B.C.), specifically in Surrey. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has asserted the presence of “credible allegations” pointing fingers at the Indian government’s involvement in this heinous act.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, unequivocally condemning the possibility of a foreign government’s role in the murder of a Canadian citizen within their own borders, declared, “Allegations of such gravity are entirely unacceptable.” Without revealing the diplomat’s name, she announced the expulsion, marking a stark diplomatic move.
Prime Minister Trudeau echoed these sentiments, reiterating the existence of “credible allegations” implicating the Indian government in the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the city of Surrey, situated in the western Canadian province of B.C. Tragically, the case remains unsolved, with no apprehensions made thus far.
In a noteworthy development, Canadian security agencies have been diligently investigating the potential connections between agents of the Indian government and the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau addressed the House of Commons, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and discussing the matter with leaders of opposition political parties.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, had been a vocal advocate for the independence of the Khalistani state in the Punjab region. In contrast, the Indian government had consistently labeled him as a terrorist, a classification vehemently denied by his supporters. During the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Trudeau for permitting Sikh separatist protests on Canadian soil.
In response, Trudeau defended Canada’s democratic values, asserting the legitimacy of peaceful demonstrations in a free and open society. However, on the day of this announcement, he adopted a stern tone towards the Indian government, declaring, “Any involvement by a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil represents an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. Such actions stand in stark contrast to the principles that underpin free, open, and democratic societies.” Trudeau underscored the importance of collaboration with Canada’s allies in addressing this grave matter and called upon India to actively participate in the investigation to unearth the truth.
The strained relations between Canada and India had already reached a tipping point, leading to the postponement of a scheduled trade mission to India by the Canadian government just two weeks ago.
