Canada Expels Top Indian Diplomat Amid Credible Allegations of Government Links to Sikh Activist’s Assassination
Canada has taken the significant step of expelling a top Indian diplomat in the midst of an ongoing investigation regarding the alleged involvement of India’s government in the assassination of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has referred to these allegations as credible and has demanded cooperation from the Indian government in the investigation.
The incident in question occurred on June 18, when Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal proponent of an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan, was fatally shot outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian intelligence agencies have been actively probing the case, which led to the expulsion of the head of Indian intelligence in Canada.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that if these allegations are proven true, it would be a severe violation of their sovereignty and a breach of diplomatic norms. The Indian Embassy in Ottawa has not yet responded to requests for comment on this matter.
Speaking in parliament, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that any involvement of a foreign government in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is unacceptable and called for a thorough investigation. He also revealed that he raised this issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent G-20 summit, expressing Canada’s deep concerns.
To further address the situation, Canada’s national security adviser and the head of its spy service have traveled to India to meet with their counterparts and confront Indian intelligence agencies with these allegations. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stressed that this is an active homicide investigation led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The revelation about a potential link between the assassination and Indian government agencies has strained the already tense relations between Canada and India. Trade talks have been derailed, and Canada recently canceled a planned trade mission to India.
Reaction from Canadian politicians has been strong, with Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre calling the allegations an outrageous affront to Canada’s sovereignty. Leader of the Opposition New Democrats Jagmeet Singh, who is Sikh himself, described the situation as outrageous and shocking, expressing disbelief that a foreign government might be linked to the murder of a Canadian citizen.
The Khalistan movement, advocating for an independent Sikh state, is viewed as a national security threat in India, where it is banned. However, it continues to have support among the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. Canada is home to a significant Sikh population, approximately 770,000 individuals, accounting for about 2 percent of the country’s total population.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was known for his active role in peaceful protests against human rights violations in India and in support of Khalistan. The World Sikh Organisation of Canada described him as a vocal advocate who had publicly expressed concerns about threats to his life, attributing them to Indian intelligence agencies.
As this investigation unfolds, Canadian authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind the assassination and ensuring that justice is served. The case marks a critical point in Canada-India relations and highlights the challenges faced by the Sikh community in their pursuit of self-determination. With ongoing investigations, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation develops and whether justice can be attained for Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
