New Delhi - India has firmly denied the allegations put forth by the Canadian government, which attempted to link India to the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In an official statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed these claims as "absurd" and "motivated." The Indian government contends that these allegations are a deliberate attempt to divert attention away from the presence of Khalistani terrorists and extremists finding refuge in Canada.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal advocate for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, tragically lost his life on June 18 when he was fatally shot outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia.
India's official statement expressed strong reservations about the Canadian government's failure to take decisive action on this matter, particularly regarding the shelter provided to these individuals. India, being a democratic nation firmly dedicated to upholding the rule of law, voiced deep concern over the Canadian government's inaction. The statement emphasized that these baseless allegations are an attempt to divert attention from the real threat posed by Khalistani terrorists and extremists who have found sanctuary in Canada. This concern has persisted for an extended period.
Furthermore, the Indian government urged the Canadian authorities to swiftly and effectively pursue legal action against any anti-India elements operating within their borders. The statement also noted that certain Canadian political figures have openly expressed sympathy for such elements, which is a cause for alarm. It pointed out that Canada has a history of providing a haven for various illegal activities, including murder, human trafficking, and organized crime, but rejected any attempt to connect the Indian government to these developments.
The recent diplomatic tension has resulted in a halt to India-Canada trade talks, following Canada's stance on pro-Khalistan elements.
These developments unfolded following Canada's announcement that it is actively investigating credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader. This has further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Additionally, Canada expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat as part of the investigation, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserting that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen represents an unacceptable violation of Canada's sovereignty.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, met a tragic end when he was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey on June 18. Surrey, a Vancouver suburb, boasts a substantial Sikh population. Nijjar was an ardent supporter of a separate Khalistani state and had been labeled a "terrorist" by India in July 2020.