Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that national security agencies are investigating “credible allegations” that the “agents of the government of India” were involved in the killing of prominent Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. Trudeau emphasized that the protection of Canadian citizens and the defense of sovereignty are of utmost importance to Canada. He further stated that all steps will be taken to ensure the safety of Canadians and hold the perpetrators accountable for Nijjar’s murder.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly added to Trudeau’s statement, saying that a “key Indian diplomat” will be expelled from Canada. Joly expects India to fully cooperate in the investigation to bring clarity to the situation.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar had been a long-time advocate for the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region. He was gunned down outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., on June 18. His death ignited protests from the Sikh community in Canada, with many accusing the Indian government of orchestrating the killing. Some protesters even held up posters referring to Indian diplomats as “killers.”
During Trudeau’s visit to India for the G20 summit, there were signs of diplomatic tensions between him and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trudeau personally raised the allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s killing during a meeting with Modi. In response, Modi’s office expressed concerns about anti-India activities by extremist elements in Canada.
Trudeau stressed that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of sovereignty. He continues to urge the Government of India to cooperate with Canada and ensure that their position on extra-judicial operations in another country complies with international law.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Sources:
– Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
– Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly
– CTV News
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