Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that Canadian national security agencies are looking into “credible allegations” that “agents of the government of India” were responsible for the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. The Prime Minister addressed the House of Commons, stating that the investigation is a matter of utmost seriousness. He emphasized the need to protect Canadian citizens and defend national sovereignty, along with holding the perpetrators accountable.
Additionally, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced that Canada would expel a “key Indian diplomat” and called upon India to cooperate fully in uncovering the truth behind Nijjar’s killing. Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region. He was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C., causing widespread protests within the Sikh community across Canada. Accusations were made against the Indian government, even labeling Indian diplomats as “killers.”
During his recent visit to India for the G20 summit, Prime Minister Trudeau raised these allegations directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In response, the Indian Prime Minister’s office expressed concerns about certain extremist activities in Canada.
Trudeau firmly stated that any involvement by a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of sovereignty. He urged the Government of India to cooperate fully with Canada and emphasized the expectation that India upholds international law regarding operations in other countries.
The investigation into Nijjar’s killing is ongoing, with Canadian authorities seeking cooperation from the Indian government. Further updates on this breaking news story are expected.
Sources:
– Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s address to the House of Commons
– Statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly
Please note that the sources do not include the URLs.
