Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that national security agencies are actively investigating “credible allegations” linking the “agents of the government of India” to the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau addressed the House of Commons, stressing the seriousness of the matter and asserting Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of its citizens.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly also announced that Canada would be expelling a “key Indian diplomat” and urged India to fully cooperate in uncovering the truth behind Nijjar’s murder.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent advocate of the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region. He was gunned down on June 18 outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The Sikh community in Canada reacted strongly to Nijjar’s death, with many accusing the Indian government of orchestrating the killing.
Trudeau raised the allegations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to India for the G20, with Modi’s office expressing concerns about anti-India activities in Canada.
Trudeau emphasized that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is a violation of sovereignty and urged India to cooperate in the investigation. The Canadian government expects India to adhere to international law regarding extrajudicial operations in other countries.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided.
Definitions:
– Khalistan movement: Advocacy for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India’s Punjab region.
– Gurdwara: A place of worship for Sikhs.
Sources:
– CTV News
