Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed outside a Sikh cultural centre in British Colombia, on June 18, 2023. (Photo via X)
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs expressed grave concerns over the Canadian government’s perceived leniency towards Indian separatist factions, on Thursday. The foreign ministry’s spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, accused Canada of providing “political space” to individuals advocating violence against India.
The allegations surfaced following the arrest of three Indian nationals in Canada, charged with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh cultural centre in British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. Despite the arrests, Jaiswal emphasized that the Canadian authorities have not shared any specific evidence linking the Indian government to the crime.
Jaiswal highlighted that numerous extradition requests for individuals associated with organized crime in India, who have found refuge in Canada, remain pending. He further stated that Indian diplomats have faced threats and impediments in their duties, suggesting a lack of cooperation from the Canadian side.
The incident has strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, especially after the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, hinted at “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing, which India has categorically denied and termed as “absurd”, as India Sentinels had reported.
The three accused – Kamalpreet Singh, Karan Brar, and Karanpreet Singh – have not sought consular access and are set to appear in a British Columbia court, on May 21. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Superintendent Mandeep Mooker of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated that the investigation into the suspects’ potential ties to the Indian government is ongoing. The trio, residing in Canada as non-permanent residents, were apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta.
This development comes amid India’s ongoing efforts to counter separatist movements, which it views as a threat to national unity. The Indian government has repeatedly called for international cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism, urging countries like Canada to recognize and act against entities that jeopardize global security.
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