New Delhi – India has vehemently refuted allegations made by the Canadian government that sought to establish a connection between India and the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In an official statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) categorically dismissed these claims as “unfounded” and “driven by ulterior motives.” The Indian government asserts that these accusations are a deliberate ploy to divert attention from the presence of Khalistani militants and extremists taking shelter in Canada.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent 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 concerns about the Canadian government’s failure to take decisive action in this matter, particularly in providing refuge to these individuals. India, a staunch democracy committed to upholding the rule of law, expressed deep apprehension over the Canadian government’s lack of action. The statement emphasized that these baseless allegations were an attempt to divert attention from the actual threat posed by Khalistani militants and extremists who have found sanctuary in Canada. This concern has persisted for an extended period.
Moreover, the Indian government urged Canadian authorities to promptly 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 shown sympathy for such elements, causing alarm. It pointed out that Canada has a history of harboring various illicit activities, including murder, human trafficking, and organized crime, but firmly rejected any attempt to connect the Indian government to these developments.
The recent diplomatic standoff has led to the suspension of India-Canada trade talks, following Canada’s stance on pro-Khalistan elements.
These developments unfolded after Canada’s announcement of an active investigation into 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, as part of the investigation, Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asserting that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen constitutes 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 with a significant Sikh population, was Nijjar’s stage. He ardently advocated for a separate Khalistani state and was labeled a “terrorist” by India in July 2020.