In a recent development that has further exacerbated the simmering tensions between Canada and India, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made a grave accusation against the Indian government. Trudeau has openly alleged that the Indian administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, may have played a sinister role in the assassination of a prominent Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, right on Canadian soil.
The tragic incident unfolded outside a Sikh temple in the province of British Columbia on June 18, where Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot. Trudeau, speaking before the Canadian House of Commons, expressed his belief that there might be Indian government involvement in this heinous act. As a result of these serious allegations, Trudeau has taken a drastic step by expelling a high-ranking Indian diplomat, who was the head of Indian intelligence operations in Canada. This diplomatic move underscores the gravity of the situation and further intensifies the diplomatic rift between the two nations.
The backdrop to this escalating tension is the longstanding demand by Sikh protesters in Canada for an independent homeland in the Punjab region of northern India, known as Khalistan. These Sikh activists have been vocal in their pursuit of this goal, and their activities have drawn the attention of the Indian government. Prime Minister Modi has urged Trudeau to take strong measures against these protesters, calling for a crackdown on their activities in Canada.In light of these circumstances, Trudeau’s statement in the Canadian House of Commons not only addressed the tragic death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar but also highlighted the broader context of the situation. Canadian security agencies have been actively investigating the incident, with their findings pointing to the possibility of Nijjar being assassinated by Indian agents. This ongoing investigation adds a layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Canada and India, with diplomatic, political, and security implications that are likely to reverberate on the international stage.