International desk: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his concerns over India’s involvement in the death of Khalistani leader Hardeep Nijjar. However, these claims remain unsubstantiated, with no concrete evidence presented by the Canadian government despite claiming to have ‘credible reasons’ for making the allegations.
According to reports from CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) released overnight, Canada’s government allegedly claimed to have collected a trove of intelligence over several months concerning Nijjar’s demise. This intelligence reportedly includes conversations with Indian diplomats residing in Canada.
CBC sources also suggested that certain Indian officials have privately acknowledged the existence of this intelligence. Nevertheless, the Indian government has firmly rejected any connection to Nijjar’s killing, dismissing the allegations as ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated.’
During a recent news conference in New York, Prime Minister Trudeau failed to provide substantive evidence supporting Canada’s claims. Instead, he reiterated that there were “credible reasons” to suspect India’s involvement and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in a world governed by international rules-based orders. Trudeau urged India to take the matter seriously, calling for transparency, accountability, and justice.
As part of the ongoing investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death, several Canadian officials have made trips to India, seeking cooperation. Jody Thomas, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Adviser, spent over four days in India in mid-August and an additional five days this month. Remarkably, his most recent visit coincided with a meeting between Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has responded by stating that Canada has not shared specific information regarding Nijjar’s killing. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed India’s willingness to review any provided information but emphasized that none had been received thus far.
Bagchi also pointed out that while India had shared specific evidence of criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil, no action had been taken in response. He suggested that the Canadian government’s allegations may have a political motive, indicating a degree of prejudice in their actions.
The death of Hardeep Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, occurred when he was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. This incident triggered an international investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
The lack of evidence in the Nijjar case is a serious concern. It raises questions about the fairness of the Canadian justice system and the Indian government’s commitment to justice. It is important that both governments work together to ensure that Nijjar’s murder is properly investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice.