India rejects Canada's allegation of Killing Khalistani terrorist Nijjar

In a new  controversy between the Indian and Canadian government, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called out India as he made solid allegations on India for being involved in killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau made this statement from the parliament of Canada on Monday and later the government expelled a senior Indian Diplomat.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Khalistani separatist and was a designated and wanted terrorist by NIA. Hardeep headed the  Khalistani Tiger Force and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). He was killed in the premise of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Colombia. He was also heading the Gurudwara. Previously, India's National Investigation agency, NIA, also offered  Rs1 million for information on Nijjar. Nijjar was killed on June 18 in the premises of the Gurudwara by an unknown  identity.

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen,” . “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.”

Trudeau also stated that he raised the same issue with the PM Modi during his G20 visit to India.  Following this, a senior Indian diplomat was also expelled from Canada on Monday by the foreign Ministry. The foreign minister of Canada said “We will protect Canadians at all times. We expect India’s full collaboration to get to the bottom of this.”

In retaliation, the External Affairs Ministry rejected these allegations saying that "We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister.
Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated. Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister, and were completely rejected."

Indian government's Ministry of External Affairs also summed Canadian High Commissioner, Cameron MacKay and informed him about his expulsion. India asked the diplomat to leave the country within 5 days. This major strict decision by India portrays Indian government's will to defend itself and it's ability to give an equal reaction.

The ministry blamed Canadian Government for shifting focus from the Khalistani Terrorists and extremists, who have been taking shelter in the Canada and that the government is not acting against it despite efforts from India. "Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The inaction of the Canadian Government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern." said the ministry.  The ministry also urged the government of Canada to take strict action against anti- Indian elements operating from their soils.

Canada is being ruled by Justin Trudeau's party Liberal Party of Canada in coalition with New Democratic Party (NDP) lead by Jagmeet Singh who belongs to Sikh community. This is the possible reason behind Trudeau administration not taking strong action against the Khalistani separatists, as they might fear that NDP would take away their support from the government if any action the Sikh community is taken resulting in the fall of government.

Apart from this, bilateral relations between India and Canada have been growing bitter for some years. The latest was seen during G20 summit when  Justin Trudeau could not fly back to his country after attending G20, as his plane faced malfunction.  The Indian government then offered Air India One which is used by President, Vice -President and Prime Minister of India, but Trudeau declined the offer.  PM Modi also expressed his dissatisfaction with Canada's handling of the Khalistan Movement on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Recently Canada postponed Trade mission to India indefinitely. Apart from this, Canada has been home to several anti-India acts recently. A Hindu temple was smeared with anti-India and Anti-Modi slogans as well. India still await strong steps against Khalistani elements from Canada and with the recent proceeding those hopes seem to be extended indefinitely.

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