Hardeep Nijjar killing: Canada-India tensions escalate as BC premier backs Trudeau's claims on Nijjar case
Vancouver, September 19: Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that India might be connected to the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force Chief Hardeep Nijjar, British Columbia Premier David Eby echoed these sentiments on Monday.
In a statement, David Eby emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of Canadians from foreign government interference, including threats and physical harm, including murder. He stated, "Canadians across the country must be safe from the interference of foreign governments, including being targeted for threats or physical harm, including murder. Our democracy depends on it."
Hardeep Nijjar, a wanted individual in India, met a tragic end when he was gunned down outside a Gurdwara in a parking area in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Hailing from Bharsinghpur village in Punjab's Jalandhar, Nijjar had been residing in Surrey and had been declared an "absconder" by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). In July 2022, the NIA had announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for Nijjar in connection with the killing of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar.
British Columbia Premier David Eby expressed his concern over the situation, saying, "This afternoon, I received a further briefing from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) on these allegations. I am deeply disturbed and angered by this information." He pledged to take measures to enhance the protection of British Columbia's residents against violence or threats from state actors.
Furthermore, David Eby called on the Canadian government to share all relevant information related to any known ongoing foreign interference and transnational organized crime threats with provincial authorities and the government to enable coordinated efforts to protect those at risk.
Earlier on Monday, addressing the Canadian Parliament, Justin Trudeau had stated, "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, Hardeep Singh Nijjar." He emphasized that any foreign involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil was unacceptable and violated Canada's sovereignty.
Meanwhile, in a sign of worsening bilateral relations, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced the expulsion of an Indian diplomat in response to PM Trudeau's statement implicating India in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Joly stated, "We see this possible breach of sovereignty as completely unacceptable, and so, that is also why we’re coming (out) with this information (of the expulsion of the Indian diplomat) today."
India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected the allegations made by the Canadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, labeling them as absurd. The statement from India said, "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 the Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated." It also reaffirmed India's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
- ANI
