Terrorist Pannun admits contact with PM Justin Trudeau amid India-Canada tensions
PTC News Desk: Designated terrorist in India and general counsel of the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has admitted to having contact with the office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the last several years.
Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Pannun revealed that the SFJ was communicating with Trudeau's office about alleged Indian espionage networks on Canadian soil.
When asked about his reaction to recent claims made by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme, Pannun stated, "It shows Canada's unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. Sikhs for Justice has been engaging with the Prime Minister's Office for the past two to three years, outlining all of the spy networks. After years of providing information to the Canadian government, when PM Trudeau came out, it was a positive step forward for justice."
Pannun stated that the expulsion of Indian diplomats by Canada was only the beginning. "We believe that the Indian consulates in Vancouver and Toronto should be permanently closed down. India's sending of other diplomats to fill the vacancies will not dismantle the spy network. This represents a direct challenge to Canadian sovereignty."
Pannun's admission comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
On Monday, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme claimed that Indian government agents were involved in widespread violence in Canada, including killings, extortion, intimidation, and coercion. Duheme said Indian diplomats and consular officials were involved in these violent acts against the South Asian population, notably pro-Khalistani activists. The RCMP also claimed a link between the Indian government and the Bishnoi gang, a criminal organisation that has targeted specific groups in Canada.
India has strongly disputed the allegations, with officials in New Delhi dismissing Canadian authorities' attempts to link Indian agents to criminal organisations.
- With inputs from agencies
