TORONTO (AP) — Canada stated it was expelling a high Indian diplomat Monday because it investigates what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to as credible allegations that India’s authorities might have had hyperlinks to the assassination in Canada of a Sikh activist.
Trudeau stated in Parliament that Canadian intelligence businesses have been wanting into the allegations after Sikh chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a powerful supporter of an impartial Sikh homeland referred to as Khalistan, was gunned down on June 18 exterior a Sikh cultural heart in Surrey, British Columbia.
Trudeau advised Parliament that he introduced up the slaying with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the G-20 final week, that he advised Modi that any Indian authorities involvement can be unacceptable and that he requested for cooperation within the investigation.
Canadian International Minister Mélanie Joly stated the top of Indian intelligence in Canada has been expelled as a consequence. “If confirmed true this may be an incredible violation of our sovereignty and of probably the most primary rule of how international locations take care of one another,” Joly stated. “As a consequence we now have expelled a high Indian diplomat.”
The Indian Embassy in Ottawa didn’t instantly reply telephone calls from The Related Press searching for remark.
“Over the previous variety of weeks Canadian safety businesses have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a possible hyperlink between brokers of the federal government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar,” Trudeau stated.
Trudeau stated Canada has declared its deep issues to the Indian authorities.
“Final week on the G-20 I introduced them personally and on to Prime Minister Modi in no unsure phrases,” Trudeau stated. “Any involvement of a overseas authorities within the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.”
Trudeau stated his authorities has been working intently and coordinating with Canada’s allies on the case.
“Within the strongest potential phrases I proceed to induce the federal government of India to cooperate with Canada to resolve this matter,” he stated.
Trudeau stated he is aware of there are some members of the Indo-Canadian group who really feel indignant or frightened, and he referred to as for calm.
Opposition Conservative chief Pierre Poilievre stated if the allegations are true they signify ”an outrageous affront to our sovereignty.”
The Khalistan motion is banned in India, the place officers see it and affiliated teams as a nationwide safety risk. However the motion nonetheless has some assist in northern India, in addition to past, in international locations like Canada and the UK that are house to a large Sikh diaspora.
