Title: Canadian Official Claims India’s Involvement in Sikh Activist’s Killing Based on Surveillance
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Toronto, Canada – The allegation of India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh Canadian is reportedly based on surveillance conducted on Indian diplomats in Canada, according to a Canadian official familiar with the matter. This surveillance, which also involved intelligence provided by a major ally, was part of the ongoing investigation into the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist, in a Vancouver suburb in June.
The Canadian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the communications under scrutiny involved Indian officials and diplomats in Canada. Additionally, some of the intelligence was provided by a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. However, the official did not disclose which ally provided the intelligence or provide specific details of the contents or the manner in which it was obtained.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was the first to report on the intelligence. Following the revelation, India retaliated by halting the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and requested Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff. This move further strained the once-close relationship between the two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement earlier this week, in which he mentioned “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the assassination, has plunged ties between Canada and India to their lowest point in years. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, had been wanted by India for several years prior to his murder outside the temple he led in Surrey, Canada.
Trudeau, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, acknowledged the complex diplomatic situation he faces, emphasizing the importance of working with India. He stated that Canada is committed to upholding the rule of law while protecting its citizens, but without provoking or causing problems.
Currently, Canada has not presented any public evidence to support Trudeau’s allegations. Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, indicated that the release of evidence might not occur in the near future, emphasizing the importance of justice being pursued under the framework of the rule of law in Canada.
As a response to India’s visa suspension, Canadian visa services have been temporarily halted, affecting Canadians who do not possess valid visas and preventing them from traveling to India. This has had immediate ramifications, particularly among individuals with personal or business ties to India.
Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi attributed the visa suspension to safety concerns, citing security threats faced by Indian diplomatic missions in Canada. However, specific details regarding these threats were not provided.
The Indian government called for a reduction in Canadian diplomats in India, claiming that there are more Canadian diplomats in India than Indian diplomats in Canada. The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi issued a statement confirming the functioning of its consulates in India, urging India to provide security for its diplomats and consular officers.
The strained relationship between Canada and India over Sikh separatist movements has long been a point of contention. Despite this, both countries have maintained strong defense and trade ties, as well as shared strategic interests in dealing with China’s global ambitions.
Though tensions remain high, Canada and India continue to navigate this diplomatic crisis and work towards resolving their differences. The pursuit of justice and adherence to the rule of law are emphasized on both sides, with future developments anticipated to shed more light on the case.
Note: This article is based on available information and the official statements made by individuals involved. Further updates and developments may provide additional context and details in the future.
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