“Canada’s Defence Minister Calls for Investigation Amidst Row with India Over Khalistani Terrorist Allegations”

Amidst escalating tensions in the relationship between India and Canada, the Canadian Defence Minister, Bill Blair, has reaffirmed the importance of conducting a comprehensive investigation into allegations surrounding the killing of a Khalistani terrorist. This statement comes in the wake of a major diplomatic row between the two nations sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s comments regarding the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani figure.

Here are the top developments in the ongoing India-Canada dispute:

1. Trudeau’s Explosive Accusation: The diplomatic discord between India and Canada was ignited when Prime Minister Trudeau made a startling accusation, suggesting that “Indian government agents” might be involved in the shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
2. Canada’s Responsibility: Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized the need to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations while acknowledging the complexities and challenges this issue poses in their bilateral relationship with India.
3. Concerns Over Sovereignty: Blair also highlighted that if the allegations were proven true, Canada would have significant concerns about the violation of its sovereignty.
4. US Involvement: The top US diplomat, David Cohen, revealed that it was shared intelligence among the “Five Eyes” alliance that prompted Trudeau to publicly make the grave accusations against India.
5. India’s Rejection: India swiftly rejected these allegations as “absurd” and called for Canada to provide specific information to substantiate its claims. The Indian foreign ministry has also issued advisories to its nationals in Canada, urging them to exercise caution.
6. Trudeau’s Claims: Prime Minister Trudeau maintained that “credible allegations” had been shared with India weeks prior and expressed the desire for constructive engagement to address the matter.
7. Global Concerns: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern over the allegations and stressed the importance of accountability in the case.
8. India’s Counterclaims: India has accused Canada of not taking action based on specific evidence related to criminal activities conducted by individuals residing in Canada. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has compiled a list of 19 fugitive Khalistani terrorists residing in various countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Dubai, Pakistan, and others, whose assets may face confiscation.
9. The Nijjar Case: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Canada’s British Columbia in June. He held a prominent position as the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and was one of India’s most wanted terrorists.

As the diplomatic dispute continues to unfold, both India and the international community closely monitor developments and seek a resolution to the growing tensions between the two nations.

Sources By Agencies