Toronto: In a recent statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the nation’s adherence to the rule of law and the strength of its independent justice system, following the arrest of three Indian nationals linked to the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau highlighted Canada’s unwavering commitment to the safety and equal rights of all its citizens, a sentiment he shared during a Sikh heritage and culture event in Toronto.
Najjar, a Canadian citizen, tragically lost his life on June 18, 2023, when he was fatally shot outside a gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, all Indian nationals residing in Edmonton, on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported Trudeau’s remarks, which were in line with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) announcement that the investigation is still active and not limited to the three individuals recently apprehended. Trudeau acknowledged the anxiety felt within Canada’s Sikh community post-Nijjar’s murder, reaffirming the fundamental right of every Canadian to live in a safe environment, free from discrimination and violence.
The incident has caused a diplomatic strain between India and Canada, especially after Trudeau suggested the possible involvement of an Indian agent in Nijjar’s killing last September a claim that India has strongly denied, labeling it as baseless and politically motivated. The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has been a longstanding concern for India, which had previously labeled Nijjar as a terrorist.
The RCMP, in collaboration with US law enforcement agencies, executed the arrests without disclosing further details. Additional arrests are anticipated, as indicated by the police. David Teboul, the assistant commissioner of the RCMP and commander of the force in the Pacific region, refrained from commenting on the alleged connections between the arrested individuals and Indian officials but confirmed that the investigation into potential links with the Indian government is ongoing.
In response to the unfolding events, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar remarked on Saturday that the developments surrounding Nijjar’s murder are primarily a result of Canada’s internal political dynamics and are unrelated to India. He pointed out that a faction of the pro-Khalistan movement is exploiting Canada’s democratic framework to establish a lobby and influence the electoral process.
