In the vast expanse of Toronto, Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has eloquently described the nation as a bastion of the rule of law, boasting an unwavering and autonomous judicial structure, coupled with a steadfast dedication to safeguarding its populace. Trudeau’s declaration comes hot on the heels of the apprehension of three individuals from India, accused of the homicide of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national tragically felled by gunfire outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
The trio in question, namely Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, all hailing from India and presently residing in Edmonton, were formally charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder on Friday. Trudeau, addressing attendees at a Toronto gala celebrating Sikh heritage and culture, underscored the significance of the arrests, underscoring Canada’s status as a rule-of-law nation with a robust judicial framework and an unwavering commitment to the protection of all its citizens.
“As elucidated by the RCMP, the investigative process is ongoing, alongside a separate and distinct inquiry extending beyond the involvement of the three individuals apprehended yesterday,” quoted the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), encapsulating Trudeau’s remarks. The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Sikh community in Canada, acknowledging the pervasive sense of insecurity following Nijjar’s demise, asserting the sacrosanct right of every Canadian to dwell securely, free from discrimination and the specter of violence.
The diplomatic rapport between India and Canada endured considerable strain subsequent to Trudeau’s insinuations in September of the previous year regarding the potential complicity of Indian operatives in the demise of 45-year-old Nijjar, a proponent of Khalistan separatism. India promptly rebuffed Trudeau’s accusations as baseless and driven by ulterior motives. The presence of Sikh separatist factions within Canada has long been a source of consternation for India, which had branded Nijjar a “terrorist.”
Following the apprehension of the three Indian nationals implicated in the homicide, Canadian law enforcement divulged collaborative efforts with US counterparts, albeit refraining from divulging specifics. With intimations of potential further arrests, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Assistant Commissioner David Teboul, responsible for overseeing the Pacific region, refrained from commenting on purported connections between the detained trio and Indian authorities, instead emphasizing the ongoing probe into links with the Indian government.
Conversely, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed the unfolding events in Canada concerning Nijjar’s demise as primarily rooted in domestic politics, asserting India’s detachment from the situation. Jaishankar attributed the imbroglio to a faction of pro-Khalistan elements capitalizing on Canada’s democratic ethos to consolidate influence, morphing into a significant voting bloc.
Highlighting the precarious political landscape in Canada, where the ruling party lacks parliamentary majority and certain factions rely on pro-Khalistan figures, Jaishankar emphasized India’s repeated entreaties to refrain from extending visas or providing political legitimacy to such individuals, actions he contends exacerbate tensions. He lamented Canada’s inaction in addressing India’s extradition requests for 25 individuals, predominantly pro-Khalistan, citing a dearth of evidence and cooperation from Canadian authorities. Jaishankar attributed Canada’s adversarial stance towards India to domestic electoral exigencies, characterized by pandering to vote banks as elections loom on the horizon.