Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently hailed Canada as “a rule-of-law country with a strong and independent justice system.” This statement was made in response to the arrest of three Indian nationals linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau further emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting all its citizens and ensuring ongoing investigations into the matter.
In a separate development, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed concerns regarding the Nijjar killing as “Canada’s internal politics.” He criticized Canada’s lack of evidence to support its allegations implicating Indian agents in Nijjar’s death and accused the Canadian government of failing to provide cooperation in investigations.
The arrests of Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karanpreet Singh (28) have brought new developments to the case. The three Indian nationals residing in Edmonton face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Law enforcement agencies are collaborating with US counterparts, and authorities have hinted at the possibility of further arrests.
Assistant Commissioner David Teboul of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed investigations into connections between the detained trio and Indian authorities. However, specific details were not disclosed.
Jaishankar also expressed concerns over a faction within Canada supportive of Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India. He alleged that some political parties in Canada rely on the backing of pro-Khalistan leaders due to a lack of parliamentary majority.
Tensions between India and Canada have escalated following Trudeau’s allegations implicating Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing. India has dismissed these claims as “absurd” and “motivated,” criticizing Canada for failing to provide evidence or collaborate on investigations.
The shooting of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023, sparked controversy and strained relations between the two nations. India has sought the extradition of 25 pro-Khalistan individuals, but Canada has not yet acted on these requests.
