Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has affirmed the fundamental right of all Canadians to live free from discrimination, threats of violence, and to feel safe in their country. He made this statement at the Sikh Foundation of Canada gala in Toronto on Saturday, in response to the arrest of three individuals in connection with the murder of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.
The arrests have led to a diplomatic spat between Canada and India, with India calling it an internal issue and refusing to comment. However, Canada has emphasized its commitment to solving the case and protecting its citizens.
While the initial report of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions had accused India of meddling in Canada’s affairs, India has repeatedly denied any such interference.
The three arrested individuals, Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, are all residents of Edmonton, Alberta, and have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Investigators have alleged a link between them and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The killing of Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023, had strained India-Canada relations after Trudeau’s statement in the House of Commons three months later that there were “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder.
India had reacted strongly to these charges, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.” However, more recently, India has indicated that it could cooperate if “specific and relevant” information was provided with regard to any Indian angle.
The arrests have heightened tensions between the two countries, but both sides have expressed a willingness to work together to resolve the issue.
