[gpt3] Rewrite this title: Canada expels Indian diplomat as it investigates India’s possible link to Sikh activist’s slaying [/gpt4]

Canadian Diplomat Expulsion Amidst Investigation into Links with Sikh Activist’s Assassination

Canada has expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat as it investigates allegations of possible involvement of the Indian government in the assassination of a Sikh activist in Canada. The news was announced on Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who referred to the allegations as credible. The investigation concerns the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an advocate of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland. Nijjar was killed outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18.

Trudeau’s Communication to Modi

Trudeau revealed that he discussed the incident with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit the previous week. He informed Modi that any involvement of the Indian government would be unacceptable and requested cooperation in the investigation. Following this, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced the expulsion of the head of Indian intelligence in Canada. Joly referred to the incident as a severe violation of Canada’s sovereignty and of the basic rules of international relations.

Tensions Between Canada and India

The expulsion comes amidst strained relations between Canada and India. Ongoing trade negotiations have been disrupted, and a planned trade mission to India has been cancelled by Canada. At the G20 meeting, Modi expressed strong concerns about Canada’s handling of the Punjabi independence movement. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement calling the Sikh movement a source of secessionism and violence against Indian diplomats. It urged Canada to cooperate in addressing what it perceives as a threat to the Indian diaspora in Canada.

Calls for Cooperation and Investigation

Canada’s Sikh population is over 770,000, approximately 2% of the total population. Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies have been investigating potential links between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s killing. He emphasized the unacceptability of foreign government involvement in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil. Trudeau also called for calm among members of the Indo-Canadian community, some of whom felt frightened or angry. He urged the Indian government to cooperate in resolving the matter.

Active Investigation and International Consultations

The investigation into the assassination is being led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Canada’s national security adviser and the head of Canada’s spy service traveled to India to discuss the allegations with their counterparts. Trudeau also discussed the matter with U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He stressed the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Khalistan Movement and Nijjar’s Assassination

The Khalistan movement, which is banned in India due to perceived national security threats, still has support in northern India and countries with a significant Sikh diaspora, like Canada and the UK. At the time of his death, Nijjar was organizing a referendum in India for an independent Sikh state. Indian authorities had previously announced a cash reward for information leading to Nijjar’s arrest, accusing him of involvement in an attack on a Hindu priest in India.

Reaction to the Assassination

The World Sikh Organization of Canada described Nijjar as an outspoken supporter of Khalistan who often led peaceful protests against human rights violations in India. It was reported that Nijjar had publicly spoken about threats to his life and being targeted by Indian intelligence agencies. Nijjar’s lawyer, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stated that Nijjar had been warned about a potential assassination attempt by “mercenaries” before his death. Political scientist and international relations expert at the University of Toronto, Janice Stein, described the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil as astounding and tragic for the country.

Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-09-19 02:24:00