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Rabat – Tensions are escalating between India and Canada over the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an Indian-Canadian Sikh involved with the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a homeland for Sikhs in the Punjab region.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent statement regarding “credible allegations” of potential involvement of Indian government agents in Nijjar’s murder has exacerbated the situation.
After dropping the major allegation surrounding the killing of Nijar, who was shot dead in British Columbia in June, Canada decided to expel a top Indian diplomat.
“Today we’re acting by expelling a key diplomat, but we will get to the bottom of this,” Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told reporters.
India, which categorically rejected the suspicions, responded with a similar move, expelling a senior Canadian diplomat and ordering him to leave the country within five days.
In light of the deepening rift between the two countries, India issued on Wednesday a travel advisory urging its nationals in Canada, especially students, to exercise “utmost caution” due to the deteriorating ties.
Read also: India: Sikh Activist on his 39th Day of Hunger Strike
Canada’s public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc countered the advisory, stressing that Canada remains a safe country.
The situation has raised worries, with the United States expressing “deep concern” over Canada’s allegations and urging cooperation between the traditional allies to investigate the matter.
The tensions are reflective of longstanding issues concerning Sikh separatist activities in Canada, where the Sikh community holds significant political influence, Reuters reported.
India has consistently urged Canada to act against anti-Indian elements and curb Sikh separatist protests. The recent murder has exacerbated these concerns, leading India to intensify its crackdown on alleged Khalistani terrorists, added the news agency.
Born in the Jalandhar district of Punjab in 1978, Nijjar immigrated to Canada at the age of 19. He settled in British Columbia, where he built a life as a plumber, husband, and father to two sons, according to BBC.
Nijjar was an outspoken proponent of Khalistan. However, his activism drew controversy, leading to accusations of terrorism from India, who alleged connections to the banned militant group Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
