Amid the ongoing diplomatic tension between India and Canada, the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, expressed strong suspicions that the government led by Justin Trudeau is withholding crucial information related to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar, the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was shot dead by unknown assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June.
Eby raised concerns about the lack of effective information sharing between the Canadian federal government and the province of British Columbia. He emphasized the need for Ottawa to provide the necessary details to ensure the safety of residents.
Prime Minister Trudeau had previously stated that Canada shared “credible allegations” with India regarding potential government involvement in Nijjar’s killing. Eby, however, stated that all the information he had was already public knowledge, despite having received a briefing from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director.
Eby suggested that reforms may be needed in the governing act of CSIS to enable them to share relevant information. He stressed the importance of building trust between the federal and provincial governments to address the situation effectively.
In response to these developments, India has reportedly conveyed its concerns to key Western partners and friends about the increased activities of anti-India elements originating from Canadian soil.
However, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that Canada had not provided specific information to India regarding the case of Nijjar’s killing. He expressed India’s willingness to examine any specific information that might be shared in the future.
The strained relations between India and Canada escalated when Prime Minister Trudeau alleged the “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil. India rejected these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” leading to diplomatic expulsions on both sides.
