Canada-India tensions escalate: What Justin Trudeau said about Nijjar’s killing
In the latest episode of international drama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stirred the pot of controversy, insinuating that Ottawa possessed evidence linking India to the murder of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This claim came while Trudeau hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, taking the media spotlight.
Canada’s Game of Intelligence and India’s Alleged Involvement
As per Trudeau, Canada had tipped India about these ‘credible allegations’ concerning Nijjar’s killing weeks before the world knew about it. Emphasizing Canada’s cooperative approach, Trudeau indirectly conveyed that Canada had reached out to India for a constructive dialogue on this serious issue.
Making the scenario murkier, recent reports from Canadian media houses suggest that Ottawa conducted an intensive investigation over several months, involving both human and signals intelligence, into the assassination of the Sikh separatist leader.
It’s essential to note that Trudeau, after a rather chilly reception during his G20 tour in New Delhi, came back to Canada and spiced up an emergency parliament session. He hinted at his government’s investigation into what he subtly termed as ‘credible allegations’ hinting at New Delhi’s potential involvement in Nijjar’s assassination.
Justin Trudeau’s controversial claim about India and separatist leader’s murder. Photo courtesy of Eurasia Group/Wikimedia Commons.
The Murder Mystery of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
For those in the dark, Nijjar met his end on June 18, gunned down by anonymous assassins in Surrey, Canada’s Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib parking lot. Indian security wings label him as a Khalistan separatist movement activist. They also suggest he secured Canadian citizenship by manipulating his identity.
Trudeau’s Changing Melodies
However, Trudeau’s narrative has seen a recent shift. Instead of sticking to his strong accusations, he seems to be striking a more conciliatory note with New Delhi, probably due to a lack of backup from international allies. Indirectly mentioning earlier in the week, Trudeau tried to de-escalate, suggesting Canada wasn’t accusing India, but instead wanted them to delve deeper into the issue.
Yet, Trudeau’s administration is currently in the hot seat, facing questions for not presenting the so-called ‘credible evidence’ linking India to the murder. Observers are speculating whether Trudeau might have bitten off more than he could chew with these bold allegations.