1 month ago
Last Updated: October 17, 2024, 00:05 IST
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (File photo/AP)
The reaction came after Justin Trudeau acknowledged before an inquiry commission in Ottawa that he had not provided India with concrete proof regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil
Testifying before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions in Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted on Wednesday that when he made the allegation of Indian officials’ involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, all he had was intelligence, not evidence.
“He is clearly saying that some MPs have told him about Indian involvement and he should name them so that we can also reply back with their credentials,” top Indian government sources told CNN-News18. “Canadian parliament is full of Khalistan sympathisers and they have taken Trudeau for a ride. How can a Prime Minister on the basis of only intelligence given by some individuals name and blame a country for killing?”
Canada has accused Indian officials of being involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has categorically rejected the claim and has asked for evidence substantiating the grave allegations.
“Canada asked India to cooperate. Their (India) ask was for proof. We asked Indian security agencies to investigate further and cooperate with us. Because at that point what we (Canada) had was intelligence,” Trudeau said before the panel.
Trudeau’s behaviour is not of a responsible Prime Minister and it has spoiled relations between the two countries, the sources added.
“He has gone public and even on international forums before talking to us. It’s our job to seek evidence before moving an investigation on our side, but in the last one year, no evidence has been given despite asking twenty times,” said a source. “The Indian NSA asked multiple times to his counterpart but there was no response. Trudeau is misguided and governed by Khalistani and ISI elements and he is adamant to spoil the relationship.”
India on Monday expelled six Canadian diplomats and announced withdrawing its high commissioner from Canada after dismissing Ottawa’s allegations linking the envoy to a probe into the killing of Nijjar.
CNN-News18 has already reported how the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCPM) have not mentioned any “Indian agents” though they have had four people in custody in connection with the Nijjar killing for almost a year.
New Delhi has rejected Trudeau’s allegations that India was engaging in activities including carrying out covert operations targeting Canadian nationals in his country.
CNN-News18 has also reported how a drug and immigration cartel is flourishing in Canada with the involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
