According to an AFP article, the Sikh community in Canada is expecting that Ottawa’s startling accusations against India over the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar will be just the first dramatic move taken against supposed “Indian interference.”
Members of Canada’s Sikh community, which is the largest outside of India, expressed relief that the complaint had been made.
“We are happy to see India being held responsible,” said Harkirt Singh Dhadda, a lawyer and major member of the Sikh community in the Toronto area. The removal of a diplomat was a “signal,” but it was not the only thing that was expected.”
“We want an in-depth investigation that brings all those involved in this murder to justice, especially the people who pulled the trigger along with those who plotted it,” he told AFP.
Balraj Singh Nijjar, Hardeep Nijjar’s son, experienced a “sense of relief” that the accusations were finally made public. “Hopefully, you can take this one step further and target particular individuals.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has fired a top Indian diplomat after accusing Indian government agents of assassinating Khalistan advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
However, India has disputed Canada’s charges. “We have seen and criticized the Canadian Prime Minister’s statement in their Parliament, as well as the remark by their Foreign Minister,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Allegations of the Indian government having participated in any act of violence in Canada are ridiculous and motivated…” the statement said. “We are a democratic polity committed to the rule of law.”
Read More: A Look At PM Modi’s Address In Both Old and New Parliament Buildings
In a retaliatory action, India also ordered a top Canadian diplomat to leave the country within five days. It was traditional for India to respond to a Canadian diplomat’s expulsion with a similar step.
India requested that Canadian Ambassador Cameron MacKay inform the “senior Canadian diplomat” of India’s decision to deport him. This action was conducted in direct response to Ottawa’s deportation of an Indian official in connection with Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death.
