New Delhi: India has expressed strong disapproval of the Canadian parliament’s recent observance of a “one minute silence” in memory of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot and killed in Surrey, British Columbia, in June last year.
“We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and advocacy of violence,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry.
In a rare and controversial move, the Canadian parliament held the moment of silence two days ago to honor Nijjar.
Relations between India and Canada have been severely strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in September of last year, suggesting “potential” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s death. New Delhi has dismissed Trudeau’s accusations as “absurd.”
India’s stance remains that the core issue is Canada’s leniency towards pro-Khalistan elements operating freely within its borders. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra reiterated this last week, emphasizing India’s concern over the political space provided by Ottawa to anti-India groups that promote extremism and violence.
India has consistently communicated its “deep concerns” to Canada and expects Ottawa to take decisive action against these groups, Kwatra noted.
Nijjar, who was officially labeled a terrorist by India, was killed outside a gurdwara in British Columbia on June 18 of last year. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is currently investigating the murder.
