Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his commitment to working with Bharat to uncover the truth behind the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan figure, in Surrey, British Columbia, last year. Trudeau, speaking at a media event in Vancouver, emphasized the need for collaboration between Ottawa and New Delhi to ensure such incidents don’t recur.
Trudeau refrained from providing specific updates on the investigation’s progress but reiterated Canada’s willingness to cooperate fully. He stressed the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding Nijjar’s murder and preventing any future vulnerabilities for Canadians.
Tensions between Bharat and Canada escalated following Trudeau’s remarks in the House of Commons in September, where he hinted at potential links between Bharatiya agents and Nijjar’s murder. However, despite over nine months passing since the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took on the case, no arrests have been made, nor has substantial evidence been presented.
Asserting Canada’s stance on upholding the rule of law, Trudeau reaffirmed the country’s commitment to conducting thorough and independent investigations in accordance with justice system principles and police autonomy.
Meanwhile, Bharat has initiated a high-level inquiry into an alleged assassination attempt on Gurpatwant Pannun, the general counsel for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in New York. Although this inquiry reportedly uncovered rogue elements involved in the plot, it hasn’t addressed Nijjar’s case due to a lack of specific and relevant information from Canada regarding the investigation.
The Bharatiya government official highlighted that the focus of the inquiry remains on the Pannun case, with follow-up actions expected to center around the recent developments in the attempted assassination plot. Nik Gupta, an Bharatiya national implicated in the case, currently awaits potential extradition to the United States from the Czech Republic, where he faces charges of orchestrating the hit on Pannun.
In conclusion, as both Canada and Bharat grapple with the complexities surrounding these incidents, the need for transparent communication and collaborative efforts between the two nations becomes increasingly evident. Trudeau’s remarks signal a willingness to address concerns raised by Bharat while maintaining Canada’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. However, the path forward remains contingent on effective cooperation and the exchange of pertinent information between the two countries.
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