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The recent diplomatic row between India and Canada has escalated with the recalled Indian envoy to Canada, Sanjay Verma, launching a scathing attack on the Canadian legal system. Verma alleges that Canada's lenient legal system has provided refuge to “Khalistani terrorists and extremists,” a claim he has repeatedly made in recent days. This accusation stems from the ongoing investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader in Canada, who was shot dead in June 2023.
Verma specifically criticizes Canada's approach to the Nijjar case, questioning the probe process and expressing doubt about the removal of Goldy Brar's name from the “wanted list” despite India's inclusion of him, along with Lawrence Bishnoi, as suspects in the case. He argues that even though the Khalistani movement is supported by a small minority of the Sikh community in Canada, they are able to exert undue influence due to their aggressive campaigning. Verma claims that these “hard-line” Khalistanis are involved in human trafficking and collecting funds through gurdwaras for “nefarious business.”
Verma further accuses Canada of backstabbing India by naming him and other Indian diplomats as “persons of interest” in the Nijjar investigation, calling this move “the most unprofessional approach to bilateral relations.” This decision, which led to the expulsion of several Indian diplomats, including Verma, has been condemned by India as “politically motivated.” The Indian foreign ministry has also dismissed the allegations against the diplomats as “preposterous,” attributing them to the Trudeau government's “political agenda centered around vote bank politics.” This diplomatic impasse highlights the deep-seated tensions between India and Canada, fueled by the Khalistani issue and the perception of Canadian support for separatist groups. The situation remains volatile with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, further straining the already fragile relationship.
Source: Khalistanis found refuge in Canada due to lenient legal system: Recalled envoy Sanjay Verma