Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has accused the Indian government of involvement in the fatal shooting of a Canadian Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Nijjar was killed by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, BC. on June 18.
He was famous for advocating for an independent Khalistani state, a cause the Indian government labeled as ‘terrorist’, and accused him of leading a militant separatist group, allegations that were denied by his supporters.
Canada has expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of ‘credible allegations’ linking the Indian government to the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
India had previously designated Nijjar as a terrorist threat due to his alleged involvement in a Sikh separatist movement. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, confirmed the expulsion of the Indian intelligence agency head in Canada and pledged to investigate further.
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Trudeau expressed concerns to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the violation of Canadian sovereignty during a G20 meeting.
Canadian authorities are still investigating the murder but have not made any arrests yet. The High Commission of India in Ottawa has not responded to requests for comment.