India-Canada tensions have taken a notch higher as Canadian government has alleged that Indian agents includinh Home Minister Amit Shah was involved in attacking Khalistanis outside. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang and RAW were allegedly associated to target Khalistanis, according to the allegations by the Canadian authorities, which has escalated an already strained relationship between the two countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau termed India’s move as “unacceptable” after the country expelled six Canadian diplomats in a move bold by everyone. The retaliatory diplomatic action had just been announced, hours earlier, when Canada’s foreign ministry announced the expulsion of six Indian diplomats. This is amidst deteriorating relations due to India’s continued criticism of Canada for allegedly allowing pro-Khalistan activities to flourish within its borders. Allegations that Minister Amit Shah was involved in attacking Khalistanis do not go well with India.
Indian government agents are attacking Khalistanis including the Bishnoi gang, claims Canadian government
The RCMP has added to all this drama by stating that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been found to be in league with Indian government operatives and is apparently being used as an asset for “organized crime elements” to target pro-Khalistani people. This relates to the probe into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader whose assassination in Canada has led to a diplomatic row.
The RCMP has also said that the Indian diplomats in Canada were directly gathering intelligence about the local members of the South Asian community. It said that these were undercover activities allegedly for the Indian agencies targeting Khalistani activists. According to the Canadians, such allegations are a serious threat to public safety as violent extremism reportedly threatens democracy in the country.
At the heart of these tensions are Canada’s large Sikh diaspora, around 770,000 in number. The pro-Khalistan movement is based on the separatist insurgency that erupted in the 1980s in India’s Punjab. Trudeau also claimed that he has “clear and compelling evidence” of Indian government agents involved in violent activity, including coercive actions and murder, further straining the already fragile diplomatic relations.
Also, see: ‘There will be no India left’ – Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens India
