Trudeau's Statements Damaged Probe In Nijjar's Killing: Indian Diplomat

India's High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma has said that Canada's police probe into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia has been damaged by a high-level Canadian official's public statements.

Tensions flared between India and Canada in September following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's explosive allegations of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on his country's soil on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India had rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated".

Verma says that Canada has not given concrete evidence by Canada or its allies about India's alleged involvement in Nijjar's killing.

After temporarily suspending visa services until "further notice" in September due to strained relations, India has now reinstated visa services in Canada for four specific categories.

"Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it," The Globe and Mail quoted him as saying.

India resumed visa services in Canada for four categories after halting the services till "further notice" in September amid strained ties.

Last month, Canada pulled 41 diplomats from India, after New Delhi had conveyed its concerns over parity in diplomatic strength.

Ottawa also halted its visa and consular services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates

While outrightly denying India's role in the killing, Verma said any conversations between diplomats are "protected and can't be used as evidence" in court or publicly released. "You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law," he said. "Show me how you captured these conversations. Show me that someone did not mimic the voice."

On being asked if Ottawa had requested that India extradite anyone who might have been involved in the Nijjar slaying, Verma said, "Those conversations are between the two governments."

In response to New Delhi's expressed concerns about equality in diplomatic representation, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India the previous month.

Also, Ottawa suspended its visa and consular services at the Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru consulates.

While firmly rejecting India's involvement in the killing, Verma asserted that any discussions between diplomats are "protected and cannot be presented as evidence" in court or publicly disclosed. He stated, "You are referring to unlawful wiretaps and discussing evidence. Dialogues between two diplomats are safeguarded by all international laws." He further challenged, "Demonstrate how these conversations were intercepted. Show evidence that there was no voice mimicry involved."

When questioned about whether Ottawa had formally asked India to extradite any individual possibly linked to the Nijjar killing, Verma responded, Verma said, "Those conversations are between the two governments."

The Indian envoy also noted that New Delhi has made 26 requests to Ottawa over the past five or six years to extradite people in Canada to India. "We are still waiting for action," he said.
The High Commissioner also said he has been given Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) security because of threats to him.

"I feel that is hate speech and an incitement to violence," Verma said. He added, "I am concerned about my safety and security. I am concerned about the safety and security of my consul generals. God forbid if something happens."

When questioned about what steps New Delhi believed were essential to mend diplomatic relations, the Indian representative emphasized the importance of both parties resolving any conflicts "through professional communication and dialogue."

However, he added that India expects Canada to "rein in Khalistan supporters".

Referring to Nijjar's killing, he said "Let the investigation run its course," but added that Canada must also address the "core issue."

"Don't allow your soil to be used by a group of Canadian citizens who want to dismember India," he said. "Who want to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India."

"There must be some rules, some law in place," Verma added.