May 12th 2024.
Authorities in Washington and Ottawa have made another arrest in connection with the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This comes just a week after the initial arrests of three Indian nationals, which have caused a significant strain on the relationship between India and Canada.
The new suspect, 22-year-old Amandeep Singh, is facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Nijjar, 45, was killed outside a Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) stated that Singh was taken into custody on May 11 for his involvement in Nijjar's murder. He was already in custody for unrelated firearms charges.
Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, the Officer in Charge of IHIT, commented on the recent arrest, stating that it shows the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for Nijjar's death accountable. The police also mentioned that due to ongoing investigations and court processes, no further details can be released at this time.
In addition to Singh's arrest, three other Indian nationals were arrested on May 3 for Nijjar's murder. Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and 28-year-old Karanpreet Singh, all residing in Edmonton, have also been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The strained relationship between India and Canada began in September of last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in Nijjar's murder. However, India has dismissed these allegations as absurd and motivated. Nijjar was a Khalistani separatist and was wanted in India on multiple terror charges.
Following Trudeau's allegations, India asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country to maintain parity. As a result, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their family members from India. India has made it clear that their main issue with Canada is the country's tolerance for separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements.
In an interview with PTI, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over Canada's leniency towards Khalistani separatist elements and questioned how individuals with questionable backgrounds are allowed to enter and live in Canada. He stated that in any rule-based society, it is expected to check people's backgrounds, but it seemed like Canada's vote bank is more powerful than its rule of law.
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of freedom of speech but emphasized that it should not be used to threaten foreign diplomats or support separatism. He also expressed concern over how individuals with dubious documents are being allowed to enter Canada, referring to the presence of Khalistani supporters among Sikh migrants from Punjab. Overall, the relationship between India and Canada remains tense, with India temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens last year in response to Trudeau's allegations. However, visa services have since been resumed.
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