The External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, made strong statements regarding the killing of India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to the arrest of three Indian nationals. Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, voiced his disapproval of the remarks, stating that the EAM is "entitled to his opinion."
During an interaction with a reporter regarding Jaishankar's comments on the arrests, Minister Miller emphasized, "We're not complacent. The Indian foreign minister has his perspective, and I respect that. However, I believe it doesn't align with the reality of the situation," as aired on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC), a Canadian specialty TV network.
Jaishankar had recently criticized Canada for allegedly harboring individuals from India with ties to organized crime, disregarding warnings issued by New Delhi.
When pressed for details on whether the accused individuals held student visas, Miller refrained from providing specifics, citing the ongoing police investigation. He directed inquiries concerning this matter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Jaishankar lambasted the administration led by Justin Trudeau, accusing it of legitimizing "extremism, separatism, and advocates of violence" under the guise of freedom of speech. He asserted this on May 5, highlighting Canada's issuance of visas to individuals with alleged links to organized crime despite warnings from New Delhi.
Jaishankar also pointed out the emergence of a politically influential lobby in Canada consisting of individuals with 'pro-Pakistan leanings.'
The assassination of Nijjar occurred when he was leaving a gurdwara in Surrey in June of the previous year. A video allegedly depicting his killing surfaced in March of this year, purportedly showing Nijjar being shot by assailants in what was claimed to be a 'contract killing.'
In 2023, the Canadian Prime Minister insinuated Indian involvement in the assassination, a claim vehemently refuted by India as 'baseless and agenda-driven.' The Canadian authorities have not provided any evidence linking India to the assassination.
On May 4, the Canadian police released photographs of the three individuals arrested in connection with Nijjar's killing. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the trio, all Indian nationals, as Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22), and circulated their images. The arrests took place in Edmonton City, Alberta.
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