Senior Indian diplomat Sanjay Verma condemned Canada’s declaration of him as a “person of interest” in the murder case of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, describing it as “a kind of back-stabbing.” This statement comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
Verma expressed his shock at the Canadian government’s actions, labeling them the “most unprofessional approach to bilateral relations.” He accused Canada of being a safe haven for Khalistani terrorists and extremists, stating, “Khalistani terrorists and extremists found refuge in Canada due to the lenient Canadian legal system.”
Diplomatic Fallout and Allegations
In response to the escalating tensions, India withdrew its senior diplomats, including Verma, and expelled six Canadian diplomats. Verma claimed that a small faction, approximately 10,000 hard-line Khalistanis in Canada, has exploited the situation, turning Khalistan into a “business” involving human trafficking, gun running, and extortion.
Recalling a recent incident, Verma shared that while visiting Toronto, he was summoned by Canadian officials to discuss the inquiry into Nijjar’s murder. He revealed that he was requested to waive his diplomatic immunity for questioning by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), a demand he viewed as a serious diplomatic affront.
Ongoing Dispute Over Evidence
The Indian government has categorically rejected Canada’s allegations, deeming them “absurd and motivated.” Verma emphasized that India has not received any substantial evidence from Canada to support the claims. Earlier this month, Trudeau admitted that his government had only shared intelligence with India, not concrete evidence, regarding the allegations.
“We have never done anything covert; Canada has not shared a shred of evidence,” Verma stated, reinforcing India’s stance in the ongoing diplomatic row.
