In an unusual turn of events, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, a vocal supporter of the Khalistan movement, left reporters in Ottawa laughing during his press conference. Singh, who previously formed a coalition with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called for the expulsion of Indian diplomats and sanctions against India in response to the ongoing diplomatic row over the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
HAPPENING NOW: Jagmeet Singh calls for “sanctions on Indian diplomats” and then exits the room to the sound of reporters laughing at him. One yells “that’s not how it works” as her colleagues continue mocking Singh for another disastrous press conference. pic.twitter.com/Y7WqcDRkyw
— Alex Zoltan (@AmazingZoltan) October 15, 2024
While Singh pushed for sweeping measures, including banning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) network in Canada, his demands were met with laughter and disbelief by some in the press. “That’s not how it works,” one journalist was heard saying in response to the bold requests.
India-Canada Tensions Escalate Over Nijjar Killing
Singh’s statements come as tensions between India and Canada continue to rise, with Ottawa hinting at potential sanctions against Indian officials. This followed Canadian accusations of Indian agents being involved in organized criminal activities on Canadian soil, including homicide and extortion linked to the pro-Khalistan movement.
India has firmly rejected these claims, denying any official involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and dismissed Canadian attempts to link Indian agents to criminal groups.
A Diplomatic Dispute with No End in Sight
The escalating diplomatic dispute has brought the issue of the Khalistan movement back into the spotlight, with Singh’s vocal support for the separatist cause adding fuel to the fire. While his calls for sanctions might not have been taken seriously, the wider ramifications of this conflict remain unresolved, leaving many to wonder what the next chapter will bring in the Canada-India relationship.
