India waits for details on arrests in Canada over Sikh separatist’s murder

5 May, Kathmandu – Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that India would await information from Canadian authorities regarding the three Indian men recently arrested and charged with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. Canadian police announced the charges on Friday, indicating they are investigating potential links between the suspects and the Indian government.

Jaishankar acknowledged reports of the arrests, noting that the suspects appear to have ties to gang activity but emphasized the need to await official information from law enforcement. The trio, all Indian nationals, were apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb with a significant Sikh community, in June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously referenced credible allegations implicating the Indian government, leading to tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi.

Nijjar, a Canadian citizen advocating for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland, was branded a “terrorist” by Indian authorities. The presence of Sikh separatist factions in Canada has been a source of friction with India for some time.

Canadian authorities mentioned collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies in their investigation but provided no further details, hinting at possible additional arrests in the future.

– PHOTO: REUTERS