Surveillance of Indian Envoys in Canada Gives Rise to Accusations Concerning Sikh Activist’s Death, Official States

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Based on monitoring activities targeting Indian diplomats residing in Canada, allegations have arisen implicating India in the murder of a Canadian Sikh, according to a high-ranking Canadian official who spoke to The Big Big News. This official, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to disclose the issue, revealed that certain intelligence was contributed by one of the member nations of the “Five Eyes” intelligence consortium, which is comprised of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

While the official declined to name which “Five Eyes” country provided the intelligence or delve into specific details regarding the nature of the intercepted communications, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation was the first to disclose the information.

In a further escalation of tensions between India and Canada, New Delhi ceased issuing visas to Canadian nationals and called for a downsizing of Canada’s diplomatic corps in the country. The tensions surfaced after Canada accused India of possible involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh separatist, in a suburb of Vancouver in June.

Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated to an unprecedented low following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public statement earlier this week. Trudeau claimed there were “credible allegations” implicating India in the assassination of the activist.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a plumber by trade who gained Canadian citizenship in 2007 after being born in India, was targeted and fatally shot near a temple he managed in Surrey. He had been sought by Indian authorities for several years prior to his death.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trudeau acknowledged the sensitive diplomatic landscape, stating that the decision to discuss these allegations was not made lightly. Trudeau emphasized Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of its citizens.

The sensational claims have triggered a reciprocal expulsion of diplomats between the two nations, with India labeling the allegations as “absurd.” Canada’s U.N. Ambassador, Bob Rae, indicated that corroborative evidence might not be forthcoming in the near future.

In light of the situation, the entity responsible for processing Indian visas in Canada announced a suspension of services until further notice, affecting a significant number of Canadians who frequently travel to India.

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Indian External Affairs Ministry, attributed the suspension of visa services to unspecified security threats. Meanwhile, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi disclosed that their diplomats had received threats online and called for India to provide adequate security measures.

In recent developments, India has cautioned its citizens to exercise vigilance when traveling to Canada due to rising anti-India sentiments and politically sanctioned hate crimes. While India has long been active in intelligence operations across South Asia, orchestrating the killing of a Canadian citizen would be an unprecedented act.

Tensions between the two nations have been further exacerbated by political and strategic interests, particularly regarding India’s concerns about Sikh separatist groups active in Canada. The diplomatic fissure between the countries became more evident during the recent G-20 summit hosted by India, where frosty interactions were observed between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian National Investigation Agency also announced an intensified crackdown on Sikh insurgents, offering monetary rewards for information that could lead to arrests.

Contributors to this report include Big Big News correspondents Ashok Sharma and Krutika Pathi, reporting from New Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions

More about India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions

• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Report on Intelligence
• Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance
• Profile of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
• India-Canada Diplomatic Relations
• Statement from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
• Comments from Canada’s U.N. Ambassador, Bob Rae
• India’s External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson on Visa Suspension
• G20 Summit and India-Canada Relations
• India’s National Investigation Agency on Sikh Insurgents
• Historical Background of Sikh Insurgency and Khalistan Movement