Canada Urges Vigilance for Its Citizens in India – Key Points

New Delhi: Tensions escalate following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, prompting Canada to update its travel advisory for its citizens in India, urging them to “stay vigilant and exercise caution.

1. In light of recent developments in both Canada and India, calls for protests and negative sentiment towards Canada on social media have emerged. The Canadian government advises citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant.
2. In the aftermath of Nijjar’s killing, supporters of Khalistani sympathizers staged protests outside Indian embassies and consulates in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Led by the pro-Khalistani outfit ‘Sikhs For Justice’ (SFJ), the protesters were visibly active, raising slogans and waving Khalistani flags.
3. The protests come a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ignited a diplomatic dispute by alleging that “Indian government agents” could be behind Nijjar’s shooting.
4. According to sources, pro-Khalistani extremists (PKE) have initiated open intimidation of minority Hindus, with reported incidents of temple defacement. This alarming development presents a significant security challenge for Indian missions and diplomats in Canada. Moreover, it raises questions about Canada’s obligations under the Vienna Convention.
5. Today, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Washington has urged India both publicly and privately to cooperate in the Canadian probe into Nijjar’s killing. The US emphasizes the importance of the investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
6. India has dismissed Justin Trudeau’s allegation as “absurd.” Canada has not provided specific information regarding its charges, with India highlighting politically condoned hate crimes and criminal violence within Canada.

7. India has accused Canada of neglecting specific evidence regarding criminal activities conducted by individuals based in Canada. Furthermore, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has compiled a list of 19 fugitive Khalistani terrorists residing in various countries, which includes the UK, US, Canada, Dubai, Pakistan, and others. The agency intends to proceed with the confiscation of their properties.
8. Justin Trudeau claimed that such “credible allegations” were shared with India weeks ago. Canada is eager to collaborate constructively with India and hopes for engagement to address this serious matter.
9. Top US diplomat David Cohen claimed that shared intelligence among ‘Five Eyes’ partners prompted Justin Trudeau to make his significant charge against India. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair stressed the importance of the relationship with India while emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into Nijjar’s killing.
10. Regrettably, in June, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, met a fatal end outside a gurdwara in Canada’s British Columbia. Furthermore, he held the position of chief within the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and was notably among India’s most wanted terrorists.