21st September, New Delhi, India (ANI): The claims made by Canada about India’s “potential links” to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar were described as “politically driven” by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday.
“Yes, I do believe there is some bias present here. They have accused them and initiated legal action. We believe that the Canadian government’s accusations are largely motivated by political motives, Bagchi stated during a news conference.
The MEA said that Canada has not provided any information on the murder of Nijjar.
Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, responded to questions on Thursday by saying, “We are happy to look at any particular material that is offered to us, but so far we have gotten no specific information from Canada.
Bagchi said that the Indian government has told the Canadian government that there should be parity in the size of diplomatic presence now that the diplomatic dispute between the two countries has reached the point of expelling envoys.
We have advised the Canadian government that our respective diplomatic missions should be equally strong, he said. Their population is far larger than ours in Canada. I anticipate that the Canadian side will cut back.
Arindam Bagchi continued by saying that Canada did nothing after being repeatedly notified by the Indian authorities that illegal activity was taking place on Indian territory.
“We are happy to review any particular information that is supplied to us, but Canada hasn’t yet offered any to us. Specific information concerning illegal activity by people located in Canada has been communicated with Canada from our side, but no action has been taken, according to Bagchi.
“Safe haven is being provided in Canada, and we want the Canadian government to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice,” said a spokesperson for the MEA.Over the years, we have asked for either extradition or assistance relating to that from at least 20 to 25 different people, but the answer has not been helpful at all.
He said, “We have always believed that it is the host government’s responsibility to provide security.” in reference to the Indian Consulate’s increased security. Some places we have our own security posture also. But, I don’t want to discuss security measures in public. That’s not an appropriate situation.”
On Wednesday, Indian nationals, students in Canada and those planning on travelling to the country were advised to exercise caution. Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada were advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen growing anti-India activities, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Particular care and attention to detail have been suggested to Indian students studying in Canada.
The revised travel warning for students was issued amid a deterioration in ties between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed on Monday that the Indian government was responsible for the shooting death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
On June 18, Nijjar, a man with a terrorist designation in India, was shot and killed in front of a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
During a discussion in the Canadian Parliament, Trudeau said that “agents of the Indian government” were likely responsible for the murder of the Canadian citizen who also served as the president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs denied the accusations made by the Canadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, calling them ludicrous.
“We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as well as the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of the Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated” the statement said. (ANI)
