Washington (TIP)- The Canadian government alleged on Tuesday, October 29, that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was behind the plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. The Central government has dismissed Canada’s prior accusations as baseless, denying any involvement.
‘The Washington Post’ newspaper first reported that Canadian officials alleged Shah was behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison said to a parliamentary panel on Tuesday that he told the US-based newspaper that Shah was behind the plots.
“The journalist called me and asked if it (Shah) was that person. I confirmed it was that person,” Morrison told the committee, without providing further details or evidence. The High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Indian Foreign Ministry had no immediate comment.
India has called Sikh separatists “terrorists” and threats to its security.
Canada in mid-October expelled Indian diplomats, linking them to the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India also ordered the expulsion of Canadian diplomats.
Washington has also charged a former Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, for allegedly directing a foiled plot to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen, in New York City. The FBI warned against such a retaliation aimed at a US resident. India announced in November 2023 it would formally investigate the US allegations.
The accusations have tested Washington and Ottawa’s relations with India, often viewed by the West as a counterbalance to China.
Canada admits leaking details of Nijjar case to The Washington Post
Top Canadian officials have reportedly admitted to leaking details about India’s foreign interference to The Washington Post, but these specifics were not shared with Canadians, The Globe and Mail reported. This news comes amid ongoing tensions between Canada and India, particularly after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist. According to the report, PM Justin Trudeau’s national security and intelligence adviser has confirmed she leaked sensitive information about the Indian government’s alleged role in murder, extortion and coercion to The Washington Post that was not shared with the Canadian public.
Nathalie Drouin told the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security on Tuesday that she did not require Trudeau’s authorisation for the leak and insisted no classified intelligence was provided to the US publication the day before Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats on October 13. On October 14, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that India was involved in the killing of three people, but he only identified the slaying of Nijjar.
During his news conference, Commissioner Duheme said, “Eight people have been charged with murder and 22 with extortion. Four Indian nationals have been charged in the killing of Nijjar outside a Sikh temple.”
Source: Reuters and ANI