Canadian PM Justin Trudeau explained why the countryʼs police force made public its claims about Indian diplomats. He said it was done to stop violent acts in Canada‚ like drive-by shootings extortions and even murder.
The Royal Canadian Police (RCP) said it found out about Indiaʼs top diplomat and five others being involved in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar (which happened about a year ago). They also said they found proof of Indian agents doing more bad things to Canadians.
Trudeau said‚ “We dont want to start a fight with India. The Indian government made a big mistake thinking they could mess with Canadaʼs safety and power. We need to do something to keep Canadians safe“
The killing of Nijjar has made things bad between India and Canada for over a year. This week‚ it got worse as both countries kicked out each otherʼs top diplomats.
Trudeau said he tried not to make things worse with India. He said Canadian officials gave proof to Indian officials in private‚ but they didnʼt help.
We are not looking to provoke or create a fight with India
The PM said Indian diplomats were giving info about Canadians to the top people in the Indian government. This info was then given to bad guys‚ causing violence against Canadians.
RCP boss Mike Duheme said they have proof that Indian government agents are linked to other killings and violent acts in Canada. He didnʼt give details because theyʼre still looking into it. But he said there have been more than a dozen serious threats‚ making police warn South Asian people‚ especially those who support Sikh independence.
Trudeau said India has broken Canadaʼs rules. India says these claims are silly.
India has often said Trudeauʼs government is too soft on people in Canada who support the Khalistan movement. This movement is not allowed in India but has support from Sikhs living in other countries‚ especially Canada.
Four Indian people living in Canada were charged with Nijjarʼs murder and are waiting for their trial.
Trudeau said his government could have told everyone about this when Indian PM Narendra Modi had the G20 meeting last year‚ but they didnʼt. He met with Modi and talked about his worries in private.
The British government said India should help Canada look into these claims. The U.S. has also been asking India to help Canadian authorities for a long time