Canadian Parliament observes moment of silence, MPs stand to honour Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar
- In Reports
- 03:37 PM, Jun 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
In a move that stirred controversy, the Canadian Parliament observed a moment of silence on Tuesday to honour Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, was killed on June 18 last year outside a Gurudwara. His murder has sparked a diplomatic row between Canada and India.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in Nijjar's killing, a claim that New Delhi has categorically denied as "baseless." These allegations have caused relations between India and Canada to plunge to a historic low. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are currently investigating the murder.
In May this year, authorities arrested at least four Indian nationals in connection with the case.
However, India has stated that it has not received any specific information from Canada regarding the case. New Delhi maintains that the main issue is Canada's leniency towards pro-Khalistani elements operating with impunity on Canadian soil.
In recent months, India has expressed concern over the security of its diplomats in Canada, urging Ottawa to ensure their safety and ability to perform their duties without fear. Pro-Khalistani elements have reportedly threatened Indian diplomats.
Following Trudeau's allegations last year, India requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic staff in India for parity. In response, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their family members from India.
In response to Canada's stance, the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver announced a memorial service to honour the victims of the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing, where 329 passengers were killed. The Consulate General emphasised India's commitment to countering terrorism and collaborating with other nations to address this global threat.
"On 23 June 2024, we mark the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), which resulted in the loss of 329 innocent lives, including 86 children," the Consulate General posted on X.
In 1985, at an altitude of 31,000 feet, Canadian Sikh terrorists detonated a bomb aboard an Air India flight from Montreal to London, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation terrorism acts in history. The tragedy claimed the lives of 329 passengers, including 268 Canadians, 27 Britons, and 24 Indians.
Since then, India has consistently raised concerns about the rising extremism in Canada and the use of Canadian soil as a safe haven by high-profile criminals and drug mafias from Punjab. Despite these concerns, Ottawa has denied these claims amid escalating gang violence in Canada.
Image source: PTI
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