In a surprising press conference on Monday, the RCMP chief accused the Indian government of being responsible for “widespread violence” in Canada, including murder, and said it posed “a serious threat to our public safety.” I warned you that there was.
Just hours after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, Commissioner Mike Duhame clarified the National Police’s claims.
“The team has developed a large body of information regarding the breadth and depth of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the Indian government and the resulting threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada,” he said in a rare press conference. I obtained it.” Thanksgiving Monday at RCMP headquarters.
“Despite law enforcement actions, the damage continues and poses a serious threat to our nation’s public safety.”
Duhem said his staff, working with other law enforcement agencies, obtained evidence linking Indian government officials to murders and other acts of violence, including coercion and extortion, in Canada.
He said there were “well over a dozen” credible and imminent threats against members of the South Asian community, particularly members of the pro-Khalistan movement.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhame spoke at a press conference Monday regarding allegations of violent criminal activity involving Indian government officials, saying, among other things, that “Indian diplomats and consular personnel based in Canada used their official positions to engage in… This was revealed through the investigation.” Undercover activity. ”
Mr. Duhame told reporters in Ottawa that the Mounties were used by Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada to use their official positions to conduct covert activities such as gathering intelligence for the Indian government, either directly or by proxy. He said he was also collecting evidence that showed involvement through individuals. A person who acts voluntarily or under compulsion.
“Some of these individuals and companies were coerced and intimidated to work for the Indian government,” he said.
“Information collected by the Indian government is used to target members of the South Asian community.”
Duhem said police have also identified a serious problem with violent extremists operating in both India and Canada. The use of organized crime to create a perception of a dangerous environment and target members of South Asian communities in Canada. and interference with democratic processes.
An ongoing investigation into foreign interference has already heard evidence that India interfered in the past two Canadian elections.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhem, who held a press conference on Monday regarding allegations that Indian personnel were involved in crimes in Canada, was asked specifically what the threat to public safety was to Canadians.
Asked how many Indian diplomats were implicated in the serious allegations detailed by the RCMP, Duhem said he could only say “several” given the nature of the ongoing investigation. said.
He said the RCMP is typically reluctant to release details of ongoing investigations, but due to “extraordinary circumstances,” the RCMP is investigating the case against Indian government officials who allegedly used various organizations in Canada and abroad to commit crimes. He said he was forced to release information about the investigation. Collect information.
Canada submitted evidence to India over the weekend
Duhem said the Mounties’ evidence was submitted directly to the Indian government.
He said RCMP Deputy Commissioner Mark Flynn met with Indian law enforcement officials and tried to present evidence that government officials were involved in criminal activity in Canada.
After that attempt failed, Mr. Flynn met with Indian government officials over the weekend, along with National Security Adviser Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison, and Mr. Duhame read a prepared statement. .
“There is a violent extremist threat in Canada that Canada and India have been grappling with for many years,” he said. “However, these threats are impacting Canada and India’s ability to work together.”
India was asked to waive its diplomatic and consular immunity and cooperate with the investigation, but did not do so, according to a statement from Global Affairs Canada.
In response, the Canadian government issued six deportation notices to Indian diplomats and consular staff.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced that it would withdraw its special envoy, High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, and “other targeted diplomats and officials” from Canada.
India also retaliated, announcing the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, including acting high commissioner Stewart Wheeler. Canadians must leave the country by Saturday night.
The US indictment supports Justin Trudeau’s claims that the Indian government was responsible for the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. We speak to other alleged targets and provide exclusive insight into the conspiracy.
In a statement, New Delhi denied the “absurd imposition” of Canada’s claims and said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was “pushing political agendas” centered on “vote bank politics” (a term referring to voting blocs in particular communities). ” accused of having.
“We do not have confidence in the current Canadian government’s efforts to ensure Canada’s security, which is why the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials,” the government said in a statement. ” he said.
Prime Minister Wheeler reiterated Trudeau’s accusations on Monday, saying in a statement that “Canada has provided credible and irrefutable evidence of a link between Indian government officials and the murder of a Canadian national on Canadian territory.” .
“Now is the time for India to live up to its word and investigate these allegations.”
The World Sikh Organization of Canada said the RCMP’s announcement confirms “the lived experience of Sikhs over the past 40 years.”
President Danish Singh said, “India’s criminal conduct in Canada must end. India’s targeting of Sikhs must also end. We hope that Canada’s elected officials will come together to stop India’s foreign interference and justice.” “We look forward to condemning any efforts to sabotage it.”
Tensions between the two countries increase
Relations between New Delhi and Ottawa continued after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in September 2023 that Canada had a “potential link” between Indian agents and the killing of Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the same year. “We are pursuing credible allegations,” he said.The situation has remained cold since then, and this has sparked a strong backlash. New Delhi denied this claim.
India has reiterated that Canada has not shared any evidence to support its claims in the case.
Following the arrest of three suspects in the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, others in Canada’s Sikh community fear that they will be assassinated and fear that the federal government will We hope further steps will be taken to ensure safety.
“This latest step follows an exchange in which unsubstantiated allegations were once again witnessed. This suggests that there is a deliberate strategy to malign India for political gain under the pretext of investigation. There is little doubt.”
“India now reserves the right to take further action in response to the Canadian government’s recent efforts to fabricate allegations against Indian diplomats.”
British Columbia Premier David Eby spoke to the media on Monday after the RCMP announced they had evidence of “serious criminal activity” taking place in Canada with ties to Indian government agents. Eby said he believes the RCMP has “significant and reliable information” and urged British Columbians to contact authorities if they have information relevant to the investigation.
It also claimed that the Trudeau government has “knowingly provided space for violent extremists and terrorists to harass, intimidate and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.”
Canada withdrew more than 40 diplomats from India in October 2023 after New Delhi asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he would like India to “work with us to get to the bottom of this very serious issue.”
Immediately after Canada’s accusations, the US alleged that Indian operatives were involved in a 2023 assassination attempt on another Sikh separatist leader in New York, acting on the orders of anonymous Indian government officials. announced that they had indicted an Indian national. However, unlike the angry reaction to Canada’s claims, India expressed concern after the US raised the issue, distanced itself from the conspiracy and launched an investigation.
