Canadian Authorities Apprehend Alleged Hit Squad Tied to Khalistani Terrorist Assassinations
On Friday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) apprehended individuals linked to a suspected hit squad associated with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a purported Khalistani terrorist, in British Columbia last year. The arrests were made during police operations spanning multiple provinces.
According to sources cited by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), investigators had identified the suspects within Canada several months prior and had maintained close surveillance on their activities. The RCMP declined immediate comment on the matter.
The CBC further reported that authorities are actively investigating potential connections between the hit squad and three murders in Canada, including the tragic shooting of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton. The suspects are believed to have played varying roles as shooters, drivers, and spotters during Nijjar's assassination.
Nijjar's killing, which occurred on June 18, 2023, shortly after evening prayers at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, drew a swift and stern response from India. India's External Affairs Ministry refuted recent remarks by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the assassination, asserting that such comments highlighted Canada's tolerance for separatism and extremism.
Trudeau, speaking at a Khalsa Day event in Toronto, had expressed concern over Nijjar's assassination and reiterated his earlier allegations implicating Indian agents in the killing. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, dismissed Trudeau's claims, stating that they underscore the political space provided to separatism, extremism, and violence in Canada.
India also summoned the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to register a formal protest over pro-Khalistan slogans raised at the event attended by Trudeau. Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, was wanted in India on various terrorism charges.
In response to the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries, New Delhi requested Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India on the grounds of parity. Consequently, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their families from India.
