Claims of Coercion Dismissed, Misinformation Prevalent in Trudeau-India Meeting Allegations
The recent allegations that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was coerced into meeting with Khalistani activists during his 2018 trip to Punjab, India, have been vehemently dismissed by Canada's former Defence Minister, Harjit Singh Sajjan, as not accurate.
In an interview with CPAC, Sajjan, now Canada's Minister of Emergency Preparedness, denounced the claims, asserting that that report is not accurate. He further highlighted the prevalence of significant misinformation and disinformation by India on individuals in this country, including on myself and my family as well.
The allegations stem from a report published in The Globe and Mail, a Canadian newspaper, which claimed that India had refused to allow Prime Minister Trudeau's plane to land in Punjab unless he and Sajjan agreed to meet with a government official to discuss grievances about Sikh separatists in Canada, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Sajjan emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in Canada's independent police forces and intelligence services, stating that Canadians must have confidence in their independent police forces around Canada, and also the intelligence services.
He reiterated the significance of upholding democratic principles, emphasizing that Canadians of all backgrounds have the right to peacefully express their viewpoints. Our police forces are independent, Sajjan affirmed. As a former police officer, I can definitely attest to that.
Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland echoed Sajjan's sentiments, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians, particularly members of the Sikh community. It is so important that every single person in Canada feel absolutely safe and secure in Canada, that every single person in Canada enjoys a fundamental right in our democracy, which is the right to freely express yourself, Freeland stated.
She acknowledged recent arrests that may have raised concerns within the Sikh community, adding, Canadians who are members of the Sikh community may today be feeling not so safe and not so secure.
The allegations have sparked controversy and further strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The situation has been exacerbated by Canada's Prime Minister accusing Indian government agents in 2023 of killing India-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India has dismissed as absurd and motivated.
The recent arrests of three men in Edmonton last week on charges of first-degree murder and murderous conspiracy in connection with Nijjar's shooting have further escalated tensions.
As the three accused made their first court appearance by video, members of the Sikh Community from British Columbia gathered outside the Surrey provincial court, chanting slogans and holding placards, blaming India's government for the killing.
Judge Delaram Jahani briefly questioned the three suspects, Karan Brar, Karanpreet Singh, and Kamalpreet Singh, who appeared in court via video wearing orange jumpsuits. Through their attorneys, Brar and Karanpreet Singh scheduled their next appearance for May 21. The court is yet to set a new date for Kamalpreet Singh, who is seeking legal counsel.
Nijjar was shot and killed after he stepped out of a gurdwara in Surrey, a suburb in Vancouver, in June last year. A video clip of his killing reportedly surfaced in March this year, purportedly showing Nijjar being fatally shot by assailants in what was claimed to be 'contract killing'.
Canadian police have not yet shared any evidence linked to India's alleged involvement in the killing of the Khalistani leader. The allegations and subsequent developments have underscored the need for accurate information and adherence to democratic principles, while highlighting the complexities of diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
