Indian envoy asks Canada to produce evidence in separatist Nijjar’s killing

Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma reiterated New Delhi’s position on the diplomatic standoff with Canada, urging Ottawa to release evidence to support the claim of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar .

The Indian envoy made the comments in an interview with Canadian platform The Globe and Mail on Friday.

This came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in Nijjar’s murder in June.

India had dismissed the allegations as “absurd and motivated” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a bid to justify Canada’s decision.

Verma stressed that Canada or its allies have not provided any concrete evidence to India about India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing.

He further suggested that the ongoing Canadian police investigation into the murder had been “damaged” by Prime Minister Trudeau’s public statements.

“No specific or relevant information has been provided in this case that could assist our investigation,” Verma said.

“Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the research? I would go one step further and say that the research is already tainted. A clue has come from someone at a high level to say that India or Indian agents are behind it. The Globe and Mail quoted him as saying.

India resumed visa services in Canada for four categories after suspending services in September until “further notice” due to strained ties.

Last month, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India after New Delhi raised concerns about parity in diplomatic strength.

Ottawa also suspended its visa and consular services in the consulates of Chandigarh, Mumbai and Bengaluru

While outrightly denying India’s role in the killing, Verma said all conversations between diplomats are “protected and cannot be used as evidence” in court or released publicly.

“You’re talking about illegal telephone taps and evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are protected by all international laws,” he said. “Show me how you recorded these conversations. Show me someone hasn’t imitated the voice.’

Asked whether Ottawa had requested India to extradite anyone possibly involved in Nijjar’s killing, Verma said: “Those discussions are taking place between the two governments.”

The Indian envoy also noted that in the past five or six years, New Delhi has made 26 requests to Ottawa to extradite people in Canada to India. “We are still waiting for action,” he said.

The High Commissioner also said he has been provided security by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) due to threats against him.

“I think this is hate speech and incitement to violence,” Verma said.

He added: “I worry about my safety and security. I worry about the safety and security of my consul generals. God forbid if something happens.”

Asked what New Delhi deemed necessary to restore diplomatic ties, the Indian envoy said both sides should ensure that any disputes are handled “through professional communication and professional dialogue.”

However, he added that India expects Canada to “rein in Khalistan’s supporters.”

Referring to Nijjar’s killing, he said: “Let the investigation take its course,” but added that Canada must also address the “core issue.”

“Do not allow your land to be used by a group of Canadian citizens who want to carve India into pieces,” he said. “Who wish to challenge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.”

“There should be some rules, some law,” Verma added.

Meanwhile, a new poll conducted by Nanos Research for The Globe and Mail suggests that most Canadians want Canada to make public the evidence that led Trudeau to accuse India of being behind Nijjar’s murder.

The survey found that seven in 10 respondents agreed or somewhat agreed that Ottawa should reveal all the evidence it has. Two in ten disagree or somewhat disagree.