India Canada Relation: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has refrained from directly addressing the reported threat against the life of Gurpatwant Pannun, a US-Canadian dual citizen and general counsel of the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
However, Trudeau’s office noted that he raised concerns about upholding the “rule of law” during the virtual G20 summit hosted by Indian PM Narendra Modi. The readout emphasized the importance of coordinated G20 leadership and action on matters such as the rule of law and international law.
Trudeau, when asked by media in Ottawa, mentioned ongoing collaboration with allies, including the US, since the summer, expressing hope for constructive engagement with India. The British publication Financial Times reported on an alleged threat to Pannun’s life, suggesting uncertainty about whether the plot was abandoned or foiled by the FBI. The US National Security Council highlighted the seriousness of the issue, with the US government raising it at senior levels with India.
India expressed surprise and disavowed such activities, and the US reportedly protested during Modi’s visit to Washington in June. SFJ’s prominent figure in British Columbia, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was reportedly killed in Surrey on June 18, as mentioned by FT’s unidentified source.
Pannun’s statement:
Pannun in A statement said, “The foiled attempt on my life on American soil by the Indian agents is transnational terrorism which is a threat to the US sovereignty, freedom of speech and democracy, so I will let the U.S. government respond to this threat.”
He also accused India of “using mercenaries to kill pro-Khalistan Sikhs.” He said that just as Nijjar’s killing was a challenge to Canada’s sovereignty, this attempt was one for the United States. “I trust that (the Joe) Biden Administration is more than capable to handle any such challenge,” he said.
He further added his “focus is not threats to my life but to organize American Phase of Khalistan Referendum which is scheduled to start from San Francisco CA on January 28, 2024.”
Reacting to the FT report, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “During the course of recent discussions on India-US security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others. The inputs are a cause of concern for both countries and they decided to take necessary follow-up action.”
Pammun charged with several crimes:
Even though Pannun is charged with several crimes and considered a terrorist in India, none of them have been put to the test in a Canadian or American court. He has refuted claims that SFJ resorts to violence to further its goals.
After Trudeau said in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were “credible allegations” of a possible connection between Nijjar’s assassination and Indian agents, relations with India were strained as a result of his death. The US provided some of the information that resulted in that assertion. India had called those accusations “motivated” and “absurd.”
India has maintained it has not received any proof to back up Ottawa’s claims, despite Canada’s request for India’s participation in the inquiry being carried out by the Integrated Homicide inquiry Team, or IHIT, in British Columbia.
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