India Accused of Plotting Violence Against Sikh Separatists on Canadian Soil
Canadian Government Alleges Amit Shah’s Involvement
The Canadian government has accused India’s minister of home affairs, Amit Shah, a close ally of Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of being behind plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. This accusation has been met with denial by the Indian government, which claims that the allegations are baseless.
According to a report by The Washington Post, Canadian officials alleged that Shah was behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada. The allegations were made by Canada’s deputy foreign affairs minister, David Morrison, in a parliamentary panel.
Morrison confirmed to the committee that Shah was indeed behind the plots, stating, “The journalist called me and asked if it (Shah) was that person. I confirmed it was that person.” However, he did not provide further details or evidence to support the allegations.
India’s View on Sikh Separatism
India has consistently referred to Sikh separatists as “terrorists” and a threat to its security. They demand an independent homeland known as Khalistan to be carved out of India. This demand has been a source of contention between India and Sikh separatists, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when an insurgency in India killed tens of thousands.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first instance of India’s alleged targeting of Sikh separatists on foreign soil. In mid-October, Canada expelled Indian diplomats, linking them to the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India responded by ordering the expulsion of Canadian diplomats.
Additionally, a former Indian intelligence officer, Vikash Yadav, was charged in the United States for allegedly directing a foiled plot to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen and Indian critic in New York City. The FBI warned against such retaliation aimed at a US resident, and India has since announced that it would formally investigate the US allegations.
Implications for Diplomatic Relations
The allegations have put pressure on diplomatic relations between Washington and Ottawa, as well as the Canadian government, which views India as a counterbalance to China. The accusations have also raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals and the international community.
FAQs
* What is the context behind the allegations of India’s involvement in plots targeting Sikh separatists on Canadian soil?
+ The allegations are based on reports that India’s minister of home affairs, Amit Shah, is behind a campaign of violence and intimidation targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
* How has the Indian government responded to the allegations?
+ The Indian government has denied any involvement, calling the allegations baseless.
* What is the history of Sikh separatism in India?
+ Sikh separatists demand an independent homeland known as Khalistan to be carved out of India. This demand has been a source of contention between India and Sikh separatists, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when an insurgency in India killed tens of thousands.
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