Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, on Saturday, broke the silence over the allegations levelled by Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wherein he claimed Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Verma, who has been facing multiple death threats from Canadian citizens and is a victim of persistent trolls on social media platforms, asked Canada to show proof of India or his government's involvement in the murder of Nijjar.
"There is no specific or relevant information provided in this case for us to assist them in the investigation. Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation?" Verma told The Globe and Mail. "I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it," he added.
It is worth mentioning Nijjar, an Indian-origin but Canadian citizen, was shot by unidentified men outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Nearly three months after the killing, Trudeau abruptly appeared in the Canadian Parliament and alleged India's involvement in the killing of the Sikh separatist leader.
This triggered a massive uproar in India as well as Canada, especially in the diplomatic arena. At first, India halted visas for Canadians and later snatched the diplomatic immunity of at least 41 diplomats in New Delhi. This prompted Ottawa to call back their envoys from India.
According to India, these diplomats were involved in illegal wiretaps. "You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law. Show me how you captured these conversations. Show me that someone did not mimic the voice," said Verma.
Further, Verma asserted how he and other diplomats have been facing death threats from the extremists but the Canadian government does not take any action.
"I feel that is hate speech and an incitement to violence. I am concerned about my safety and security. I am concerned about the safety and security of my consul generals. God forbid if something happens," he said.
Trudeau says he does not want to escalate the matter
Earlier last month, Trudeau said that he is "not looking to escalate" the tensions with New Delhi and wants to have constructive relations. "We're not looking to escalate, as I've said, we're going to be doing the work that matters in continuing to have constructive relations with India through this extremely difficult time," CBC News quoted Trudeau as saying. The Canadian PM also acknowledged that Ottawa was going through an "extremely challenging time" with New Delhi.
He further said that the dispute between both countries has made it "important for us to have diplomats on the ground working with the Indian government there to support Canadians and Canadian families." Trudeau asserted that his government was taking the matter extremely seriously and would attempt to engage "responsibly and constructively" with India.
