'Threats will not deter us': B.C. Sikhs react to RCMP allegations linking India to violent crimes in Canada
Members of B.C.’s Sikh community are speaking out following the stunning RCMP allegations that Indian diplomats are linked to violent crimes on Canadian soil.
Representatives of the Guru Nanak Sikh temple – as well as those close to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the president who was shot dead last year – said they feel vindicated by the developments in the RCMP’s investigation.
The force announced Monday it has evidence of India’s alleged involvement in crimes, including homicide and extortion, targeting the Sikh separatist movement.
The Canadian government has now expelled six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, creating a diplomatic firestorm between the two countries. India responded by announcing it is expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the top two stationed in New Delhi.
The RCMP’s latest allegations come as no surprise to some members of the Sikh community who have faced numerous threats, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice
“They tried to assassinate and kill me in New York,” he said. “In Canada, they did a drive-by shooting at my close friend’s house, too.”
The RCMP said it has issued warnings to more than a dozen people over the last year, while conducting its investigation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described India’s alleged involvement in the violence as a “deeply unacceptable violation of Canada’s sovereignty and of international law.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, speaking at a news conference Tuesday, called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and a “threat to the Canadian democracy.” He also called for an emergency meeting of the government’s public safety committee.
Moninder Singh, spokesperson for the B.C. Gurdwaras Council, knew Hardeep Singh Nijjar for more than 15 years prior to his assassination, and has been in regular contact with his family since. He called the vindication the community is feeling “bittersweet.”
“We had to lose such a respected and beloved leader in our community, in Hardeep Singh … to show that India is actually doing all of these clandestine activities in Canada,” he said.
Four Indian nationals have been charged with his killing.
India has denied the allegations that its diplomats collected information on South Asian Canadians, then passed that information on to criminals who took violent action.
Despite the damning allegations, Sikh leaders said they will not be silenced and are not afraid.
“These assassination attempts and death threats will not deter us from advocating for the Khalistan movement,” said Pannun.
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. Postal Service suspends accepting mail bound for Canada due to strike
The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended accepting mail headed to Canada due to the strike by Canada Post workers.
Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.
Kremlin says Trump threat to BRICS nations over U.S. dollar will backfire
The Kremlin said on Monday that any U.S. attempt to compel countries to use the dollar would backfire after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on BRICS countries if they created their own currency.
U.S. Great Lakes region gets yet more snow after a weekend of snarled Thanksgiving travel
The Great Lakes region saw new snow Monday and faced the prospect of even more this week after U.S. travellers battled harsh weather to get home after Thanksgiving, forecasters said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was 'surprised' to hear it.
Elton John says he has lost his eyesight and struggles to see his new stage musical
Elton John says he struggled to watch his new musical because he has lost his eyesight after contracting an infection.
Muskoka reacts to major snowfall, Highway 11 still closed
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shoveling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall this weekend.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.