Blinken calls on Delhi to cooperate in push for
‘accountability’ over killing
"US Secretary of State Antony Blinken UrgesIndia-Canada Cooperation for 'Accountability' in Sikh Separatist Killing
Dispute"
Introduction
In the midst of a diplomatic dispute
surrounding the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British
Columbia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has underscored the gravity of
transnational repression incidents, emphasizing the need for cooperation and
accountability.
US Takes Transnational Repression Very Seriously
Secretary Blinken
while participating in the UN General Assembly in New York,
stated that the United States views incidents of "transnational
repression" with utmost seriousness. Without directly commenting on the
allegations, he stressed the importance of preventing any country from engaging
in such acts.
Call for Cooperation
Blinken called upon India to
collaborate with Canada in ensuring "accountability" for the tragic
killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He mentioned that the US has been in
communication with both India, with whom they have been building warmer
relations, and Canada, a close ally. The recent tit-for-tat diplomatic
expulsions between the two nations have further heightened tensions.
“We want to see accountability," Blinken emphasized.
"And it’s important that the investigation run its course and lead to that
result. We would hope that our Indian friends would cooperate with that
investigation as well.”
Trudeau's Allegations Sparked the Dispute
The rift began
when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised "credible allegations
potentially linking" India to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The
prominent Canadian Sikh leader was fatally shot in front of the Guru Nanak Sikh
Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June. Nijjar was a fervent advocate of
the Khalistan movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh homeland in
India's Punjab region.
India's Previous Allegations
India had previously
accused Nijjar of involvement in a plot to assassinate a Hindu priest in
Punjab, offering a reward of nearly $12,000 (£9,688).
Canada's Firm Stand on Sovereignty
Prime Minister
Trudeau, addressing the Canadian Parliament, asserted, “Any involvement of a
foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an
unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. Canada is a rule-of-law country, and
the protection of our citizens and defense of our sovereignty are fundamental.”
Canadian Actions and Expectations: Foreign Affairs
Minister Mélanie Joly disclosed that Canada had expelled a "key Indian
diplomat" and expects full cooperation from India in getting to the bottom
of this matter.
No comments: