A prominent leader in British Columbia’s Sikh community expressed a sense of vindication following new RCMP allegations of foreign interference by agents of the Indian government in Canada. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme announced evidence of violent criminal activity in Canada, including homicides and extortion, being connected to Indian government agents. The RCMP also alleged that diplomats were collecting information on Canadians, posing a significant threat to public safety. This revelation comes one year after the federal government suggested a connection between the Indian government and the assassination of B.C. gurdwara president and Khalistan independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Members of the Sikh community in B.C. have long felt targeted by the Indian government, and consider these recent allegations as further proof of their concerns.
According to B.C. Gurdwaras Council spokesperson Moninder Singh, individuals in the Sikh community have received multiple warnings against their lives. The recent revelations by the RCMP have shocked both individuals within the community and its leaders. Four men linked to organized crime have been charged in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The investigation has now linked senior Indian diplomats in Canada, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to criminal gangs operating in the country. Despite pressure, Sikh leaders in B.C. remain steadfast in their resolve. BC NDP Leader David Eby confirmed the B.C. government’s support for the RCMP investigation and expressed commitment to ensuring the safety of the Sikh community.
Leaders in the Sikh community are urging for stronger actions by the Canadian government against India in response to the alleged foreign interference. They question how to prevent similar situations in the future, after the recent developments have been disclosed. The Sikh community sees the murder of Nijjar as a turning point, vowing not to be intimidated or silenced by any attempts to suppress their voices. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad also expressed deep concern over the allegations and called for a thorough investigation into foreign interference targeting the Sikh community and other Canadians. The government of India has denied any involvement in crimes in Canada, and has retaliated by expelling Canadian diplomats and recalling its own envoy from Canada.
BC NDP Leader David Eby emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in British Columbia, regardless of their background. He reassured the Sikh community that the province will continue to provide the necessary resources to support the RCMP investigation and hold those involved accountable. Sikh leaders are advocating for an inquiry specifically focused on allegations of foreign interference by the Indian government and are calling for an end to intelligence sharing with India. They are also seeking legal prosecution of the diplomats involved, despite their diplomatic immunity. The government of India maintains its innocence and denies any involvement in criminal activities in Canada. The situation has escalated with India expelling Canadian diplomats and recalling its own envoy from Canada in response to the allegations.
