India-Canada News Updates: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized properties linked to Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in Punjab as the diplomatic row between India and Canada continues to snowball. Tensions with the Western nation began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India's involvement in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing in Canada. Mr Trudeau has since doubled down on his claims, saying "credible allegations" were shared with India "many weeks ago." India has firmly rejected the accusations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated". The Centre has maintained that Canada has not shared any information regarding Nijjar's killing with India.
Here are the HIGHLIGHTS on the India-Canada diplomatic row:
Banned terror outfit Sikhs for Justice's (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's Amritsar and Chandigarh properties have been confiscated. They include agricultural land on Amritsar outskirts and a house in Chandigarh. In 2020, his properties were attached, which meant he could not sell the property. After confiscation, Pannu lost rights to the property and the property now belongs to the government.
- The home ministry had in July 2020 declared Pannun a terrorist, and has requested an Interpol red notice for him.
- Pannun faces 22 criminal cases in Punjab, including three of sedition.
- Centre has said Pannun "promoted secessionist sentiments" through his "unfortunate" activities. India has asked the Canadian government to act against him and his organisation.
A detailed dossier prepared by Indian authorities, and accessed by NDTV, reveals:
- Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was allegedly involved in crime since the 1980s and had connections with local goons from a young age.
- Nijjar, fled to Canada on a forged passport in 1996 and maintained a low profile as a truck driver. He later travelled to Pakistan for arms and explosives training.
- He also allegedly ordered several killings and attacks in Punjab while taking refuge on Canadian soil.
- In 2014, Nijjar allegedly planned to execute a terror attack on Dera Sacha Sauda Headquarters in Haryana's Sirsa, but he couldn't reach India.
"Prime Minister Trudeau I think has made a huge mistake. He has made allegations in a manner which he hasn't been able to back"
Many Sikhs own successful businesses like hotel and restaurant chains and gas stations in Canada.
Stating that Justin Trudeau's allegations have led to "greater danger" for Canada than India, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin said that if the US has to choose between Ottawa and New Delhi, it will surely choose...
Consular services for Indian nationals in Canada, e.g. Passport issuance, Passport renewal, Police Clearance Certificate, Attestation etc. continue to be extended.@S_Nath_S @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy
- IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) September 22, 2023
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- A native of Bhar Singh Pura in Jalandhar, Hardeep Singh Nijjar moved to Canada in 1997
- He worked as a plumber. He was married and had two sons.
- Declared a terrorist by India in 2020, Nijjar's links to Khalistan militancy emerged after he migrated.
- He was the "mastermind" of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and a member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) --- both banned separatist outfits.
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18 after being shot outside a Gurudwara in Canada's Surrey.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today doubled down on his explosive charge that "Indian government agents" were behind Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, claiming such "credible allegations" were shared with India weeks ago.