Nijjar charges ‘politically motivated’, says recalled Indian envoy to Canada

Ottawa: Recalled Indian envoy to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma denied his and other diplomats’ involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist er Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He also accused Canadian PM Justin Trudeau of damaging ties between the two nations.

Speaking at an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV, Verma called Canada’s charges against Indian diplomats “politically motivated.” Dismissing Canada’s allegations, he added that Ottawa was yet to provide any evidence regarding the killing. Notably, in recent times, the ties between India and Canada have increased over the murder of Nijjar in June last year.

Verma slams’ Canadian Foreign Minister’s remarks

He also slammed recent comments made by Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on alleged India’s involvement saying she was talking “politically’. Joly had earlier claimed that Canada’s national police force linked Indian diplomats to “homicides, death threats and intimidation in Canada.”

Canada had also designated Verma and five other diplomats as ‘persons of interest’. Condemning the charges, India had called back all six diplomats. Amid heightened tensions, India recalled six diplomats to India and expelled six Canadian diplomats. Ottawa had accused Indian diplomats of being involved in “homicides, extortion, and violent acts” targeting supporters of the pro-Khalistani movement.

‘India operates under the rule of law’

Verma further said in the interview that India operates under the rule of law. Pointing out that evidence is crucial, he added that any evidence accepted in Canadian courts would also be considered valid in Indian courts.

When asked about some Canadian officials willing to visit India and share evidence, Verma pointed out that they wanted to visit India on October 8 and were provided with visa applications on the very same day.

“Visas needed to be affixed for any delegation,” he said. He further said that for any government delegation to travel to another country, there must be an agenda to go by, however, there was no such thing in this case, he noted.