Ottawa, 16th October 2024: Jagmeet Singh, a Canadian Sikh leader and former ally of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, faced intense questioning from reporters on Tuesday regarding his call for sanctions against Indian diplomats amidst escalating tensions between Canada and India. As Singh exited the press conference, several journalists attempted to ask further questions, with some expressing scepticism about his position.
When questioned about the potential severe economic repercussions of his proposed sanctions, Singh stated, “We must impose strict sanctions on Indian diplomats. The RCMP has indicated that these diplomats are collaborating with criminal elements to target Canadians. Therefore, we must enforce severe sanctions on them.”
He emphasized the need for accountability for the Modi administration, urging unity among Canadian leaders to denounce Prime Minister Narendra Modi and prioritize the safety of Canadians. Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and a known Khalistani supporter, concluded the press conference after making his remarks.
As he left, a reporter seemed to mock his statements, remarking, “That’s not how it works,” which elicited laughter from her peers.
This incident follows claims from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that Indian agents in Canada are working with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan figures.
Singh had previously supported Trudeau’s Liberal government for over two years before withdrawing his support last month, citing unmet promises. He has frequently participated in rallies with Khalistani extremists, advocating for a separate Sikh state.
Earlier, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly suggested that the Trudeau administration might impose sanctions on Indian diplomats, stating that “everything is on the table” in light of the diplomatic tensions.
The situation between India and Canada intensified on Monday when India criticized Canada for labelling the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats as ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation into the murder of Nijjar, dismissing these claims as “preposterous” and downgrading diplomatic relations.
India further accused Trudeau of long-standing hostility towards the nation, highlighting his support for violent extremists and terrorists who have harassed and intimidated Indian diplomats in Canada, all purportedly in the name of free speech.
In a reciprocal move, both countries recalled six diplomats as New Delhi admonished Ottawa for failing to provide any evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s assassination and for not doing enough to combat separatist activities within Canada.
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated significantly in September of last year when Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were responsible for Nijjar’s murder on Canadian soil. India rejected these allegations as “motivated and absurd.”
Najjar, who led the Khalistan Tiger Force and was wanted by the Indian government, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June of the previous year.
In his statement, Singh asserted that Canadian Sikhs live in fear of threats and harassment from Indian diplomats and called for a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Canada.
“We support the decision to expel India’s diplomats and urge the Government of Canada to implement diplomatic sanctions against India, ban the RSS, and ensure severe consequences for anyone involved in organized criminal activity on Canadian soil,” he stated.
He added, “New Democrats are deeply concerned about the information revealed by the RCMP commissioner today. Canadians, especially those in the Sikh community, have faced fear, threats, harassment, and violence, including extortion and electoral interference, allegedly at the hands of Indian officials.”
Singh noted that since September 2023, at least 13 individuals have received warnings from the RCMP regarding serious threats to their safety, emphasizing that the protection of Canadians has yet to be guaranteed.