In the midst of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seems to have scored a spectacular own goal.
During a press conference on Monday (local time), the RCMP claimed their investigation into Nijjar’s killing revealed links between agents of the Indian government and “homicides and violent acts” in Canada. It also alleged that these agents had been coercing and threatening businesses and individuals in Canada’s South Asian diaspora.
But the real entertainment began when a journalist sought clarification, asking if the alleged “transnational repression, foreign interference and organised crime” specifically targeted the Sikh Canadian community.
“So, yes, I mean, it (India) is targeting the South Asian community,” fumbled RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin, before adding, “but what we’ve seen is they are specifically targeting pro-Khalistan elements in Canada.”
It was a telling slip.
For years, India has accused Canada of providing a platform to Khalistani separatists and not doing enough to stem their anti-India activities. New Delhi has also raised concerns over the maple country being a safe haven for people with links to organised crime.
The journalist pressed on, asking if Sikhs not associated with the Khalistan movement were also being targeted. Gauvin, clearly aware of the quagmire, backpedalled, refusing to provide specific details to “preserve the integrity” of the ongoing investigation.
Still, the assistant commissioner insisted that organised crime groups, particularly the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were at the centre of this so-called intrigue, working with agents allegedly connected to the Indian government.
“What we have seen is, from an RCMP perspective, they use organised crime elements. It has been publically attributed and claimed by one organised crime group in particular – Bishnoi Group. We believe that the group is connected to agents of the Government of India,” she said, though evidence to substantiate these bold claims was notably absent.
The new twist in Canada’s diplomatic feud with India is the latest in a series of bitter exchanges between the two countries. Tensions reached a boiling point this week with the mutual expulsion of ambassadors and five other top diplomats from both countries following Ottawa’s fresh allegations against New Delhi.