Trudeau admits presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, says 'they don't represent Sikhs as a whole'

PTC Web Desk: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has admitted to the presence of Khalistani supporters within Canada but clarified that they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. This statement aligns with India’s long-standing assertion that the Canadian government is sheltering pro-Khalistani elements.

Speaking at a Diwali celebration at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau said, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole. Similarly, there are supporters of the Modi government in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians as a whole.”

Trudeau's remarks come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, which intensified after the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Relations between the two countries took a sharp downturn in September 2023 when Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar's death.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a wanted terrorist by the Indian government, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

Tensions further escalated last month when Canada identified the Indian High Commissioner as a "person of interest" in its investigation into Nijjar’s killing. India firmly rejected these allegations, downgraded diplomatic ties, recalled its High Commissioner from Ottawa, and expelled six Canadian diplomats.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has consistently stated that the Canadian government has failed to provide evidence supporting claims of India’s involvement, despite repeated requests. The ministry has also accused Trudeau of engaging in vote bank politics and not taking sufficient action to curb separatist activities within Canada.