New Zealand clarifies position to Canada on Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing

PTC Web Desk: The Government of New Zealand has moved swiftly to clarify its stance regarding the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, following apparent confusion sparked by an interview with its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters. Doubts arose after Peters' comments were reported in an Indian outlet, prompting concerns about a potential shift in New Zealand's position on the matter. However, the New Zealand Foreign Ministry said their stance remained consistent: "if allegations against Nijjar are proven true, it would raise serious concerns".

The clarification from Wellington came in response to inquiries from the Canadian government, seeking to rectify any misinterpretation of Peters' remarks. According to a statement attributed to a New Zealand spokesperson by the Globe and Mail, Peters' comments should be viewed in the context of an ongoing criminal investigation. They emphasised the need for the investigation to conclude before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

In an interview published by the Indian Express, Peters, a trained lawyer, expressed skepticism about the case against Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, questioning the absence of concrete evidence. He pointed out the lack of a clear case or findings, noting that the matter had been primarily handled by the previous government. Peters' remarks, coming from a leader of a Five Eyes nation—a significant intelligence-sharing alliance comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand—drew attention to the sensitivity and complexity of the situation.

The killing of Nijjar has strained bilateral relations between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's acknowledgment of "credible allegations" regarding potential links between Indian agents and Nijjar's murder in the House of Commons further exacerbated tensions. However, reports indicate that the Canadian government is frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation, particularly the absence of any arrests in connection with the incident that occurred in Surrey on June 18.

Despite Canada's requests for cooperation and information sharing with India regarding the investigation, New Delhi has maintained that Ottawa has not provided any specific or relevant information to aid the process. This underscores the challenges in resolving the case and addressing the underlying geopolitical implications surrounding it.

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