’We oppose…’: India on Canadian Parliament observing ‘one minute silence’ in Hardeep Nijjar’s memory

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded on Friday to the Canadian Parliament's recent move of observing a "one-minute silence" in memory of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar, stating its strong opposition to such actions.

“We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in his weekly briefing.

Nijjar was killed outside the Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, last year.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation in September last year of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing had led to severe strain in relations between the two countries.

However, India dismissed the allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated."

In 2023, Nijjar was designated a terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is probing Nijjar's murder. Four Indian nationals have also been arrested in connection with the murder.

MEA on Khalistani 'Citizen's Courts' in Canada

Speaking on Khalistani 'Citizen's Courts' in Canada, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that time and again, they have said that Khalistani activities are a matter of serious concern for India. "We have been repeatedly calling upon the government of Canada to take action. Political space provided to extremist anti-India elements and those advocating violence must stop, and they must take action," Jaiswal said.

According to newswire PTI, India, on Thursday, June 20, issued a note verbale or diplomatic note to the Canadian high commission conveying its serious objection to the latest actions by the Khalistani elements.

Trudeau meets Modi

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit in Italy.

Justin Trudeau said days after his meeting with Modi that there is an "alignment" on several "big issues" with India and that he sees an "opportunity" to engage with the new Indian government.