"Where Is The Evidence?" — Indian High Commissioner Asks Ottawa To Produce Evidence For Its Claims On Nijjar's Killing

India's High Commissioner to Canada restated India's position on the diplomatic dispute with Canada and called on Ottawa to provide evidence supporting its claim about the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Sanjay Kumar Verma responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of the Indian government's involvement in the killing of Nijjar in an interview with The Globe and Mail on Friday (3 November).

Verma emphasised that India has not been presented with any concrete evidence by Canada or its allies to support the claim of India's involvement in Nijjar's killing.

In response to the Canadian police probe into the killing, Verma expressed concern over the potential damage caused by PM Trudeau's public statements.

"Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted," Verma told The Globe and Mail.

He also mentioned a possible high-level directive implicating India or Indian agents in the incident, as reported by The Globe and Mail.

Verma, while denying India's involvement in the killing, argued that conversations between diplomats are protected and cannot be used as evidence in court or publicly released.

"You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law," he said.

When asked about India extraditing anyone involved in the Nijjar slaying, Verma said that those conversations are between the two governments.

He also mentioned that India has made 26 extradition requests to Canada in the past five or six years, but no action has been taken yet.

The High Commissioner expressed concern over his safety and the safety of his consul generals, stating that he has been provided with Royal Canadian Mounted Police security due to threats.

He condemned what he perceived as hate speech and incitement to violence, emphasising the need for professional communication and dialogue to address any disputes.

Additionally, he called on Canada to take action against Khalistan supporters.

In regards to the killing of Nijjar, he emphasised the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed, while also urging Canada to confront the underlying issue.

He urged against allowing Canadian citizens who aim to divide India to operate on Canadian soil, and stated the need to protect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.