Prominent Sikh community leaders in British Columbia feel vindicated after explosive allegations by the RCMP of foreign interference by agents of the Indian government in Canada. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that the force had evidence connecting violent criminal activities in Canada to Indian government agents, including homicides and extortion. The RCMP also alleged that Indian diplomats were collecting information on Canadians, posing a significant threat to public safety. This announcement comes one year after the federal government alleged a connection between the Indian government and the assassination of B.C. gurdwara president and Khalistan independence activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further validating claims made by the Sikh community in B.C.
Members of the Sikh community have long suspected they were being targeted by the Indian government, and the recent revelations by the RCMP have served as further proof of these allegations. The RCMP’s update shed further light on the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, with the investigation linking senior Indian diplomats in Canada, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to criminal gangs operating in the country. Despite this pressure, Sikh leaders in B.C. are standing firm, declaring that attempts to intimidate or silence their community will not be successful and promising to oppose such actions. The community is calling for stronger actions by the Canadian government against India to prevent similar situations in the future.
BC NDP Leader David Eby stated that the B.C. government has been briefed on the investigation and is working to support the police in keeping the Sikh community safe. Eby emphasized the importance of unity and safety for all residents in the province, regardless of their backgrounds, pledging to stand together against any threats to the community’s well-being. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad echoed these sentiments, calling for an investigation into foreign interference targeting the Sikh community and other Canadians. He stressed the need for all communities to live in safety without fear of harassment by foreign governments, highlighting the importance of protecting the rights and security of all Canadians.
Sikh leaders have long been advocating for an inquiry specifically focused on allegations of foreign interference by the Indian government and an end to intelligence sharing with India. They are also calling for potential criminal charges to be pursued against those involved. While they welcome the RCMP’s update on the case, they are seeking further actions to hold accountable those responsible for the criminal activities linked to Indian government agents in Canada. The government of India has denied any involvement in crimes in Canada and has taken retaliatory measures by expelling Canadian diplomats and withdrawing its own envoy from Canada. The Sikh community in B.C. continues to push for justice and accountability in the face of these serious allegations of foreign interference.
