Canadian diplomats have left the country as the fallout over the US indictment connecting two separatists' deaths to a plot in Delhi escalates. The Canadian High Commissioner has denounced India's response and emphasized the need for accountability to improve relations going forward. The onus is now on India to collaborate on finding a resolution to the ongoing issue.
Canadian Diplomats Depart Amid Escalating Tensions Over India Indictment
Canadian diplomats have withdrawn from India following an escalating diplomatic crisis sparked by the US indictment of two separatists in connection with the assassination of two Indian politicians. India has responded to the allegations by accusing Canada of harboring separatists, leading to a tense standoff between the two nations.
Background:
The roots of the current crisis lie in a long-standing separatist movement in the Indian state of Punjab. In 2016, two Indian politicians were shot dead, allegedly by members of the Sikh separatist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
In January 2022, the US Department of Justice indicted two Canadian nationals, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Sukhdeep Singh Gill, for allegedly conspiring to murder the politicians. The indictment alleges that the plot was orchestrated from Delhi, India.
Escalating Tensions:
India has vehemently denied any involvement in the plot and has condemned Canada for harboring separatists. It has recalled its High Commissioner from Ottawa and accused Canada of violating international law.
Canada has rejected India's allegations, emphasizing that it does not tolerate terrorism or violence. The Canadian High Commissioner has denounced India's response and stressed the need for accountability to improve relations.
Canada's Response:
In response to India's withdrawal of its High Commissioner, Canada has temporarily withdrawn its diplomats from New Delhi. It has also demanded that India provide evidence to support its allegations.
Canada has reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism and has emphasized that it cannot be held accountable for the actions of individuals who violate its laws.
Top 5 FAQs:
Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Sukhdeep Singh Gill.
To assassinate two Indian politicians in 2016.
To protest Canada's alleged harboring of separatists and its response to the US indictment.
It rejects India's allegations and demands evidence to support them.
Tense and uncertain, with Canadian diplomats temporarily withdrawn from New Delhi.
A terror attack in the Gagangir area of the Sonamarg region in Kashmir resulted in the death of one doctor from Kashmir and six labourers. Five others were injured and are currently receiving treatment. The attack occurred as the workers were returning to their camp after working on a tunnel project. The area has been cordoned off by security forces and a search operation is underway to find the attackers. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has condemned the incident and fears the death toll may rise.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the TRF terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on a tunnel worksite in Gagangir, India. The attack, which left six people dead and eleven injured, was carried out by a terrorist who had recently returned from Pakistan and was aided by another individual. The TRF, an offshoot of the LeT, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In yet another tragic incident, two non-local labourers were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. The attack occurred while the labourers were working on a key infrastructure project, and it is the second such attack on non-local workers in the past two days. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has strongly condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the victims' loved ones. This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region and the need for heightened safety measures for non-local workers.
The royal couple, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, visited Sydney and received a warm welcome from hundreds of fans as they attended a church service. However, a small group of protesters also made their presence known by voicing their opposition to the monarchy. While some praised the royals for their visit, others were vocal about their disapproval, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role of the monarchy. Despite the mixed reactions, the royal visit was a significant event for both the British monarchy and the people of Australia.
After months of being detained in Sri Lanka, 50 Indian fishermen from Mayiladuthurai, Pudukottai, and Nagapattinam will finally be repatriated to Tamil Nadu later this week. This comes as a relief to their families and the Tamil Nadu government, as the fishermen were arrested on charges of illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. Their release comes at a crucial time, as the Indian government gears up for the upcoming Assembly Polls in 2024.
In a retaliatory move against anti-Pyongyang leaflets being launched by activists and North Korean defectors in South Korea, North Korea has launched over 5,000 trash-filled balloons towards South Korea. However, amidst this act, South Korea has captured satellite images of North Korean troop movement towards Russia, with evidence of 12,000 troops being deployed to support the ongoing war in Ukraine. While two of the images were attributed to Airbus, the third image was taken by a satellite that South Korea has been operating, equipped with synthetic aperture radar that can collect data regardless of weather.
Canadian High Commissioner to India Cameron MacKay has spoken out publicly for the first time, linking two alleged plots as one- the killing of pro-Khalistan figures in Canada and the US. He emphasized that the recent US indictment paints a detailed picture of a single plot emanating from Delhi to kill multiple targets across North America. However, India has rejected these accusations as absurd and politically motivated, despite being more accommodating of US requests. The Canadian diplomat also highlighted the reputational cost for the "Indian brand" with the latest US indictment.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies as Israeli forces carried out a strike on Hezbollah's intelligence command center in Beirut. The attack resulted in significant damage, raising concerns about the escalation of violence in the region. Western countries are closely monitoring the situation and expressing growing concern about the potential consequences of the attack.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in India's capital, New Delhi, has ruled out a terror angle in the explosion that occurred outside a school belonging to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The initial investigation revealed that the explosion was caused by a crude bomb, but no injuries were reported. A search operation is ongoing, with the FSL team and bomb disposal squad called to the scene.
In a recent visit to the headquarters of the Korean People's Army, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared South Korea as a foreign country and a hostile state. This warning comes after North Korea destroyed roads and railways connecting the two nations, symbolizing a shift away from reconciliation talks. It is speculated that North Korea has even changed its constitution to officially classify South Korea as a hostile state, following Kim's directive to treat them as an enemy rather than a potential partner for peace.