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.
India-Canada Tensions Heighten Over Alleged Plots
Background
Tensions between India and Canada have flared up after the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, publicly accused India of involvement in alleged plots to kill pro-Khalistan figures in Canada and the US. MacKay's statement followed a US indictment alleging a single plot originating from Delhi to target multiple individuals in North America.
Allegations and Accusations
The US indictment alleges that a network of Indian intelligence officers and associates conspired to assassinate Ripudaman Malik, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, in Canada and Jaswinder Singh Dhami, an activist in the US. The indictment claims that the plot involved providing weapons and financial support to accomplices in North America.
India has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "absurd and politically motivated." The Indian government has accused Canada of harboring and providing support to Sikh separatists.
Reputation Costs
MacKay warned that the US indictment could have significant reputational costs for India. He suggested that it could damage the country's image as a safe and reliable partner for foreign investment and diplomacy.
FAQs
1. What is the Khalistan movement?
The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks to establish a separate Sikh state in the Punjab region of India.
2. What is the history of India-Canada tensions over Khalistan?
Tensions have existed for several decades, with Canada being seen as a safe haven for Sikh separatists. In 1985, the Indian government bombed the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, leading to widespread protests and unrest.
3. What is the evidence for India's involvement in the alleged plots?
The US indictment alleges that the plot was coordinated by Kulwinder Singh Gill, an Indian intelligence officer who traveled to Canada and met with accomplices. India has dismissed this as fabricated evidence.
4. What are the implications of the US indictment?
The indictment has strained relations between India and the US, with India accusing the US of siding with India's separatist elements. It has also heightened concerns about the potential for espionage and covert operations by foreign governments in North America.
5. What is the current status of the allegations?
The allegations are still under investigation by law enforcement agencies in Canada and the US. No arrests have been made in India. India has demanded that the Canadian government extradite Gill to India, but Canada has refused.
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.
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.
A loud explosion near a Central Reserve Police Force school in Delhi's Rohini area caused panic among nearby residents on Sunday. The blast damaged the school's wall, signboards of nearby shops, and car windowpanes, but fortunately, no one was injured. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause and nature of the explosion, with the National Security Guard also being informed. A bomb detection squad and sniffer dogs have been deployed to the scene for assistance.