"Canada's Handling of Allegations: A Tale of Double Standards and Hypocrisy"

Canada's recent allegations of a "potential link" between Indian government agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan terror accused Hardeep Singh Nijjar have raised eyebrows and prompted accusations of hypocrisy. With no chargesheet or trial, Canada's swift conclusion within just three months of the incident has sparked controversy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the House of Commons, stating that Canadian security agencies were actively pursuing credible allegations and emphasizing that any foreign government's involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of sovereignty. Following Trudeau's statement, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced the expulsion of a top Indian diplomat from Canada.

 

This rapid response stands in stark contrast to Canada's handling of the worst terrorist attack in its history, the Air India bombing on June 23, 1985, which claimed the lives of all 329 people on board, primarily Canadians of Indian origin. There was no urgency to make a similar announcement in the House of Commons regarding the culprits or the investigation within three months of the bombing. Not only did Canada fail to prevent the attack, but it also conducted a subpar investigation. Only one person, Inderjit Singh Reyat, was convicted in the case, and that too on the charge of perjury. In a scathing report, the Justice John Major Commission remarked that "the level of error, incompetence, and inattention which took place before the flight was sadly mirrored in many ways for many years in how authorities, governments, and institutions dealt with the aftermath of the murder of so many innocents."

 

Canada's failure to deliver justice to the victims of the Kanishka bombing is now contrasted with its concern over the killing of Nijjar, who was accused by India's National Investigation Agency of attempting to revive terrorism in Punjab. If there is concrete evidence of Indian agents' involvement, Ottawa should promptly share it with New Delhi. Hasty conclusions without due process raise suspicions about Trudeau's efforts to appease radical groups that threaten India's territorial sovereignty. In response, New Delhi has rightfully expelled a Canadian diplomat. Such resolute actions are essential to compel Ottawa to reevaluate its stance and approach.