NEW DELHI: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that Canada is a “
rule-of-law country
” following the arrest of three
Indian nationals
in a case linked to killing of pro-Khalistan separatist
Hardeep Singh Nijjar
, a designated a terrorist by India.
“This is important because Canada is a rule-of-law country with a strong and independent justice system, as well as a fundamental commitment to protecting all its citizens,” Trudeau said.
“As the RCMP stated, the investigation remains ongoing, as does a separate and distinct investigation not limited to the involvement of the three people arrested yesterday,” Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) quoted Trudeau as saying.
Speaking at an event celebrating Sikh heritage and culture, Trudeau said, “Every Canadian has the fundamental right to live safely and free from discrimination and threats of violence in Canada.”
Following Trudeau’s charges in September last year of the “potential” participation of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan leader Nijjar, relations between India and Canada came under strain.
After the arrest of Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh on Friday, Canadian police said they were looking at possible Indian links.
Responding to this, foreign minister S
Jaishankar
said that Canada never provides any evidence but blames India for crimes committed there.
This came after a Canadian report claimed that Indian officials and proxies engage in a range of activities to influence Canadian communities and politicians. The report also said that “India directed foreign interference activities” during the 2019 and 2021 general elections in Canada.
